Two Sisters. Two Perfect Days. One Magical Retreat

We’ve spent years dreaming up our perfect day in Zihuatanejo—our special magic place. For each of us, it looks a little different, but the feeling is the same: light, spacious, joyful, and free.

Camp Joy was created as a women's retreat unlike any other—where every woman, whether traveling with friends or embarking on a solo travel adventure, can carve out time for herself. Whether your soul craves stillness or sunshine, meaningful connection or playful freedom, you’ll find your version of joy here.

At Camp Joy, we always say there’s no one way to do joy. And perhaps no one embodies that better than the two sisters who co-founded this retreat: Marea and Monique.

They may share the same last name (and the same obsession with good food and meaningful conversation), but their ideal vacation days couldn’t look more different. And that’s exactly the point. Camp Joy was born out of their shared belief that women deserve space to rest, reconnect, and reimagine life on their own terms.

Here’s what a perfect day looks like—through each of their eyes.

And we still dress alike, unplanned

Marea’s Perfect Day: Stillness, Space, and Soulful Connection

"Joy, for me, is having space to hear myself again."

I wake with the light, before the world fully stirs. There’s time for quiet meditation, a little yoga to stretch out the morning, and a peaceful walk along the beach. The rhythm is soft, slow, nourishing.

Then comes lunch: a fresh, vibrant salad—made for me. No cooking. No cleanup. Just the sweet luxury of being cared for.

Afternoons are sacred. I settle in by the pool with my earbuds in, listening to my favorite spirit music (I will be sharing my playlists). I write in my journal and give myself the rare gift of time—to reflect on who I am, who I’m becoming, and what might be next.

After that: a warm sauna, a refreshing swim, and a long, steamy shower to wash it all off.

As the sun dips low, I grab a paddle and challenge someone to a cheeky little ping pong match with a wee glass of bubbles or wine in hand.

Then comes the real magic: a gathering of friends, followed by a long, languorous dinner under the stars. The kind where laughter bubbles up between bites, where we go deep, dream big, and maybe—if the spirit strikes—break into a spontaneous dance party.

I’m in bed by 10pm, happy, restored, and exactly where I’m meant to be.

The sunset that needs to be photographed every day

Monique’s Perfect Day: Wander, Sip, Swim, Repeat

"Give me sunshine, a beach, the ocean, and a margarita. Actually, make that two."

I start slow. No alarm. No guilt. I sleep until 9. Then I head for a salty swim in the ocean, followed by coffee and a leisurely nibble of breakfast.

The morning calls for a wander through town—peeking into shops, discovering treasures I don’t need but absolutely must have. There’s something magical about a morning with nowhere to be.

Next stop: my favourite beach club. Fish tacos, guac, and the first margarita of the day. Then a paddleboard rental (why not?), followed by a massage under a palapa, the waves crashing just beyond.

Another swim. A book. A game of Bananagrams. Another margarita. A brisk walk back up the hill with the sun on my skin and the buzz of the day still lingering.

Then it’s time to dress up just a little. Maybe dinner in town, maybe somewhere with my feet buried in the sand (and yes, more grilled fish). Always a sunset photo, even though I already have 100 of them. Almost always a glass of wine. Sometimes with my favourite people. We laugh, we talk big, we maybe even dance when a great song comes on. Sometimes solo with a book, I love that too. Watch and listen to the waves, then bed by 11 (ish), heart full.

Two Paths to Joy, One Shared Philosophy

Whether you’re more of a spirit-music pool lounger or a town-strolling margarita sipper, Camp Joy was created for you.

You don’t need to fit into someone else’s itinerary. You get to choose what rest, connection, and joy look like for you.

Join us for the ultimate women's retreat at Camp Joy Zihuatanejo in February 2026 as we share our magic.

Whether you’re coming with friends or embracing solo travel for the first time, we’ve saved your seat under the stars.

Camp Joy – Reconnect with yourself. Redefine what’s next.