Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Mar de Jade

Chacala, Nayarit, Mexico

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

Currency Exchange

Chacala is a funky beach town and fishing village of about 300 - 400  inhabitants. About 90 miles north of the famous tourist city of Puerto Vallarta, life is simple here.

Considered one of the jewels of the Riviera Nayarit, Chacala has won the enviable Clean Beach award two years in a row.

At one end of the beach are the fishing boats and restaurants that serve fresh fish straight from the ocean.

At the other end of the beach backed up to the jungle and in front of the sea is a yoga retreat and wellness resort called Mar de Jade.

Palm tree with signage

The gardens of Mar de Jade are lush and manicured. Wandering cobblestone pathways connect several buildings together, and the above signage is supposed to help you figure out where you are!

We saw people walking around with smiles on their faces so that seemed to be a good clue for what was to come on our little visit.

Billy and Akaisha in front of a trimmed palm tree

Pleasant. Peaceful. Nature-filled.

We meandered through the gardens wondering what we'd discover.

We loved the cleanliness and the balanced beauty that surrounded us.

Easy to lean into that.

Dining room and sitting area

Sea breezes wafted in through the dining room and sitting area placed in the middle of this oasis of calm. The ocean is just a stone's throw away, and it felt effortless to drift through the trees, flowers, pools and walkways.

Looking out over the ocean

Since this is a yoga retreat, yoga classes and meditation sessions are held daily. If you want to sit and hear the waves of the sea or read a book, there are comfy seats, hammocks, and beach chairs from which to choose.

English speaking receptionist

Depending on the room you choose and the retreat package you purchase, prices per night run between $300 and $400USD.

Included in this rate are three buffet meals a day, coffee, tea, and tropical fruit throughout day, use of all facilities and your yoga program. One massage is included for the week.

Hikes, excursions to the nearby Altavista petroglyphs, boat tours, taxis, bar drinks and tips are all extra. 

I was a little surprised that there were no options for learning how to de-stress once you were back home in the office - like acupressure points-in-a-pinch, or recipes for green drinks to supplement one's body.

Maybe a class or two on the power of turmeric or an easy-to-understand guide to what accumulated stress does to the mind and body and how to release it. Sort of like: "This is your brain. This is your brain on stress."

Having a week away from your life back home can be very restorative, but how can you maintain that peace when you re-enter the stress-filled life you have created?

But perhaps simplicity is the point.  

Paradise

Along with a pool, there is a jacuzzi, a cold plunge and sauna available for your enjoyment.

TV, telephone and Wifi are not located in any of the rooms. Management encourages being "unplugged" during your retreat, but if you would like to make a phone call, you have your own personal cell phone, or a phone is available at the front desk for in-country calls.

Wifi is accessible in the dining room, guest lounge and bar areas.

Otherwise, it's back to that simplicity thing.

View from the poolside area

Mar de Jade is obviously beautiful and restful. You can bring your family, your group, or attend as a couple or single.

Choices of retreat packages can be viewed on their website, and reservations made to suit your needs.

To arrive at Mar de Jade, fly into Puerto Vallarta and take a taxi up coast, arriving here. Transportation to/from the airport as well as local excursions can all be arranged by Mar de Jade staff.

You can take individual Spanish classes or have a personal sitter watch your children if you come as a family.

Looking back towards Chacala beach

Beach umbrellas, palapas for shade, and beach chairs are here for your comfort.

Gateway to the beach

For a walk down the beach, to visit other restaurants or to hire a paddle board or kayak, your access to the sea is through this gate.

Chac Mool and Chico's are only a few minutes' walking distance away, and if you want to hear the local troubadours sing Mexican love songs, you can always "escape" this escape and still get back in time for your meditation class!

Mar de Jade

Chacala, Nayarit, Mexico

US Tele: 1. 800. 257. 0532

Mexico Tele: +52+327. 219. 4000

Website: www.Mardejade.com Email: info@mardejade.com

For more stories and photos about Mexico, click here

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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