Frequently Asked Questions
SAFETY
What about safety in Mexico? Is it safe to go to Xinalani?
Though Americans have been advised in recent years to travel to Mexico with caution, the Puerto Vallarta area hasn't been as affected by crime as other regions of Mexico. Also, there are no roads to Xinalani! Xinalani is accessible only by water, making the resort peaceful, secluded, and a real pain in the butt for a criminal to get to. Read more about safety in Xinalani here.
INTERNET & COMMUNICATION
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes. No additional cost is required. 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.
Is there cellular phone service?
We do have a decent cell phone coverage from major Mexican operators. Guests reported that both AT&T and Verizon work all right.
RETREATS
I would like to host a Retreat at Xinalani, how does that work?
Please kindly register in the Groups Retreats Section of the website, and we’ll send you all the necessary information.
LOCATION AND TRANSPORT
How far away from the airport is Xinalani?
Xinalani stands about 20 miles south of Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR), it will take you no longer than 45 min to get to the resort from the airport. Check out Xinalani on Google Maps to get a sense of location and distances.
How do I get to Xinalani?
In order to get to Xinalani, you will have to take a boat, there’s no access by car. Please read detailed instructions, times and costs about boat transfer, in How to get there.
You may also choose the comfort of the VIP transfer ($100 per person return ticket) and be picked up at the airport and transferred to the resort in a personalized fashion.
My arrival flight lands at 7:30 pm, can I still make the last boat?
We do recommend our guests to select an arrival flight that lands no later than 4:30 pm, it makes things much easier for the boat transfer. Our last boat service leaves at 6:30 pm from a little fisherman town called Boca de Tomatlán at 45 min south of Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR).
Traveling by boat at night is not recommended for safety reasons. For that matter, if you cannot be at the pier at 6:30pm we recommend you spend the night downtown and catch an early boat in the morning.
My departure flight leaves at 7:00 am, How can I be at the airport at 5:00 am?
We do recommend our guests to select a departure flight that takes off no earlier than 11:00 am, it makes things much easier for the boat transfer. Our first boat service leaves at 7:00 am from Xinalani.
Traveling by boat at night is not recommended for safety reasons. For that matter, if you have to be at the airport very early in the morning, we recommend you spend the night downtown and catch an early taxi to the airport in the morning.
Is there parking area near the resort?
There’s public parking area in a small fisherman town called Boca de Tomatlán, at 45 min south of Puerto Vallarta Airport, where you will catch the boat (or panga in local Spanish) to go to Xinalani.
CHECK IN & CHECK OUT
At what time can we check-in?
Starting at 4:00 pm
At what time is check out?
Between 7:00 am and 11:30 am
CHILDREN POLICY
Are children allowed in the resort? If so, is there a supplement for them if they stay in their parents’ room?
Children are allowed from age 6, if under constant supervision of their parents. Please remember, we do cater to our guest’s calm and peace. For children from 6 to 12 that stay in their parent's room, we only charge meals i.e. $65 per day (3 meals per day plus snack time) Children under 6 years old are not allowed.
YOGA FACILITIES
Where is the yoga space?
The yoga space is a 1,300 sq ft palm thatched room set on top of the hill. A short rejuvenating walk in the jungle will take you there, and warm you up before practice.
How many people fit in the Yoga Studio?
The Yoga Studio can host comfortably up to 40 people.
Is the yoga space totally open?
The Jungle Yoga Studio has 4 walls built to support inversions and arm balances practice. There's a total of 52 ft (16m) of linear wall available. The corners of the room are open to the elements, to enjoy the beauty of the jungle and the ocean while practicing. However, no risk of falling thanks to the wooden railing.
Do you have mats, props, etc?
The Yoga studio has a wide array of sticky yoga mats, as well as blankets, blocks, stripes, meditation cushions, and chairs.
Is there a sound system in the yoga space?
The Jungle Yoga Studio is equipped with a high fidelity sound system. Instructors can bring an IPod, a laptop computer, and a wireless microphone, and mix them up, it’s really easy and the sound is great.
XINALANI BEACH
Is the beach swimmable? Is it safe to swim?
Yes the beach is swimmable and safe most of the time. The water is clean and beautiful.
Is the Ocean warm enough to swim?
The water is warm all year long: high 70s in the winter, and mid-80s in the summer.
Is the beach sandy or rocky?
We are very fortunate at Xinalani because we have immediate access to two wonderful beaches. The one in front of the resort has both sand and great inspiring animal-shaped rocks. It also has private natural coves.
The other beach on the left-hand side when facing the ocean is pure sand. That beach gets a very nice surf break in the winter season from November to April, surfers enjoy that beach a lot.
Are there long chairs and umbrellas on the beach?
Yes, Xinalani has a nice beach club with long chairs, and umbrellas. Ask our waiters for the Bar Menu, and enjoy our special cocktails (hmmm margarita !), while relaxing.
FOOD & BEVERAGES
We need animal protein; we like to eat meat, is that possible at Xinalani?
Yes, if advised with enough anticipation, we can include chicken in your menu, as well as more fresh fish, and seafood. An additional charge of $25 per day and per person apply to all special requests.
We are vegan, raw foodist, etc? How’s your menu?
Although we try to cater to mainstream yogis (vegetarian with fish and sea food), our menu may be adapted to our guest's needs, please send us your specifics at least two weeks before your arrival. We can cater to vegan, raw, glutten free requests. An additional charge of $25 per day and per person apply to all special requests.
Ask us for a sample of our Menu to have an idea of what will be served during your stay at Xinalani.
I’m allergic to gluten, mushrooms, peanuts, etc..
We can help you, let us know of your food allergy 2 weeks at least before your arrival to the retreat, and we’ll make sure your diet restrictions will be catered to. An additional charge of $25 per day and per person apply to all special requests.
