I just returned from a yoga retreat with Zack Dixon. Our group has traveled to Mar De Jade for three consecutive years. The rooms we stayed in were cleaned and mopped down every day. We often relaxed by the pool, which is clear and perfect for exercise. The food is simple, fresh, and outstanding. I noticed major improvements since my visit a year ago: an enlarged bar area, new vegetable gardens, umbrellas on the beach, big, fluffy towels for guests, and an expanded menu. We went on organized shopping trips to La Penita and Sayulita, and on a hike to Las Cuevas beach.
Walking to Chacala is a bonus, with friendly shopkeepers and a chance to get to know the local residents. Mar De Jade staff are friendly and always willing to help out.

I had a wonderful and relaxing stay at the Mar de Jade resort. All of the staff were kind and always first to help in any way. The food was superb. The meals were so frequent that it was hard to make it to them all. What really sets Mar de Jade apart though is the atmosphere. There is a nice family feel to the place and while staying there you quickly see that many of the guests are repeat visitors. The rooms were very accomidating and waking up to the beach every morning was a deifnite plus. I miss it already. I will definitley go back next time I am in Mexico.

Beautiful setting! Next to ocean and forest. Beautiful gardens. Friendly locals.
Rooms were in bad condition. Furniture was worn out and dirty. Plumbing was not working in room properly.
Food was outstanding. Those Mexican locals were in the hot kitchen 16 hours a day, preparing three meals a day. They are not getting what they deserve.
Only thing going on for the hotel is the nature. But they were not doing anything to protect it. There was a dry creek bed right next to the hotel. It smells of sewage. I would not go and sit down on the small "private beach" at mouth of the river. This creek provides fresh water for birds in that area. It should be kept clean and cherished, so birds can stay. Not used as dirty water drain!
My husband got stung by a stingray on our last day. It is said to be the worst pain ever. Pain radiated up to his leg. Staff did a lot to help relieve the pain. Although they played it down a little, saying it only occurs during summer. It happened to us in winter. And they all talked about some yellow flower that would eleviate the pain, but they did not have this mysterious remedy at hand! It is about time to get some handy, since this accident seems to happen quite frequently in this area. Aqua shoes might be helpful for smaller rays. Better yet, stay out of the ocean starting sunset. That is when rays come to shore. Shuffle your feet before you step on sand in ocean.
Overall, not worth the money you spend. I would rent a $50 room from the local home-hotel association. Some of the houses are shown at [--]

It is hardly a "holistic lifestyle center" or an "ecotourism" location. Yoga lessons are occasional. Inspirational evening talks are life stories of a random guest who wants to talk. They do not seem to care much about conservation.

My new husband and I had our wedding at Mar de Jade and it was a wonderful event! We recommend Mar de Jade for anyone looking to throw an easy, relaxing, fun, and intimate wedding.

My husband and I did not have to worry about a thing all weekend. The staff took special care to ensure that the flowers, decorations, cake, and food were all just right. The ceremony overlooked the ocean at sunset underneath a beautiful linen hanging. The reception in the dining room was a blast and the food was delicious. I think ours was perhaps the tastiest - and most beautiful - wedding cake I've ever had.

Though some were initially reticent to travel so far and, frankly, pay a bit more, our guests were thrilled with our choice. Our guests arrived exhausted from the flight and subsequent bus ride, to be greeted by beautiful vistas, margaritas, fresh grilled fish, and mariachis. The next day, Laura arranged a hike to a beautiful, isolated beach that was a hit. Everybody loved winding in the huge hot tub in the jungle at night. Perhaps the most popular activity, however, was relaxing on the gorgeous terrace, listening to the waves, and catching up with friends and family.

Thank you Laura, Robert, Cynthia, Claudia, and the rest of the staff for working so hard to make this the wedding we always wanted!