Holiday Magic: Presence & Candlelight at our ecolodge in San Pancho, Mexico

Listen closely in the jungle and you just might hear “Jingle Bells” drifting through the palms. Yes — even here in the vibrant green of Riviera Nayarit, the holiday spirit finds its way into the canopy. And at the Tailwind Jungle Lodge, we welcome it with open arms.

As an American family living in Mexico, holidays like Thanksgiving and snowy Christmases look a little different for us. In the early years, we missed the familiar comforts of northern traditions — the crackling fireplaces, the scent of pine, the gatherings with extended family. But over time, we’ve discovered something deeply meaningful about celebrating the holidays in the tropics. Life here has a way of stripping everything down to the essentials, revealing what truly matters. And of course, we’ve carried a few beloved traditions with us into the jungle.

Why Natural Holidays Here Feel So Meaningful

One word captures what makes holiday time at the Tailwind Jungle Lodge so special: presence.

Pure, uncomplicated presence — a rare treasure in our fast-paced world.

With no Wi-Fi on most of the property, our guests (and our own family!) naturally settle into being fully together again. No screens. No scrolling. Just the jungle’s soundtrack — birdsong, breezes, waves, and laughter — and the people we love most.

This Thanksgiving, the kids raced around the bright red noche buenas, swung in the hammock, and wandered our forest trails. They returned to the table with pockets full of tiny treasures: leaves, seeds, shells, and stories.

Moments like these remind us why we built Tailwind in the first place.

Candlelight & Connection

As the sun dips behind the Pacific, the jungle shifts into its evening rhythm — and candlelight takes over.

Lighting is minimal here by design. Soft, warm, and energy-friendly, candlelight invites a slower pace and deeper conversations. Stories flow. Laughter rises. Eyes meet without distraction. A splash of local tequila doesn’t hurt either.

It’s simple, but unforgettable — a reminder that joy doesn’t need much to shine.

Holiday Wishes from our Ecolodge in San Pancho, Mexico

After nearly two decades of living in San Pancho, one truth continues to rise to the surface during the holidays:

The best things in life aren’t things.They’re moments. Connections. Nature. Stillness. Wonder.

As you enter your own holiday season — whether wrapped in a blanket by the fire or basking under winter sun — we’re sending a wave of jungle health your way. May your days be filled with presence, nature, simplicity, family, friends, community, and all the wild little joys that make life beautifully full.

With gratitude + jungle love, we look forward to sharing holidays with you at our ecolodge in San Pancho, Mexico muy pronto!

The Tailwind Family 🌴💚