Xinalani
Eco-wellness sanctuary. Rustic-luxe open-air architecture, yoga-forward culture, and a strong sense of community among guests. Think less resort, more intentional retreat. No TVs, unreliable WiFi by design, and a shaman runs the weekly temazcal.
Book the Beach Casita if budget allows — the private plunge pool facing the bay makes the price difference worth it for couples
Why It Matters
Three Michelin Keys. Only reachable by boat — which keeps the crowds out and the jungle in. Six yoga studios, including a treehouse-style Jungle Studio and a beachfront Greenhouse. One of Mexico's most recognized wellness retreats, and the food punches well above its weight for a buffet format.
Xinalani is an adults-only eco-resort built into a jungle hillside on a private cove in Banderas Bay, 12 miles south of Puerto Vallarta and accessible only by boat. All 33 rooms are open-air — three walls, palm-thatched roofs, curtains instead of doors — so the trade winds and the sound of the ocean are constant companions. The place earned three Michelin Keys and runs on a fully all-inclusive model: yoga classes twice daily, organic buffet meals, and a genuine commitment to sustainability using local materials and low-impact design.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Beach Casita
The top tier at Xinalani, and genuinely worth the premium for couples. Free-standing private casitas just steps from the beach, with a private plunge pool and patio facing the bay. Air-conditioned, with the highest-quality mosquito netting, open-air shower, and the best ocean views on the property. Silk mosquito netting, zen sitting area, and the kind of quiet that requires boat access to achieve.
King size bed
Deluxe Room (Open Air)
The entry-level rooms, positioned halfway up the mountain — close enough to the beach club to be convenient, high enough to catch a breeze and feel removed from the crowd. Open-air design with three walls, mosquito netting over the beds, and an open-air shower. Cozy rather than spacious, but everything you actually need is here.
One king size or 2 twin beds
Deluxe Room AC
Same layout and position as the Deluxe Open Air, but with air conditioning added. Faces the ocean with a terrace and windows to the sea. Good middle ground for travelers who want the open-air aesthetic but need reliable cooling at night.
One king size or 2 twin bedsEco Chic Suite (Open Air)
More space, more privacy, higher up the mountain. Open-air construction means jungle sounds and ocean breezes come with the room. Private terrace with a hammock is the standout — genuinely one of the better spots to do nothing at all. Perfect for post-yoga unwinding.
One king size or 2 full-size bedsEco Chic Suite AC
The Eco Chic Suite with air conditioning added and glass windows facing the sea. Offers the same private terrace, hammock, and ocean views but with climate control — the best of both worlds for those who love the jungle aesthetic but sleep better in the cool.
One king size or 2 full-size bedsShared Dorms (Big Palapa)
Female-only dorm high up in the mountains, with wonderful ocean and jungle views. Two bathrooms, high-quality mosquito nets on every bed, and individual nightstands. The most affordable way to experience Xinalani, and solo female travelers consistently praise the community vibe.
8 twin beds (female-only)Shared Dorms (Small Palapa)
The budget option and a genuinely good one for groups of friends. Four co-ed beds in a large palapa closest to the yoga studio, high in the mountains. Large private terrace for solo meditation or yoga, a hammock, and an open-air shower. Accessible only by stairs.
4 twin beds (co-ed)The Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Regular beach bonfires and fire show performances are part of the weekly evening programming, included in all packages.
Weekly live karaoke event in the beach club, included in all packages. Usually on Tuesday evenings based on the published schedule.
Weekly salsa dancing class included in all packages. Takes place at the beach club in the evenings.
Hands-on cooking classes taught by the resident chef covering traditional Mexican recipes. Guests learn to recreate Xinalani's signature dishes at home.
Two group classes per day — 8:30am and 5:00pm — held across six different studios: the Sand Terrace (beachfront), Jungle Studio (treehouse-like, in the canopy), Meditation Cabin, Greenhouse, and additional outdoor spaces. Classes are included in all room rates and packages.
Meditation classes, yoga workshops, sound healing, and specialized holistic sessions such as cacao ceremonies and breathwork. Availability varies by retreat program.
Guided boat tours of Banderas Bay for whale watching (December–March), dolphin interactions, and visits to neighboring fishing villages. Zip-lining through the jungle canopy also available. Waterfall hikes to nearby cascades.
Kayaks available for guests and included in all packages and the wellness day pass. Good for exploring the coastline and reaching neighboring coves.
Snorkel equipment included in all packages and the day pass. Los Arcos — a cluster of rock formations in the bay — is a popular excursion spot with diverse marine life.
Surf lessons and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) lessons available. Paddleboards and kayaks are also available for independent use and are included in day passes.
Weekly shaman-led purifying ceremony in the beachfront temazcal, a traditional Mexican sweat lodge built into the rocky cliffs near the shore. Fits up to 16 guests. One of the most talked-about experiences at the retreat.
Humpback whales frequent Banderas Bay December through March. Dolphin sightings are year-round. The property's location in the heart of the bay makes wildlife encounters a regular occurrence even from shore.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
250-yard-wide private beach on a secluded cove in Banderas Bay. Accessible only by boat, which keeps it uncrowded. Beach towels provided.
WiFi is available throughout the property, though signal can be inconsistent — this is by design and in keeping with the digital detox ethos. Guests are advised not to rely on it.
Open to non-guests. Wellness Day Pass ($90/person, 11am–6pm) or Sunrise to Sunset Pass ($150/person, 8am–6pm). Includes pool, beach, sauna, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, and lunch buffet.
Sand Terrace (beachfront), Jungle Studio (treehouse-style in the canopy), Meditation Cabin, Greenhouse, and additional open-air spaces. Six total dedicated yoga spaces.
Outdoor infinity pool with ocean views. Open 9am–9pm. The beach club is built around the pool area.
In-room safe in all room categories.
Currency exchange available on-site. No ATM on property or nearby — bring sufficient cash before arrival.
Laundry service available at additional cost.
Personalized airport-to-retreat transportation service available for $115 USD per person. Boat transfer from Boca de Tomatlán also available for $35 per person roundtrip.
On-site sauna and hot tub included in all packages and the day pass.
Traditional Japanese-style wooden soaking bath. Included in all packages.
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