Welcome to VY Sanctuary

Máalob k’iin (“good sun or good morning” in Yucatec Maya)
Welcome to VY Sanctuary

You’ve arrived at a special place. Here, between the song of the sea and the whisper of the mangrove, a space is born—dedicated to awakening, deep connection, and intentional living.

At VY Sanctuary, we don’t just train yoga teachers — we nurture conscious, present, and compassionate human beings committed to the well-being of the world. Our school, VY Vinyasa Yoga, is the heart of this sanctuary: a space where yoga, nature, and community living come together to offer you a transformative experience.

Throughout these pages, we invite you to explore our vision, our practices, and the spirit that guides everything we do. You’ll discover how mindfulness extends beyond the mat, how we care for the land that shelters us, and how minimalism, ecology, and ancestral wisdom shape every corner of this journey.

This is not just another center. It is a home for those who seek something deeper. If you’re here, it’s because a part of you already knows.

Welcome. VY Sanctuary receives you with an open heart.

How did we end up at a semi-virgin beach?

During the uncertain days of the pandemic, we were searching for something seemingly simple: an office to process Marina’s Mexican passport. The offices in Cancún and Monterrey were overwhelmed, and although we tried to contact Mexico City, the restrictions blocked our way. At that moment, we discovered that finding an open office had become an adventure in itself.

That’s when the idea was born: what if we looked for a place where we could handle the paperwork without traveling too far from our home in Tulum? Our search led us to an unexpected place: Campeche. We didn’t know the city or its surroundings, but it felt like an irresistible invitation to explore a different part of Mexico while taking care of our paperwork.

We booked the appointment and set off on our journey. With no great expectations, we reserved accommodation in the city center. When we arrived at the Bay of Campeche, just at sunset, we found ourselves facing the Malecón. The sight left us speechless. It was, without a doubt, love at first sight.

At that point, Tulum weighed heavily on our hearts. We had purchased land and built a retreat and teacher training center, dreaming of living surrounded by nature, in a self-sustaining space within a like-minded community. But over the years, Tulum had transformed into a destination of parties, electronic music, and a lifestyle far from what we had imagined.

Campeche appeared before us like a different whisper: a purer state, with tourism focused on ecotourism, the history of Mexico, and indigenous cultures. A place still free from the lights and noise of the party scene, a place that resonated with our ideals.

As we walked through Campeche, Marina and I spent long hours discussing the possibility of changing course. We wondered if it was time to take the leap to a place that reflected what we carried inside. I told her, “Let’s see what life brings us. If something is meant for us, it will show itself clearly.”

And that’s exactly what happened. I began researching available land and found what, at that moment, felt like the perfect spot for a yoga center. Today, that place is VY Sanctuary.

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A year immersed in papers and permits

After discovering this beautiful place, we set out to understand what was needed to build in the best possible way. From the very beginning, our vision was to create an ecologically sustainable space — a place whose business model could inspire others to create projects that not only avoid harming nature, but also help, even in a small way, to reverse the damage humans have caused to local ecosystems over the past few decades.

With seven years of experience living deep in the Tulum jungle, completely off-grid and without urban services, we felt ready and confident to take on the challenge.

However, when we began applying for construction permits for this new project, we quickly realized that, of course, no development plan existed for this area. Now it makes perfect sense — being a virgin beach, it has no municipal development plan. But at that time, out of sheer naivety, we hadn’t taken that into account.

That’s when we had to present the government with everything we envisioned: a mangrove conservation center, a sea turtle sanctuary, and — most importantly to us — a training center for yoga and meditation teachers. We had to detail the type of construction, the materials, the layout, and every intention behind the project in order to secure the permits.

What’s incredible is that the process ended up taking more than a year, filled with countless site visits, construction plans, project adjustments, and assessments of what could and couldn’t be done in this environment.

While we fully understand the importance of the paperwork required, this experience opened our eyes to how complex and bureaucratic it can be to create a project that benefits the environment.

We hope that in the near future, governments around the world will become more aligned with private ecological projects from small investors like us, and that creating meaningful spaces won’t have to be tied solely to municipal development plans.

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The Day We Discovered a Buried Treasure

It all began when, as part of the government’s requirements to obtain the construction permit for VY, we were asked to bring in an archaeologist to certify that there were no Mayan ruins on the land. By that point, we had already explored the entire area thoroughly, several times, both with our architect and our biologist, without finding the slightest trace of Mayan remains.

