Present Moment Retreat

I have roughed it in the Amazon and stayed in posh "tents" in Africa....this is something in between. The grounds are immaculate and I was pleasantly surprised to have my suitcase brought to a large, open-air, palapa-style room, before I had even found the front desk. I felt like I had stumbled into the style of vacation I see in the movies, but never can afford in reality. Mosquito nets graced the beds but were never *really* needed. Colorful wool rugs accent the floors and although their is room to store you belongings the room still felt spacious and free-flowing. The shower is divine. I would always prefer a bit more lighting for personal grooming but I got along fine, contact lenses and all. While the food is not inexpensive, it is top-notch and mouth-watering. The entire staff is very hard-working, kind and generous and they seem to be treated as family. Meditation and yoga activities go on throughout the day and there is something for everyone. My only wish would have been for a bit of music to be quietly played in the restaurant while no practices were going on. At least occasionally. They did have fun music in the evenings, either live or the staff's. I would also warn those travelers that are used to sleeping in complete quiet to bring earplugs! Although the rooms are set back from the ocean, you are still hearing the waves quite well. I should have thought ahead and was a little surprised at how much that aspect affected my sleep!

It was a very organic, low key, beautiful bungalow setting on the ocean. No signs of large tourism - in fact, it was very much local. The air conditioned suite was incredible and beautifully decorated in the local manner. The yoga Studio was the most beautiful I've ever seen - - beautiful open wood platform with billowing white curtains and festive ceiling looking directly at the ocean and waves crashing. The restaurant also has perfect views of the ocean. Very well maintained and sustainable with local vegetation and wood work. ALL of the staff was INCREDIBLE. I felt like I was family. The massages on the beach, the yoga - everything felt like a sanctuary. The food was delicious and all organic. There are also great excursions that I went on alone and felt very safe and it was just magical - horseback riding on the beach at sunset, hiking up into the forest to an old omeca cave, releasing baby turtles into the ocean.... Abigail the yoga, meditation and massage therapist was the BEST I've ever had. Amazing spirit. Nadia (the manager) was so helpful and truly excited for my experience and all of the kitchen and open air dining restaurant was incredible. I WILL be going back! I miss it already. (Note: You must be ok with a rural setting and a sense of exploration (if you choose) here). The locals were so helpful and genuinely happy to help in any way. Felt very safe and secure. My new happy place!!!