Host a Sold-Out,
Life-Changing Retreat at
Your Own Private
Caribbean Resort
in Mexico
A boutique Caribbean retreat venue with just seven rooms — combined with expert strategy, planning tools, and a dedicated partner who helps you fill seats, maximize profit, and create an experience your guests will never forget.
"More than a venue... A partner in your retreat success."
Host a Sold-Out,
Life-Changing Retreat at
Your Own Private
Caribbean Resort
in Mexico
A boutique Caribbean retreat venue with just seven rooms — combined with expert strategy, planning tools, and a dedicated partner who helps you fill seats, maximize profit, and create an experience your guests will never forget.
"More than a venue... A partner in your retreat success."
Your Private Caribbean Resort—Exclusively Yours
Every retreat includes exclusive use of the entire property. No exceptions.
No Outside Guests
The entire property belongs to your group alone.
No Shared Pool
Your private pool, your private pace.
No Shared Restaurant
Customized meals for your group only.
No Interruptions
Complete focus on your retreat experience.
Just your community enjoying an intimate boutique resort together.
What Makes a Great Retreat Venue?
Choosing the right venue is the single most important decision you'll make as a retreat host. The setting shapes the energy, the transformation, and the memories your guests carry home. Here's what separates an extraordinary venue from an ordinary one.
Privacy & Exclusivity
The best retreat venues give your group sole access to the property. Shared spaces dilute intimacy and prevent the safe container your guests need for real transformation.
Intimate Scale
Smaller groups create deeper bonds. A venue designed for 10–18 guests naturally fosters meaningful connection, collaboration, and breakthroughs that large resorts simply cannot replicate.
Inspiring Natural Setting
Nature accelerates transformation. A venue surrounded by ocean, jungle, or mountains helps guests disconnect from their routines and open to new possibilities.
Planning & Strategy Support
A venue that provides retreat planning support, pricing guidance, and marketing assistance dramatically increases your chances of hosting a successful, profitable retreat.
Exceptional Guest Experience
From curated meals and wellness activities to comfortable accommodations, an outstanding venue elevates every aspect of the guest experience automatically.
Seamless Logistics
Transportation, meals, excursions, and activities handled for you means you focus on what matters most — facilitating transformation and building your retreat business.
Guest Rooms
Retreat Guests
Property Buyout
Strategy Partner
Your Retreat Planning Timeline
Planning a retreat doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here's the proven retreat planning timeline we walk every host through — step by step.
Discovery & Vision
Book your strategy call. Clarify your retreat vision, ideal guest, and goals with Blaney.
Book & Price
Reserve your dates, finalize pricing with our Profit Calculator, and create your offer.
Market & Fill
Launch your retreat with marketing support. Start enrolling guests and building excitement.
Finalize Details
Confirm menus, activities, excursions, and transportation. Host guest welcome video call.
Host & Transform
Welcome your guests to paradise. We handle logistics so you focus on facilitation.
Grow & Repeat
Debrief, gather testimonials, and start planning your next sold-out retreat.
Not a Hotel.
Not a Shared Resort.
Your Private Caribbean Sanctuary.
When you book with us, you receive exclusive use of the entire property. No outside guests. No crowded pools. No strangers. No interruptions. Just your community enjoying a private boutique Caribbean retreat resort — together. Imagine the transformation your guests will experience when every detail is designed around them.
No Outside Guests
The entire property is yours. Every room, every space, every sunrise — exclusively for your group.
Private Beach & Dock
Step onto your own stretch of Caribbean coast. Swim, snorkel, or simply breathe — in complete privacy.
No Interruptions
No Distractions
Create the atmosphere you want without competing with other groups or outside noise.
One Group.
One Vision.
Your community. Your energy. Your transformational experience — exactly as you imagine it.
Who This Is Perfect For
Whether you're hosting your very first retreat or looking for a more intimate, supportive experience — this is where your guests' transformation truly begins. Off The Grid Retreats is designed for leaders who want more than just a venue — they want a partner and a setting that becomes part of the story.
Your Retreat.
Your Rules.
Every retreat receives exclusive use of the entire property. That means you determine everything — and your guests experience a level of intimacy and freedom that simply isn't possible at a shared venue:
When the space is entirely yours, you create the conditions for real transformation. Every retreat is completely customized around your vision — this is your private boutique Caribbean retreat resort for the week.
