• HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • COURSE
  • PODCAST
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • COURSE
  • PODCAST
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Connect

    Search

Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

Adventurous Slomad Travel

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Digital Nomad
  • Responsible Travel
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

Staying at the Eco-Chic Maraica Hotel in San Pancho

Last Updated: November 3, 2021 · Mexico, Riviera Nayarit

Tropical vacations, at least for me, are all about being by the beach and listening to the waves crash on the shore, having a cool pool and a fun atmosphere at the hotel, eating exotic fruits for breakfast, and having a hammock to read and relax in. And the Maraica Eco Hotel in San Pancho checks off all of those, and more!

Since living in San Pancho for ongoing two years now, I must admit, I have never once stepped foot into the Maraica hotel — that is until recently! Only ever marveling at its beautiful wall murals from the outside, I never thought twice about taking a staycation and discovering this part of the town. But I’m so glad I did! Such hidden treasures come to life when you just get out and explore your backyard. 🙂

Now that I got to experience it up and close myself, the Maraica Hotel definitely blew my expectations away! Read more below to find out what it was really like to stay here.

Here is my full guide + experience to staying at the Maraico Eco Hotel in San Pancho, Mexico!

Table of Contents show
The (Eco) Hotel
Location
Ecological
The Palapa Rooms
Amenities
Muvieri On-Site Restaurant
Complimentary Breakfast
The Vibe
The Pool
The Ocean
The Grounds

The (Eco) Hotel 

Natural, airy, rustic, with a touch of minimal luxury — that’s how I can best sum up the Maraica Eco Hotel! The hotel is designed with natural materials and sustainability is an integral part of the way the hotel does business.

  • Maraica Hotel San Pancho
  • Whale mural art @ Maraica Hotel San Pancho

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

Location

The Maraica Eco Hotel sits just on the outskirts of San Pancho and is mere seconds from the beach. It’s not quite beachfront as in you walk out and you’re on the beach. But within 30 seconds you are.  The location is perfect for those wanting to be near to town (10-15 minute walk), but not in the center of it all. Beach-goers and sunset-lovers will adore Maraica for its proximity to a nice part of the San Pancho Beach.

Ecological

Maraica Hotel is an ecological place to stay in San Pancho, and as such, it doesn’t have luxurious comforts such as air conditioning in the rooms. (Not that you really need them, as it is often breezy and fresh.) Potable water is served in glass bottles and is refillable at the on-site restaurant just steps away from the room suites. So obviously buying single-use plastics and hoarding them away in your room defeats the purpose of the hotel.

  • Maraica Eco Hotel balconies with hammocks

As a natural, rustic style accommodation, you can expect nature’s greetings — whether it’s birds chirping in the trees or a gecko squeaking from atop your room’s palapa roof in the middle of the day. If you want to enjoy nature, in a hotel that is conscious of their ecological footprint, then Maraica might just be the place for you!

The Palapa Rooms

The rooms at Maraica San Pancho are some of my favorite. One part rustic, one part luxurious, it’s the combination of the two that I find relaxing and inspirational. I immediately want to grab a book, and gently rock myself in the balcony’s hammock! (In fact, I promptly did so when I arrived in my room.)

  • Room Tai @ Maraica eco hotel in san pancho, mexico

The rooms at Maraica are unique, in both name and style. The names of each room originate from the symbology of the Wixárika (Huichol Indians) who are native to the Sierra Madre mountains in Nayarit and in neighboring states.

We stayed in the single room Tai (meaning fire in Huichol language) which overlooked both the mountains and ocean that sweetly cradle the pueblo of San Pancho.

The bed, king-size, was quite the treat. But so was our balcony view, the hammock, and our open-style bathroom and shower. Everything from the exposed, rustic lightbulbs, to the spacious roof palapa, was to adore (in my opinion since this type of style resonates deeply with me).

Amenities

The rooms are quite spacious, and as such, couples and families with small kids love it here. Here are just a few of the amenities you can expect at Maraica San Pancho.

  • 2x Double beds or 1x King-size bed
  • Hot shower (solar heated)
  • Rustic style sinks
  • Fresh linens and towels
  • Beach + Pool towels on request
  • Complimentary potable water with glass cups
  • A sturdy closet for storage and clothing
  • Wooden table and chair
  • Outdoor (sometimes indoor) hammock
  • …and they are pet-friendly!

Family suite Tau (next door to Tai)

Wifi is only available at the on-site restaurant on the hotel grounds. The idea at Maraica is to disconnect, play in the pool, hang out in the hammock, and enjoy the beach. If you need to do work, the wifi at the restaurant is pretty decent to get a couple of hours in.

