Yoga and Writing Retreats in Mexico
with Charles MacInerney & Patricia Lewis

At right, a retreat participant meditates beside the private swimming pool, at the foot of the water fall that feeds the stream which runs through the property. Above the waterfall is a scenic overlook of the river, valley and occean.

During the November yoga retreats, this waterfall can be heard through out the property, and lulls participants to sleep at night. The gardens are the heart and soul of Los Naranjos and are not to be missed.

More information and pictures of Los Naranjos Gardens.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The accomodations include 2 Palapas like the gate house shown below which are built out of native materials and in the native style with thatched roofs. They are open air structures with beds that hang from the ceiling and mosquito netting. This style of building is favoured by the Americans who live in Yelapa (mostly artists, writers and musicians). It almost never rains between November and May and the temperatures range from mid-80's in the day to high 50's at night. Palapas take full advantage of the fabulous climate of this region. Participants from previous retreats loved their Palapas.

Although there is no electricity at the retreat center, everything is lit up at night by candles. There is plenty of hot water for showers and bathing and clean drinking water is provided at each bed, and through out the center. For more information about accommodations please follow this link: Accommodations

STAFF

April Jones, seen here making a shopping list, is an amazing cook. When not living in Yelapa and catering retreats, she has her own vegetarian catering business in the Pacific Northwest, and is also the head cook for a summer cruise line.

Past participants, and anyone who has been fortunate enough to eat her food will be delighted to know that April's new Yelapa Cook Book is now available. Email Charles for details.

April is our 'house mother' for these retreats, making sure that everything runs smoothly, and that participants needs are anticipated and met in full.

While April runs the kitchen and food staff, Jarrett, who owns the retreat center, and is responsible for the facilities and the grounds, takes care of logistics.

At right, Jarrett and Nudo (his long time friend and main grounds keeper) load participants luggage onto a "Yelapa Taxi". As there are no cars or even roads in Yelapa, donkeys are the preferred means of transport.

The retreat center is actually Jarrett's home which he started opening to Charles' retreat groups in 2000 when the retreat center Charles was using went out of business. Jarrett is a gracioius host, and will drop everthing, on a moments notice to fix any problems that participants encounter.  A special bonus is Jarretts musical talents. He is an accomplished musician, equally adept with flute and clarinet. He regularly performs in Puerto Vallarta, and has a wonderful CD. Jarrett often plays his flute in the distance during shavasana. Several times during the retreat we have a fire in the evening and Jarrett, along with participants who wish to join in, play music and sing.

For more information about the staff of Los Naranjos, please visit Kitchen Staff