Holistic Wellness & Renewal
A Reflective Retreat for Physicians, Health Professionals, & Their Significant Others
April 12–17, 2026 | Palmaïa, The House of AïA | Playa del Carmen, Mexico
More than continuing medical education, this is a reflective journey toward deeper well-being—CME for the soul.
I’m ready to thrive!
Oh, the possibilities! On this journey, you will…
Have uninterrupted time to reflect on all areas of your life, deeply listen to your authentic self, and walk away feeling more connected and self-aligned.
Reconnect with and clarify your deepest desires, values, and intentions, and create a personal action plan that promotes deeper meaning and purpose. You will continue to reap the benefits long after the retreat has ended.
Strengthen your sense of community with the support and encouragement of like-hearted people who share and understand your concerns.
Learn skills to cultivate self-compassion and minimize burnout, so you can be a healing presence for yourself and others.
I’m ready for a renewed sense of purpose and meaning!
A Journey to Deeper Wellbeing
During our time together you will be guided through a holistic wellness assessment, giving you space to take stock of where you are physically, emotionally, socially, vocationally, spiritually, and financially. Through self-reflection, deep listening, time in nature, journaling, and small group experiences, you will clarify what’s most important to you in this season of life. You’ll have the opportunity to craft a personalized action plan, so you can integrate your goals into your weekly life. This is Continuing Medical Education for the soul!
Day 1 Welcome, Overview
Welcome to Palmaia, your home for our time together, a place that will excite and support you on your wellness journey. Get to know your fellow travelers as we set the stage for our journey of reflection, rest, and play.
Day 2 Physical Health
Today is a time to focus on your Physical Health. You will explore your patterns of sleep, diet, exercise, and how you're attending to your healthcare needs. You will also consider the ways you can optimize your physical wellness.
You may meet with the onsite dietitian or personal trainer, or experiment in a movement class, such as: Pranayama, Tai Chi, Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Therapeutic Yoga, Ancestral Dance, Chi Kung or Full Body Workout. Don’t worry if the only phrase you understood in that sentence was Full Body Workout. With patient and gentle instructors, this is a safe space to try new activities. There will be hours of free time to explore and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and wellness offerings. A glass-walled gym peers into the jungle, the secluded whirlpools overlook the ocean…
Day 3 Social Health
Today you will be reflecting on your Social Health, considering the state of your most important relationships, bringing more awareness to your relational circles of family, friends, colleagues, and community. You’ll consider the ways you enjoy socializing, celebrating special occasions and holidays, taking vacations, and spending time with friends. You’ll explore how cultivating strong and healthy relationships affects your overall health.
Relationships and emotional life go hand in hand. You’ll be dipping into your Emotional Health, reflecting on the emotional tone within your relationships and how your communication style affects others. You’ll have space to reflect on how you're handling and processing difficult emotions, voicing your authentic feelings and needs, and where areas of harmony and tension exist.
Day 4 Vocational & Financial Health
It’s time to take an honest look at your job satisfaction, areas that are going well and are enjoyable, and aspects that are burdensome and in need of adjustment. You will discover the strengths of Job Crafting and how to creatively apply it to your career. Work and finances are integrally joined, and you will have space to reflect on your financial fundamentals: income, expenditures, debts, goals, and money-based beliefs.
Day 5 Spiritual & Emotional Health
You will wade into some deep waters, as you consider how you can create deeper meaning in your life and live with a vibrant sense of purpose and joy. You will learn more about the role of self-compassion when facing challenges and setbacks and how the art of letting go begins with letting in. You will discover what medicine as a spiritual practice can look like, and how to reduce compassion fatigue.
Day 6
Putting it all together, integrating and implementing at-home, group, and coaching support.
During your stay, you’ll experience the beauty and hospitality of Mexican culture—vibrant flavors, heartfelt traditions, and a spirit of warmth, where artistry and heritage come together to create an atmosphere of presence and connection. Welcome to your Oasis Adventures retreat at Palmaïa.