"The most transformational retreats don't happen in crowded resorts.
They happen where your guests can truly disconnect from distractions and reconnect with what matters most."
Disconnect From the Noise.
Reconnect With What Matters.
Playa Sonrisa isn't just located off the beaten path—it's intentionally off the grid. Our resort is powered entirely by solar energy with battery backup, supplied by harvested rainwater, and cooled naturally by the Caribbean trade winds. It's a place where your guests unplug from distractions, slow down, and reconnect with nature, each other, and themselves.
Is Off-the-Grid Living Right for Your Retreat?
Our guests don't choose Playa Sonrisa because it's the most luxurious resort in Mexico—they choose it because it's one of the most authentic. If your retreat values simplicity, nature, meaningful connections, and unforgettable experiences over marble lobbies and air-conditioned hallways, you'll feel right at home here.
Although we're completely off the grid, guests still enjoy modern comforts including reliable Starlink Wi-Fi, comfortable accommodations, hot showers, excellent meals, and all the amenities needed for a successful retreat.
If your retreat is about slowing down, building deeper connections, and creatingunforgettable. experiences, you'll discover that being off the grid is exactly wherethe magic begins.
Boutique Accommodations
Designed for Connection
Playa Sonrisa features just seven individually designed guest accommodations, allowing your retreat group to enjoy an intimate, private experience. Choose from beachfront bungalows, garden bungalows, second-floor rooms with Caribbean views, and our spacious beachfront suite. Every room is just steps from the beach, creating the perfect balance of comfort, privacy, and connection.
Beachfront Bungalows
2 Rooms with king beds that can be converted to twins. Each has a small couch.
Wake up steps from the Caribbean.
Garden Bungalows
2 Rooms with king beds. One can be converted to twins. Other room has a futon.
Quiet garden setting with rooftop terraces.
Second Floor Rooms
2 Rooms, one has 2 full beds, one has king bed that can be converted to twin.
Ocean breezes, large patio with elevated views.
Beachfront Suite
Private bedroom with king bed and a sitting room with a futon. Sleeps 3.
Our largest accommodation.
Usually reserved for hosts.
Every guest room is thoughtfully appointed with a private bathroom, hot and cold shower, purified drinking water, in-room safe, comfortable furnishings, and everything your guests need for a relaxing stay. Designed to embrace the natural Caribbean setting, each accommodation offers a peaceful retreat just steps from the beach.
Most Retreat Venues Hand You the Keys... Then Wish You Luck.
Planning a retreat can feel overwhelming — especially when you're doing it for the first time. There are so many moving pieces, and most venues leave you to figure it all out on your own.
Many retreat hosts feel alone.
It doesn't have to be that way.
More Than a Venue.
Your Retreat Success Partner.
When you book Off The Grid Retreats, you don't just get a stunning private boutique Caribbean retreat resort. You get a partner who cares about your retreat as much as you do — because the experience your guests have reflects on all of us.
Blaney and Steve have built Off The Grid Retreats from the ground up — transforming a stretch of the hidden Caribbean coastline into one of Mexico's most sought-after private retreat venues for intimate boutqiue experiences.
With years of hospitality experience, they bring a level of care and expertise to every retreat that simply can't be replicated by a standard venue. Your guests will feel the difference from the moment they arrive.
"You're not just booking a venue. You're gaining an experienced retreat partner dedicated to helping you host a retreat that transforms lives — and builds your business."
About Your Hosts
Meet the experienced team behind Off The Grid Retreats —
with years of hospitality experience, living full-time in Xcalak, and personally owning and operating the resort.
Blaney Teal
Retreat Strategist & Co-Owner
Blaney is your retreat planning partner from start to finish. From menu planning and coordinating excursions to retreat logistics and guest experience, she works closely with every host to bring their vision to life. As co-owner of Playa Sonrisa, author of Profitable Retreats 101, and a full-time resident of Xcalak, Blaney brings years of hands-on hospitality experience to every retreat.
