WILD MINDS RETREAT
VISION
KAYAKING + MEDITATION + NATURE + COMMUNITY
SEA OF CORTEZ, BAJA, MEXICO
Jan 23rd - Jan 30th, 2027
A week to awaken your vision.
A year of support to help you grow it.
For the visionaries, creatives, and heart-led leaders craving adventure and community as fuel for what’s next in 2027.
Kayaking and camping along private beaches in the Sea of Cortez, this retreat is a chance to reignite the spark that knows you’re here for more:
To create what only you can create
To lead in a way that feels true
To bring something alive in the world that doesn’t exist yet
Held in community and guided by Zoe Gillis, a licensed therapist, meditation teacher, and wilderness guide with over 20+ years of experience leading people through transformative experiences in nature.
For the Part of You That’s Ready To Lean In. Even If You’re Scared.
Growing in the direction your heart is pulling takes courage — the shaky, let-go-before-you-feel-ready kind.
In the wild quiet of the Sea of Cortez, with whales, dolphins, and women rising beside you, you’ll find the grounding to show up and let your vision come into focus.
RETREAT AT A GLANCE
LOCATION
DATES
Sea of Cortez
Loreto, Mexico
Jan 23 - Jan 30
(hotel pre & post trip)
INVESTMENT
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Payment plans available
$4,800
Kayaking & Camping
3-5 Hours a Day
COMMUNITY
GUIDANCE
Led by a therapist, meditation teacher & wilderness guide
10 Women
Facilitator + Guides
“Listen to that part of your heart…”
“I cannot recommend this experience enough. If even a little piece of you is intrigued, listen to that part of your heart and see if you can make this happen. I signed up primarily to spend time on the water and explore a new area of nature, and I got so much more in terms of a deeper relationship with myself, new perspectives on mindfulness and the myriad ways to use it everyday, and a reminder of the power and strength of groups of people; being in community with the collective is truly magical.”
-KATIE, BAJA RETREAT ALUMNI ‘25
A YEAR-LONG JOURNEY
Crossing a threshold takes more than one moment. It asks for preparation, for space to integrate, and for community to keep the flame alive. That’s why this isn’t just a week in out on the land… it’s a year-long unfolding supported by a circle that keeps your vision burning bright.
What’s Included In Your
Year Of Support
Pre-Retreat Preparation
3 virtual gatherings to set intentions and weave trust before embarking on the journey.
Retreat
An 8-day immersive wilderness experience on the water and in circle, surrendering to what’s ready to be brought to life in 2026.
Post-Retreat Integration
After the retreat a closing call for our group to reflect, integrate, and anchor what’s shifted
Quarterly Circles
Ongoing support for alumni to reorient, stay accountable and build each other up through 2026.
The Wild Minds Vision Retreat is the place where your doubts, your brilliance, and your longing all have a seat at the circle.
PRACTICES
TO SLOW DOWN, TUNE IN, & LET WHAT’S TRUE SURFACE
ENJOY EVENING CIRCLE
Each evening we gather in council … a space where your questions about your vision, the desires you’ve buried, and the fears that have held you back are welcomed without judgment. We process what emerged throughout the day, name the patterns keeping you stuck, and give voice to the truths that want to lead your next chapter. You’ll be witnessed deeply and supported as your vision comes into focus.
THE POWER OF SILENCE
A full day of Noble Silence gives your vision room to speak. No conversations, no roles, no performing. For one full day, you don’t have to talk, caretake, or show up for anyone else. Just you, the ocean, and the truth that’s been trying to surface … the clarity that turns a dream into something you can finally create.
VISION TOGETHER
Transformation rarely lasts when it’s held alone. In guided group visioning, you’ll name the dream you’ve been carrying, explore what’s been blocking it, and speak your next chapter out loud. Surrounded by women who truly see you, you’ll receive reflection, encouragement, and accountability … so your vision doesn’t fade when you go home but follows you back into your life ready to be lived.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
$4,800
*PAY IN FULL
$4,800
OR
8 PAYMENTS OF
$600
“It’s worth every penny & more.”
