❤️ Jungle Love + Dia De Amor y Amistad

Do you remember the word “twitterpated” from the Disney movie Bambi — that sweet, slightly dizzy feeling of being in love? We’re lucky to see it here fairly often. Not only the Tarzan-and-Jane kind of love, but love in all its forms — romantic love, deep friendship, love for family and community, self-love, and a profound connection with Mother Nature.

Love is complex, and I’ve always felt the English language falls a little short when it comes to describing all the different ways love shows up in our lives. In Mexico, Valentine’s Day is Día del Amor y la Amistad — the Day of Love and Friendship — and I love that. It widens the lens, making space not only for romance, but for friendship, community, kindness, and the quieter, steadier forms of love that sustain us.

Here at our ecolodge in Mexico, tucked into the jungle just outside San Pancho, we see that broader definition of love unfold every day.

A Jungle Love Story (From recent guest - Angie Lake)

Thank you to Angie Lake for sharing her jungle love story.

"Our first trip to the jungle was already magical.

We caught our first waves surfing together, rode horseback along the beach, and snorkeled with colorful fish. Each day, we returned to our palapa at Tailwind in bliss, feeling like we had our very own jungle paradise. Brandon and I had known each other for a few years, and this was our first trip to this corner of the world together.

One morning, Brandon asked if I’d like to hike down to the secret beach from our palapa. We made our way downhill through giant leaves and lush greenery, eventually emerging at a stunning cove hugged by perfect waves and vibrant green trees. After getting our feet wet — and washing off some therapeutic mud — we laid down on our towels to relax before another swim. I lay there half-asleep in the shade, with no one else around, Brandon sat down next to me and started saying a bunch of sweet words. I was a little confused in my nap mode… until he pulled out a ring and asked if I’d marry him.

We soaked in the moment, then spent the rest of the day surfing and celebrating with friends.

Two years later, we’re happily married and love reminiscing about that day in San Pancho.

Tailwind will always have a home in our hearts."

 Angie began as a guest at the lodge and then became a friend (as so many of our guests do!). She is also a creative consultant, storyteller, speaker, and event host for people with something BIG to say, but no clear way to say it (yet). Check out her blog/newsletter Blood Sweat Fear and find out more about her at angielake.com.

20 Years of Jungle Love

Stories like this feel especially meaningful as we continue to celebrate 20 years of jungle love here at Tailwind.

Over two decades, we’ve had the honor of witnessing so many forms of love — couples falling in love, friends reconnecting, families slowing down enough to truly be together, and guests rediscovering a sense of care and compassion for themselves.

Stewarding this place as an ecolodge in Mexico has always been about more than providing a place to stay. It’s about creating space — for connection, presence, love and the kinds of moments that linger long after guests return home.

Love Beyond Romance

Not all love stories here involve a proposal. Some look like friends laughing late into the night, hanging in the hammock in the glow of candlelight, free from screens and schedules. Some look like families rediscovering the joy of simple days exploring together. Some look like rest, quiet, and self-care. And some look like falling in love with a place — the jungle, ocean, and slower rhythm of life.

As we celebrate Día del Amor y la Amistad and 20 years of jungle love, we’re feeling deeply grateful — for this place, for the community around us, and for the many forms of love we’ve been lucky enough to share.

However you define love, there’s space for it here.

Find love in the jungle

Photo credit: Angie Lake