Check Maraica Eco Hotel room prices here.

Muvieri On-Site Restaurant 

Muvieri is Maraica’s public, on-site restaurant. It’s not obvious from an outsider’s perspective that the restaurant is public, but you can come and eat here even if you’re not a guest at the hotel. You can also rent pool day passes to enjoy the hotel pool.

Muvieri is such a sweet spot for several reasons. For one, watching the sunset from Muvieri’s second floor is quite the treat. With couches and pillows, and swings to sit in, you have a clear, unhampered view of the sunset over the ocean. And two, dinner here is delicious and it rarely gets super busy (seeing as it looks like a private establishment) so you’re sure to enjoy your meal in peace.

Tropical vibes women on swing | Maraica San Pancho | Bucketlist Bri

During our stay, we chose to eat dinner here. I always love to try new San Pancho restaurants, and this was a first for us. We loved it! We both ordered burgers — beef and a tuna steak burger — which were oh-so-satisfying with a side salad or papas. I also treated myself to a margarita because, staycation, right? 🙂

Complimentary Breakfast

Maraica San Pancho’s guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast from around 8-11:30. It’s small yet satisfying; two toasts, one with Mexican frijoles and cheese, the other with a marmalade, plus a glass of fresh-squeezed OJ (my favorite) and a cup of yogurt with fresh exotic fruit.

As we woke up to the fresh breeze and the mystic sound of the ocean, the hotel’s black and white kitty, Mizu, came to snuggle at our feet, and we happily obliged.

The Vibe 

Understanding the essence of a place is crucial for me as a travel blogger. So the highlight of our evening was getting to meet Fernanda, the hotel owner and #bossbabe who manages it all. The staff finds her to be equally admirable and loveable, and the hotel’s vibe suddenly became more clear.

Ultimately, Maraica’s wish for their guests is to feel at rest in nature and connect with the positive energy here.

The Pool

When you first walk up the steps into the private grounds of Maraica, you immediately notice the circular pool jutting out from the rock. It’s instantly inviting. Moreso, it gives the hotel a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. I know sometimes people specifically search for hotels with pools, while for others it’s not a necessity. Even though I didn’t get to use it much, I definitely find it adds to the hotel’s tropical vibe.

The Ocean

One of the best things about Maraica Eco Hotel in San Pancho is possibly the ocean — which is accessible via a dirt road right in front of the hotel. As I said earlier, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore at night makes it seem like you are literally oceanfront.

The Grounds

The hotel grounds are so well hidden, yet the entrance is right on the road that leads to the jungle. But the fact that it is hidden gives it a special, private touch. You’re not secluded far away in the trees, but you’re likely to go unnoticed. Those who know of Maraica and the Muvieri restaurant know, but no one else does.

Beyond that, I love the jungly vibes of the grounds teeming with plants. It’s simple and sophisticated. The large lawn in front of the pool also doubles as the perfect place to watch the sunset and for special events.

Hotel Maraica San Pancho is set up to host all types of events — from yoga and wellness retreats to full-blown wedding parties. It is quite a special place, with good energy. Even Paul and I bounced around the idea of a future wedding here! ^^

I love the Maraica Eco Hotel for a variety of reasons, but its stylish, airy rooms along with its distance from town, yet proximity to the ocean, are the icing on the cake.

For those who enjoy nature escapes and being by the beach will love staying at Maraica in San Pancho! You can check their Instagram here.

Are you ready for your Mexican tropical vacation? Plan your stay at Maraica in San Pancho today!

Pin this post for later!

A special thanks to Fernanda and Maraica Hotel for hosting me to stay one night in order to bring this review to fruition. As always, my opinions as expressed here are my own! 

  • Share on TwitterShare on Twitter
  • Share on FacebookShare on Facebook
  • Share on PinterestShare on Pinterest
  • Share via EmailShare via Email

By: Bri · In: Mexico, Riviera Nayarit

you’ll also love

drone view of Papaya Playa Project hotel in Tulum Mexico9 Best Eco Boutique Hotels in Tulum
jungle and sian ka'an lagoon in the riviera maya21 Epic Things to Do in the Riviera Maya
woman atop Cerro Don Lauro in San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas, MexicoHiking to the Sacred Mountain of Cerro Don Lauro in Chiapas

Join the List

Stay up to date with the latest adventures and travel guides.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

Hotel Cielo Rojo – Experiencing San Pancho’s Iconic Hotel & Bistro

Primary Sidebar

hello!

