Sonic Sanctuary
Mexico Retreat

NOvember 8-15, 2026

Immerse yourself in the Sonic Sanctuary,  an artist retreat on the beautiful island of Cozumel that intersects music production, DJing, creative philosophy, nature attunement, cultural exploration, and wellness.  

This experience is curated for education, renewal and expansion: where artists deepen their connection with sound and nature, actualize their creative vision, and evolve their purpose and practice. 

Hosted by Slam Academy, one of the few Ableton Certified Training Centers in the United States.

$1500 for Slam Members
*must be signed into Slam Academy account to receive this pricing*

$1950 for Non-Slam Members 

  • 11  music production & DJ workshops
  • 6 nightly excursions to explore the culture, history, and beauty of Cozumel
  • 2 meals per day cooked by authentic local Mayan chefs
  • Daily guided yoga and meditation
  • Infinite opportunities to amplify your inner artist potential 

secure your spot

workshops 

3 segments each spanning 2 days exploring topics to mold yourself into a well-rounded performing artist 

artist cultivation
& songwriting

Define the creative philosophy you embody as an artist and how to convey those intentions and messages through your music. It will help you understand sonic storytelling as a producer, develop your own track composition formula, and provide practices to keep you inspired and dreaming about your next track. 

Ableton production
& sound design

Deep dive into the musical elements which emotionally evoke the listener and how to design your own sonic palette that resonates with the environment you’re trying to emulate. By exploring how to capture and resample nature recordings, drum programing & processing, and sound design for atmospheric soundscapes, you will gain a variety of modalities to make captivating music. 

DJ, rekordbox,
& live performance

Why read the room when you can set the tone? Learn to intentionally curate sets tailored to each space you perform at, understand rekordbox logistics, and how to use your DJ controller as an instrument of performance. Through a variety of practice and student showcase opportunities, you will gain the confidence and empowerment to trust yourself as a selector of sound. 

excursions 

Roam lush jungles
& sacred ruins 

Nestled in the heart of Cozumel's jungle, San Gervasio is a sacred Maya archaeological site and former pilgrimage center dedicated to the goddess Ix Chel. Roam the ruins, ground yourself in nature and connect to the wisdom of the ancient world.

wander ancient mayan Pyramids

Located at the most southern tip of Cozumel, the Punta Sur pyramid served as ceremonial and navigational structure for Mayans. Find your inner rhythm wandering this serene area and take time for reflection as you gaze upon the sea and sky. 

Snorkel &
Sunset views 

Indulge in lively beachside energy fused with laid-back luxury and artisanal dining at Money Bar! Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters filed with vibrant marine life, soak in a breathtaking sunset, and enjoy dinner of local cuisine. 

Hike & Eat like a local on the east

Hike the rugged and wild cliffside that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean on the east side of Cozumel. Then enjoy dinner at Coconuts - an eclectic staple restaurant of the island. 

Experienece temazcal & cacao

Participate in a Peruvian shaman lead temazcal (sweat lodge) and cacao ceremony at Rancho Alvarez. Center your mind, open your heart, and set intentions for how you want to expand yourself and your artistry.

dj party on a boat
& Swim Lagoons

All aboard for a day spent on the water practicing and performing your DJ sets on the boat, while we cruise to exquisite lagoons for swimming and snorkeling.  

canoe & connect
with the caribbean 

Honor the roots and tradition of Cozumel on this Mayan guided canoe trip. Rowing merges rhythm, power, and unity in a synchronicity - connecting with the water, and releasing with the oars. A meditational movement that embodies Mayan history. 

night out 
at the beach club

Dance the night away at Hemmingway - Cozumel's most premier beachside night clubs.  Participants will have the opportunity to play their original songs or perform a DJ set. 

workshop location - rancho alvarez

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about the ranch:

The workshop sessions will be held at Rancho Alvarez - an indigenous owned and run ranch known for hosting medicinal retreats and ceremonies. This space includes a palapa structure for class, an outdoor kitchen where breakfast and lunch is served, studio space for late night mixdown sessions, and a pool to cool off in. 