“You are in the best hands possible, it is worth every penny and more, you can't put a price on soul work and community. I love the pairing of physically being challenged mixed w/ the mindfulness, mental, spiritual and emotional work. Be open to the journey, be open to yourself. You are in safe capable hands with Wild Minds. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
- Dana, Retreat Alumni
RETREAT ITINERARY
Sea Of Cortez, Where The Desert Meets The Sea
Through guided practices, you’ll imagine the future and world you long to create … while honoring the grief that some dreams may take generations to unfold. In this work, we’re not alone: the wild teachers of Baja — dolphins, whales, seabirds, and the living pulse of the islands — remind us of the vastness, resilience, and possibility we belong to.
DAILY SCHEDULE:
-
You’ll land in the charming seaside town of Loreto, Baja Mexico, where our group driver will meet you at the airport for a single afternoon pickup (around 2pm).
Loreto is a safe, walkable town with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the Sea of Cortez just steps away.
The hotel is simple, comfortable, and conveniently located — with a restaurant and mini-mart right in the lobby so you can stay close if you don’t feel like going out. Or, walk 15 min into town where you can find an array of delicious local spots for dinner.
At 6pm, we’ll gather in the hotel lobby for orientation, meet our local guide Antonio, and open our time together.
-
Enjoy a hotel breakfast (included with your stay) before we gather in the lobby and head out by van to our launch site.
From there, we’ll paddle 3–5 miles into Loreto National Marine Park — a protected stretch of sea dotted with rugged islands, dolphins, and seabirds overhead.
By afternoon, we’ll land on a wild beach where you’ll set up your tent and begin acquainting yourself with the land.
As the sun sets, we’ll settle into our first guided meditation by the waves and then dinner with a view.
That evening, our opening council circle invites reflection on what you’re ready to release as you step into this new year. Then, stretch out beneath the vast Baja sky and watch as the stars slowly reveal themselves.
-
Our days together move with intention, guided by the rhythm of the sea.
The arc of our journey will be guided by the retreat’s core themes, while each day will follow a variation of the flow outlined below.
Themes we’ll explore throughout the journey:
Letting go, shedding, releasing
The space between: cultivating curiosity, spaciousness, deep listening
Visioning, dreaming, setting intentions for the return home
Rough Daily Flow
Mornings begin with a meditation
Talk on the daily theme to guide reflection and connection
Paddling 3–5 hours between islands, supported by a skiff boat that carries our gear (and sometimes us!)
New beaches and campsites to make our temporary home
Exploration time — hike island trails, snorkel vibrant reefs, or hop in the skiff boat for dolphin or whale watching
Afternoon meditation and circle for reflection, and guided practice
Dinner then council as stars emerge above
Nights under the stars, drifting into dreamtime with the sound of the waves
-
We’ll paddle back across the waters to our landing dock, completing our circle to honor the journey we’ve shared.
From there, a group shuttle will return you to the hotel in Loreto — the same safe, comfortable spot where you began.
You’ll have the evening free to wander the town, do a little shopping, or find a cute spot to enjoy a dinner before departure.
Loreto is a small, welcoming town, and the hotel is just a short walk (about 15 minutes) from the heart of it all. A gentle landing before heading home.
-
On your final morning in Loreto, we’ll coordinate a single group airport shuttle from the hotel (likely between 10–11am, depending on flight schedules). Our driver will get you to the airport with plenty of time to check your bags, move through security, and grab a snack before your journey home.
-
![]()
Sweet Town Of Loreto, Mx
-
![]()
Private Beach Campsites at Sunset
-
![]()
Our Pre + Post Retreat Hotel
-
![]()
Sea of Cortez - Desert + Ocean
-
![]()
Snorkel with the sealife
-
![]()
Paddle Beside Whales & Dolphins
-
![]()
Enjoy Delicious Tropical Fresh Food
-
![]()
Once-In-A-Lifetime Whal Watching
-
![]()
Meditation, Visualization & Breathwork to Breathe Life into Your Future Self
-
![]()
Rise with Women Who Become Lifelong Friends
Guided by Land, Circle, and Experience
Hi, I’m Zoe, founder of Wild Minds
I’ve spent the last 20 years as both a therapist and a wilderness guide, and somewhere along the way, I realized the magic happens when those two worlds meet. For most of my career, I worked with creative entrepreneurs in Los Angeles as a therapist, helping them move through fear and find new ways of meeting life with curiosity and courage. And over the years of guiding, I saw how much deeper the work goes when we’re in nature and in community—not trying to do it all alone.
