Katie Hoffman Making the Move to Sayulita

All it took was one weeklong vacation to Sayuilta and Katie Hoffman, originally from Denver, Colorado, was hooked. Via SayulitaLife.com, she found and fell in love with a simple casita that had a big yard with a lot of fruit trees, and essentially bought it sight unseen. On October 2^nd, 2012, Katie, her partner, and dog arrived to Sayulita, and Katie has never looked back. 

How did you first hear about Sayulita?

I have a few friends who were married here. When I saw their wedding photos, I knew instantly this was a place I wanted to visit – a few months later, I booked a trip.

What was it about Sayulita that made you want to move here?

Sayulita felt like no other place I had ever been. I had traveled a lot prior to that, but there was something different about this town. Some call it a vibe, but I like to think it has a "magical" quality. One thing in particular that really stood out was that I also felt remarkably well while I was here. I had been battling health issues, but here, I felt renewed. It was undeniable that this was a place I needed to be.

What was the hardest adjustment you had to make when you moved to Sayulita?

For me, it was learning a whole new way of dealing with administrative things, which, as I found out, can take months to complete. I definitely had to adjust my expectations, but now I know that the term, "mañana," means tomorrow...maybe, or maybe not. I also didn't speak any Spanish when I moved here, so it has been an added challenge to get myself up to speed and be able to communicate effectively.

What did you find most rewarding about moving to Sayulita?

Aside from fulfilling a life-long dream of living in a foreign country and learning a new language, the list of unexpected rewards gets longer every day. A few of the benefits I've experienced are a greater sense of freedom as well as a renewed desire to explore even more places. It really opened up the door for new discoveries. Mexico is a stunningly beautiful country and the people are so welcoming.

What do you like most about living in Sayulita?

I really enjoy the diversity - sharing a meal with a group of people from all over the world, and hearing several different languages being spoken, yet feeling the common thread that brought us all together: Our love for Sayulita.

Are you involved with any local organizations or do volunteer work? If so, what do you do?

One of the local organizations that I am passionate about is EcoSayulita, which is a group of volunteers committed to making Sayulita a green community. Some of our initiatives include cleaning up the river basin, reducing the use of toxic household cleaners, as well as eliminating the use of styrofoam. We made great progress in the last year and I look forward to making even more in the

 year to come. I also have fostered dogs for SayulitAnimals, am a member of Pro Sayulita, and I’ve donated by business services to the Costa Verde’s fundraising auctions.

What do you do for fun and relaxation? Any favorite restaurants or places to go?

I really love paddle boarding. Being out on the water is definitely one of my happy places. I also have a new love for gardening and making delicious wholesome meals from my ever-expanding organic veggie garden. I also really enjoy exploring the nearby area. There are so many natural wonders in and around Sayulita, beautiful rivers, ancient petroglyphs, waterfalls, and deserted beaches.

How do you support yourself in Sayulita?

When I arrived in Sayulita, I had just been through a long process of healing myself naturally from autoimmune disease. I was inspired to share my own experience of natural healing, so I created an informational website and business called Nutrify for Life, which helps promote wellness through healthy eating. Each month, I offer a 5-day whole-foods cleanse, as well as weekly nutritional catering for those looking to improve their overall health and achieve their wellness goals.

How does the cost of living in Sayulita compare to where you used to live?

It is considerably less, although it seems to be relative. Incomes are typically less here as well.

How has the experience of living in Sayulita changed you?

Making the move to Sayulita was one of the best decisions of my life. I feel more like "me" here, much more alive, and authentic. I also love learning something new everyday and always stretching my limits.

What advice would you offer someone wanting to move to Sayulita?

I often tell people that the biggest thing to consider is that living in a place, like Sayulita, is much different than vacationing there. When you have to pay bills, deal with traffic or the many other inconveniences, it isn't always "paradise." Life's stressors don't disappear like they do when you are on vacation, but hopefully living in a place like this, you learn to deal with them differently.