The sweet, sticky scent of sun-cured Mexican flower filled the air as we passed the dutchie to the left, barefoot and beaming under the watchful gaze of Mama Frida, peering through the aerial hoops. With each exhale, the worries of the world drifted further away, replaced by giggles, bright eyes and the knowing spark of something magical unfolding. We were in the heart of Playa del Carmen, Mexico — the tropical evening breeze carried the jungle’s vibrant resonance, setting the tone for an AcroYoga adventure that is sure to lift us into a whole new dimension.
Our crew gathered like cosmic puzzle pieces — entrepreneurial travelers, healers, athletes and artists seeking connection and elevated movement. Ready to embrace an afternoon of trust, flight and shared joy, the only requirement was to lead with an open heart and conscious body movement. We were nestled in the vibrant sanctuary of PlanoZero, a creative movement and art space tucked into Centro Playa. This lush, open-air studio is more than a venue — it’s a portal. Surrounded by colorful murals, jungle greenery and a warm embrace of all artistic expressions, PlanoZero holds space for movement, arts, sound journeys, sacred smoke and creative communion. It’s one of the few spots in the Riviera Maya that openly honors plant medicine and freedom of self-expression.
We lit our sacred herb with reverence and playfulness, letting the Cannabis tune us in. The local flower — earthy, sun-grown, with a citrus twist — was a heart-opener and a body-whisperer, helping us melt resistance and soften into presence. It was the perfect companion for our next adventure: AcroYoga.
Rooted in the blend of classical yoga, acrobatics and Thai massage, AcroYoga is a mix of movement and trust. Born in the early 2000s, it brings together the grounding wisdom of yoga with the dynamic play of circus arts. Beyond the handstands and partner balancing acts, Acro is about connection — to ourselves, our partners and the infinite dance of giving and receiving.
In Acro, there are three primary roles: base, flyer and spotter — each vital to the alchemy of lift-off. The base provides grounded support (think stable legs and open palms), the flyer surrenders to flight (with core strength and trust), and the spotter holds the container of safety and awareness. It’s a tribal dance of co-creation, an elevated metaphor for community and consciousness.
Our session was part of the Kate in Paradise Acro class, a heart-led gathering that brings together international AcroYoga nomad Kate and local teachers and enthusiasts. Kate has partnered with Plano Zero to offer her elevated movement workshops semiannually in Playa del Carmen. In partnership with Vamos Experiences, you can catch her AcroYoga retreats in tropical destinations worldwide.
We flowed through warmups, barefoot on the mat, feeling the earth beneath and the sky within. The tropical magic of the Maya Riviera held us in resonance as we lifted each other higher — first into bird pose, then star, and finally into floating therapeutic flows that reawakened the child within.
And here’s where the plant medicine truly shined.
Cannabis, like many herbal allies, is more than a buzz; it’s a sacred connector that helps dissolve the ego, ease social tension and amplify our sense of wonder. When used with intention, it awakens the inner child — the one who’s not afraid to fall, who plays without judgment, and who sees movement as magic. In the sacred space of Acro, that energy becomes fuel for flow.
We weren’t just stretching, we were expressing. Laughing. Exploring shapes and sensations with curiosity. Cannabis gave us permission to be fully present and playful. It softened the hard edges of performance and perfection and reminded us that joy is the real medicine. We were moving together as one tribe, one breath, one shared dream of what it means to lift each other up.
So, if you find yourself in Playa del Carmen looking for something more than just margaritas and beach bars, seek out the tribe at Plano Zero. Bring your medicine, your mat and your open heart, and be ready to fly.
Disclaimer: Cannabis can be a powerful plant ally for flow, connection and creativity, but it should be used with caution, especially when combined with physical movement. Only experienced Cannabis consumers who are also familiar with the fundamentals of AcroYoga should partake before engaging in elevated partner play. As always, listen to your body, communicate with your partners and choose safety over sensation. Elevated consent is the highest form of trust.
Cannabis is not provided or accessible at Plano Zero. Simply put, the creators of Plano Zero respect the symbiosis between plant medicine and art. The current legal regulatory system allows for CBD-only consumption in Mexico.
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