I love creating spaces where people can bring their whole selves—the grief, joy, fear, laughter—and let the land, the animals, and each other be teachers.
We’re living in a time when the old systems clearly aren’t working. The world needs courage, creativity, grief-tenders, and voices unafraid to speak up. My hope is that these retreats give you space to remember who you are, what you want to bring forward, and how to keep going even when the world feels heavy.
Antonio Hernandez
Our head Kayaking Guide, Antonio, was born and raised in Loreto, He’s been guiding in the Sea of Cortez for over 20 years and has been part-owner of Paddling South since 2007. He brings skill, humor, and heart to every trip and carries a deep knowledge of the land and sea. Whether he’s pointing out hidden wildlife, cooking a meal on the beach, or sharing a laugh, Antonio brings the magic of his home to life.
How We Work Together
Antonio and his crew take incredible care of us — from cooking meals and setting up shade to guiding us across the water and tending to the countless camp tasks that keep the trip flowing smoothly. Their support creates the spaciousness for practices of visioning, listening, slowing down, and tending to the relational field.
Wild Minds holds the arc of the retreat—guiding vision-setting practices, council circles, and the deeper transformation that unfold before, during, and after our days on the water. We also handle travel and accommodations once in Mexico so you can arrive with ease, fully resourced for the work ahead.
And our larger container, the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez invite deep rest, while gray whales, who journey here to birth and nurture, mirror our own path of renewal. It’s a place to be held by the ocean as you discover your wild.
Together, we weave logistics, local knowledge, and inner work into one seamless experience. We’re honored to partner with Antonio and the Paddling South team to bring this journey to life.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
$4,500
*PAY IN FULL
$4,500
OR
12 PAYMENTS OF
$375
WHAT’S
INCLUDED
-
This isn’t a “come for a week and good luck out there” kind of retreat. From the moment you say yes, you’ll be held in a year-long arc of support — with pre-retreat calls to prepare and connect, a closing circle to share stories of returning home, and quarterly alumni gatherings to help you reorient when life gets noisy. It means your vision won’t just fade into a memory — it will be nurtured, witnessed, and carried alongside you through 2026.
-
In addition to group practices, you’ll have the option for a 1:1 check-in with Zoe while on retreat.
These one-on-one sessions give you space to deepen your insights, process what’s coming up, and receive personalized support during our time together.
-
Your safety, experience, and growth are held by a team that blends deep local knowledge with decades of guiding and facilitation.
Antonio grew up in Loreto and has spent over 20 years guiding in the Sea of Cortez. As a part-owner of the local outfitter that supports our journey, he brings unmatched expertise in the waters, wildlife, and history of this place.
Zoe is certified as a Wilderness First Responder, seasoned backpacking and sea-kayak guide, and licensed therapist. She weaves her background in facilitation and meditation into every retreat, creating containers for reflection, growth, and community.
Together, we hold not just the logistics of the trip, but also the emotional and cultural container — ensuring you’re supported, safe, and invited into deeper connection with the land, sea, and yourself.
-
We take care of the accommodations before and after our time on the water so you don’t have to stress about finding a place to stay.
You’ll be at the same safe, welcoming hotel on both ends of the retreat — about a 15-minute walk to town, with a restaurant and mini-mart right in the lobby if you’d rather stay in.
On the final evening, you’ll also have the option to relax in the jacuzzi, wander into Loreto for dinner, or simply enjoy a good night’s rest before heading home.
-
We will offer a van pick-up at a set time from the airport to the hotel and transportation back to the airport on departure day.
If you can’t make the time we set for the group pick up not to worry. It’s really easy to get around Loreto. It’s a small town and very easy to pick up a cab, even if you don’t speak Spanish.
-
This isn’t your average “camp meal.” Because the trip is skiff-boat supported, we get to enjoy meals that feel downright luxurious after a day on the water. All of it is prepared by our incredible local guide and chef, Antonio—aka the man who can turn fresh fish into magic.
