Immerse yourself in knowledge, connection, deep relaxation, and an astounding peace. We are honored to invite you to join us in the Self Exploration to Paradise Retreat of South of Puerto Vallarta in Boca de Tomatlán. This unique retreat is hidden in the Sierra Madre Mountains, tucked away along the shoreline of Banderas Bay.  The land here has a rhythm that nourishes the soul. Beaming with radiant life, away from the constant noise of modern life, it allows one to come back to self. You are whole no matter what you are struggling with.  Now is the Time to Settle Deep into Relaxation and Set your Intentions while we Recharge our Batteries.

Self Exploration to Paradise is about restoring the balance between mind, body and spirit.  Nickole Gonzales and Erik Avila are incredible guides in ancient yoga traditions, meditation and Ayurveda.  All three modalities aligned in nurturing your entire being. When we are not immersed in the practices we will step out the door of Casa Elissa and discover one of the most beautiful beaches called Colomitos, a short stretch of sand with legendary beauty. No roads lead to Colomitos Beach, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. The clear sparkling waters will make your heart sing.

We’ll also spend an afternoon at Las Animas Playa and another day visiting a small town Quimixto, which includes a hike to a waterfall in the mountains.

Our goal is for you to tap into the infinite trust within your heart and feel expansion blossom.

Meet Your Teachers

OM! Nickole Thornton Gonzales is the founder of NW Ayurveda, Yoga, and Massage in Seattle, Washington. Nickole is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner for 22 years and Yoga Instructor since 2009.  Her style of teaching is authentic traditional Hatha, slow flow, with a focus on alignment through the Sivananada lineage. Nickole travels to various Yoga and Ayurvedic centers across the United States, Mexico, and Canada providing lectures, workshops, retreats, consultations, and Panchakarma.

Nickole graduated under the teachings of Dr. Vasant Lad at The Ayurvedic Institute where she was employed in the Panchakarma department for 8 years. In 2008, Nickole continued her Ayurvedic journey to India and studied Advanced Ayurvedic Assessments with Dr. Lad’s Guru Kula Program and attained Sivananda 200 hr Yoga Certification.  In 2019, she compled her 300 hrs Advanced YTT at Sivananda Bahamas rounded out her 500 hr teacher training experience.

Nickole enjoys sharing her love of Ayurveda in a way that is applicable to everyday life. She looks forward to assisting you with prevention, longevity, healthy body, mind, and digestion.

OM! Erik Avila is the founder of Luz America in Chacahua, Mexico.