Registration will be open Friday November 28th
A Retiro de la Diosa in the Heart of Belize
March 3rd to 9th, 2026
The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Belize
Awaken Your Inner Healer: Jardín de IxChel
An immersive journey into Maya Herbal Wisdom and Spiritual Cleansing in the sacred heart of Belize.
Join us for an unparalleled retreat experience, Jardín de IxChel: Herbal Wisdom and Spiritual Cleansing, designed to reconnect you with the ancient healing power of Mother Earth. Nestled within the breathtaking Lodge at Chaa Creek's private nature reserve in Belize, this transformative journey is an invitation to explore the profound wisdom of Maya medicine, learn directly from revered healers, and undergo deep spiritual purification.
Inspired by IxChel, the revered Maya Goddess of the Moon, fertility, and medicine, this retreat focuses on the potent energy of plants and time-honored spiritual practices. Prepare to unlock ancestral knowledge, cleanse your energy body, and cultivate a deeper, more harmonious relationship with the natural world and your own innate healing abilities.
The Journey Awaits: What You Will Experience
Over 6 nights and 7 days, you will be guided through a meticulously crafted itinerary designed for profound learning and spiritual renewal. This retreat is a unique opportunity to:
Discover Maya Herbal Medicine: Delve into the rich lineage of Maya healers, learning about medicinal plants, their traditional uses, and the spiritual aspects of ancient remedies.
Experience Spiritual Cleansing: Participate in powerful Maya Spiritual Baths and a sacred Primicia Ceremony to clear energetic blockages and invite renewal.
Immerse in Nature: Connect deeply with the vibrant Belizean jungle through guided walks and exploration within Chaa Creek's pristine private reserve.
Visit Ancient Wonders: Journey to the magnificent Maya city of Tikal in Guatemala, walking in the footsteps of an ancient civilization.
Nourish Body & Soul: Enjoy delicious, fresh meals and the tranquility of a world-renowned eco-lodge.
Your Guides for This Journey
Crystal Dorado | Sacred Guide & Healer
Crystal is a visionary healer and the soul behind Verde Holistic Wellness Studio in Chicago. As an indigenous woman of color, Crystal’s path is deeply rooted in the ancestral wisdom of her lineage; she is the granddaughter of traditional Mexican curanderos and hierboleras (herbalists). Her grandfather served his community as a sobador and huesero (bone setter), while her grandmother cultivated the earth's medicine as a yerbera. These early initiations into the world of spirit and plant medicine sparked a lifelong dedication to the healing arts.
With over two decades of experience, Crystal has woven these inherited gifts with extensive formal training. She is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master Teacher, Akashic Records Practitioner, Craniosacral Therapist, and a specialist in Womb Massage. Having honed her craft under the guidance of esteemed healers in Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize, Crystal bridges the gap between ancient Mesoamerican traditions and modern holistic wellness.
Dr Rosita Arvigo | Doctor of Naprapathy & Master Herbalist
Dr. Rosita is a legend in the world of traditional healing.. A Doctor of Naprapathy and master herbalist, she has dedicated her life to the preservation of ancestral healing knowledge. Her journey is defined by her historic 13-year apprenticeship with Don Elijio Panti, the renowned Maya Shaman of Belize, who passed his vast knowledge of medicinal plants and spiritual healing onto her before his passing. She also studied closely with Miss Hortense Robinson, a beloved Belizean herbal midwife.
Dr. Rosita is the founder of The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® and the Abdominal Therapy Collective. She established the Ix Chel Tropical Research Foundation in Belize to promote the use of traditional plants and prevent the destruction of the rainforest. She is the author of several acclaimed books, including Sastun: My Apprenticeship with a Maya Healer and Rainforest Home Remedies.
The Itinerary: A Glimpse into Your Transformative Week
Dates: March 3 - March 9, 2026 | Location: The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Belize
Day 1 (March 3, Tue): Arrival & Sacred Welcome
Arrive at The Lodge at Chaa Creek and settle into your eco-pod.
Welcome Dinner and Opening Circle with a traditional Sacred Fire/Copal Blessing.
Facilitated by Crystal
Day 2 (March 4, Wed): Plant Medicine Deep Dive
All-Day Workshop: Immerse yourself in the world of Maya Medicine, learning about common healing plants, their uses, and the spiritual philosophy passed down from Don Elijio Panti.