Think:
Fresh-caught ceviche with lime and chiles
Creamy guacamole and salsa served with warm tortillas
Poblano chicken that will make you close your eyes in happiness
Fresh fruit, snacks, and yes—plenty of chocolate for those mid-afternoon cravings
Morning coffee and tea as the sun edges up over the Sea of Cortez
Dietary restrictions? No worries—we’ve got you covered. Just let us know ahead of time, and Antonio will make sure you’re nourished, happy, and well-fed.
-
While many folks like to use their own gear, we’ve got you fully covered if you don’t want to invest in or lug it down to Mexico. We’ll provide everything from tents, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags to big waterproof boat bags to keep your stuff dry, plus wetsuits and snorkeling gear for when you’re ready to dive in.
And here’s the best part: this trip is skiff-boat supported. That means all your big gear rides on the boat, not on your back. (Pack light-ish, but know you don’t have to be a minimalist wizard to make it work 😉).
We provide:
Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad (all the big cozy stuff)
Kayaks, paddles, and safety gear
Snorkeling gear so you can meet the fish face-to-face
Wetsuits for when the water invites you in
All you really need to bring are your clothes, personal items, and that sense of adventure.
We’ll also send you a welcome page with all the trip details, including a full packing list, so you’ll know exactly what to bring (and what to leave behind).
NOT INCLUDED:
Trip Insurance
Flights
Local Guide Gratuity (Suggested $200-$300)
Retreat Attendees Are Raving
-
![]()
Sarah B.
“Wild Minds was a life changing experience for me! It was just the right amount of group facilitation mixed with one-on-one support. The moments with the people I met in that beautiful place will stay with me for the rest of my life. I was able to look deeply within myself and see what I needed to see. I left with new tools and new perspectives that have changed me forever. One of the best things I have ever done for myself!”
-
![Suzanne]()
Suzzane G.
“All of the various parts of this journey ( kayaking, camping, meditating, beaches, snorkeling, sea stars, star gazing, counsel, dolphins, whales, pelicans, seaside cactus, turtles, space and assistance with finding an intentional path forward, and much more), showed that not only is the whole greater than the sum of its parts but This magic combination somehow created emergent properties that carry me forward on a light wind”
-
![]()
Katie F.
I cannot recommend this experience enough. If even a little piece of you is intrigued, listen to that part of your heart and see if you can make this happen. I signed up primarily to spend time on the water and explore a new area of nature, and I got so much more in terms of a deeper relationship with myself, new perspectives on mindfulness and the myriad ways to use it everyday, and a reminder of the power and strength of groups of people; being in community with the collective is truly magical.
You’re not meant to enter 2026 with the same dream still inside you.
This retreat is your catalyst.
When you return home …
You won’t just have memories of Baja … you’ll have a vision you’re committed to, the internal shift to follow through, and the support to bring your next chapter to life throughout 2026 and beyond.
If you feel the pull, consider this your threshold.
Your moment to step into the circle, into the land, and into the future you’re ready to create.
IN RELATIONSHIP
WITH THE LAND,
YOU REMEMBER YOURSELF
Dear fellow wild ones,
As we embark on retreat, we will be entering into the Loreto Bay National Marine Park Wilderness which is in the Sea of Cortez. Loreto has been inhabited for over 12,000 years. Originally called Concho, a simple and beautiful home for Mexican tribes including the Cochimies and Guaycuras people. Historians believe that Loreto is the oldest human settlement in Baja California. In 1996, Loreto Bay National Marine Park was established, protecting 790 square miles of the Sea of Cortez and the Islands of Loreto.
Understanding the history of the area we are exploring together is something we are working to incorporate more of into the retreats offered.
In addition, the intention for this trip is to be in the right relationship with the land and sea. This means thinking of ways we can give back to the area for all that we receive.
Part of this involves traveling on land and sea in a way that minimizes impact and donating to organizations that protect and look over the areas.
We are open to any thoughts or suggestions around this topic.
With love,
Zoe
FAQ
-
If you cancel within 45 days of the retreat, you may receive a full refund minus the $500 deposit.
After, Wild Minds loses the ability to sell your reserved space to other individuals or groups. Therefore, we regret that we cannot make exceptions for personal emergencies.
For this reason, we strongly recommend you consider purchasing a travel insurance plan.
