Soul Work & Sacred Surf™ series
Waves of Resilience: Healing through Art, Psychology, and Surfing
This workshop is more than a learning experience—it’s an invitation to connect deeply with yourself and others in a supportive and creative space. Together, we’ll explore the profound potential for healing and growth that arises when art and psychology converge. And the best part? You don’t need to be “good” at art—there’s no right or wrong way to express yourself creatively.
This transformative workshop integrates Art Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, two evidence-based approaches. Art Therapy offers a dynamic way to visually explore your thoughts and emotions, giving you a unique outlet for self-expression and growth. Creating art stimulates your brain, unlocking new pathways and new possibilities. CBT can help you identify and challenge dysfunctional thought patterns, empowering you to see the world differently.
Guests will have the option to be taken to an off-site secret surf spot for a private surf experience. Surfing naturally complements therapeutic work by engaging the body, connecting with nature, and unlocking deeper layers of emotional processing.
Hosted at MUSA (Modern Utopian Society of Adventurers)
Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Bring your inner monster to life through art, and then engage with it through conversation to gain clarity and understanding.
Delve into themes of control, shifting perspectives, and transformation through the power of poetry.
Draw your own emotional landscape and gain practical tools to continue your healing journey long after the workshop ends.
Compose your personal Declaration of Independence (independence from what keeps you stuck) and collage your flag representing your new state of mind.
In this fully interactive workshop, a board-certified Art Therapist leads you through engaging techniques, including drawing, collage, painting, and writing.
Together, we’ll delve into your fears, anxieties, and the barriers that may be holding you back from achieving your goals. As you explore these challenges, you’ll develop a powerful set of tools to navigate and overcome emotional and psychological obstacles, empowering you to create meaningful, lasting change in your life.
What’s Included in this Retreat (August 14-17, 2025)
Roundtrip ground transportation to and from Zihuatanejo Airport (ZIH) and MUSA
Meet & Greet dinner (August 14)
3 nights accommodation in Casa Parota and Casa Ollin (taxes and fees included)
Communal meals (3 meals daily, August 15–16)
Workshops with Pamela
Optional privately guided surf lesson off-site (August 17)
Retreat Itinerary
A gentle rhythm of creativity, healing, and reconnection.
Each day of the retreat is thoughtfully designed to support your personal journey—blending the therapeutic power of art, the grounding nature of the ocean, and the quiet magic of shared experience. While we honor the natural flow of the group, here’s what you can generally expect:
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Arrival & Opening
Check-in and settle into your space
Free time to rest, explore, or enjoy the ocean
Welcome Dinner + Meet & Greet with Pamela Hayes
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A Day of Deep Dive & Creative Discovery
Morning breakfast to nourish body and mind
Creative Cognitive Therapy Workshop with Pamela (3 hours)
Midday lunch + spacious break
Afternoon workshop session with Pamela (3 hours)
Dinner shared in community
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Continued Exploration & Expression
Morning breakfast to ground and energize
Creative Cognitive Therapy Workshop with Pamela (3 hours)
Nourishing lunch + restorative pause
Afternoon workshop session with Pamela (3 hours)
Dinner and connection under the stars
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Integration & Farewell
Early morning surf session – depart at 7:00 AM
Direct departure to the airport from the beach (no return to hotel)
Please check out and close your hotel tab the night before
Our Facilitator
Pamela Hayes Malkoff is an Esalen faculty member, board-certified Art Therapist, author of The Creative Cognitive Therapy Method, and expert featured on SoulPancake’s The Science of Happiness. With 30+ years of experience, she’s taught at Rhode Island School of Design, California State University, Northridge, The Chicago School and lectured worldwide, blending Art Therapy and CBT to empower meaningful change.
