Holistic Practitioners

Dana Hutson, CMT and Holistic Consultant

Dana Hutson has been in the holistic health field for more than 25 years.  She practiced medical therapeutic massage therapy for 8 years, working with nutritional counselors, homeopaths and chiropractors before entering the holistic spa world.  Her official studies include Shiatsu, Swedish, prenatal, deep tissue/sports massage, reflexology, myfascial release, traditional herbal medicine and 2nd degree Reiki energetic healing, She never tires of learning and is constantly researching new innovative techniques from healing practices from around the world. Dana’s massage sessions are a synthesis of these creating unique client centered profound relaxation experiences.

During her spa consulting years, Dana helped open the 5 star Allegria Spa at Ventana Inn  in Big Sur, California. She helped design and consulted for the Cygalle Healing Spa at  the prestigious Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. 

Dana is an award winning massage therapist and she has had the honor of working on Ellen Degeneres, Alanis Morrisette, Demi Moore, as well as, other stars from the film, music and fashion world. (just so you know, she treats all of her clients as if they are celebrities)

She found Yelapa 19 years ago and fell in love with it's incredible beauty  and decided to step out of the busy world of holistic spa consulting to simplify her life, She now  practices her healing art exclusively here in Yelapa.

Saul David Raye

Saul David Raye is a teacher, healer, musician & peace activist.

He has been practicing and teaching for over 25 years, primarily influenced by his studies of Ha-tha Yoga, Bhakti, Tantra, Thai Massage, Pranic Healing and Shamanism. Saul’s heart-centered approach to yoga and healing have influenced many students and teachers around the world. He is able to bring alive the ancient wisdom teachings for modern seekers and create a safe space for students to connect deeply with their own authentic power, spirit and truth. For over 20 years he has taught at conferences, festivals & retreats both in the USA & abroad and has presented alongside many luminaries in the Spiritual world. His music project 10,000 Suns! Music for Healing, Peace & Awakening’ reached #3 on the iTunes world music charts. He has taught and performed at festivals and healing centers around the world and continues to share his work through online programs, teacher trainings, workshops, sacred journeys + retreats & sacred music.

Clarity and Holistic Breathwork Practitioner

Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. After majoring in biology at Belmont University, I worked on Wallstreet in a career that spanned nearly 20 years as a Financial Advisor.  

Having battled addiction since an early age, I tried numerous treatment programs and modalities to live a “normal” life.   Ultimately, he had to suffer through enough pain to become open minded, honest and willing to do the work necessary to change.   I have tried many “easier and softer ways” but eventually built a solid program based upon the twelve steps, Breathwork, meditative inquiry and sponsorship. 

Currently, I have the honor of sharing my experience, strength and hope at Pura Vida Wellness Retreat in Yelapa, Mexico.   It was here I discovered the miracle of Breathwork and where I experienced a transformational spiritual experience.  I am a Clarity and Holistic Breathwork Practitioner.  I have had the privilege to witness many of our clients spiritually stuck in their recovery programs emerge feeling connected and rejuvenated.  

I managed a recovery residence for “A Design for Living”  in Nashville, TN,  I am also available for recovery coaching with an emphasis on spiritual growth, Breath Work sessions, learning to love yourself and forgiveness of self and others.   

Claudia is Plant Woman, medicine woman, master hypnotist, 30 years experience as a body worker in Harbin-style, Yogassage and Phenomenal Touch Massage, energy worker by way of channeling energy as a result of a 50 year practice of devotional life presence, deep compassionate listener, intuitive elder councilor, re-evaluation co-counselor, Sage Fem, philosopher, creator, waking dreamer, maker of Yelapa Goddesswear.

As well as a life student of - I Ching, Taoist principles, Mayan time-keeping practices, natural history, ornithology, somatic wellness, shaking medicine, QI Qong practices, vippasana and Middle Pilar and Passage meditations, the cosmos and of the 10,000,000 other interesting things.

Her roots are in San Francisco Bay Area and Sonoma County, California, She has lived year round in Yelapa since 2003.  For which she lives in gratitude and bliss in nature and amongst the beautiful community of Yelapa.

Holly is one of our retreat hosts here at Pura Vida. She is a reiki master, Intuitive healer and ceremony facilitator. Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Holly embodies southern hospitality with a warmth that makes you feel right at home.

She began her spiritual journey to relieve back pain, which in turn led to her study of reiki, yoga, numerology, and astrology, not to mention a deep dive into plant medicine and facilitation of ceremonies.

Holly is delighted to live her dream life in Yelapa, Mexico, caring for others. A wonderful storyteller, skillful space holder, and a natural giver, Holly is a true treasure on our Pura Vida team.

With over 15 years of experience, Marisol has worked in many spas in Puerto Vallarta and Yelapa including Barcelo, Hotel Verana, and Pelicanos.

She is available for deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, body wraps, lymphatic drainage, and facials.

Jessica has been with Pura Vida Wellness retreat or over 5 years. She massage therapist that specializes in relaxing massages. Some clients are so relaxed at the end of the session that they have very little energy left for the rest of the day. She also gives a lymphatic massage.

*Some practitioners may be unavailable for retreats.