Experiences:
Swim in the Cenote, enjoy a spa treatment in the jungle, relax with evening music and beats at Eolo Beach Club. Participate in a wellness activity at the rituals deck or Japanese-inspired dojo, work out in the glass-walled gym in the jungle, and so much more…
Meditative Concert
Atlantis Gym
Swimming in warm Caribbean Sea
Cenote at the Atlantis Spa
Atlantis Spa
Cacao Ceremony at rituals deck
Experience the beauty of Riviera Maya, Mexico
Reasons NOT to miss this retreat
Gain a holistic perspective of your wellness, and learn to practice healthy self-care, so you can thrive in every area of your life.
Take steps to optimize your energy so you can fully engage in your life.
Improve your sleep and learn how it affects your weight management, emotional regulation, muscle growth, and memory.
Hone your healthy eating habits, and make small adjustments for big effects.
Develop or tweak your sustainable and enjoyable exercise routine.
Explore larger perspectives and creative ways to approach your challenges.
Increase your awareness of how you handle challenging emotions and develop skillful ways to process them in yourself and others.
Cultivate practices that strengthen and maintain the health of your most important relationships.
A world of wellbeing awaits
This wellness journey is for you if:
You’re ready for self-reflection and an exploration of what’s most important to you.
You’re open-minded and up for an adventure.
You’re willing to compassionately engage with like-minded people.
You’re ready to share in the journeys of others as well as your own.
You’re able to hold sensitive information and personal conversations in confidence.
This is NOT for you if you are:
Not wanting to reflect on your life and explore new horizons.
Not open to new experiences and willing to leave your comfort zone.
Not ready to share any of your journey with others.
Not open to holding curious, non-judgmental space for others.
The Venue:
Palmaïa - The House of AïA
Set among the Riviera Maya, Palmaïa is a unique haven of tranquility. In addition to its stunning location, bohemian chic décor, and majestic ocean views, what sets Palmaia apart is the heartfelt service and warmth of all the staff. Each of the wellness guides brings a level of skill and care that can be felt. The ethos of whole person care permeates every area of Palmaia.
It is the many out-of-the-ordinary experiences that will capture your imagination. The Temazcal ceremony, an ancient wellness ritual (i.e., hot lava rocks, similar to a sweat lodge), is an inward journey of releasing burdens. The gorgeous cenote (limestone sinkhole), filled with crystal clear water and surrounded by rich foliage, is the perfect place to unwind after your spa treatment. The rituals deck, cocooned by shade trees, is a tranquil atmosphere for yoga, art class, or a cacao ceremony.
You’ll find plenty of well designed places to relax and grab a bite to eat. The rhythmic beats of Eolo Beach club are enhanced by the creative menu of mocktails and cocktails, and the bonfire on the beach is a great place to swap stories from the day.
Your oceanfront suite has a nice lounging area and balcony to take in the beautiful ocean view. An added bonus is the complimentary room service, snacks, and fully stocked mini fridge. You’ll find everything at The House of AïA is designed to support holistic wellness and made to feel like ‘mi casa es su casa.’ I am excited to share this amazing place with you.
The Cuisine:
Palmai’s commitment to holistic wellness shines brightly through its fresh and creative approach to food. You will savor lovingly prepared dishes as you gaze out at the Caribbean Sea. Choose from five stylish onsite restaurants offering locally sourced plant-based menus, along with offering exquisite, non-vegan options (such as fish, chicken, meat, and eggs).
Locally sourced food merges with the Executive Chef’s inspired guidance to unveil daily menus that are as delicious as they are fresh and thoughtfully prepared. Do you gravitate toward creative and healthy cuisine? Then you will be excited to try the soy-marinated, watermelon poke bowl, smoked-carrot toast, Palmaïa burger with sweet potato fries, and (plant-based) cheese and mushroom quesadillas. You can enjoy lunch pool or beach side, so your feet never have to leave the sand.
The House of AïA will inspire you to incorporate healthy and nutritious food into your life. The intake of high-quality, delicious nutrients will allow you to experience food as medicine, food for a healthy body, mind, and soul!
Sounds Delicious!