Steve Hessler
Guest Experience & Co-Owner
Steve is the heart of the day-to-day guest experience at Playa Sonrisa. From maintaining the property and keeping everything running smoothly to helping prepare delicious meals and making guests feel at home, Steve takes pride in creating a welcoming, relaxing environment. Whether he's lending a hand, sharing a story, or ensuring every detail is just right, his genuine hospitality helps make every retreat feel effortless and unforgettable.
Together, Blaney and Steve bring the experience, hospitality, and heart that make every retreat truly extraordinary.
The Difference Is Clear
Traditional Retreat Venue
- Rent rooms
- Provide meals
- Basic concierge
- That's it
Off The Grid Retreats
- Private property buyout
- Private strategy session
- Retreat planning guidance
- Retreat Profit Calculator
- Retreat Planner Pro
- Pricing & marketing guidance
- Logistics & transportation
- Curated excursions & wellness
- Ongoing planning support
- Complete retreat success partner
Why Retreat Hosts Choose
Off the Grid Retreats
There are many ways to host a retreat. Here's why experienced and first-time hosts alike choose our private boutique Caribbean resort over the alternatives.
vs. Hotels & Resorts
Large resorts mean shared pools, noisy lobbies, and strangers everywhere. Your retreat guests never get the privacy or intimacy needed for real transformation.
Playa Sonrisa: 100% private
vs. Airbnb Rentals
Villa rentals leave you handling everything alone — meals, cleaning, logistics, activities. There's no team, no strategy support, and no hospitality infrastructure.
Playa Sonrisa: Full-service partner
vs. Shared Retreat Centers
Shared centers often host multiple groups at once. Your retreat competes for space, attention, and energy with other groups and their schedules.
Playa Sonrisa: One group only
vs. DIY Planning
Doing everything yourself burns you out before the retreat even begins. You need a partner who handles logistics so you can focus on your guests.
Playa Sonrisa: Strategy + support
Meet Your Retreat Partner
What sets Blaney apart isn't just her credentials — it's her genuine passion for helping retreat hosts bring their vision to life. She has a special love for working with first-time hosts, guiding them through every uncertainty with patience, encouragement, and proven strategies.
As the author of Profitable Retreats 101, Blaney has distilled years of hands-on experience into practical wisdom that helps hosts price confidently, market effectively, and deliver transformational experiences. Her philosophy is simple: every retreat host deserves a partner who is as invested in their success as they are.
When you partner with Blaney, you gain more than a strategist — you gain a mentor who celebrates your wins, troubleshoots your challenges, and walks beside you from your very first brainstorm through your farewell dinner and beyond. Many hosts return to plan their second and third retreats because the relationship doesn't end when your guests go home.
Personal Connection
Blaney gets to know your vision, your audience, and your goals — then walks beside you through every decision.
First-Timer Friendly
Nervous about hosting your first retreat? Blaney loves working with first-timers — helping you move from uncertainty to confident leadership.
Author & Educator
As the author of Profitable Retreats 101, Blaney brings proven frameworks for pricing, positioning, and promoting your retreat.
Your Vision, Amplified
Blaney helps you clarify and amplify your unique retreat vision — so what you deliver exceeds even your own expectations.
Ongoing Encouragement
From your first brainstorm to your farewell dinner, Blaney is there — answering questions, solving problems, and cheering you on.
A Relationship That Grows
Many hosts return for their second and third retreats. The partnership doesn't end when your guests go home — it's just the beginning.
Imagine Your Retreat Here
Picture this: your guests step off the van after a scenic coastal drive, and the first thing they hear is the gentle rhythm of Caribbean waves. The stress of their daily routines begins to dissolve before they even set foot inside the resort. By evening, shoes are off, phones are forgotten, and real conversations are flowing over a meal prepared just for your group.
Over the next few days, something shifts. The woman who arrived quiet and guarded opens up during a morning session on the beach. The entrepreneur who couldn't stop checking email finally sits still long enough to hear his own thoughts. Connections form — the kind that don't happen in conference rooms or over Zoom calls. The kind that happen when people share sunsets, laughter, and vulnerability in a space that feels completely safe.
When departure day comes, there will be tears — the good kind. Your guests won't just leave with memories. They'll leave transformed, carrying something that stays with them long after the tan fades. And you'll know that you — and the space you created — made that possible.
