Mexico Retreat FAQ: Practical Matters by Elise Espat

Q: Do the rooms at Xinalani have electricity? 
A:  Yes.  From Xinalani:

All rooms have very low consumption LED bulbs that give a nice dim ambar lighting at night time, there’s also a reading area. Should you wish to read in your bed at night, please bring a book light or a head light. 

There are two 110 V outlets in each room to plug cameras, cell phones and battery chargers. Xinalani does not allow the use of hair dryers or other high intensity electric devices that could damage the electric installation.

Q: Is there Wi-Fi Access?
A:  Yes and it is free.  From Xinalani:

Wi-Fi is available from the reception/lounge area, the dining patio, the beach, the sundeck, and from most eco-chic suites (1-7). Eco-Chic Suites 14 and 15 do not have Wi-Fi coverage.

Xinalani is located in a remote jungle area with no road access, hence no land telecommunications. For that matter, we had to build a complex VoIP gateway from our office downtown to send the phone and internet signal to the resort. This technology is quite new and it's sometimes unstable, hence not 100% efficient. Don't expect to have the same Wi-Fi service reliability as if you were at your office.

Of course, every guest has different needs or responsibilities, but if there's no emergency, we try to encourage our guests to remain unplugged, it helps to detox and enjoy a deeper retreat and a greater sense of wellness through your retreat. During your stay at Xinalani, procure using the internet only with full awareness of what you're using it for.

For our retreat in March:

If you wish (no obligation) you can take a fast from social or all digital media, to de-frag the hard drive of your mind. There will be experienced, loving (and humorous!) support for anyone taking a media fast for part or all of this week, and for anyone who wishes to deepen their pranayama, pratyhara or sitting meditation practice.  

Q: How do I get pesos? 
A: You might not need any. Your retreat includes your accommodation, meals, yoga classes, taxes, and airport transfer. That only leaves any additional activities and excursions, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities - all of which can be paid in US dollars or by credit card (not AmEx) to Xinalani. If you spend time exploring the local area outside of Xinalani you will probably need some pesos. You can get them before you leave at your bank or once you arrive in Mexico at an ATM.  Xinalani will also exchange money for you.  Please note that there aren't any ATMs at Xinalani or in the area.
Here is an article that talks more about money in Mexico:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g150768-s601/Mexico:Banks.And.Money.html

Q: What are breakfasts like? 
A: Abundant. Fresh and tasty. There is usually a buffet spread at Xinalani with items such as pancakes, muffins, yogurt, granola, fruit, oatmeal, beans, hard boiled eggs and more with a made-to-order option as well.
More about the cuisine & sample menu:
http://xinalaniretreat.com/healthy-cuisine.html

Q: Will we be able to leave our mats in the studio or should we anticipate taking them back to our rooms each day? 
A: It depends. Xinalani has 2 separate studios. The Greenhouse studio will be close to most of the palapas while the Jungle Studio will be a little uphill trek. Depending on the schedule for the day, we might be in one or the other. So while it is possible to leave your mats in the studios, it might make more sense to bring them back with you to your room. They do also have basic mats in each studio for you to use if you'd rather leave your mat at home. 
More about the studios:
http://xinalaniretreat.com/yoga-retreats-puerto-vallarta.html

More FAQs:
Elise's Xinalani Retreat FAQs
Xinalani's FAQ Page

Mexico Retreat FAQ: How to Get There by Elise Espat

We picked Xinalani as the location for our upcoming yoga retreat for many reasons including the fact that it is relatively quick and easy to get to.  Any questions, feel free to get in touch.

Book Your Flight

You'll need to book your own flight to Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR).

Look for flights that arrive at PVR before 4:30 pm on Saturday.

For your departure flight, find one that is leaving after 11 am on the following Saturday.

Once your reservation is complete, send us your itinerary so that Xinalani can make arrangements for your airport pickup service.

If you'd like to find a travel buddy, post on our retreat page on Facebook.

Note:  Please make sure we have confirmed your registration before you book your flights.

Airport Pickup Service

As the retreat dates approach, we'll email you detailed instructions about your pickup service.

You'll have a prearranged car that will take you and possibly some other fellow retreaters from the airport to the marina.  The ride is about ten minutes.  

Note:  VIP pickup service is included in the total price of your retreat. 

Banderas Bay Boat Ride

Depending on when you arrive, the boat might take you straight to Xinalani.  Or, you'll need to wait a little while for a few more fellow retreaters to arrive.  There is a little restaurant located in the marina where you can grab some tasty food and juices while you wait.  They'll take US dollars, however, you'll get a better exchange rate it you bring pesos.  

Once everyone booked for your boat ride arrives, off you'll go to Xinalani!  The ride is about 45 minutes.  We recommend wearing sun block for the ride and placing important items in plastic bags so that they don't get wet or ruined. 

Note:  This boat ride is included in the total price of your retreat.  
 

Arrive at Xinalani

Depending on weather, you'll either land on the beach or at the dock a little ways down the coast.  If weather allows for a beach arrival, be ready to get wet!  We recommend wearing shorts and easy to remove shoes.

If you arrive at the dock, you'll walk about 10 minutes through a small village to Xinalani.

Check In

You've arrived!  Retreat!