Once again, our naivety — or simply our inexperience — became apparent. But in our defense, we are yoga teachers. Even though we’ve spent years living in the jungle, and even though we dreamed of living on a semi-virgin beach, that hardly makes us Indiana Jones or Lara Croft.

When people think of ancient ruins, they often imagine them the way movies portray them — grand, dramatic, and impossible to miss. I still remember walking through the land with the archaeologist when he pointed toward a mound of earth and stones, with a few plants growing from it. “Do you see that mound?” he asked. “Walk toward it and tell me if you find a square-shaped stone.” As I approached, I noticed a stone darker than the others, its edges squared and carved. “Now follow this straight line, and you’ll find another,” he said. And sure enough, there it was. Then, “Step back a little, walk this way, and you’ll find more.” And just as he predicted, we uncovered even more.

What at first seemed like nothing more than a mound of dirt and stones turned out to be the remains of a preclassic Mayan dwelling. The archaeologist explained that it was likely the home of a Mayan family, probably fishermen, who once lived on this land.

Today, we are honored to have signed an agreement with the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) to leave these areas untouched, protected, and preserved as a national treasure. In the years to come, we will work alongside INAH to develop a project to restore the homes of this ancient Mayan family.

For us, the responsibility is clear: we must honor those who came before us. Our task now is to respect their legacy and help preserve this extraordinary place for generations to come. Our commitment has always been, and will always be, to education and to fostering a deep respect for those who walked this land before us — and for those who will walk it long after we are gone.

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The Marine Turtle Sanctuary at VY Sanctuary 
*A sacred space for the rebirth of life*

At VY Sanctuary, facing the vast sea of Campeche, we not only plant seeds of awareness in our students… we also protect the life that is born from the ocean.

Each year, sea turtles return to this beach to give life to a new cycle. Guided by ancient wisdom that resides in their instincts, they arrive under the moonlight to lay their eggs in the sand that is now also our home. Here, in this sacred land dedicated to the practice of yoga, we have chosen to honor their journey and make it part of our mission.

Punta Xen, the area embracing VY Sanctuary, is one of the most important nesting sites for sea turtles in all of Campeche. During the season from April to October, these shores welcome two sacred species: the hawksbill turtle (*Eretmochelys imbricata*) and the green turtle (*Chelonia mydas*). In recent years, over 26,000 nests have been protected on beaches like these, and more than 1.4 million hatchlings have returned to the sea from this very coastline.

As part of our commitment to this land, we have initiated actions to conserve and restore its ecosystem: we support the revegetation of coastal dunes with native species such as sea grapes, storm trees, and plumeria, recognizing that protecting the habitat is also protecting the soul of the environment.

The Marine Turtle Sanctuary is one of the living jewels of VY Sanctuary. A conservation project that walks hand in hand with our values: respect for life, active compassion, and unity with nature as a teacher and mirror of the self. Caring for the turtles is practicing *ahimsa* —non-violence— in its most tangible form. It is paying tribute to the sacred fragility of existence.

During your training as a yoga teacher at VY Vinyasa Yoga, you will have the opportunity to connect with this natural cycle. Perhaps you will witness a release at dawn or see the trace of a mother in the wet sand. Perhaps you will understand, without words, that being a yogi also means being a guardian of all that is alive.

Here, every breath is an act of care. 
Every asana, an offering. 
And every step we take, we do in the company of the earth, the sea… and all the creatures who trust in it.

Mangrove Conservation: A Commitment to Life

At VY Sanctuary, every corner of the land we inhabit is sacred. The strip of mangrove that embraces our sanctuary along the seaside is not just a beautiful landscape: it is an ancient ecosystem, full of life, memory, and balance. Here, red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) and white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) coexist—vital species that protect the coastline, purify water, and shelter countless beings.

We are deeply committed to protecting this natural treasure. We not only care for what is already alive: we also work with respect and dedication so that the mangrove may regenerate, grow stronger, and continue its dance with the sea for generations to come.

We believe that true yoga cannot be practiced without an intimate connection to nature. That is why conserving this ecosystem is part of our spiritual practice, our ethics, and our responsibility as guardians of this sacred land.

Where Less is More: The Practice of Detachment, Minimalism, and Presence

At VY Sanctuary, everything invites you to let go.

The wind does not cling. The sea does not collect. The branches of the mangrove hold on to nothing they do not need. Nature itself shows us, again and again, the wisdom of flowing without burden. And here, in this place that breathes with us, we plant a deep intention: to live with less, so we can feel more.