Hear From Retreat Hosts Who've
Experienced It Firsthand
Real retreat hosts & attendees share their experience working with Blaney and hosting at our private boutique Caribbean retreat resort.
Andrea
Mural Artist Retreat Host
"Blaney didn't just provide a venue — she provided the perfect place for my retreat! I have been to so many other places in Mexico and this is by far my favorite! We booked our 2nd retreat with Blaney already!
Coach Kel
Unplugged Retreat
"Blaney was the perfect retreat partner for first-time hosts. I felt fully supported from the first call to the last day. Having Blaney made all the difference. Already planning my 2nd retreat with Blaney."
Laureen
Retreat Attendee
"I loved every moment of this retreat—from the incredible food to the amazing friendships I made. But most importantly, it inspired me and gave me the confidence to host my own retreat here in the near future!"
Pattie
Retreat Attendee
"This was the most relaxing week of my life. In just five days, I became a sunrise addict, waking up every morning to watch the Caribbean come to life. I left feeling refreshed, inspired, and already dreaming about coming back."
Kimberley
Book Writing Retreat Host
Summer
Retreat Siren Retreat Host
Ready to Start Planning Your
Dream Retreat?
Take the first step toward an unforgettable Caribbean retreat — with a strategist in your corner and a venue your guests will never forget.
Book Your Retreat & Receive...
Every retreat host receives these exclusive bonuses — designed to give you the clarity, confidence, and tools to create a retreat that's both transformational and profitable.
Retreat Profit Calculator
Know exactly how to price your retreat. Forecast revenue. Calculate break-even. Maximize profit — with confidence.
Retreat Planner
Pro
Planning templates, guest management, timelines, checklists, transportation planning, and vendor tracking — all in one place.
Private Retreat Strategy Session
Work directly with Blaney. Clarify your vision, refine your offer, and build a roadmap to retreat success.
Ongoing Planning Support
Questions answered. Guidance throughout planning. A dedicated partner from booking to departure day.
Total Bonus Value
$591+
Included free with every retreat booking
Total Privacy.
Peace & Quiet.
A Day in the Life of Your Retreat
Imagine what a typical day could look like for your guests at your private Caribbean retreat resort.
on the Dock
Together
or Yoga
/ Excursions
or Free Time
Dinner
Conversations
Every day is designed around your vision — and your guests' transformation.
Experience Playa Sonrisa
A private boutique Caribbean resort nestled on the pristine coastline of Xcalak, Mexico — inside the Banco Chinchorro National Marine Park. Seven rooms. Eighteen guests maximum. One hundred percent yours.
Off-Grid Luxury, Caribbean Style
The boutique resort sits on a stretch of Caribbean coastline so pristine it feels untouched. There are no high-rises. No traffic. No noise. Just beautiful warm water, swaying palms, and the kind of peaceful beauty that makes your guests exhale the moment they arrive.
With only seven boutique rooms and a maximum of eighteen guests, the property was designed for intimacy, connection, and transformation. Every retreat receives a complete property buyout — meaning your group enjoys the entire resort exclusively.
Disconnect to reconnect.
Private Property
Complete property buyout for every retreat
Seven Boutique Rooms
Intimate scale for deep connection
Oceanfront Location
Caribbean Sea steps from your door
Private Pool
Your group's personal oasis
On-Site Restaurant
Customized menus for your group
Private Dock
Sunrise coffee, snorkeling, stargazing
Kayaks & Paddleboards
Complimentary water activities
National Marine Park
Banco Chinchorro — pristine reef system
Complete Privacy
Off-grid luxury for total immersion
Life at Your Retreat
A glimpse into the experiences your guests will cherish forever.
What's Included with
Every Retreat
Everything you need for an extraordinary retreat experience — included as standard.
Limited Availability
With only seven rooms and one group at a time, our calendar fills quickly — especially during peak season. If you're considering hosting a retreat, we encourage you to schedule your complimentary strategy call soon to discuss preferred dates.
Popular dates are reserved 6–12 months in advance.
How It Works
Five simple steps from your first idea to welcoming your guests in paradise.
Book Your Complimentary
Retreat Strategy Call
Reserve Your Preferred
Retreat Dates
Plan Your Retreat
Together
Promote & Fill
Your Retreat
Welcome Your Guests
to Paradise
From your very first idea until your guests arrive, we're with you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about hosting your retreat at Playa Sonrisa.