Book Spotlight: The Creative Cognitive Therapy Method by Pamela Hayes
The Creative Cognitive Therapy Method blends CBT with art therapy in a 10-session program designed to heal anxiety, depression, addiction, and anger. Ideal for both clinicians and individuals, this book offers clear, actionable steps including interventions, inspiring quotes, and engaging assignments. With practical tools and creative approaches, Pamela Hayes empowers readers to personalize their healing journey and create lasting change.
Accommodation Details
Casa Parota
Framed by coastal light and grounded in craft, this residence celebrates texture, rhythm, and relaxed intention. Handwoven textiles, sculptural seating, and thoughtful details create a curated space to gather, unwind, and reconnect. Pivoting wood-beam doors open to a private pool and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow—where the horizon calls, the breeze moves through, and every corner invites presence.
Bunk Room — Two Queen Bunk Beds
Warm, textural, and thoughtfully designed, this flexible space features two cozy queen beds and a twin bunk, ideal for friends, or solo travelers sharing accommodations. Earthy striped textiles, wood accents, and natural light create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. A built-in sofa offers extra lounging space, while sleek built-ins keep belongings tidy. A perfect blend of style and functionality for a comfortable stay.
Twin Room — Two Single Beds
A serene retreat bathed in golden light, the Twin Room offers two single beds dressed in soft, neutral linens and decorative pillows. Natural wood details, woven textures, and handcrafted touches create an airy, coastal feel. The room includes a private en-suite bathroom and opens to beautiful views through large windows, ensuring a restful and rejuvenating experience.
King Room — One King Bed
Spacious and tranquil, the King Room showcases a luxurious king-sized bed adorned with artisanal textiles and accent pillows in earthy tones. High, palapa-style ceilings and expansive windows invite natural light and coastal breezes. A cushioned lounge sofa sits at the foot of the bed for relaxation or reading, and tasteful décor elements evoke a refined yet relaxed coastal aesthetic. Ideal for one person seeking extra space and privacy.
Queen Room — One Queen Bed
The Queen Room radiates understated elegance with a queen-sized bed layered in warm, mustard-hued linens and tactile throws. Slatted wood doors slide open to reveal sweeping natural views and let in filtered sunlight, creating beautiful shadows across polished concrete floors. Clean lines, modern furnishings, and local artwork complete the room’s contemporary coastal vibe—a peaceful haven for the solo traveler seeking extra space and privacy.
Casa Ollín
Surrounded by palms and ocean light, this residence is designed for creative flow and quiet connection. Sculptural in form and rich in texture, every space invites movement—between the open-air art studio, elevated yoga deck, and the private pool terrace overlooking the Pacific. Inside, raw materials and curated objects reflect the land’s quiet artistry, while wide openings blur the line between nature and home. It’s spacious, grounded, and made for slipping off the map without losing your rhythm.
Master King Suite
Step into airy luxury in the Master King Suite, a sanctuary featuring soaring palapa ceilings, artisan woodwork, and panoramic glass walls that invite nature inside. Relax on a plush king-size bed adorned with crisp linens, while pendant lighting and woven wall art create a serene ambiance. Enjoy morning breezes from your private balcony, overlooking lush tropical landscapes. The suite offers an en-suite bathroom and ample space for ultimate comfort, blending modern elegance with natural materials.
Queen Room – First Floor
Wake up to vivid green views in the Queen Room on the first floor. This intimate retreat features a cozy queen-size bed framed by warm wood accents and organic textiles. Large corner windows flood the room with natural light and capture sweeping vistas of palm-dotted landscapes. Thoughtful built-in shelving and sliding wooden doors add practical beauty. Perfect for the solo traveler seeking restful simplicity amid nature’s beauty.
Queen Room – Ground Floor
Immerse yourself in nature’s embrace in the Queen Room on the ground floor. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer vibrant jungle views, bringing lush greenery into the serene, minimalist space. A soft queen-size bed, earthy tones, and artisanal touches create a peaceful, modern escape. Open shelving and natural textures provide both style and convenience, making this room a tranquil haven to unwind after a day of adventure.