ACCOMMODATION
How many rooms do you have?
There are 15 rooms in total, 9 Eco-chic suites, 5 Petite Suites and 1 Big Palapa.
Which rooms have king size beds?
Suites 2, 4, 6, 14, and 15 have king size beds.
Can you accommodate 3 or 4 people in one room?
Yes, but the three or foursome would have to share two double beds. Or you might want to book the Big Palapa.
Are roll-away beds available?
No, not for now.
Do rooms have privacy?
Although they may seem close, our suites give guests a great sense of privacy. The gentle sound of the Ocean and the Jungle cover conversations.
What rooms have a view to the Ocean?
Although the Eco-Chic Suites have a broader and nicer view, all rooms in Xinalani have a view to the Ocean.
Do rooms have windows or are they totally open to the elements?
One of our guests recently wrote that Xinalani’s suites have three walls and one window open to the universe. We left the window facing the ocean open so our guests can gently blend with the elements and enjoy this natural wonder. Rooms do have bamboo blinds that you can drop at any time and that creat a nice feeling.
Is there electricity in the rooms?
Yes, 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.
Do rooms all have their own bathroom?
Yes, all rooms have their own private bathroom.
Is there hot water in the rooms?
Yes.
Can I use my own soap and shampoo?
In an eco-friendly effort, we recycle all water for irrigation so we kindly ask you to use only biodegradable soaps and shampoos. The ones we provide you with are all organic and biodegradable.
What are the room categories?
From the higher end to the most accessible: Eco-Chic Suite (either 1 King Size bed or 2 double beds), Petite Suite (2 double beds) and Big Palapa (8 single beds).
Do you have a dorm or a bigger room that can accommodate families?
Yes, the Big Palapa has 8 single beds and two full bathrooms.
How many Big Palapas are there?
Just the one.
WEATHER
What’s the weather like?
If you wish to know the average temperatures and rain statistics, click on the previous link for reliable information or run a Google search with the words Weather+Puerto+Vallarta.
What about bugs and mosquitoes?
There are very little bugs and mosquitoes (except during the rain season which is July to September). If you are worried about bugs, rest assured that you will feel protected at night by the gorgeous silky white nettings on top of the beds. Most public areas at night are lighten by lemongrass candles that repel bugs, and if you need an extra protection, you can purchase eco-friendly mosquito repellent from our boutique.
Do you have international liability insurance?
Yes.
ACCESS
Is Xinalani accessible to people with limited mobility ?
Unfortunately not. On the contrary, getting to Xinalani requires a certain level of physical fitness. Xinalani was designed for people in search of some kind of adventure. To get there, you will have to travel by panga, a small (25-30 ft) fiber glass mexican boat with an outboard engine. You will most probably wet your feet and knees as you will jump off the boat on to the beach alla Indiana Jones! Our retreat center is built on a very steep terrain and there are many many stairs, and no elevator, which is let's face it, a once in a lifetime opportunity to get back in shape.
RESERVATIONS, PAYMENTS & POLICIES
What’s Xinalani’s cancellation policy?
For individuals, All monies received from the client will be refunded less a $50 processing fee if the cancellation is made 30 or more days prior to scheduled arrival date. If the client cancels between 29 days and 5 days in advance, a nonrefundable credit, less a $50 processing fee will be held for one year from the date of issue and may be used at Xinalani Retreat upon availability. No credit or refund is available if the client cancels less than 5 days in advance or on the arrival day, or if the client does not show up, or leaves early for any reason.
Do you take American Express?
No Amex, sorry. Only Visa, Mastercard or Discover
What kind of Money should we bring?
We accept either US Dollars or Mexican Pesos (MXN) in cash. You can exchange money at Xinalani but there are no ATMs on property or nearby. We also accept VISA, Mastercard and Discover but no American Express.
SPA & OTHER ACTIVITIES
What is the cost of massages?
From $70 to $130. You can download a printable version of Xinalani Spa Menu.
What other activities are available at the resort and what are their costs?
There’s a wide array of activities available from the resort, surfing, snorkeling, hiking, horse back riding, cooking classes, yoga & meditation classes, massages, eco-discovery boat excursions to remote beaches and islands, or simply lying on the beach. The prices for activities are around $50 per person. You can download a printable version of our Activities and Adventure Menu.
Do you have wine on the property or do we have to bring our own?
Yes, we serve wine, beer, and a selection of delicious fresh hand shaken, stirred or mixed cocktails. Drinks from outside the resort are not allowed on the property.
How’s the surf?
Quimixto is a very nice left surf break, perfect for intermediate to advanced riders. You can read more about surfing at Xinalani here.
To get frequently updated surf reports and swell statistics, please visit www.buoyweather.com, surf-forecast.com any other qualified swell forecast website.
Do you have surf board rentals?
Surf board rentals are available at the resort on request. The cost is $35 per day per board and they're only available for a full day. Please let us know one day in advance if you want a board. We also offer boogie board rentals for $10, and stand-up paddleboards for $50. A private english speaking surf instructor is available upon request.
Can we take a boat back to town and go shopping?
Yes, there are frequent water taxis that can bring you to Puerto Vallarta, or you can charter the Xinalani panga to take you to town and pick you up when you’re done shopping and sight-seeing. We can arrange a day or afternoon trip to Puerto Vallarta for shopping and stuff. The boat costs $20 US per person round trip min 4 people. It will drop you off at Playa de los Muertos pier in downtown Puerto Vallarta, and will collect you when you're done to bring you back to the resort.
GRATUITIES
If we want to leave a tip, how does that work?
Tipping is customary in Mexico. You may leave gratuities at check-out and the management will distribute them to the staff evenly. Min recommended $15 US per day and per guest.