I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

About Me

Connect

join the list

Featured Posts

Locals and tuktuks in the town of San Pedro La Laguna in Guatemala

20 Best Things to Do in San Pedro La Laguna

woman sitting in apartment rental abroad in mexico

How to Find & Rent an Apartment in Another Country

scuba diving in tulum mexico

The Complete Guide to Scuba Diving in Tulum, Mexico

QUICK LINKS

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • COURSE
  • PODCAST
  • DESTINATIONS

Search

Let’s Connect!

@bucketlistbri

Dear me, thank you 🥰 This is your sign to tak Dear me, thank you 🥰 

This is your sign to take yourself to your dream destination (even—or especially—if you have to go solo!) ✨✨✨

Follow along to see my adventures in Japan! 🇯🇵 

#japantrip #solotraveling #japanawaits #travelingsolo #mindfultravel
Memories from Morjim, Anjuna, & Panjim (Goa, India Memories from Morjim, Anjuna, & Panjim (Goa, India) 🇮🇳 

1. Waiting on India's first digital nomad conference to start! (CYF CON) 

2a. The funkiest hippie/night market in Anjuna

2b. Overlooking the beautiful and historic Panjim (the capital of Goa) 🌴

2c. One of the oldest + most popular Portuguese Baroque-style chapels in Goa (Lady of Immaculate Conception, Panjim)

3. I specifically requested a yellow scooter just so I could take a picture like this lol 🛵

4a. Kitty portrait inside a really cool speakeasy

4b. Feeling cute at the cutest little outdoor gin cocktail bar 

4c. Sunset over Chapora Bay + Arabian Sea

4d. Nightlife / beach shacks on Arpora 

5. Looking out at the sea from atop the ruined Chapora Fort

6. Bollywood dancing with the gals 💃🏼

7. Street shot in Panjim 📸

8. Wandering around the Fontainhas Latin Quarter (Panjim)

9a. Morjim Beach (shot from atop Chapora Fort)

9b. Local Goans + holy cow walking on Mandrem beach at sunset 🌅 

10. Enjoying our stay at the lovely  @anamivagoa 

PS. All of these memories and experiences wouldn’t have been possible without @nurall_co 💛 Nurall's next remote work retreat is in KHAO LAK, THAILAND 🇹🇭this July 2023 (cost: $900 USD only). Comment or DM me for an extra 5% off if you’re interested in signing up!

#goa #indiatraveldiaries #morjim #anjuna #panjim #slowtravel #remoteworklife #nomadiccreators #digitalnomadgirls
Whether its for adventure, community, or leveling Whether its for adventure, community, or leveling up your business, a digital nomad / remote work retreat is one of the best ways to work remotely and travel! 💻✈️

I’ve rounded up some of the best curated trips and retreats out there in my latest blog post (🔗 in bio to check it out!) 

Featured in my guide are:

@nurall_co 
@beunsettled 
@minoma.co 
@workwanderers
@the_nomad_escape
@remoteyear

Types of experiences you could discover with these guys range from training for 🥊 Muay Thai in Khao Lak, Thailand (@nurall_co co) to 🥾 hiking the Camino de Santiago in Spain (@beunsettled) to ⛺️ camping out in the desert of Morocco (@minoma.co), and more!

WHY JOIN A NOMAD / REMOTE WORK RETREAT? 👇

Retreats offer curated itineraries/experiences designed to bring you epic adventures in bucket list destinations, plug you into the local scene, and collab with like-minded souls — all while leveling up your business/entrepreneurial skills and remote lifestyle and giving you creative space to cowork in beautiful places. 🤗

On a digital nomad retreat, you might...

💡Strike a new business idea
⚡️Spark a sweet romance with a stranger
👀 Get your project noticed by an investor
🥰 Form a life-long friendship (or a few!)
🌿 Build a new brand from scratch
💃 Change directions completely in your personal life
🧘‍♀️ Strengthen your sense of self, confidence, and spirituality

These are just examples of the very many outcomes you could gain from attending a digital nomad retreat.

In short, these programs have the power to evoke positive change in your life and, more often than not, your investment is rewarded handsomely (in more ways than one). ✌️

I’m long-time digital slomad, but after discovering Goa, India with @nurall_co I’m most definitely going to attend more retreats like this in the future! ✨✨

*Not spons, btw! Just sharing ways you can find a community of digital nomads, whether you want to be one or already are one! 👩🏼‍💻💛

My blog guide shares the deets about price, location, etc — go check it out and save this reel! ✨

#digitalnomads #remoteworkandtravel #grouptravel #grouptrip #remoteworklife #laptoplifestyle #digitalnomadgirls
< 1 week until we get to do this again! Adventur < 1 week until we get to do this again! 

