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| Mar de Jade: A
place that lifts the spirits and fires the imagination
|
| by SS - April 13, 2003. Version
Español |
 I
haven't had the chance to meet Laura del Valle, the
owner and founder of Mar de Jade, in flesh and bone,
yet I feel I have a clear picture of her in my mind.
I imagine her not so tall, not so skinny, not old at
all, and with a huge smile populating a very friendly
face. I bet she is very energetic and seems she never
gets tired.
Laura has been involved for many
years in addressing the suffering of others; bringing
many good things to people from all walks of life. As
she said when we spoke over the phone, the suffering
from material poverty is sad and we should engage in
alleviating it, but spiritual poverty is dangerous to
all humanity and we should engage in transforming it
in ourselves and others.
The way Laura has chosen to help
people transcend suffering is through Mar de Jade, a
retreat center and alternative vacation resort that
is socially and environmentally responsible. Created
in 1983 it has grown over the years by offering visitors
opportunities to participate in life-changing activities:
a community volunteer program, Spanish classes, a variety
of retreats and workshops, time for self-renewal. The
center is also open to individuals and families who
want to vacation without participating in any formal
program. Always the intention has been to strike a balance
between enjoying, relaxing, learning, and serving.
Mar de Jade-- which means Sea of
Jade-- is located at the southern end of Chacala Beach
and is surrounded by the natural beauty of the ocean
and jungle. Unlike huge beachside resorts, it is noted
for its informality, warmth, and simple elegance. 
Part of Mar de Jade’s income
and staff time is dedicated to assisting projects they
have founded: a primary-care community clinic, an after-school
program, English classes, a sewing coop, a scholarship
fund for young people, and an emergency fund for families
in distress.
Laura has the gift of creating bridges
between people of different cultures and social classes
so that they experience and share what they have in
common rather than what separates them.
Mar the Jade is a place for special
people, and all of us are special, aren’t we?
If you want a beautiful place to relax and to get away
for a while from the pressures of everyday life while
supporting a socially committed organization, Mar de
Jade is the place for you, a one of a kind experience
for people who enjoy a simple way of life in a peaceful
setting.
 In
addition to the beach and ocean, guests relax in the
swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and practice yoga and meditation
in beautiful halls overlooking the sea. Kayaking, boat
trips, horseback riding, visiting nearby petroglyphs,
hiking are among the recreational activities Mar de
Jade offers.
You can also participate in the many
retreats and workshops scheduled through the year. The
variety of group offerings is extensive, including a
Sufi retreat, numerous yoga workshops, meditation retreats,
all open to the public.
Their upcoming event is a Zen meditation
retreat scheduled from April 30 through the morning
of May 5. The Theme is Listening:  The
Heart of Understanding. The teacher is poet and writer
Zoketsu Norman Fischer, former Abbot of the San Francisco
Zen Center. This retreat is suitable for beginners as
well as seasoned students.
I will stop now because I don’t
want to ruin the experience for you. You can start by
looking at the Mar de Jade website, and then paying
a weekend visit later, just like I did.
To Get There: Mar de Jade is located
on the extreme southern end of Chacala Beach about 1
1/2 hours north of Puerto Vallarta (take highway 200
towards Tepic) . For more information, visit the website:
http://www.mardejade.com or call 322-222-1171 or 322-222-3524
in Puerto Vallarta. E-mail: info@mardejade.com
SS
An art restorer and currently manager of Villa
Bella
B&B Inn in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.
Email: eli@hispanolink.zzn.com
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