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!

It is not only the beautiful location (at the end of the white beach of Chacala Bay), it is not only the wonderful food (fusion of healthy, wholesome, Mexican), it is not only the interesting conversations during meals (amazing people from all walks of life), it is not only the inviting blue pool (and the secluded jacuzzi pool), that makes this resort such an unusual holiday destination. To me, it was the spirit of the people and the surroundings and the reason for existance of this place that made it so much more special. Mexico was never on my list of countries to visit and I only came because of being accepted as a holiday volunteer at this resort - and what a great introduction to real Mexico! Mar De Jade was born because of one woman who wanted to make a difference in the community. Laura, the owner, who is also a medical doctor, opened a medical clinic in a nearby town. Soon she had to house many volunteers who wanted to help and Mar De Jade was created! In the many years it has developed into a an unique meeting place of volunteers, speciality groups (we met people who came for a yoga retreat and others who came for a holistic healing course!) and holiday makers. This resort offers a magic energy buzzing (in a good holistic way) with people doing classes, going for one of the many excursions (whale watching, hikes up the volcano, shopping in the local market), reading books or just watching the sunset. A humbling experience was visiting the Children's Project at Laura's clinic in Las Varas, where kids meet for a meal and activities. Within one hour of interaction these kids found a place in our hearts! My 5 year old loved sitting in the new hot jacuzzi pool in the recently developed spa area (and they have plans to introduce great new Spa and Lifestyle Packages, which we will definately come back for!). This resort is a must for those who no longer want white towels, waiters, parties and to be entertained. This is where you come to when you want to find peace, harmony, relax and enjoy who you are! Thanx to Laura, Angelica, Emily, Anastasia for having us there, for being able to contribute to your volunteer program and for giving us great memories that will last forever!