My SachaJi - Wellness Hotel

We stayed at Sacha Ji for a couple of nights before heading out to the Galapagos Islands. Wow, it was worth it. Such a peaceful place. The view was incredible, the staff were friendly and helpful. The accommodations were excellent. One thing to note is that the hotel is at an elevation that most people aren't use to. We got tired just walking 50 meters to breakfast. Sure it was up a small hill, but at that elevation, we felt it. We got use to it very quickly though. From this location you look out over the San Pablo lake to the town of Otavalo. You also get a good view of the Imbabura volcano. I've attached some photos of the views from the hotel and from the surrounding area.

This place is so beautiful and magical I can't stop talking about it (and I couldn't stop taking photos!). I was there end of Feb/early March for a retreat. The owner Maria Teresa and staff are fabulous. The food was fantastic, using herbs, fruits and vegetables grown in their gardens. The retreat center was perfect for us. The grounds well kept and have beautiful walking paths throughout the property. Rain, clouds and sun all produced fantastic panoramic views of San Pablo lake and Imbabura mountain. The pet dogs and 3 llamas are an added fun to see. There are hammocks to rest on, a jacuzzi and a cold water dip for added relaxation, and if you're lucky - you'll have yoga or meetings in the beautiful meeting room. I'd highly recommend this place and hope I'm lucky enough to return one day.

It was my first time in Ecuador and in South America and staying at a place like MySachaji was definitely different than any of my typical vacations. I must say that MySachaji has exceeded all my expectations. Every avid traveler must experience MySachaji once as it is an unique experience! It is a perfect place if you are looking to relax, get in touch with your inner-self and really looking to find the happiness deep inside and if you are open to experience something new and unique. Few things to highlight if you are reading this review and looking to visit - ||1) Location - It's simply scenic, but also away from everything. You must be able to unplug from everything (though WiFi is awesome here). MySachaji was excellent to take care of all transportation needs.||2) Staff - Everyone (I mean, everyone) has a smile on their face and looking to help. I can't say enough good words about the quality of service and sincere care that they provided during my stay.||3) Food - It was A++++! Everything is fresh from their garden and the chef is very special and creative. Every meal was prepared with great creativity and quality. It was truly an amazing culinary experience as a foodie!||Last but not the least, everyone should take advantage of Yoga and Meditation and energy healing sessions. It will take your life to the next level as it did for me!||Thank you, Maria Teresa Ponce and all of MySachaji staff!

There is no doubt this place delivers on their promises of peaceful energy, tranquility and amazing vistas. Having said this, I must point out that I am usually a budget traveler and this place would normally be out of my expense range. I went with a friend of mine as a gift and I must say I enjoyed the grounds, the free massage and the hot tub with views of the surrounding volcanoes and lake. The fish dinner was excellent and I literally collapsed with satisfied exhuastion into an extremely comfortable bed with the sounds of the roaring woodstove as a soundtrack. I was somewhat disappointed with the light breakfast "buffet" with only fruit, a few slices of cold cuts and cheese and some rather tasteless scrambled eggs. Again, I have the perception that this place caters to "yoga" types and light eaters, so I wasn't exactly expecting bacon and biscuits and gravy. However, for the price,perhaps a more substantial omelet would have left me feeling a bit more satisfied. I was also hoping that the welcome drink would have been a nice glass of Cabernet or Merlot instead of tea...but that's just me. The host was very kind, the service good and this place is no doubt what a city weary traveler needs to unwind and find peace of me. As for this budget minded, carnivorous "not a yoga type", I'll pass the zen for a less comfortable bed, a cheeseburger and a belly up bar. :)

Mere kilometers north of the equator this retreat lies in the Imbabura region, imbued with the indigenous culture. Just finished in 2013, owner and architect Maria Teresa Ponce realized her dream of building an 'Earth Ship' of sustainable architecture on her father's land. |Inspired by the clean lines of modernism and love of nature, My SachaJi (sacred mountain) blends with the landscape using river rock, earthen roofs and feng-shui based designs. |This 11 room boutique hotel's mineral rich water comes from the waterfall just up the hill and is heated by solar panels.|It sits at 8700 elevation nestled under the 'Sleeping Mother' volcano . Offering sweeping vistas of Andean highlands, patchwork hillsides, Lake San Pablo and quaint villages. On site Argentinian chef, Ceci Acuna creates delicious dishes, soups and juices in the farm-to-table tradition selecting herbs, spices fruit, vegetables and medicinal plants grown in the organic orchards and gardens.|Their family includes friendly rescue dogs who roam freely and two llamas who help trim the grass.|

The water in the shower would not stay hot. It would get cold for a couple minutes then get hot again for 30 seconds then back to cold. The wifi went out during the stay so I had to restart the router. The wifi does not reach the bedroom. The house stayed very cold because the small space heaters were not enough. The host was very sassy. Not a gracious hospitality driven host. Lovely view and comfortable bed. I recommend staying at the hotel down the road for the same great view, but you will feel more comfortable.

Beyond words and highly recommended to everyone. Whether you just need a break in life to unwind, or want a genuine wellness week - My Sacha Ji has it all. The 10 room boutique hotel, is luxurious and is 5 star from the moment you wake up, until the turn down service at night. Cecilia ( the Chef) is out of this world- she creates tasty, organic foods, with an amazing variety for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And then the after lunch and dinner herbal teas- were one of the memories that I'm now trying to bring home with me. The Kundalini yoga and Meditations guided by Marie Teresa were soothing and magical. I'll be going back next year as part of Kate McGregors tour - as every detail was organized perfectly!

Majestic Andean Location|| surrounded by 3 important Volcanos and San Pablo Lake . The architecture is designed wiith integration of the natural land setting . This two created the energetic flow for the best environment during the time for this wellness Retreat. The hospitality, the food quality made with the fresh produce from their organic garden and also the Vegan menus prepared by Ceci their Chef made the difference for having the best experience to reset my food style