During VY Vinyasa Yoga trainings, we don’t just cultivate strength, alignment, and body awareness. We also practice the art of simplicity. We invite each student to arrive with light baggage—both external and internal. To bring only the essentials. To travel light. Because it is not through accumulation that truth is revealed, but through the space that detachment creates.

The rooms are simple by design. Comfortable beds, natural light, a few chosen objects. No luxuries, no unnecessary decorations, because we believe clarity arises when the environment stops shouting and starts to whisper. Beauty lies in calm, in usefulness, in authenticity.

Here, minimalism is not a trend, it’s a spiritual practice. A way of saying: “this is enough.” A way to find joy in the everyday. A way to remember that true abundance is not in what we gather, but in what we fully experience.

Through detachment—*vairāgya*—we free ourselves from the constant need for more. More objects, more goals, more validation. And instead, we sit with what is. We breathe. We listen. We study silence as much as sacred texts. We observe each gesture, each thought, each reaction with full awareness—*mindfulness*—and in that attentive observation, we slowly carve the inner mirror, day by day.

We don’t come here to disconnect from the world, but to remember how to be in it, with presence. We don’t empty ourselves out of punishment, but out of love for the essential. Each day of training is an invitation to live with intention, to inhabit the present without burden, and to find in simplicity the seed of illumination.

Because sometimes, all you need is a small suitcase, an open heart, and a living practice… to once again clearly see what has always been there.

Inspired by the wisdom of Mayan dwellings

At the heart of VY Sanctuary, every space has been created with deep respect for the land, the history, and the natural balance. Our inspiration comes from traditional Mayan architecture, not as an exact replica, but as a living echo that resonates in every corner.

Materials with soul and purpose
Just like ancient Mayan houses were built using what the land provides—palm, clay, stone—we honor that same philosophy adapted to our time. We use local wood and recycled PVC tiles, blending the ancestral with the contemporary. Materials that tell stories of origin, transformation, and a commitment to the planet.

Design that breathes with the wind
Traditional architecture sees climate not as an enemy to fight, but as an ally to understand. At VY Sanctuary, cross ventilation allows the wind to flow freely, cooling each space naturally. We live with the climate, not against it.

Spaces that gather, corners that contain
As in the Mayan worldview, we believe in the strength of the center, in the power of community. Our daily life weaves together in shared spaces: a kitchen that smells of stories, a dining room that laughs with many voices, a resting lounge where time dissolves. And at the same time, each person finds their corner, their refuge, their silence. Community without invasion. Solitude without isolation.

Orientation that honors the sun and the earth
We do not follow a single axis—we open to all directions. Every space at VY Sanctuary receives air and light from the four cardinal points, welcoming the day from wherever it enters, embracing the night without resistance. We align ourselves with natural rhythms, letting the sun and wind guide our way.

Fusion with the living world
We do not build on top of nature—we build alongside it. VY Sanctuary is part of a sacred ecosystem we care for and protect: mangroves that breathe slowly, turtles returning to the sea, birds resting on branches. Architecture here does not compete with the environment; it embraces it, respects it, and becomes part of it.

Dormitories at VY Sanctuary: The art of living in harmony

At VY Sanctuary, each dormitory is a refuge where nature and simplicity meet in perfect balance. Built with local wood crafted by regional carpenters and thatched with recycled PVC roofing, these spaces reflect our core philosophy: to honor the land and those who care for it.

Barn-style walls offer a warm embrace and complete privacy, shielding you from the wind, rain, or the whisper of the nearby sea. Yet, open the windows, and the magic arrives: cross-ventilation flows from all four cardinal directions, while the triangular windows above allow warm air to escape, keeping the space fresh and light.

Inside, simplicity invites reflection. Cozy beds, soft textiles, and delicate details like Buddha figures accompany without overwhelming. Each morning, sunlight dances across wooden floors, while outside, the birds’ songs and the rustling trees set the rhythm for a day of purpose and peace.

Raised on stilts, these dormitories seem to float, reminding us we are mere guests in this sanctuary. Here, each night is a ritual of rest, and each dawn a chance to reconnect with oneself, deepening the practice of yoga and the art of being present.

The Sacred Kitchen of VY Vinyasa Yoga

*Conscious Nourishment for the Soul*

At VY Vinyasa Yoga, the kitchen is not just a place to prepare meals: it is the beating heart of the sanctuary. A living, warm, and sacred space. Just as the Shala is a temple for the moving body, the kitchen is an altar for the resting soul. A meeting point where not only ingredients are simmered, but also aromas, silences, and the alchemy of care.

