Perched amidst majestically swaying palm trees, Tailwind is a sustainable jungle lodge, retreat center and adventure tour company on the Mexican Pacific. The motto? Enjoy life! Between kayaking, hiking, surfing, yoga and relaxing around the lodge, it's definitely easy to do just that. The Tailwind lodge was founded by the adventurous Jacobi family in 2007. The lodge is located on the spectacular coastline, just north of the charming town of San Pancho (official name, San Francisco) in the state of Nayarit. The lodge's creatively designed, tree-house like bungalows, palapas and casitas are nestled amidst 5 acres of truly stunning jungle ridges descending to white sand beaches and vast pacific ocean. This is truly a natural playground of jungle, beach and ocean. Guest Lodging Tailwind has a collection of 6 different creatively designed units - bungalows, palapas and casitas, all of which are perched on the hillside to minimize environmental impact. The lodge is nestled amidst the palms and offers a variety of jungle and ocean views. Each unit offers a unique jungle experience. Palapas Tailwind's Palapas are open-air living spaces with thatched (palapa) roves, and tile floors. Bedrooms are semi-enclosed (3/4 walls), for plenty of privacy and each have a queen bed and private bathroom with a flush toilet and hot water shower. The two palapas are rented together (ideal for two couples), and they share a kitchen and large dinning area. The main deck of Palapa Tigre is also a great space for yoga. Palapas are the units located closest to the dipping pool and most easily accessed from the parking area. Casitas In Spanish, casita means "small house". Tailwind's Casitas have thatched rooves, tiles floors and full walls with wooden/glass doors that can be closed to provide an enclosed space. Both Casitas also have large open deck spaces, two bedrooms, full kitchens and private bathrooms with hot water showers. (Casita Pumita has a flush toilet, Casita Tejone has a composting toilet) Bungalows The Tailwind Bungalows are wooden platforms with canvas, safari style wall tents. These are the most rustic of Tailwind's accommodations and offer the most outdoor experience. Great for adventurous travelers! These bungalows are named after the type of wood that was used in the platform construction. Bungalows include a Mexican style dining table and chairs, a hammock, a small kitchenette, a bedroom area, a private hot water shower (newly improved and lovely!) and a shared composting toilet. (don't worry, the toilet is nice and it conserves water in this delicate environment!) Jungle Activities The beauty of this place is that you can do everything or nothing and still have a great time. They like to say that "there's so much not to do!". If you're up for it, each day offers a unique adventure. Sea Kayaking Explore this spectacular coastline from behind the bow of one of Tailwind's sea kayaks. These tours are perfect for paddlers of all levels. Surround yourself with bountiful sea life and view the coastline from offshore-a delightful new perspective and a treat that simply cannot be missed! There are secluded beaches, intimate coves and miles of wild Pacific coastline waiting for you... Tailwind's sea kayaking excursions launch out of the town of Los Ayala. Hiking Trek along spectacular jungle ridges and through groves of mango, avocado and giant stran-gler fig trees. Discover deserted white sand beaches and savor breathtaking vistas. Stop to enjoy intriguing wildlife along the way. Hiking around this area is a great way to acquaint one-self with the natural beauties of this coastline. Tailwind guests are provided with maps of the trails. Depending on availability a hiking guide may be available. Stand Up Paddle Boarding Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP). Try this interesting and fun alternative to surfing. No waves necessary! A great full body workout and a fun way to see the ocean wildlife below. Stand Up Paddle boarding is the fastest growing sport in the world. Come discover what this new sport is all about. Yoga Yoga in the jungle is magical. Looking up at the palms and listening to the sound of the waves crashing throughout a yoga session is truly unique. Yoga instructors are available to come out to the jungle and teach a yoga class. Surfing This coastline is littered with surf breaks that are great for all levels of surfer, including beginners! Glassy waves of all sizes can always be found and thoroughly enjoyed. Surf lessons and guided tours of beautiful, uncrowded surf breaks can be arranged through the San Pancho surf shop. Be interested in being guided to surf breaks well off the beaten track. Begin and end the day with surf sessions and retreat the jungle to relax in between! Other things to do at the Tailwind Lodge: - Lounge by the pool - Visit the top deck - Schedule a massage - Relax and lounge in the hammock - Wander to the beach (follow trails down to the left of the pool) - Hike to the Buddha - Hike to the Los Muertos (therapeutic mud) - Cook yourself a mexican feast Sustainability In March 2009, Tailwind became the first certified sustainable eco-lodge in Mexico. This certification, through Sustainable Travel International, had been a goal for the Tailwind lodge since its inception and represents lodge's commitment to holistic sustainability. The process of achieving this certification also strengthened the Jacobi Family's vision of environmentalism and sustainable lifestyle. Holistic sustainability at the Tailwind Jungle Lodge incorporates the following: - Water Conservation - Energy Conservation - Waste Management - Land conservation - Reduced Carbon Emissions - Construction materials sourcing - Local purchasing - Community Involvment - Sustainability Education (workshops and community) - Donations to non-profits
Inquire
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney