You May Be Here Because...
You look successful on the outside, but something feels off.
You keep functioning.
You keep producing.
You keep performing.
But you know you're carrying more than you should.
You feel stuck in patterns that haven't changed.
You understand them.
You've talked about them.
Yet somehow they keep repeating.
You're facing a major life transition.
A relationship is changing.
A career is changing.
Your identity is changing.
And you're not sure what's next.
You're exhausted.
Not physically.
Soul-level exhausted.
You're carrying trauma, grief, shame, or unresolved pain, maybe?
And you're tired of managing symptoms.
You want resolution.
The Reasons People Find Us
People come to Merkaba Retreats because:
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They are successful but unhappy.
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They are burned out.
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They feel disconnected from themselves.
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They are repeating patterns they cannot break.
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They are recovering from addiction or compulsive behaviors.
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They are carrying unresolved trauma.
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They are facing a major life decision.
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Their relationship needs intervention before it deteriorates further.
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They know something must change, but they don't know how.
What You’ll Experience Here
This is not a week to escape your life.
It’s where you step fully into it.
You’ll be guided to face the patterns, habits, and internal dynamics that haven’t shifted — even after everything you’ve tried.
Not conceptually.
Not intellectually.
In real time.
There will be moments that challenge you. That’s intentional.
Because that’s where change actually happens.
You don’t leave with temporary relief.
You leave with clarity, movement, and a different relationship to what’s been holding you back.
Why Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta is the home of Merkaba Retreats—and the home of the ArcherShaw River Temple, new home to Merkaba Retreats.
While we offer seasonal immersions throughout the United States and beyond, our private 1:1, couples, and small group experiences take place here, in the lush mountains just minutes from Puerto Vallarta's coastline.
Nestled along the Rio Cuale in the quiet village of Paso Ancho, the River Temple is surrounded by flowing water, tropical jungle, birdsong, ancient trees, and mountain air. Although the vibrant energy of Puerto Vallarta, the Zona Romántica, and the Pacific Ocean are only a short drive away, the Temple itself feels worlds apart.
Guests often tell us they experience something here that is difficult to describe—a profound sense of stillness.
Here's why people love it:
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Easy to reach — Direct flights from many major cities make travel simple and stress-free.
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Close to everything, removed from the noise — Minutes from Puerto Vallarta, yet immersed in nature and silence.
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Surrounded by living beauty — Rivers, mountains, jungle, waterfalls, tropical wildlife, and breathtaking sunsets create a naturally restorative environment.
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Authentic Mexico — Rich culture, extraordinary cuisine, warm hospitality, and a community that welcomes you with open arms.
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A place that supports deep inner work — Without the distractions of everyday life, your nervous system has space to settle, your body can breathe, and your mind can become clear.
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Designed for integration — Because the Temple exists within a living community rather than behind the walls of a secluded resort, the insights you discover naturally begin integrating into real life.
Transformation doesn't require escaping the world.
Sometimes it simply requires stepping into a place where the noise falls away, nature reminds you who you are, and every aspect of the environment supports your return to yourself.
That is why Puerto Vallarta—and the ArcherShaw River Temple—is the home of Merkaba Retreats.
The Land, the Culture, and the Spaces We Call Home
Many of our retreats unfold in the heart of Puerto Vallarta — surrounded by mountains, ocean, rivers, waterfalls, culture, color, and warmth. This gallery captures some of the landscapes and energy that support your journey.
What Makes Merkaba Retreats Different
There are many retreats — but Merkaba Retreats offers something unique. Our immersions are small, personal, and intentionally designed so you can create real change without feeling overwhelmed or lost in a big group. READ THE FAQS.
Here’s what sets us apart:
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Small Groups, Big Connection: We limit each retreat to only a few guests for our Signature Group Immersions. You won’t get lost in the crowd — you’ll be seen, supported, and guided every step of the way.
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Deep, Meaningful Work (Made Accessible): You don’t need to be “spiritual” to come here. Our approach is simple, grounded, and human — focused on clarity, nervous system healing, emotional release, and real inner renewal.
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Experienced, Heart-Centered Facilitation: Christopher and Aeon guide each retreat with presence, expertise, skill, and care. You are held by facilitators who have lived this work — not by volunteers or temporary staff.
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Medicine Ceremonies With Safety, Integrity, and Intention: Our medicine ceremonies are not recreational. They are carefully prepared, guided with reverence, and supported with integration so your insights become lasting change.
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A Real Location With Real Life Around You: Our Mexico retreats unfold in the heart of Puerto Vallarta — surrounded by mountains, warmth, ocean, rivers and waterfalls. It’s the perfect balance of retreat and reality, helping your breakthroughs stay grounded once you return home.
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Integration That Actually Matters: The retreat doesn’t end when you leave. We offer reflection tools, guidance, and community support so the clarity you gain becomes part of your everyday life.
Private 1:1 and Couples Immersions
In addition to our small group retreats, we offer private immersions for individuals and couples who want deeper, more personalized support.
These custom-designed experiences allow you to move at your own pace, explore the work more intimately, and receive Christopher and Aeon’s full guidance throughout your journey.
Whether you’re navigating a life transition, strengthening your relationship, or seeking a deeper reset, these private immersions offer a powerful, highly tailored path.
Meet Your Facilitators
At the heart of every Merkaba Retreat is the presence, experience, and care of Christopher Shaw and Aeon Archer.
Together, they bring over 32 years of combined experience in psychotherapy, somatic work, spiritual practice, and transformational guidance. You are supported directly by them — from the moment you arrive to the moment your retreat concludes. No rotating facilitators. No temporary staff. Just real, consistent leadership.
Christopher brings over 18 years of experience in psychotherapy, trauma integration, and spiritual practice. His approach is grounded, compassionate, and steady — helping guests feel safe, supported, and seen. He specializes in emotional clarity, nervous system healing, identity transformation, and earth-based ceremonial work.
Aeon brings intuitive insight, somatic attunement, and a deeply heart-centered presence. His background includes spiritual mentorship, yoga, energy-based practices, and holding grounded space for inner transformation. Guests often describe him as warm, intuitive, and deeply supportive.
Christopher and Aeon hold each retreat with intention, humility, and genuine care. Their dynamic creates a safe, balanced, and transformative environment where you can relax, open up, and explore what truly matters in your life. Read how others have experienced the ArcherShaw container.
This is the foundation of Merkaba Retreats: Real humans, real presence, real transformation.
Real Stories From Our Guests
C, USA & Costa Rica
"Having spent years doing deep trauma work and participating in various intensives, I can honestly say this experience felt like all of those combined—and then expanded into something even more impactful..." Read more.
Eric, Austin, TX
"The Merkaba Retreat gave me the space, the support, and the sacred tools to reclaim my light. I return home with an open heart, a reawakened soul, and immense gratitude for this deeply healing journey." Read more.
Drebo, Austin, TX
"My time at Merkaba Retreats was nothing short of life-changing. I experienced profound healing, clarity, and a deep remembrance of who I truly am. The sacred space, guided ceremonies, and beautiful community held me through transformation I didn’t even know I was ready for." Read more.
We host sacred retreats in Mexico and beyond. Each gathering is intimate, intentional, and soul-selected.
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2026 - We are available for private 1:1, couples, and chosen family customized immersions in Mexico or at your chosen location.
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October 12-18 - Group Immersion - WOMENS RETREAT - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
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December 7-13 - Group Immersion - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
