Narayani Cassini Making the Move to Sayulita

Narayani Cassini, born and raised in Buenos Aires, left Argentina 13 years ago. She spent some time in Thailand and then lived in London for three years before deciding to move to Mexico nine years ago. She had a job offer in Cuernavaca, but never made it there. Instead, she visited Sayulita and decided to make a life here.

How did you first hear about Sayulita?

I had a very good friend from Buenos Aires that was living in Sayulita and he suggested that I come check it out. He said that I would love it here, that it was tropical, quiet, and had an amazing yoga place that I could work at. So, I came to see Sayulita for myself.

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

It was exactly like the little towns in Brazil I fell in love with. It was small, quiet and tropical, like my friend said, and I loved being surrounded by nature and that I could live with the rhythm of nature. I also loved the feeling of the community and how everyone supported each other. It felt lke a big family and I didn’t have that in the big cities I lived in.  

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

Timing. I moved from London were everything is timed to the second and I had my day organized to the second. You can’t do that in Sayulita. A worker may say he’ll show on Tuesday, but not come until two or three days later, or someone may say she will stop by at 2, but will come at 2:30. But, I have learned to let go and relax, and realize that sometimes things just take longer to get done here.

What did you find most rewarding about moving to Sayulita?

The tranquility. Also, that I can make a living doing what I love to do. A lot of times people have to sacrifice what they love in order to make a living because they can’t afford to live on what they love.

What do you like most about living in Sayulita?

I love being surrounded by nature and living a healthy lifestyle. I can walk in the jungle, breathe pure air, and go in the ocean to recharge. I’m very aware of the power of energy with my work, and it’s harder for me to work with energy if I’m not surrounded by nature. I also love that the town is small enough that I can walk everywhere in Sayulita.

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

I help SayulitAnimals when I can- I donate to them and I have fostered. I donate to Pro Sayulita and Costa Verde International School, and I have also donated to a number of other organizations from time to time.

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

I love going to Playa Carricitos because it’s quiet. I go there for new moon and full moon ceremonies because of the energy there. I also go there to recharge. I enjoy running in the jungle with my friends. I love eating at Don Juan’s because the food is great and it’s away from the noise. I also love going to Tropical House and Latitude 20 because a lot of locals go to these restaurants and these places don’t have a touristy feel– they feel like family. I also love going to Smoothies Mi Buen. They are amazing- I drop my cup off on my way to teach yoga classes and they have my smoothie ready for me when I come  back.

How do you support yourself in Sayulita?

I own Paraiso Yoga. I teach regular yoga classes, private yoga classes, and am also teaching a 200-hour yoga alliance certification teacher training course this coming year. I also do Thai massage and train and certify people in Thai massage.

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

If you look at everything price-wise, London is much more expensive than Sayulita, but you also have to factor in that wages are much lower here than in London. I feel like it was easier for me to make ends meet in London, especially during low season when there aren’t as many people here.

How has the experience of living in Sayulita changed you?

It has given me way more patience, understanding, and compassion. I’ve learned to place myself in other people’s shoes. I try to see other people’s point of view before making a decision.

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

Be patient and give yourself at least two to three years to settle in. Sayulita has it’s own dynamics and you need to take time to adjust to the feel of it. Also, be flexible and blend slowly into the dynamic.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I love it here in Sayulita and I hope the energy doesn’t change much as the town continues to grow. I love how we have such a strong sense of community, of respect, and how we support one another.