Jolie Jungle, Ruta de Cenotes, Puerto Morelos

We had a wonderful opportunity to accompany our friends, Claudia and Gil to the Jolie Jungle for a private Mexican Independence Day Celebration.  Located west of Puerto Morelos on the Ruta de Cenotes, this lovely retreat and boutique hotel is nestled in the jungle on the south side of the road.  When we first arrived, the gate was closed, and we had to call for someone to come and open and let us in.  The road is not paved and as we entered we were impressed by the beauty of the jungle all around us. 

Jolie Jungle is extremely rustic but done with great taste and attention to detail.  The bungalows and 2-bedroom suites are spread out within the complex, so every guest is afforded complete privacy.  There are bikes to use, a gorgeous swimming pool with a waterfall, restaurant, games, public and private spaces, temescal and even an adorable shrine to the Alux.  It is a unique property which will quickly have you relaxing and leaving your troubles behind.  Don’t expect cell services, which can add to the ability to unplug and relax. They do however have Wi-Fi if you must stay connected.

For the celebration the resort was closed to tourists and only open for friends of the owners, Neda and Dino.  They decorated the restaurant in honor of Mexican Independence.  The evening’s menu included rice and beans, mole, an assortment of tacos and tamales, as well as sweets for dessert.  The dinner entertainment was a fabulous singer who serenaded us tableside.  Following dinner, after several wines and tequilas, we all danced into the wee hours.  Viva Mexico!  What an incredible experience to celebrate Independence in our new country with new friends.  What made it interesting was the group consisted of Mexicans, Americans and French.  All united with friendship and love for Mexico.

With no streetlights and the calming sounds of the jungle, we slept the sleep of babies and woke to the sound of birds and squirrels starting their day.  Waking to no cell service, the peaceful sounds and gentle breezes we felt no sense of urgency to get moving.  Our morning started with fresh coffee, breakfast, a swim in the pool and walk through the jungle paths.

This resort is completely eco-friendly. They gather solar power during the day and switch to generators only as needed.  The maximum they can house is 31. I would highly recommend this for anyone looking to do any type of group gathering or retreat.  I am working with a group looking to do a retreat to rejuvenate and restore and I am suggesting they start their trip here, a perfect place to reconnect to nature. 

In addition to housing and food, Erika provides yoga, reiki, and a full temascal experience.  We were also told about a maize they have created with paths throughout the jungle, perfect for incorporating workshops into a retreat.  

If you would like more information about Jolie Jungle you can find them on facebook or look for their website www.joliejungle.com and please tell them we recommended you!