10 Things you should know about Xinalani
Xinalani is an eco-retreat. This means that during your stay, you'll mostly be off the grid. Don't worry—it's a blessing in disguise. Please read our
FAQ’s or ask us about this directly.
1. There is no road access
Xinalani is accessible only by boat, and we can arrange transportation in advance for your comfort. Please schedule flights to arrive in Puerto Vallarta before 4:00 pm and depart after 11:00 am to avoid night-time boat travel, which is not recommended. The retreat center's construction and maintenance present challenges as everything is transported via the same small boat. However, this adds to Xinalani's enchantment.
For a day trip to Puerto Vallarta, take a 15-minute water taxi and a 40 minute cab ride or hour-long bus journey. Groups can charter the Xinalani boat to town, skipping the bus, and arrange a pick-up after exploring.
2. We are near a remote little town
Xinalani offers a remote island experience with relaxation at our resort and exciting excursions, but limited amenities like Starbucks or malls. However, a visit to Quimixto, a charming fisherman village where our staff resides, provides an authentic and warm encounter. Quimixto's cobblestone streets, donkeys, and friendly villagers make it an inviting place. We actively support the community through various initiatives.
While the locals take pride in their traditions and occasionally have lively nighttime celebrations, we're working on ensuring consideration for others. Noise-cancelling airpods or headphones are recommended for those seeking tranquility.
3. There are a gazillion stairs
Exactly 176 stairs. Our retreat is built on a steep hill. There's an elevation of 215 ft from the beach to the highest point on the property (the Jungle Studio). Please take this into consideration if you have had knee surgery, a hip replacement, a sprained ankle, or if you hate glutes workouts.
4. We have High-Speed internet access at the resort
Although we recommend you to take advantage of your visit to Xinalani to disconnect from digital life, if you require a reliable internet connection, it will be available in all rooms, common areas, and yoga studios.
5. The food is special
We take great pride in our food. You'll be served from a menu that's designed for yogis and people who care about health and fitness. The food is both healthy and delicious and includes eggs, fish, seafood and chicken, but no red meat or pork. We offer vegan and gluten-free options at every meal. All meals are served buffet style.
6. The staff is here to help
Most guests rave about our staff. They're chosen for their authentic kindness, strong work ethic, and willingness to go the extra mile for guests. Since we aim to hire from local neighborhoods, some of our team members are working in the hospitality industry for the first time. If they lack in experience, they tend to overcompensate with genuine care.
7. This is a stay in nature
While our roooms are comfortable, a stay at Xinalani is akin to living outdoors for a week. We minimize environmental impact through low energy consumption. The resort is dark at night, so bring a flashlight. Only 17 of 33 rooms are fully enclosed. Open-air rooms having a lockable door and three walls. The terrace remains open to the jungle surroundings though it does have curtains.
You may encounter harmless wildlife and seasonal crabs (May-Oct). Embrace it as part of the adventure. Prepare by reading our packing list for the unique Xinalani experience.
8. Sh** happens
Some things are beyond our control and letting go of expectations is an important part of vacation. Even though the weather is mostly heavenly (see temperature charts here), it sometimes rains. There's a chance your flight will be late or even cancelled, and you may lose precious vacation time. Sometimes the ocean can be rougher than expected or the waves too small to surf. That being said, you’ll more likely have one of the most epic stays of your life.
9. Do activities at your own risk
We offer a wide range of mind-blowing excursions: jungle hikes, canopy zip line tours, swimming trips with wild dolphins, and surf lessons. We want you to have tons of fun but please consider the risks and make sure you can handle them. You will need to sign a liability release and waiver for most activities.
10. There are no refunds
Our cancellation policy is strict. We provide credits for future retreats but do not offer refunds. All customer payments are non-refundable. Cancellations made more than 15 days prior to check-in will receive a non-refundable credit, minus a $65 processing fee. This credit is valid for one year and subject to availability at Xinalani Retreat. Cancellations within 15 days of check-in, on the arrival day, no-shows, or early departures do not qualify for a credit. It is highly recommended to obtain travel insurance to safeguard your investment in your retreat at Xinalani