Who we are
"The highest state is laughter." — Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
One thing is for sure — we laugh a lot at Creative Yoga Retreats. We love building community at our retreats, and we believe in the power of laughter, time spent in nature, creativity, movement, self-care, deep work, and meaningful connection. If you're looking for a community of like-minded individuals, or simply want to attend a retreat that is well-planned, intentional, and fun, we’d love to meet you!
We pay close attention to every detail, ensuring that each event is thoughtfully designed with you and your growth in mind. We believe that when life gets difficult, we can rely on our tools and habits to get through. During our retreats, we share the tools we’ve learned.
Before becoming retreat leaders, we were long-time friends, supporting each other through many of life's journeys. In February 2019, we traveled to Colombia and found ourselves in the jungles of Minca, one of the most beautiful, peaceful, and inspiring places we’ve ever visited. It was here that the seeds of Creative Yoga Retreats were planted.
Individually, we have traveled all over the world and experienced moments that made us think: What if we could bring others here to experience these transformative moments with us? Together, we have a wealth of experience that makes us the perfect fit for guiding you on an unforgettable journey. We pour our hearts into planning each retreat, ensuring it’s tailored to support your growth every step of the way.
Mary Howze
Mary Howze is a dedicated yoga instructor and experienced event planner who shares her passion for yoga as a spiritual practice. A practitioner at heart, she completed her 200-hour training with Powered By Heart Yoga and brings intentionality to every class she leads. Known for her thoughtfully crafted sessions, Mary pairs her teachings with engaging playlists to create memorable and impactful experiences.
With over eight years of practice, yoga has become one of Mary’s greatest joys and purpose, allowing her to connect deeply with her community. Her expertise extends beyond the mat, as she skillfully plans and organizes events that inspire creativity, connection, and mindfulness. From regular classes to leading yoga on festival stages and hosting transformative retreats, Mary’s work is grounded in creating meaningful experiences.
When she’s not on the mat, Mary finds inspiration in traveling, immersing herself in nature, and exploring the magic of music.
Follow Mary Howze on Instagram: @mmhowze
Jessica Mahan
Jessica Mahan is a professional painter, art teacher, and 200-hour certified yoga teacher trained with the Andean Yoga School in the mountains of Pisac, Peru. Her love for the practice deepened through daily movement, reflection, and connection to the natural world during her training, and she carries that spirit into everything she teaches.
Jessica is passionate about the slower, more nourishing side of yoga: breathwork, meditation, and the art of the long savasana that allows the body and nervous system to truly restore. Her teaching is rooted in vinyasa, the practice of aligning breath with movement, with a deep focus on nervous system regulation and presence. She is also drawn to the healing power of sound and resonance, finding beauty and stillness in the vibrations of crystal bowls and other instruments.
Deeply inspired by nature, Jessica finds that the outdoors awakens her mind to the present moment, fueling her creativity with fresh ideas and insights. Her paintings are vibrant, emotional, playful, and dreamlike, often infused with symbolism and described as visual poetry. Through her art practice, she cultivates mindfulness, slowing down to observe the world around her, its shapes, colors, rhythms, and light.
With thirteen years of experience as a professional artist and over sixteen years of art teaching experience, Jessica thrives on sharing her passion for creativity and movement with others.
Beyond her studio and mat, she loves traveling, writing, exploring nature, enjoying music, and spending time with animals.
Find her work on Instagram: @jessica_mahan_art
Explore her portfolio: jessicamahanart.com
