As I’m reflecting on the Seven Senses retreat experience I had at Habitas Tulum, Mexico, last month, I’m reminded of the Forrest Hayes quote, “We have two minds. One thinks the other knows. The mind that knows goes back many lifetimes. This is the mind of the one heart, of all things: the trees, the plants, the clouds, the rivers, the mountains. The more time you spend with this mind, the more you will see Spirit around you.” With a week in Mayan paradise, led by a duo of healers, surrounded by beautiful people, the ocean, organic food, and lots of fresh breaths, it was the perfect summons for a journey inward, complete with wafting copal and carefully curated vibrations and tones in daily sounds that bathed us.
Pat settles in at the stunning Tulum eco-resort, Habitas Tulum. Image © Pat Bailey
An Immersive Retreat at Habitas Tulum
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I first met Eduardo Castillo at an event in Los Angeles, I was deeply moved by how he went out of his way to make everyone at the event feel at home.
He is an internationally recognized musician and instrumental in the creation of a community for healers, creators, and big lovers in the world.
It is no surprise then to feel this sense of community, of at-homeness, and of sincere welcome at Habitas Tulum where Eduardo is the co-founder, and they call it their “first home in Tulum.”
Guests are encouraged to enjoy barefoot luxury at Habitas Tulum. Image © Pat Bailey
One of the beautiful spaces to relax and unwind at Habitas Tulum. Image © Pat Bailey
One of my very favourite things about Habitas is how subtle the luxury is.
The grace with which the story of this property is told is artful.
The façade is unassuming and private and as soon as you walk through the doors you are invited to take a deep breath and trust that everything will be perfect, and it is.
Pat finds a comfortable hammock among the trees at Habitas Tulum. Image © Rob Evans
It was clear to me that the location of this retreat was deliberate and the magic of the pairing of a week of healing and learning in this paradise made it an experience like no other.
Located on Tulum beach, near the Mayan ruins, there are five Oceanfront rooms, and the property is sprinkled with Jungle Rooms that measure 400 square feet and are made of canvas and palapa.
Feeling completely connected to the natural environment, but at the same time protected from it – it was the best of both worlds.
I shared my Jungle Room with three other guests for the retreat and we often commented that it felt like summer camp.
The accommodations were ample, luxurious, and beautifully Boho chic.
Pat’s cosy Jungle Room at Habitas Tulum. Image © Pat Bailey
An inviting outdoor space to reconnect at the Experience Seven Senses retreat in Tulum. Image © Pat Bailey
Our room had a main area with beds and space for our things and a vanity with a sink. You’ll have plenty of room to unpack (here’s what you should take to Tulum).
The outdoor bathroom and shower was a refreshing, natural, experience with modern luxuries like coconut and honey organic bath products and plenty of hot water.
The front porch of our room was a cozy place to sit and read and our room was tucked perfectly on the property with a winding jungle path connecting us to the community spaces and beyond.
Holistic Healer Dr Erica Matluck working with Pat at Experience Seven Senses retreat. Image © Rob Evans
Experience Seven Senses
Led by Dr. Erica Matluck, the holistic healer and creator of Experience Seven Senses, this retreat is unlike any other
I’ve never attended. It is very openly an invitation to dive deeper into yourself with guided daily movement, sound baths, breathing techniques, community time, and reflection.
The experience is crafted to encompass all of Erica’s wisdom not only as a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and Nurse Practitioner, but also as a Reiki master, yoga teacher, clairvoyant, and holistic healer with a lifetime of studying and sharing her gifts and wisdom with the world.
Erica and Pat enjoying the beach at Habitas Tulum, Mexico. Image © Rob Evans
Erica’s partner Paul Kuhn enhances the experience with his wisdom and expertise facilitating an integration of sensory stimulation which includes sound, breath, and mediation.
Together, the two healers are passionate in their flow and co-create the space and experience beautifully.
Pat enjoyed the healing sounds of Paul’s music at the Experience Seven Senses retreat. Image © Rob Evans
The Tulum Retreat Program
Our days were inspired by the seven chakras and themes which we were invited to dive into.
Every morning we were led by Erica in an hour-long vinyasa yoga practice followed by a sound bath and guided breathing and meditation exercise by Paul.
We practiced in an open-air space, two stories above the main communal area at Habitas; with a memorable view of the Caribbean and a warm, sunny breeze surrounding us, always with the smell of copal welcoming us into the space and plenty of room to flow.