Our diet reflects the path we propose: balance, simplicity, and deep respect for life. We follow a semi-vegetarian, loving, and real approach to food. It includes moderate amounts of dairy and eggs, and once a week, as a tribute to the sea that embraces us, we enjoy fresh fish, responsibly sourced from local fishermen in Punta Xen and Champotón—vibrant communities where the ocean is still honored and fishing is a craft passed down with dignity.

Everything else comes from the earth. Vegetables kissed by the sun, grains that nourish with calm, flavors that awaken without agitation. The kitchen at VY Vinyasa Yoga does not aim to impose rigid rules but invites a more conscious relationship with what we place into our bodies. We deeply believe that what we eat shapes not only our muscles and energy, but also our mind, spirit, and decisions.

During the trainings, a dedicated chef prepares all meals for students and teachers with care and devotion. Their work is an act of service and a way of nurturing from the heart. And as part of the Osōji system, cleaning of utensils, dishes, and kitchen tools is done in community, as a practice of gratitude, respect, and presence. Thus, nourishment also becomes an opportunity to cultivate awareness.

In many traditions, food prepared with devotion is called Govinda: sacred nourishment, offered from the heart, worthy of being received with attention and reverence. That is how we understand it at VY. Eating is not just nourishment—it is a way of honoring life, giving thanks for abundance, and remembering that every act can be a prayer.

Those who sit to eat at VY receive more than just food. They receive community. They receive respect for natural cycles. They receive an invitation to care for themselves with love. Bite by bite, we come to see that eating can also be a spiritual practice. An extension of yoga.

Here, to eat is to heal.
To eat is to love.
To eat… is to awaken.

Rituals of Water and Soil: Bathrooms in Harmony with Life

In the heart of the coastal jungle, where the mangrove breathes and the earth listens, every choice matters. At VY Sanctuary, our bathrooms are not merely functional—they are part of the living cycle we honor.

Our ecological toilets are rural wet-bath systems with biodigesters, designed to exist in balance with the land. Here, waste is not discarded—it is transformed. What once was matter becomes nourishment for the earth. What seemed like an end becomes a beginning.

Solids and liquids are separated quietly through a natural process. The organic material continues its path into the wetland, enriching the soil and nurturing the mangroves that surround the sanctuary. Instead of polluting, our bathrooms restore. Instead of breaking cycles, they complete them.

In a place where 80% of the land is devoted to conservation, even the smallest human footprint seeks harmony. Because here, every act—no matter how small—can be an offering to balance.

How to Get to VY Sanctuary: Your Path to Transformation

Located on the Yucatán Peninsula, in the Punta Xen area, Campeche, VY Sanctuary is more than a destination—it’s the beginning of an inner journey. To ensure your arrival is as smooth as your practice, we’ve prepared transportation options tailored especially for you, including international and regional connections.

Cancún International Airport (CUN): A Global Gateway

Cancún connects with:
– North America: USA, Canada, Mexico
– Central America: Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Belize
– South America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela
– Europe: Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Portugal, Turkey
– Asia (via connections): Japan, China, South Korea, India, Thailand, among others

You can reach us from virtually anywhere in the world!

Included Transportation: Travel with Peace of Mind

From Cancún Airport:
Private transportation to VY Sanctuary is included in the training fee when a group of at least five people is formed. If the group is smaller, private transport is available at an additional cost.

From Merida City:
Private transportation to VY Sanctuary is included in the training fee when a group of at least 3 people is formed. If the group is smaller, private transport is available at an additional cost. Pickup points include Merida’s Paseo Montejo Street, ADO bus station, Tren Maya station, and Merida’s Airport.

From Campeche City:
Regardless of the number of people (one, two, or more), transportation is included. Pickup points include Campeche’s Historic Center, ADO bus station, Tren Maya station, and Campeche’s Airport.

Private Transportation with Mochileros Champotón Travel Agency

Our partner agency handles transfers from Cancún, Mérida, or Campeche directly to the Sanctuary’s door, organizing groups to share expenses and lower costs, and offering exclusive travel for VY Sanctuary students.

For Adventurous Travelers: Explore Before the Retreat

If you want to explore before arriving:
– Tren Maya: Cancún → Mérida → Campeche, enjoying the landscapes of the southeast.
– ADO Buses: Travel comfortably between major tourist destinations.

The Yucatán Peninsula is a cultural paradise with crystalline cenotes, archaeological sites like Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, Edzná; charming towns like Valladolid and Izamal; museums, nature reserves, and a gastronomy that delights the soul.

