El Encanto is an eco-hotel and artistic oceanfront retreat in Santa Cruz de Miramar, in the state of Nayarit. It offers accommodation and facilities for group retreats, yoga and art workshops, for nurturing body, mind, and spirit in a peaceful and natural setting.

The retreat's rustic-charm and artistic temper attracts people from all walks of life and it includes a small, eco-conscious hotel with restaurant and limited access to nearly seven acres of tropical gardens and the renovated ruins of a nineteenth century hacienda.

El Encanto is shaded by old hardwood trees and surrounded by exotic plants. There is also an organic garden producing an abundance of delicious, healthy food, herbs and medicinal plants.

Guests can be accommodated in one of the five beach front apartments, each with private bath, kitchen and a shared patio, overlooking 75 feet of terraced gardens descending to the beach. They are uniquely furnished with folk art, masks, and hand-made furniture and fresh flowers.

Another option is staying in one of the garden rooms, which have either one double bed or two single beds and share adjoining bathrooms with hot water showers (open to the stars), an open-air kitchen, and a formal courtyard, all canopied by enormous trees. All rooms are uniquely decorated and are located just 200 feet from the ocean.

The retreat also features a rooftop terrace for yoga, massage, reading and sunning with a spectacualar view, hammocks and relax areas, and a dance floor.
A restaurant specializing in fresh cuisine made from the retreat's organic fruits, vegetables & sea food is due to be opening in mid winter 2008.
Guests have free wireless internet access. Massages are available upon request.

El Encanto enjoys a warm, sunny microclimate November through May with almost no rainfall.
The area is a paradise for surfers and 3 surrounding estuaries make up the most extensive systems of waterways in Mexico; excellent location for bird watching (over 240 species). There are many possibilities for hiking nearby pristine waterfalls and hot springs.

Tepic, the capital city of the state of Nayarit, is just 30 miles east and offers museums, galleries and good shopping opportunities, and San Blas is a short bus ride from El Encanto. It has a lovely little mercado (public market), some colonial architecture, a nice and wide beach with numerous restaurants, and the nearest bank with ATM machine.

El Encanto is owned and operated by artist James Vitale. He has skills in art, teaching, construction, business, massage, cooking, and costuming; his interests include sustainable living, maintaining environmental integrity in daily operations, and promoting art and culture in the region.
He sponsors an annual event to raise money for local causes such as a bi-lingual library, study scholorships, environmental protection and clean up campaigns.