Sandy’s Yoga Retreat in Paradise

Fulfilling her dream, Sandy created a Yoga Retreat in Paradise

The day that Sandy Dillabaugh walked thru the heart door at Villa Amor del Mar changed both our lives as well as the lives of many yogi’s forever! After an extensive search around the Vallarta area for her first yoga retreat a mutual friend contacted her saying “I know someone who might have the perfect location”. That was five years and six retreats ago and to say it’s a marriage made in heaven is an understatement. Sandy and I have become forever friends and the caring way she looks after her students is an inspiration all.

In Sandy’s words “It all began when looking for a venue for my yoga retreat in Spring 2013 a dear friend had suggested looking at this Boutique Hotel in a little town. The town of La Cruz has so much to offer, great restaurants – Tacos on the Street, one of our must do’s, a fabulous market, friendly people, a great community, amazing beaches and and natural beauty… also a very vibrant music scene my retreat participants love.”

Sandy is a yoga teacher at Valley Yoga centre in Duncan, BC, Canada. With close to 20 years teaching experience she loves teaching yoga to people of all ages and abilities, she says “yoga truly is for everyone”. The highlights of her life include becoming a yoga teacher and opening her own studio. Marrying her husband, raising her two beautiful children and her two beautiful stepchildren are blessings beyond words to her. She adores her awesome extended family and cherishes how supportive they are. Sandy’s mother has attended her retreat every year and her sisters have joined in as well.

Sandy considers being of service to everyone that comes to my yoga class her specialty and is honoured when new students make the commitment to yoga and when her long time students return for another session of yoga. She enjoys most helping people feel better emotionally and physically.

Sandy told me “Sharing my love of yoga and the benefits it brings to my life brings me most joy. After my classes my students always thank me, it is such an honor to be thanked for what I’m offering. Yoga is not a quick fix and takes time to learn and embody, the western world often struggles with that concept. My clientele are men and women ages 16-86. Some are able bodied and others are limited by injury or disease. My retreat clientele are the same. I aspire to offer yoga that inspires and enriches everyone’s life. The natural world inspires me. My amazing co-teachers Erin Anderson and Kim Maclean are a constant source of inspiration. My students, regardless of what is happening in their lives – show up!”

Yoga in paradise has participants enjoying lots of pampering;

Pool time;

Ocean swimming

Catered on-site meals

Sandy’s favourite water sports are kayaking and paddle boarding has become a new favorite. As I always ask about cooking as its my favourite thing Sandy’s answer made me giggle “I cook to eat – I don’t love cooking.”

Sandy likes the growth in La Cruz including more restaurants and a bigger market and more homes and condos. She says “I do like the change it makes for a vibrant community. I love the current energy and vibe of La Cruz; friendly people and beautiful beach. Keep La Cruz just as it is.” She’d recommend La Cruz to someone to vacation here. “It’s a beautiful quaint beachfront town with lots of great music and dancing opportunities. She’d also suggest moving here “to be warm all year around!”

She says its unlikely her clientele know that she loves to hike and likes to eat Hawkins Cheezies.

When I asked what one thing Sandy is most proud of in her life Sandy answered “I am proud to have hosted 5 consecutive, awesome yoga retreats in La Cruz and I am looking forward to hosting my 6^th retreat in 2020.”