Adventures await us in our beasty 1990 Roadtrek 🚐🌲🥾 — she’s been sitting out winter in Washington while we tanned our toes in Mexico 🇲🇽 

I’ve never been able to choose between the mountains ⛰️ and the sea 🌊 … you? 

Tell me what kind of summer you’re manifesting in the comments! 🧡

#vanlife #summeriscoming #granolagirl #roadtrek #pnwadventures #outdoorsy #homeiswhereyouparkit
And... WE’RE LIVE!! 🚀 I’m stoked (read 90 And... WE’RE LIVE!! 🚀 

I’m stoked (read 90% nervous, 10% excited), to share that @slomadstories is officially OUT THERE! 

I actually had the first episode published on April 4th, but was too shy to share about it until now. 

But, as you’ll hear when you tune in... (🥳) this podcast isn’t just about highlighting raw, meaningful stories of adventure by ordinary people who seek an extraordinary life — YES, it’s mostly about that — but the very heart of this podcast is about DOING things despite how much they SCARE you or thrust you into the UNKNOWN.

I’ve always *tried* to live my one very short life by seeking to know, chasing curiosity, and jumping headfirst into the journey. 

— This podcast is simply a new endeavor, a new project that WILL NOT stop whispering at my heart. I’ve been trying to deny this urge, this tug, for so long! The whispers started in 2020 when a person who I thought would become a close friend bailed on the idea to start one together. So I let the idea go, for a while. But then it came back twice as strong in 2022, when I was living as a temporary nomad in Portugal for two months. It was there that I had my podcast cover art designed. That was already 1.5 years ago! 

Life passes us by...

We hear the whispers, we see the project coming to life in our heads, we feel the pull...

But we say no over and over again, and we make very legitimate excuses, until ultimately, the idea, the spark, the magic, fades; it chooses someone else to birth the idea and manifest itself into creation (something I learned reading “Big Magic” by Liz Gilbert, it’s amazing, go read it!). 

I have no idea why I felt the need to start a podcast, it’s not like I am already juggling enough.

But I wanted to, for me.

For you ✨ 

For everyone who ever chased that feeling, that tug. 

Because that?? 

That’s been my life for the last decade. I moved abroad countless times — and stayed — from Nepal to Mexico and beyond, and I would’ve never done ANY of it if I had not listened to the whispers.

This podcast is about continuing in the pursuit of the unknown, seeking more, and taking decisive action.

Welcome to Slomad Stories, & thank you for being here. 🧡

Xx,
Bri
MINI GUIDE TO JIUFEN 🏮🇹🇼👇 🍡 Explor MINI GUIDE TO JIUFEN 🏮🇹🇼👇

🍡 Explore Jiufen Old Street and try local street food (The taro balls came highly recommended! We ate giant pork buns, xiao long bao dumplings, and a vegan pork noodle dish!) 

🍵 Visit the iconic A-Mei Tea House for traditional tea ceremony and sweets (a bit touristy, but worth it for the views imo)

🐉 Pick up some of the magic of “Spirited Away” in the shops (there are so many souvenirs and Studio Ghibli themed goods)

⛰️ Hike to the top of Keelung Mountain for a fun and sweaty adventure (go before sunset and go prepared for thousands of steps, lol)

🏮Wander through the narrow alleyways — explore away from Old Street!! 

⛏️ Learn about the town’s history at the Jiufen Gold Mine Museum — you can take night tours for a small fee or organize them through your hotel

🎭 Visit the two-story historic Shengping Theater, an abandoned cinema that provides a glimpse into Jiufen’s past

💦 Explore the nearby Golden Waterfall (10 minute drive)

Most people only come to Jiufen for a couple of hours to stroll through Old Street and take a photo of the teahouse since it evokes the bathhouse in Spirited Away🏮🐉 with its architecture and lanterns. But DON’T make the mistake of coming only for a day!! 

There is so much to do in Jiufen, even though we stayed 2 nights in the town (highly recommend), we wished we had stayed longer. 🥹

Oh yeah, and BRING AN UMBRELLA!! ☔️ Or don’t, the locals will give you one out of the goodness of their hearts (our hosts were the sweetest!!) ❤️

Save this to your Taiwan bucket list, pass this reel along to a friend, anddd check out my blog @bucketlistbri .com for more adventures abroad! 💃

#discovertaiwan #jiufen #spiritedaway #northtaiwan #asiatravel #travelbucketlist #jiufenoldstreet
Follow My Adventures

Footer

On the Blog

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Digital Nomad
  • Responsible Travel
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

Info

  • Work With Me
  • My Blog Course
  • Slomad Stories Podcast
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

adventures await x

Copyright © 2023 · Bucketlist Bri | All Rights Reserved

38 shares