Please see next question about travel insurance.
-
We strongly recommend you protect your adventure retreat by purchasing a short-term traveler's insurance policy which covers baggage loss, accidents, and trip cancellation. Wild Minds accepts no responsibility for lost, damaged or delayed property.
Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for any nonrefundable air and land expenses should you have to cancel your space due to family illness. It may also cover any emergency evacuation expenses should you become ill during the trip. Although every effort is made to ensure a safe trip, you should realize that in the event of illness or injury evacuation can be expensive. Please check your medical coverage to ensure it is adequate.
There are many travel insurance companies to choose from.
We recommend purchasing travel insurance when you purchase your air fair, but no later than a week before the trip. Purchasing early enough will provide you with a waiver of pre-existing conditions. Insurance acquired typically does not provide protection for pre-existing conditions.
-
This kayaking and camping adventure is designed so you can feel pleasantly tired at the end of the day while still having enough energy for the introspection and reflection that accompany a retreat experience.
The trip is not meant to be physically intense, however we will be spending our days kayaking, doing yoga, hiking, snorkeling, and camping.
Below are some guidelines for minimal physical requirements; if you feel comfortable with these types of activities, you are in a perfect position to enjoy the trip.
Paddle 1 – 3 hours/day with breaks
Enjoy a camping lifestyle including getting in/out of camp chairs and tents, squatting for a variety of activities, walking up/down rocky slopes or sandy dunes, some rock-hopping through intertidal zones.
Getting in/out/off a kayak and carrying it up to the beach with help.
If you have any questions or concerns, book an interest call here, and we can talk it through together.
-
The meals will be prepared for you by our local guides with delicious, locally sourced food.
If you have dietary restrictions, we will work with you.
For example, one of our guides has celiac disease and is very well-versed in safety and preventing cross-contamination.
Should you have special/severe dietary restrictions or needs, let's chat and we can figure out what you might need.
We also carry plenty of snacks for breaks while paddling, typically consisting of fruit and nut mixes, and local energy bars such as peanut and amaranth bars.
Over the years, the local guides have developed a creative menu to please the guests and the food has received rave reviews.
-
After you sign up you will get an email with what to expect in the months leading up to our trip.
Camping Gear:
Tent and dry bags for kayaking will be provided. Some of the other camping gear like sleeping bag and sleeping pad can be provided upon request, just make sure to fill out the questionnaire.
Clothing & Personal Gear:
You will get a detailed packing list but you can start thinking about non-cotton moister wicking material clothing you can bring.
-
The great outdoors! Don’t worry though, we will teach you everything you need to know in order to have a 5-star bathroom experience.
-
There will not be service where we are going.
Part of this experience is going completely offline. During our group calls we will talk about the value in going offline and ways to prepare for the trip and integrate back to cell service and email after the trip.
For safety we will have a gps tracking device which we will send and receive messages on in case of an emergency. Included in your welcome packet is information about safety and communication.
-
The group calls are a really important part of this experience.
In your welcome e-mail will be a link to fill out your availability so we can try and find a time that works best for everyone.
On these calls you will get a chance to
Connect with your new adventure friends
Practice mindfulness and self-compassion techniques that you will use during our trip
Plan how you would like to prepare mentally and physically
Ask questions about packing and gear
-
This is a substance-free trip. There is a focus and emphasis on deepening your relationship with yourself and the land. It is also an opportunity to expand your capacity to be with the ups and downs without turning to substances.
-
TRANSPORTATION / ACCOMMODATIONS
You will be flying into Loreto International Airport.
From there, we will coordinate with our group to have a shuttle pick you up from the airport on January 17th to take you to a beautiful local hotel. We will also provide a shuttle back to the airport on January 24th.
We take transitions seriously and want to make sure you have time to settle and feel supported before heading out on our adventure.
Accommodation pre-and post-kayaking adventure are included in the cost.
-
This trip is for those over the age of 18. There is no age limit on who can come on this trip.
-
From January to March, the average daily high temps range from the mid-fifties to mid-seventies, with hardly any rainfall. It's the absolute best time of the year to visit.
Whale migration also happens during this season, and it's possible to see these beautiful creatures on their journey, along with dolphins and local fish.
Have more questions?