Journal

Stories from
the Reserve.

Travel guides, eco living, and the story of building Montserrat Reserve.

Travel Guide ·

Chacahua for Couples: A Romantic Getaway Guide

Why Chacahua is one of Mexico's most romantic hidden destinations — private beaches, bioluminescent lagoon tours, sunset walks, and eco retreat stays.

Travel Guide ·

Chacahua Rainy Season vs Dry Season: When to Visit

Month-by-month breakdown of Chacahua's seasons — weather, crowds, prices, wildlife, and the best time to visit for your type of trip.

Travel Guide ·

Where to Eat in Chacahua: A Food Lover's Guide

The best places to eat in Chacahua, Oaxaca — from beachfront seafood shacks and village comedores to fresh ceviche stands and local Oaxacan cuisine.

Travel Guide ·

Chacahua Lagoon: Bioluminescence, Mangroves & Wildlife

A complete guide to Chacahua's lagoon system — bioluminescent tours, mangrove kayaking, bird watching, crocodiles, and the ecology of this national park.

Travel Guide ·

Chacahua Beach Guide: Tides, Swimming & What to Expect

Everything you need to know about Chacahua's beaches — swimming conditions, tides, best spots, safety tips, and what makes this Oaxaca coastline unique.

Travel Guide ·

Where to Stay in Chacahua (2026 Guide)

A complete guide to accommodation options in Chacahua, Oaxaca — from eco retreats and boutique cabañas to budget hostels and beachfront camping.

Travel Guide ·

How to Get to Chacahua from Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido & Beyond

Step-by-step travel directions to Chacahua, Oaxaca by bus, car, and boat — from Oaxaca City, Puerto Escondido, and Mexico City with costs and tips.

Comparison ·

Eco Hotel vs Airbnb: What's Better for Oaxaca?

Comparing eco hotels and Airbnbs in Oaxaca — cost, experience, sustainability, comfort, and which option is right for different types of travelers.

Behind the Build ·

Building an Eco Retreat from Scratch in Oaxaca

Follow the journey of creating Montserrat Reserve — a private eco retreat near Chacahua, Oaxaca, designed around natural pools, organic gardens, and independent villas.

Comparison ·

Mazunte vs Chacahua: Which Oaxaca Beach Town Is Right for You?

Comparing Mazunte and Chacahua — two of Oaxaca's best-kept coastal secrets. Beaches, vibe, accommodation, food, and which suits your travel style.

Travel Guide ·

Best Things to Do in Chacahua, Oaxaca (2026)

From bioluminescent lagoon tours and surfing to mangrove kayaking and local food — everything worth doing in Chacahua, Oaxaca.

Comparison ·

Best Beaches on the Oaxaca Coast (2026 Guide)

A ranked guide to the best beaches along Oaxaca's Pacific coast — from Huatulco's bays to Chacahua's wild shore, with tips for surfers, families, and nature lovers.

Comparison ·

Chacahua vs Puerto Escondido: Where Should You Stay?

Comparing Chacahua and Puerto Escondido — beaches, vibe, accommodation, activities, and which Oaxaca coast destination is right for your trip.

Comparison ·

Best Eco Retreats in Oaxaca, Mexico (2026)

A curated guide to the best eco retreats across Oaxaca — from jungle lodges in the Sierra Norte to coastal sanctuaries near Chacahua and Puerto Escondido.

Comparison ·

Puerto Escondido vs Huatulco vs Chacahua: Which Oaxaca Coast Destination?

Comparing the three main Oaxaca coast destinations — Puerto Escondido's surf scene, Huatulco's resort bays, and Chacahua's off-grid wilderness.

Behind the Build ·

Designing a Natural Pool in the Jungle: Our Process

How we designed and built a chemical-free natural swimming pool at Montserrat Reserve — stone integration, biological filtration, and working with the Oaxacan landscape.

Behind the Build ·

How We Built Off-Grid in Oaxaca: Lessons from Montserrat Reserve

The practical realities of building off-grid on the Oaxaca coast — solar power, water systems, material logistics, and what we wish we'd known from day one.

Travel Guide ·

Is Chacahua Worth Visiting? An Honest Guide

An honest look at whether Chacahua, Oaxaca is worth the trip — who it's perfect for, who should skip it, and what to realistically expect.

Behind the Build ·

Choosing Natural Building Materials for the Tropics

A builder's guide to natural materials for tropical construction — parota wood, clay plaster, palm thatch, local stone, and how each performs in heat, humidity, and rain.

Behind the Build ·

From Land to Sanctuary: How Montserrat Reserve Came to Be

The story behind Montserrat Reserve — from finding raw land near Chacahua to designing a private eco retreat that works with nature, not against it.

Behind the Build ·

How We Grow Our Own Food for Guests at Montserrat Reserve

Inside the organic gardens at Montserrat Reserve — what we grow, how we practice permaculture, and how farm-grown meals become part of the guest experience.

Behind the Build ·

What It Costs to Build an Eco Retreat in Mexico (2026)

A transparent breakdown of eco retreat construction costs in Mexico — land, materials, labor, permits, infrastructure, and what most people underestimate.

Lifestyle ·

What Is an Eco Retreat? A Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about eco retreats — what they are, how they differ from hotels, what to expect, and how to choose the right one for you.

Behind the Build ·

Solar Power in Oaxaca: Our Setup, Costs & Lessons Learned

How we designed a solar power system for an off-grid eco retreat on the Oaxaca coast — panel sizing, battery storage, inverter choices, and real-world performance.

Lifestyle ·

Digital Detox Retreats in Mexico: Where to Unplug in 2026

The best places in Mexico to disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature — from Oaxaca's coast to Baja's desert and Chiapas' jungle.

Lifestyle ·

Nature Retreats for Burnout Recovery: Why They Work

The science behind why nature retreats help with burnout — and how to choose the right one for genuine recovery, not just a vacation.

Lifestyle ·

Why Slow Living Matters (And How to Start)

The case for slowing down — what slow living really means, the science behind it, and practical ways to bring more intention into your daily life and travel.

Lifestyle ·

Eco Travel in Mexico: A Beginner's Guide (2026)

How to travel sustainably in Mexico — choosing eco-friendly accommodation, reducing your impact, supporting local communities, and the best eco destinations by region.

Lifestyle ·

Off-Grid Living in Oaxaca: What It's Really Like

An honest account of off-grid life on the Oaxaca coast — the daily rhythms, the challenges, the rewards, and what surprised us most about disconnecting.

Lifestyle ·

Best Wellness Retreats in Mexico (2026)

A curated guide to Mexico's best wellness retreats — from Oaxaca's coast to Tulum's jungle and Baja's desert, covering yoga, meditation, detox, and nature immersion.