Whether you choose direct transportation or a journey of exploration, VY Sanctuary awaits you with open arms. We want your trip to be part of your transformation from the very first step. Ors, Marina, and the entire VY Sanctuary team are ready to welcome you and guide you through this unique experience!

Transparency and preparation: what you should know before coming to VY Vinyasa Yoga

1. Tropical and unpredictable climate

We are located by the sea, surrounded by mangroves and coastal jungle. Here, the days can be hot, humid, rainy, or windy… and sometimes, all of that in a single day. When it rains, the ground can get muddy, but don’t worry: all our pathways are raised and made of wood, and the yoga shala, kitchen, dormitories, and other spaces are built one meter above the ground. This ensures you can move comfortably without worrying about puddles or mud.

Although the heat is part of the tropical landscape, our spaces are designed with cross-ventilation to keep you cool. On very rainy days, the wooden doors fully seal the interiors to protect you. And when the wind blows strongly, it’s normal to hear the wood creak and the roof tiles gently vibrate: these are the natural sounds of the construction and the embrace of the sea breeze.

2. Wildlife: our companions in this environment

Living surrounded by nature means we share space with a wide variety of creatures. During your stay, you might see insects, lizards, birds, crabs, and if you’re lucky, turtles making their way to the sea. You may also spot a deer crossing through the trees, a curious raccoon nearby, or even a distant alligator resting in the lagoon.

During the rainy season, especially on windless nights, a very small mosquito called chaquiste can appear and be a bit bothersome. However, all our spaces are protected: windows and doors have mosquito screens, and each bed comes with a light net canopy that allows air to flow but keeps mosquitoes out, so you can rest peacefully, connected with nature but safe and comfortable.

3. Simplicity in our facilities

We are not a resort, nor do we want to be. Everything here is simple, minimalistic, and functional. The rooms are designed to help you connect with yourself and with the essentials, not for luxury. If you’re looking for a five-star hotel, this is not the place; but if you’re looking for authenticity and warmth, you will feel right at home.

4. Limited energy and resources

While we have electricity and internet, we are in a remote area, and brief power outages or signal drops can occasionally happen. We have protocols and backup equipment in place, but we invite you to see this as an opportunity to disconnect from digital noise and reconnect with yourself.

5. Physically demanding practice

Our trainings are intensive: you will sweat, push yourself, and perhaps discover limits you didn’t know you had. This is not a vacation retreat; it is a serious formation, and while you will have time to rest, we ask for your commitment and dedication to make the most of it.

6. Proximity and sounds of the road

VY Sanctuary borders the federal highway, keeping us wonderfully connected to the outside world: Champotón, Campeche, Mérida… all these cities are within reach, ensuring that in case of any eventuality, we can quickly access help and resources. This connection is part of the peace of mind and safety we offer to our visitors.

However, as in any living place, there are small details that remind us we are not isolated from the world: at night, the distant sound of cargo trucks may cross the silence, a murmur that comes and goes, like a river of steel flowing steadily along the road. Far from being an insurmountable annoyance, this sound becomes part of the atmosphere, an echo that, over time, your ear learns to embrace as a reminder that here, in the heart of nature, we remain part of the human rhythm that connects us all.

A Call to Return to the Essentials

At VY Sanctuary, every corner has been created with a clear purpose: to reconnect with nature, with community, and with oneself. Here, the song of the birds, the whisper of the mangrove, and the rhythm of the sea are part of daily life. We walk barefoot on the land we care for, we share the silence of the sunrise, and we learn that less is more—that inner order is born from outer order.

From the transformative power of Osōji to the wisdom of traditional Mayan housing, from mangrove conservation and sea turtle protection to the simple, living food that nourishes body and soul—everything we do in this sanctuary by the sea beats with the same rhythm: to live with intention.

Here is also born VY Vinyasa Yoga, a school dedicated to the training of yoga teachers from around the world. Our intensive Yoga Alliance-registered trainings are a deep experience of transformation, discipline, and love. Mindfulness, acroyoga, community living, and respect for the Earth are essential parts of the path.

Moreover, we open the doors of the sanctuary to other schools and communities who wish to share their teachings. This space is fertile ground for retreats, courses, and experiences that honor the body, mind, and nature.

This is not just a place to practice yoga. It is a space to remember what truly matters. A sanctuary to heal, to learn, to unlearn. To leave behind the noise of the world and return to the essentials.

We await you with open arms on the beaches of Campeche. The sanctuary already lives within you—all you need to do is come and remember.

NAMASTE
ORS
Director of VY Vinyasa Yoga and VY Sanctuary