We wait down the hill in Boca de Tomatlan. It’s humid, but a fan blows gently on us, cooling me down … and my french fries. Icy cold Corona placed on the wooden table in front of me, I look off into the distance, squinting for signs of a little motor boat coming to whisk me and my friend away for three days of bliss at the Majahuitas Resort, an eco-friendly property tucked into a private cove south of Puerto Vallarta.

At 4 p.m., as scheduled, our boat arrives and the driver grabs our suitcases and drops them in the boat, then takes my hand and guides me down into our transport as it bobs ever so gently on the water. Once my friend, Mike, is in, our journey begins.

Wind in our faces, we motor down the Bay of Banderas, passing resorts, villages and rocks jutting out from the blue-green water. Mountains bathed in palm trees speed by as we journey the 30-minutes from reality into our jungle paradise.

When we pull up to the beach, there isn’t a dock to unload, only the water which softly laps against the fine sand. I roll up my jeans and jump in, letting the refreshing salty sea envelop my calves and my toes sink into the soft sand below. On the shore, three yellow labs sit, waiting for their new guests. Down the beach, a couple lounges on a day bed.

I turn to Mike and smile.

This is going to be amazing.

“It’s an eco-resort,” I had warned him earlier. “No wifi.”

“That’s cool,” he had promised. “But, tell me they have electricity.”

“Of course they do,” I scoffed. “I mean, why wouldn’t they?”

“Diana. Eco. Resort.” I roll my eyes at his reminder.

Majahuitas, built on communal land and belonging to the indigenous community of Chacala, came to fruition more than 20 years ago and today is run by Alex Gonzalez after taking it over. The vision of Majahuitas: to create a place where people can escape from the realities of life and relish in a true disconnected vacation … while being sustainable.

And solar powered. So, yeah … power is at a minimum.

Totally my type of place.

As Mike and I walk towards the main area, I can feel myself unwind even more than I have the past week living in Puerto Vallarta. There’s this sense of peace here I haven’t felt before. Like, when you walk off that boat, you leave all your crap far behind.

The lobby of Majahuitas isn’t a lobby at all. It’s part of the main “building” (read: not four walls) which houses the kitchen, bar and bathrooms and is compromised of a desk where the owner sits … and a book with reservations written by hand.

It’s all so romantic.

“Dinner is at 6:30. We ring the bell. Breakfast is at 9. Lunch is at 2:30. We have a hike tomorrow if you want to go.”

Then, we’re off to our villa, an open-air hut with two-and-a-half walls, a thatched roof and an entire side open to the jungle and beach … complete with a hammock to be in the moment and simply appreciate the view.

There’s a tiny pedestal next to our front door.

“That’s where your coffee arrives every morning,” he says. And then, he is off, leaving Mike and I to take in our new surroundings.

“I can’t believe this place,” I breathe, poking around.

The Casitas

There are eight casitas encircling the cove which make up Majahuitas.

Each offers breathtaking views, privacy and opportunities to simply relish the surroundings.

All are open-air and have curtains to pull closed. They range in size from a single king-sized bed to family-sized.

Our room is made of dark wood and includes a loft with another queen-sized bed. There is a seating area with a table and chairs, and then the hammock at the front of the room, looking out over the jungle and on to the bay.

Because there is minimal electricity, at night during dinner, staff come and light hurricane candles throughout the room. As we go to sleep, the tiny flames flicker and shadows dance across the wooden walls. Also, because of minimal electricity, it’s important to note there is no air conditioning. There is a tiny fan attached to the wall behind the bed, but that’s it.

Our first night, there is no breeze and it is hot. Really, really hot. I’m close to miserable and get up to take a cold shower and soak my towel. Fortunately, a gorgeous thunderstorm rolls through, delivering a delicious breeze and cooling the casita down.

The remaining two nights, the temperature is fine and the breeze keeps the room relatively comfortable.

The Dining

The resort uses only fresh and locally-sourced ingredients, which means everything is made in the open kitchen. Being vegan isn’t a problem and the chef created gorgeous dishes for me at every meal.

Breakfast and lunch are served at private tables on the beach. For dinner, the resort gets all of the guests together at tables to get to know one another. In fact, I made friends I still keep in touch with today, thanks to that first dinner together.

Lunch and dinner are coursed and include dessert. The resort also has a full bar (not inclusive). Once the sun sets, candles are lit around the beach and along the paths guiding guests back to their rooms.

Activities at Majahuitas

Swim. Sun. Hammocks. I mean, it doesn’t get much better than that. With water crystal clear — I even saw stingrays — and temperate, all I wanted to do while there was to swim and sun. Daybeds, cushion-y lounge hairs and hammocks line the beach, providing plenty of ways to get some sun (don’t forget the sunscreen), and some nap time.

But, there’s more than just the beach to enjoy at Majahuitas.

The resort offers kayaks, stand-up paddle boards (even on my second attempt after a horrid first one, I’m still terrible) and snorkel gear to enjoy the water. They also have table tennis and beach volleyball. Plus, during your stay, chances are they will feature a guided trek to a waterfall.

If you prefer to dole out some pesos, you can also book a canopy tour via zip line, a relaxing outdoor massage (I still regret not doing that), or trips to the fishing village of Yelapa or Puerto Vallarta.

Amenities

The resort isn’t flashy … so don’t expect the lap of plush luxury. It’s definitely luxurious in a rustic, jungle sense. And, they do offer some perks like robes, coffee and tea and views. Oh the views. After all, you’re not here for the amenities. You’re here for the outdoor beach charm and unwinding in nature. Meals are included with the price of your visit.

How Eco-Friendly and Responsible is Majahuitas?

I’m not kidding when I say Majahuitas is eco-friendly. The resort relies entirely on solar energy and there are only tiny lights next to the beds and in the bathroom. Not only that, but they also compost, conserve water via low-flow toilets and a waterless urinal in the lobby bathroom, reuse towels, have only native plants which require less water, grow more than 20 fruits and veggies in their garden, protect the nests of leatherback turtles and brief staff on treatment of fauna and wildlife, recycle and only buy locally-caught or grown food.

It’s perhaps one of the most responsible places I’ve stayed, being extremely sustainable. The resort was built with local materials and employing local craftsman, and the decor is all local. In addition, most of the employees came from the immediate community and the indigenous community Chacala.

The Bottom Line

Oh, how I love Majahuitas. Seriously. The lack of wifi. The lack of electricity. The fresh meals. The beach. The views. The jungle. It’s all so perfect and truly encourages relaxation and being in the moment. The staff are incredibly friendly and go out of their way to make sure you’re enjoying your visit. Plus, there are the pups who hang out with guests.

If you’re looking for an upscale vacation, this isn’t your spot. But, if you’re looking for nature and to connect with yourself and your company, Majahuitas is it. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., there is a pirate ship which visits the cove (yes, you read that right), so it gets a little loud with families and banana boats cutting across the water, but you’ll be so blissed out, it won’t matter. It does get hot, so be prepared at night. In fact, that was the only thing that was rough for me.

The food: perfection. The beach: sensational. The casitas: sublime. It’s a vacation, for sure. And for me, it was simply the best kind.

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