Absolutely. Many of our retreat hosts are first-timers — and we love working with them. You'll receive a private strategy session with Blaney, our Retreat Profit Calculator Pro, Retreat Planner Pro, and ongoing support throughout the entire planning process. We'll help you feel confident and prepared every step of the way.
Our boutique property features seven rooms and accommodates up to 18 retreat guests. This intimate size is ideal for deep connections, meaningful transformation, and the kind of community-building that simply doesn't happen in larger venues.
Yes. You'll receive our Retreat Profit Calculator Pro, which lets you forecast revenue, calculate your break-even point, and set pricing with confidence. Plus, Blaney provides one-on-one pricing guidance during your private strategy session to help you maximize profitability while delivering extraordinary value to your guests.
Every retreat menu is fully customized around your vision and your guests' dietary needs. Whether you want healthy clean eating, celebration dinners, vegan options, gluten-free meals, or a combination — our kitchen team will create menus that enhance your retreat experience.
Yes — and in fact, every retreat includes an exclusive property buyout. The entire resort is yours for the duration of your retreat. No outside guests. No shared spaces. No interruptions. Just your community enjoying a private boutique Caribbean resort together.
Complimentary activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling from the private dock, pool swimming, and beach relaxation. We also coordinate additional experiences such as excursions to Bacalar Lagoon, Mayan Ruins, massage therapy, sound healing, and more — all tailored to your retreat's vision.
Tulum International Airport (TQO) is approximately 3 hours away. Cancún International Airport (CUN) is about 5 hours away. We help coordinate all transportation logistics for your group, including airport recommendations, shuttle arrangements, and travel timing.
Most venues rent rooms and wish you luck. We become your retreat partner. You receive a private strategy session, planning tools (Retreat Profit Calculator Pro and Retreat Planner Pro), pricing and marketing guidance, logistics assistance, and ongoing support from booking through departure. We're invested in your retreat's success because it reflects on all of us.
Off the Grid Retreats are hosted at Playa Sonrisa, our privately owned boutique beachfront resort in Xcalak, Mexico. We're completely off the grid—powered by solar energy with battery backup, supplied by purified rainwater, and designed to embrace the natural beauty of the Caribbean. Guests enjoy a peaceful, authentic experience while still having reliable Starlink Wi-Fi, exceptional hospitality, and all the comforts needed for a successful retreat.
Yes. During regular resort operations, Playa Sonrisa welcomes guests as a clothing-optional couples resort.
However, every Off the Grid Retreat is a private buyout of the entire property. Your group has exclusive use of the resort and determines the atmosphere, dress expectations, and experience for your retreat. Whether you're hosting a wellness retreat, business mastermind, yoga retreat, coaching program, photography workshop, or another event, your group sets the tone.
Off the Grid Retreats are hosted at Playa Sonrisa, our privately owned boutique retreat venue located in Xcalak, a peaceful fishing village on Mexico's Southern Costa Maya along the Caribbean Sea. Surrounded by pristine reefs, turquoise waters, and untouched natural beauty, Xcalak offers a tranquil escape far from the crowds—making it the perfect destination for intimate retreats and meaningful connections.
Absolutely! We believe a successful retreat starts long before your guests arrive. That's why we provide far more than just a beautiful venue—we become your retreat planning partner.
All retreat host receive access to valuable planning resources, including our Retreat Planner Pro, Retreat Pricing Calculator Pro, retreat strategy guidance, and personalized coaching to help you confidently plan and price your event.
Whether you're hosting your very first retreat or you're an experienced retreat leader, we'll help you navigate everything from pricing and logistics to guest experience, timelines, and planning strategies—so you can focus on delivering an unforgettable retreat.
Not in the traditional sense—and that's exactly what makes Off the Grid Retreats so special. We're not a large, all-inclusive resort with hundreds of rooms, crowded pools, or marble lobbies. Instead, we're a private, owner-operated boutique retreat venue where authentic hospitality, personalized service, and meaningful experiences take center stage.
