Xinalani is a beachfront yoga and wellness retreat on the bay south of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, reachable only by boat. With six yoga studios, healthy buffet meals and a packed calendar of hosted retreats, it's best for yoga lovers and groups who want jungle, ocean and a real break from screens and traffic.
What it's like
Xinalani (the name means "seeds" in Nahuatl) is a beachfront eco resort on the coast south of Puerto Vallarta, about 12 miles south of Puerto Vallarta's airport. There's no road in. You arrive by boat, which sets the tone from the start: once you step onto the beach, you're not going anywhere in a hurry.
The resort climbs a jungle hillside from the sand, so expect stairs. The team counts 176 of them, with about 215 feet of elevation from the beach to the highest point. Rooms are built with local, natural materials and palm-thatched roofs, and every one looks out to the ocean. Some are open-air, with three walls and a lockable door, which means you fall asleep to the sound of the waves and wake up with whatever wildlife is about. Others are fully enclosed with air conditioning. At the top end there are beach casitas with their own plunge pools; at the budget end there are dorms.
Xinalani describes itself as a place for personal transformation and conscious travel. In practice that means plenty of yoga, healthy food and nature, and a property that's also run as a wildlife sanctuary. The resort supports the nearby community with jobs, hospitality training and scholarships, and many of the staff are local.
The programs
Yoga is the heart of the place. There are six yoga studios spread across the property, and the resort runs regular classes as well as hosting a steady stream of visiting teachers. Through the fall of 2026 the calendar lists a different hosted retreat nearly every week, with themes ranging from rest and reset to more active, sweaty yoga. You can join one of these or simply book a stay and take part in the resort's own schedule.
Beyond the mat, there's a spa with massage and treatments, meditation classes, yoga workshops and temazcal, a traditional cleansing ritual. On the water you can try surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving. On land there are jungle hikes, zip lines, visits to nearby fishing villages, cooking classes with the chef, salsa lessons and beach bonfires.
Meals are served buffet style and designed around health and fitness. The menu includes eggs, fish, seafood and chicken, but no red meat or pork, and there are vegan and gluten-free options at every meal.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
Xinalani is a strong pick for yoga teachers bringing a group, and for anyone who'd like to join a hosted retreat in a beautiful, slightly wild setting. Solo travelers fit in easily, and there are shared dorms as well as private rooms.
Think twice if you have knee or hip problems, since the stairs are real. Light sleepers should note that the nearby village sometimes celebrates late into the night. And if you want to pop into town for dinner, remember every trip means a water taxi plus a cab or bus.
Getting there
Fly into Puerto Vallarta. A greeter meets you at the airport, then it's about 15 minutes by taxi to the marine terminal at Marina Vallarta and roughly 45 minutes by boat to the resort. Because the boats don't run at night, plan to land by 4 pm and book departing flights after noon.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drive to Xinalani?
No. There's no road access, so everyone arrives by boat from Puerto Vallarta.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes. The resort says high-speed internet reaches the rooms, common areas and yoga studios, even though the overall spirit is to unplug.
Do all rooms have air conditioning?
No. Some rooms are open-air, with three walls and a lockable door. Choose a deluxe room, an enclosed suite or a beach casita if you want air conditioning.
What kind of food is served?
Healthy buffet meals with fish, seafood, chicken and eggs. There's no red meat or pork, and vegan and gluten-free choices are offered at every meal.
Can I bring my own yoga group?
Yes. Xinalani hosts outside teachers and groups; contact the resort through its website for details. See current retreats and rooms on the Xinalani website.
