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TailWind Outdoors: For Nature Lovers Only

By Robin Noelle

Many of the visitors to the quaint seaside hamlet of San Francisco, Nayarit (San Pancho as it is known locally), will never know about one of the most unique and impressive lodging options available and that’s a shame. Nestled into a jungle-covered hillside just north of San Pancho is Tailwind Outdoor, a most unusual eco-resort.

In a time when claiming to be “green” and “eco-friendly” is wildly popular, many resorts have been using the terms liberally without really meeting the standards. Tailwind is different. What makes the small eco-resort stand out is its firm commitment to reuse and recycle, all while preserving the natural state of their gorgeous, wild grounds.

For the reasonable price of $75 US per night, guests can select one of the three available bungalows at Tailwind. Two of these are raised wooden platforms, jutting from the hill into an expanse of jungle that offers both lovely scenery and privacy. Each features a king-size bed, electric lights, running water, a stove top, a hammock and small table and chairs. The bed rests under a safari-style canvas tent, the sides of which can be raised or lowered for a more contained or open experience. There are also large mosquito nets to ensure no critters join you during the night. You are in the jungle, after all.

Perhaps the best way to describe Tailwind would be luxury camping. The platforms are spacious and there’s even a hot shower next to each one. At its core, it is still camping though. For your restroom needs you have several options: go in the woods, use the composting toilet or head up the path to Tailwind headquarters to make use of the flush toilet. That is, unless you’ve rented the third bungalow, a cute, little unit with both a toilet and semi-indoor shower.

Up at the headquarters, there’s a small pool and lounge area for guests and further up hill is a raised platform that offers an incredible vista of the jungle and ocean. You can see the sunset year round from any angle. You can see the creativity that went into the development of Tailwind, as well as their eco-consciousness. Found materials are used when available such as river rocks for the headquarters bar and driftwood and trees felled from storms used for railings and posts.

Almost no land was cleared to make room for Tailwind and the owners have done their best to plant low and no-maintenance landscaping to fill in bare spots. Rain water is collected and all of the gray water is reused for watering the tropical plants. In addition to the composting toilet, the staff at Tailwind takes their other compost into town to the organic garden. When they claim the green label, they mean it.

While Tailwind isn’t far from San Pancho, there’s plenty to do on site. Tamara Jacobi, co-owner and head guide leads a variety of nature hikes, bird watching tours and sea kayaking trips. If you are feeling more independent, you can walk the pathway to the small cove and private beach or take a rambling walk on one of the many trails nearby. One of the longest and most popular is the Avocado Loop, a several hour hike through avocado orchards and tropical jungle. You might even see some local wildlife like the coatis, raccoons or foxes.

Of course, one of the best things about Tailwind is Tamara and her family. They provide a welcome dinner on your first night complete with organic vegetables from the San Pancho garden and are happy to share their little piece of paradise. The peacefulness of the jungle, free from city lights, traffic noise and even roosters, will clear your mind and refresh your spirit. If you need to get away, really away, don’t miss Tailwind Outdoor.

More information: http://www.tailwindoutdoor.com