Our off-the-grid resort is powered by solar energy, supplied by purified rainwater, and naturally cooled by the Caribbean trade winds. You'll enjoy comfortable accommodations, exceptional meals, reliable Starlink Wi-Fi, and exclusive use of the entire property—all in a peaceful setting designed to help your guests disconnect from everyday distractions and reconnect with what matters most.
If you're looking for a cookie-cutter luxury resort, we may not be the right fit. But if you're looking for an intimate, authentic Caribbean retreat experience where your group receives personal attention and complete privacy, you'll feel right at home.
Unlike large resorts where your group is just one of many, Off the Grid Retreats offers an intimate, owner-operated experience designed specifically for retreat hosts. Every retreat includes an exclusive buyout of our boutique Caribbean resort, giving your guests complete privacy and the freedom to create the atmosphere that best fits your vision.
What truly sets us apart is our personalized partnership. Beyond providing a beautiful venue, we help retreat hosts with planning, pricing, strategy, customized menus, excursion coordination, logistics, and guest experience. Our off-the-grid setting, powered by solar energy and surrounded by the natural beauty of Mexico's Southern Costa Maya, creates a peaceful environment where guests can disconnect from daily distractions while staying connected with reliable Starlink Wi-Fi.
If you're looking for more than just a venue—if you want experienced partners who are invested in helping you create a successful, profitable, and unforgettable retreat—Off the Grid Retreats offers an experience that traditional resorts simply can't match.
No. Playa Sonrisa was intentionally designed to embrace the natural Caribbean climate. Rooms are cooled by the constant trade winds and ceiling and floor fans, creating a comfortable environment while reducing our environmental footprint.
Guests looking for a luxury high-rise experience may not find this to be the right fit—but those seeking an authentic off-the-grid retreat consistently tell us it's one of the most memorable parts of their stay.
The best retreat destination depends on the experience you want to create. If your goal is a high-energy resort atmosphere with nightlife and crowds, larger tourist destinations may be a good fit. But if you're looking to create meaningful connections, minimize distractions, and give your guests an unforgettable experience, a private boutique retreat venue offers significant advantages.
That's why many retreat hosts choose Xcalak, located on Mexico's Southern Costa Maya. Far from crowded tourist areas, Xcalak offers pristine Caribbean waters, incredible marine life, quiet beaches, and a relaxed pace that encourages guests to unplug, recharge, and fully immerse themselves in your retreat. At Off the Grid Retreats, you'll enjoy exclusive use of our owner-operated boutique resort, personalized planning support, and an authentic off-the-grid Caribbean experience designed to help your retreat stand out.
Sample Retreat Investment
We believe in transparent pricing. While every retreat is customized based on your group size, room configuration, activities, transportation, and season, the examples below provide a realistic starting point to help you determine whether we are a good fit for your retreat budget.
Peak Season
January – April
Approximately
$1,197 usd
per guest (based on 12 guests)
6 days / 5 nights
Main Season
May – June & November – December
Approximately
$897 usd
per guest (based on 12 guests)
6 days / 5 nights
Value Season
July – October
Approximately
$699 usd
per guest (based on 12 guests)
6 days / 5 nights
Let's Build an Unforgettable
Retreat Together
Your complimentary Retreat Strategy Call with Blaney is designed to determine if Playa Sonrisa is the right fit — and to help you gain clarity on your retreat vision, pricing, and next steps.
Whether you're hosting your first retreat or your fifth, this call is your opportunity to explore what's possible — with zero pressure and zero obligation.
No commitment required. Just a friendly conversation about your retreat vision.
BEFORE YOU GO...
Get Your FREE Copy of
Profitable Retreats 101
Thinking about hosting a retreat but not sure where to start? Download my bestselling guide and discover the proven framework I've used to help retreat hosts plan successful, profitable, and unforgettable retreat experiences.
Inside you'll learn:
- How to choose the right retreat venue
- The biggest mistakes first-time retreat hosts make
- Pricing strategies that maximize profitability
- Marketing tips for filling your retreat
- The essential steps to creating an unforgettable guest experience
A $19.95 value — Yours FREE for a limited time.
By downloading your free copy, you'll receive occasional emails from Blaney Teal, including retreat planning strategies, special offers, and updates from Off the Grid Retreats. We respect your privacy, never share your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.