Oasis Adventures Retreat Program Fee
$2,995 per person
The following services are included in the cost of the retreat :
Retreat Sessions with Dr. James Juarez
Group wellness teachings and group coaching
One private 1:1 coaching session during the retreat
Up to 13 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ hours
Oasis Adventures Journal (for personal reflection and daily integration)
The Wholeness Workbook: A Reflective Guide to Total Health and Life Alignment
Roundtrip transfers between Cancún International Airport and Palmaïa (Note: transfers are not available from Tulum Airport)
Services NOT included
Palmaïa Accommodations (an all-inclusive luxury wellness resort, booked separately using our retreat discount code)
Flights and airfare
Spa services at the Atlantis Spa
Services at the Beauty Lab
Off-site tours and excursions
Additional 1:1 sessions with Palmaïa’s professional guides
(trainers, dietitians, counselors, etc.) unless separately booked
Palmaïa Luxury Resort Stay
(Booked Separately with Retreat Discount Code)
When you book your accommodations directly with Palmaïa using our exclusive retreat discount code, your stay includes:
6 days / 5 nights luxury accommodations
All-inclusive dining: à la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner at six restaurants, 24-hour room service, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Wellness & Lifestyle Amenities
Architects of Life: daily mind, body, and soul activities led by expert practitioners
Rituals of Sound: live music and guest performers
Private beach and pools
Gym, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and bike sharing
Resort Services
Fiber-optic Wi-Fi
Nomadic Guides & concierge (personal butler service)
Retreat discount code also applies up to 3 days before and after the retreat dates (subject to availability).
Room Options & Pricing
(Rooms are booked directly with Palmaïa using your retreat discount code.)
Queen or King Suites
From $500 per person, per night (double occupancy)
From $625 per person, per night (single occupancy)
All rates include Palmaïa’s all-inclusive dining, beverages, daily activities, and full resort amenities.
Discounted rates also apply up to 3 days before and after the retreat dates (subject to availability).
Investment in Your Holistic Wellness and Renewal
Retreat Program Fee: $2,995 per person
(Includes CME credit, Oasis Adventures Journal, The Wholeness Workbook, one private 1:1 coaching session, group sessions, and roundtrip airport transfers from Cancún International Airport)
Accommodations at Palmaïa Wellness Resort
Booked separately with our exclusive retreat discount code.
Rates start from $500 per person, per night (double occupancy).
Pricing includes Palmaïa’s all-inclusive dining, beverages, daily activities, and amenities.
A world of wellbeing awaits
TRIP LEADER BIO
James Juarez, MD., DipPH
James brings over 25 years of experience with reflective wellness retreats and 17 years of practice as an emergency medicine physician. He is a certified Deep Transformational Coach and trained Mindfulness in Medicine facilitator. For the past 8 years, he has taught continuing medical education internationally, weaving together medicine, psychology, and spirituality to create safe spaces for renewal, reflection, and alignment. Outside of his professional life, James enjoys hiking, traveling, cooking, reading, exercise, and soulful conversations.
Your Questions Answered
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Medical Health Care Professionals including MD, DO, PhD, NP, DNP, PA, medical students, residents, AND their significant other/ spouses
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YES! The reflective process is designed for everyone to be able to benefit, regardless of background. *Everyone attending will be participating in the group learning and activities.
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YES! Everyone attending will be participating in group learning and activities.
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Not yet. Currently retreats are designed for people 21 years and older. We anticipate hosting child friendly retreats in the future.
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This event will be accredited for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Total CME will range between 12-14 CME Credits. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
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Yes, we will work with the resort to try and accommodate common dietary restrictions. Please let us know about your dietary needs.
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Yes, roundtrip transportation from *Cancun International airport is included in the price of your trip.
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Room accommodations are made directly with the resort, with a variety of options and price points available. A retreat discount code will be sent to you after you register for the retreat.
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Yes. The retreat discount code is valid for up to 3 days before and 3 days after the retreat dates. For assistance, please contact the hotel reservations team directly.
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YES, to enter Mexico, a valid passport is required. Make sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your travel date. If it does, it’s recommended you renew it before traveling, or you may be restricted from traveling.
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We highly recommend you buy travel insurance for reimbursements on any travel interruptions, as well as emergency medical expenses, as per the insurance policy. Please note that clients will be directly responsible for any claims to be made directly with the insurance company. Here are some suggestions to help you get started with your research:
Sites that help you compare insurance companies and policies: Insure my trip & Squaremouth
Popular travel insurance options: HTH, Travel Guard Insurance, Allianz Travel Insurance, Travelex
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We’ll send you a suggested packing list after registration and closer to the trip departure date.
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Please reach out on the contact page with any further questions.