Retreat in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Our Gallery
Here’s a glimpse into the beautiful meals Tara-Lee has prepared.
A Day at the Retreat
Every day is built around a steady rhythm of nourishment, movement, learning, and rest. Here is what a typical day looks like at Villa Escondida.
7:00 AM | Awakening ritual
The day begins with a morning elixir of warm lemon water, mineral rich tonics, and herbal infusions, designed to wake up digestion, hydrate the body, and support natural detoxification.
7:45 AM | Guided morning meditation
A grounding meditation to calm the nervous system, clear mental fog, and set an intention for the day ahead.
9:00 AM | Oceanfront movement
Yoga, mat pilates, or breathwork on the rooftop terrace, with the Pacific in front of you. Each session supports circulation and lymphatic flow, and every level is welcome.
10:30 AM | Signature breakfast
A chef curated breakfast built on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Anti inflammatory smoothies, gut healing bowls, tropical fruit, pasture raised eggs, and medicinal teas.
11:45 AM | Wellness workshop
A working session on the principles of food as medicine, covering topics such as reducing inflammation, supporting detox pathways, optimizing digestion, and building wellness rituals you can keep once you are home.
1:30 PM | Lunch
A plant forward midday meal with whole seasonal ingredients, quality proteins, and healing fats, plated with care.
2:30 PM | Leisure and integration
The afternoon is yours. Lounge by one of the two pools, spend time on the beach, journal, or book an optional treatment. This rest is part of the programming, not a pause from it.
4:00 PM | Afternoon protein snack
Something light and stabilizing between meals. Protein bites, nut based snacks, seed blends, or plant based options.
5:15 PM | Sunset beach walk
Optional and highly encouraged. A group walk along the water as the light goes down.
6:30 PM | Signature dinner
An intimate multi course dinner rooted in food as medicine, prepared to support gut health, reduce inflammation, and improve nutrient absorption.
8:00 PM | Evening ritual
The day closes with guided reflection, journaling, meditation, or yoga for sleep, preparing the body for deep rest.
Mindful Facts
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Gut Feelings
The gut contains a vast network of neurons, often called the “second brain.” This is why emotions can manifest as physical sensations in the stomach
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Mood Influences
About 90% of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being, is produced in the gut. This highlights how gut health can influence mood and mental health.
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Microbiome Impact
The gut microbiome, which comprises trillions of bacteria, can affect mental health. A diverse microbiome is linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression.
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Stress and Digestion
Stress can disrupt digestive processes, leading to issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Conversely, digestive problems can increase stress levels.
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Dietary Choices
Consuming a diet rich in probiotics (like yogurt and fermented foods) can promote a healthy gut microbiome and potentially improve mental health outcomes.
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Inflammation Connection
Inflammation in the body, often linked to poor gut health, has been associated with mental health disorders like depression.
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Exercise Effects
Physical activity benefits both gut health and mental health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
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Omega –3 Fatty Acids
Found in foods such as fish, flaxseeds and walnuts. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain health and can reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.
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Hydration
Dehydration can affect cognitive function and mood. Water intake is essential for maintaining metal clairy and emotional stability.
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Mindful Eating
Practising mindfulness while eating being aware and present of what, how and why you eat can improve the relationship with food and can encourage healthier choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a wellness retreat in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, centred on the philosophy that food is medicine. The program combines nourishing meals, mindful movement, wellness education, and small group connection.
The retreat takes place from November 13th – 20th.
The retreat costs $3,500 CAD per person. Flights are not included.
The $3,500 CAD investment includes luxury accommodation in a private setting, nutrient dense and gut supportive meals prepared fresh daily, daily yoga, pilates, and functional movement, guided meditation and mindfulness practices, educational workshops, spa and massage experiences, a signature cultural or ceremonial experience, a welcome gift, and optional local excursions with built in leisure time.
Yes. Every meal is prepared fresh on site by Tara-Lee, which means dietary needs are built into the menu rather than worked around. The kitchen caters to vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, egg free, raw, low fat, sugar conscious, and organic diets. Ingredients are seasonal and locally sourced wherever possible.
Let us know about any allergies or restrictions when you book so your meals can be planned in advance. If you have a complex medical dietary requirement, reach out before booking and Tara-Lee will confirm what is possible.
This retreat is limited to six guests. Group size is kept intentionally small so every guest receives real attention from Tara-Lee and the team, and so meals, workshops, and conversations happen at a scale where people actually connect. Villa Escondida has five private ensuite rooms, which sets the natural limit on the group. Retreats at this size fill quickly.
Nourishment That Goes Beyond the Plate
Wellness Retreats | Our Menu
At Nourished Minds, every meal is an integral part of your wellness journey. Thoughtfully prepared by Tara-Lee using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, each dish reflects her philosophy that food is one of our most powerful tools for healing and overall well-being. Rather than focusing on restriction or fad diets, you’ll enjoy vibrant, nutrient-dense meals that nourish both the body and the mind while celebrating the joy of eating.
Throughout the retreat, you’ll experience how simple, wholesome ingredients can be transformed into meals that are both deeply satisfying and supportive of your health. Every menu is intentionally designed to promote sustained energy, support gut and brain health, reduce inflammation, and encourage a positive relationship with food. Tara-Lee also shares the inspiration and techniques behind her cooking, giving you practical knowledge and confidence to recreate many of these meals in your own kitchen.
This isn’t just about enjoying incredible food for a week, it’s about discovering a sustainable way of eating that continues to nourish you long after you’ve returned home.
What Our Clients Say
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Dereck H. Canada
“ I had the distinct pleasure of being catered to by Tara-Lee for six days and it was by far the best eating experience I have ever had. Her meals were prepared with fresh artisanal ingredients, were very flavorful and left me feeling satiated yet looking forward to her next meal. After six days I felt more energized and healthier than I have felt in a very long time. Can’t wait for the cookbook to come out!”
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Nora- Canada
“Tara-Lee’s meals at the GLO Nicaragua retreat were truly exceptional. Every dish was not only incredibly delicious, but also deeply nourishing and thoughtfully prepared. You could feel the care, knowledge, and intention she brought into each meal — from the quality of the ingredients to the way she explained how the food supported our health, energy, and overall well-being. Her explanations added so much depth to the experience and helped us truly appreciate the healing power of what we were eating. The food became an integral part of the retreat, leaving us feeling satisfied, energized, and deeply cared for. I’m so grateful for the love and nourishment she brought to our time together.”
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Elise- Tennessee
“I recently attended a retreat and Tara-Lee was the Retreat Chef. I was so impressed with the food, the flavors and taste of everything. The recipes were all organic, plant based, nutritious, and delicious! Tara-Lee was also very knowledgeable regarding the nutritional contents and value of each meal and what the body needs to function at an optimal level. And, oh my goodness, the presentation of all the meals were, without a doubt — a work of art, and beautiful.”
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding our prices and services, please fill out the form below. A member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible to assist you.
Information
Reach out to us by phone and email. We’re happy to help with any questions or concerns you may have.