They have graced us with access and use of their land to activate and expand our creative potential at the Sonic Sanctuary.

Lodging & accomodations 

Where you will be staying:

The lodging included features a beautiful multi-unit home nestled in the Corpus Christi neighborhood of Cozumel. This space has a full kitchen, private pool and terrace, and is fully gated for privacy and security. The lodging is a co-ed hostel style , expect to share a room with others. It has a variety of sleeping options that will be filled on a first come, first serve, basis.  Daily transportation to and from Rancho Alvarez is provided for workshop and hang out sessions. 

Connect with us about the Sonic Sanctuary!

Let's chat about any questions you may have about the retreat, curriculum, travel logistics, and more. Fill out the form below so we can connect.

Overview of week: 

Arrival - November 8th 
Workshops & Excursions - November 9-14th
Depature - November 15th

A typical day at the retreat: 

Morning - Guided yoga & meditation, breakfast/coffee/tea, AM workshop session
Afternoon - Lunch, PM workshop session, head out to excursion
Evening - Return from excursion, attendees can relax or work on music, studio sessions 

Food & Beverages:

Breakfast, lunch, and an assortment of NA beverages and snacks are  included in the workshop.
Mayan cuisine prepared by local chefs with dietary and allergy accommodations.
*Dinner will be paid by the individual at excursion sites

Location & History:

Cozumel is located 12 miles off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It's known for its vast crystal clear waters, pristine beaches, lush jungles, and rich Mayan history.

Cozumel’s indigenous culture is deeply rooted in the ancient Maya civilization, who originally called the island Cuzamil (Place of the Swallows). Historically a sacred pilgrimage site dedicated to the goddess Ix Chel, it retains its Mayan heritage today through modern traditions, language, archaeological sites, and blended local customs.

GETTING THERE:

Fly into Cancun (CUN) airport. From the airport, there will be shuttle buses that can drive you to Playa Del Carmen downtown, exit the shuttle at the Cozumel ferry stop that is off Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue). The ferry is  30-minute passenger boat ride from Playa del Carmen to San Miguel de Cozumel Pier. From here, we will have shuttle vans to pick you up and bring you to your lodging. 

There is also an airport on the island of Cozumel (CZM) - although it is much smaller and less frequent flights than Cancun. 

meet your workshop instructors 

Ableton production & sound design
DJ & LIVE PERFORMANCE 

James Patrick

James Patrick is a sound artist, music producer, author and educator. He has been creating original electronic music works and events involving technology and live music since the 1990s. He is the co-founder and owner of Slam Academy, an Ableton Certified Training Center based in Minneapolis that teaches music production, DJing, and specialty music industry courses. James was one of the first Ableton Certified Trainers in the world, helping pilot the trainer program in 2008, and has since been a leader among Ableton educators. 

FAQs

what do i need to bring for the workshops?

All attendees will need to bring a laptop with Ableton installed on it, a charger for their laptop, a usb for DJing, and any note taking or journal reflection materials as they wish.

Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is designed for anyone looking to expand their music production and DJ skills, while integrating the positive wellness nature and practicing yoga can bring for oneself.

What is included in this retreat?

The pricing of the retreat includes 11 workshop classes, lodging accommodations for the entire stay, daily guided morning yoga and meditation, breakfast & lunch each day, transportation to excursions, and excursion entrance fees. Dinner is not included in the retreat but guests have the opportunity to purchase dinner while at the excursions, or can purchase groceries and cook in the kitchen at their stay. 

Drugs and/or alcohol?

There is a strict no drugs policy at all workshop activities, including at the excursions. 
Alcohol is allowed but not provided - if attendees choose to drink during the retreat, they will need to provide their on beverages. 

Can I bring my partner/significant other?

Absolutely, the more the merrier. They will need to pay for the workshop if they are planning to attend the excursions, at the provided meals, and/or stay at the lodging.