Facilitated by Crystal & Dr. Rosita
Day 3 (March 5, Thu): Earth & Herbalism
Tropical Herb Garden Tour: Join Dr. Rosita Arvigo at her renowned Villa Rosa, for an intimate tour discussing the medicinal plants of Belize, including a taste of her famous "Jungle Juice."
Hands-on Workshop: Learn about plant identification and preparation.
Facilitated by Crystal & Dr. Rosita
Day 4 (March 6, Fri): Journey to Tikal
Sacred Excursion: An awe-inspiring, full-day journey to the majestic ancient Maya city of Tikal in Guatemala. Explore towering temples and learn about one of the greatest civilizations of its time.
Day 5 (March 7, Sat): Cleansing & Ceremony
Maya Spiritual Bath: An incredible experience with water, prayer, plants, and copal incense to clear your energy body of negative effects like fright, grief, envy, and anger.
Sacred Maya Primicia Ceremony: Participate in a traditional Maya offering and prayer for connection and gratitude.
Facilitated by Crystal & Dr. Rosita
Day 6 (March 8, Sun): Free Day to Explore Chaa Creek
Enjoy a day of personal exploration and integration within Chaa Creek's 400-acre private nature reserve. Complimentary activities include: Guided tours of the Natural History Centre, Butterfly Farm, and Rainforest Medicine Trail; Canoeing on the Macal River; Early Morning Bird Walks; Access to extensive trail systems.
Day 7 (March 9, Mon): Early Departure
Enjoy an early breakfast before departing from Chaa Creek.
Your Sanctuary: The Lodge at Chaa Creek
Your home for this week will be the charming Belize Rainforest Retreat (Eco-Pods) within the award-winning Lodge at Chaa Creek. These eco-friendly, fully-screened cabins offer a genuine jungle immersion with comfort.
Accommodation: Private sheltered porches, comfortable beds with fresh linens, and shared, well-maintained shower and toilette facilities. Lit by oil lamps for an authentic experience.
Nourishment: All delicious, traditional Belizean meals are included and served in a spacious thatch-roofed palapa with its own kitchen and dining area. Expect fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Amenities: Access to Chaa Creek's 400-acre private nature reserve, which includes the Natural History Centre, Butterfly Farm, extensive hiking trails, and canoes for river exploration.
Accommodations
Jardin de IxChel Retreat Package
What's Included:
6 nights accommodation at Chaa Creek's Belize Rainforest Retreat (Eco-Pods).
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) at the Retreat's dining palapa.
All workshops and ceremonies led by Crystal Dorado and Dr. Rosita Arvigo as per the itinerary.
Guided Tropical Herb Garden Tour at Villa Rosa.
All-day Tikal Excursion (including transportation and guide fees).
All complimentary on-site activities at Chaa Creek (Natural History Centre, Butterfly Farm, Rainforest Medicine Trail, Canoeing, Bird Walks, Trail System access).
Ground transportation to and from Belize City International Airport (BZE) to Chaa Creek on arrival and departure days (specific times to be advised).
What's Not Included:
International airfare to/from Belize City (BZE).
Travel insurance (highly recommended).
Personal expenses, additional spa services, extra excursions, alcoholic beverages.
Tips for local guides/staff.
Investment
✨ Exclusive Small Business Weekend Price $2,500 USD (Save $700) November 28 - December 1, 2025 ✨
Early Access Price $2,700 USD (Save $500) Until January 15, 2026
Standard Price $3,200 USD After January 15, 2026
To Secure Your Registration
A non-refundable $500 USD Deposit is required to secure your spot.
The Final Payment for the remaining balance is due on February 15, 2026.
Limited spaces available!
Ready to Answer IxChel's Call?
Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with ancient wisdom, rejuvenate your spirit, and deepen your understanding of herbal healing in the magical setting of Belize. Secure your space today!
General Travel Information for Belize
Languages: English (official, widely spoken), Spanish, Maya, Garifuna, Creole.
Currency: Belize Dollar (BZ). US1=BZ2. US dollars are widely accepted.
Climate: Subtropical, averaging 80°F, with a brisk Caribbean wind. March is part of Belize's dry season, offering comfortable temperatures.
Entry Requirements: Valid passports and return/onward tickets are required. Visas are NOT required for citizens of the U.S., European Union, Commonwealth or Caricom nations, Mexico, Austria, and Costa Rica. Please check with the Immigration and Nationality Department for other nationalities.
Tikal Excursion: Requires a valid passport for border crossing into Guatemala.