El Jardin Yelapa - 48440 Yelapa

Yelapa is undoubtedly paradise. As if an island, the tiny friendly community seems to exist in a place without time or outside stresses. We arrived at El Jardin after easily navigating a cab then water taxi, as per the clear instructions we received beforehand. The casas are straight out of a kid's dream of the perfect treehouse. Just the right balance of open air ocean views and privacy, with tons of artful design details, cubbies and comforts. Coming from the American southwest, I was kinda concerned about the lack of sealed walls, but the fauna of Yelapa is just as chill as the village. Very few mosquitos or flies, just hummingbirds, butterflies, geckos and the occasional iguana flitting in to say hola. We enjoyed the common area and local produce so much, we ended up staying on and cooking with the ocean view most nights. The local eggs and fruit are delicious. We also checked out Los Abuelos and Café Bahia for a few fantastic meals, and Micheladas de Vicky for some margaritas. Going for a boat ride to a secluded beach further west with ceviche made by the skipper onboard, hikes to the waterfalls and just blissing out watching dolphins, rays and sardines in the water and little coati throwing mangos in the trees. Many many thanks to Seb and Sue for making it such a smooth and memorable trip. I'm jealous of you both for the time y'all get to spend there! I would recommend El Jardin to anyone who would enjoy and respect this little slice of heaven.

ElJardin is situated in a very nice location, entire place receives shade in the afternoon making it feel more cool temperature wise. View of the bay is amazing ... can’t beat that. During our stay we had one in keeper that stays on the property. We stayed 7 days and were provided with one towel for each person, basic things need to be self organized like soap, toilet paper etc. All of us staying there had the feeling that this place is being run down, bathrooms has these old/ nasty rugs that you don’t feel comfortable of standing on, tiles are off the wall ... one can tell that this place was in better condition a while back (see pictures part of this post). I was afraid to peel back the bed sheets but decided to do it after our last night ... not a pretty scene :( Inn keeper would replace/ add weird items but simple things like soap were not available/ had to be self organized, not to mention the bedsheets/ pillows/ mattress. It’s a shame ... this place could be so much better. Advise to management ... put some effort into this place and replace basic items like bedsheets, pillows/ mattresses. Inn keeper didn’t seem up to the task, response to more soap was simply there is none :( Advise for travelers, view/ location is unbeatable but cleanliness is not for the faint heart.

Waking up every morning in a treehouse, surrounded by the jungle, listening to the waves crashing below you. This is not a dream. This is reality at a tiny, little oasis of El Jardin, in Yelapa, Mexico. El Jardin, just as the name describes is a garden. It’s a perpetual garden of eden where only a god would reside. The flowers, the dragons in the trees, the green richness of life and beauty. It never ends. My memory keeps going back to swaying in the red, yellow, and green hammock, my feet up, watching the butterflies soar over the tropical bouquets of hibiscus flowers and Mexican lilies. Watching the delicate hummingbird flit and fly over me to the giant 6-foot wingspan of the Frigatebirds swooping overhead, diving into the water for fresh fish. Watching the whales break the surface of the water, not far from the front steps of this illustrious place. This was my second time here and I will be back again and again. The beautiful inhabitants here make you feel like you’re family and welcome you back every time, remembering your name and even remembering the smallest details, such as the type of milk you like with your coffee or your favorite song, that make you feel welcome. If you’re lucky enough, the locals will serenade you with their sweet songs of love and la luna. Yelapa itself is a picturesque village set up against a steep mountainous terrain of lush, rich jungle, situated in a crisp, blue-green water bay, pristine landscapes unspoiled by modern technology. If you wanted to escape the dog-eat-dog world of society, this is the place to run away to. No cars anywhere to be seen, but only the occasional ATV. Horses, burros and mules are the main mode of transportation here. Burros, loaded down as pack animals with barrels of concrete and bricks, which provide the main delivery mechanism for any new building construction or repairs. The people here don’t seem to mind the inconvenience, it’s a way of life. A much slower pace of life. If you’ve read One Hundred Years of Solitude, it has very much of that feel of the village life of Macondo in those early years. The only access here is a short boat ride from Puerto Vallarta, which is well worth your time. Or a steep mountainous trek through the jungle from Chacala. Someday I plan to make that journey. Palm laden thatched roofs, colorful adobes in yellows, oranges, greens and blues liven up the stucco facades. Bright, elaborate papel picado hangs from every corner. There is no lack of color, visually and in the vibrant life here. Why would some crazy, wild American women forsake the modern luxuries of the world and retreat to a place that time has rewound several decades ago, a place that time has forgotten? You’ll have to ask the moon, whom we whooped, hollered and howled at and told only our secrets too.

El Jardin is a special treat. The kitchen is amaze, the staff and owners are now some of my dear friends. They all treated our group like family. Whenever I am there, my soul can finally rest. Location is awesome, views, comfort is all there. Can't wait to return!! In 3 weeks;)

We went to Yelapa for a yoga retreat and had the pleasure of getting to stay at El Jardin. The most beautiful views and sounds of the ocean surrounded us! Thank you so much to the amazing staff that assisted our week of relaxation and reset.

Wonderful experience at this ecolodge, beautiful sites from every cabana, the ocean is literally right out the front door. Most of the rooms only have 3 walls, so the sounds of waves is intoxicating, you are in nature while still having bathrooms and a shared community kitchen, hibiscus flowers surrounding the place. This location provides a very unique experience being on the beach where you need to take about a 15 minute walk on a rocky trail, sharing with donkeys sometimes, to get to town. I met an on site owner and local staff, everyone was very available and happy to be of service.

Nothing is magical like this resort. The location facing the beach, oceans waves, palapa open faced rooms, mosquito netting, the hand detailed art in the bathrooms, specially tended to jungle with a visual frame of hibiscus bushes... everything is wonderful here. We stayed in some nights using the shared kitchen and a community space with ping pong or just roll out one of the Unity For Women yoga mats for sun salutations. The owner and managers are SO kind and present for your needs. This is my second year at El Jardin that may be a tradition for years to come. You feel home here and Yelapa has an incredible opportunity to touch your heart,, eat fresh local food, disco (Saturday), or hike the wild jungle to waterfalls. ?‍♀️??? Oh, you will see ? whales!!!

This is a beautiful setting and Sebastien runs a well organized business. I think the mornings I woke up from the bed suspended by ropes and looked through the mosquito net to the bay and the sunrise beyond were some of the most magical mornings I have ever experienced. I loved the community room, the sandy little beach about 50 yards away, and the little village (not the tourist beach bars). I look forward to returning.