Alejandra Galvan and Oliver De La Cueva Making the Move to Sayulita

Alejandra Galvan, was born in Mexico City and lived there for 12 years before her family moved to Cuernavaca, Mexico. Her husband, Oliver De La Cueva, was also born in Mexico City, but was raised in Cuernavaca. The couple met nearly 20 years ago at University, got married 11 years ago, and had their son, Oliver “Oli”, six years ago. In the summer of 2014, Alejandra and Oliver decided to change their life and made the move to Sayulita, along with their then four-year-old son and their four basset hounds.

How did you first hear about Sayulita?

Oliver’s sister was living in Sayulita and we came to visit once a year for three years.

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

The community, the security, the ocean, and the opportunity for work.

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

The hot weather. In Cuernavaca the weather doesn’t really change - it’s about 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) all year long.

What did you find most rewarding about moving to Sayulita?

It changed our lives and the quality of our lives. We now have more time for our family and friends. People here, in Sayulita, are not as stressed and are more available. We like that the community is small and people are always willing to help each other out. It’s also the best place to raise our child.

What do you like most about living in Sayulita?

The quality of our lives.  

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

Alejandra is involved with the Association of Parent’s Organization with Costa Verde International School, teaches art classes at CVIS, and goes to community garbage cleanups. Oliver attends garbage cleanups and helps out whenever he is needed in the community. Oli also goes to the garbage cleanups. He would also be taking care of baby dogs to if he could, but we already have too many dogs. 

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

Alejandra exercises every day at Luli’s place - El Club. As a family, we go to the beach, go hiking in the jungle, and go kayaking. Oli takes surf lessons. We also like to go out for lunch and try new places.

How do you support yourself in Sayulita?

Alejandra teaches Mexican cooking classes every Thursday in our home, does interior design, and works at Debbie De La Cueva Jewelry. We are both architects, but Oliver is also a constructor and owns Architect Oliver.

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

I think it is about the same - it didn’t change a lot. One difference is that in Sayulita we don’t need a lot of things. In Cuernavaca, we had malls and we went and bought things we didn’t really need. In Sayulita, we don’t drive a car and we don’t spend money on gas. Our life is simpler here.

How has the experience of living in Sayulita changed you?

Completely. We have changed a lot. We are more in touch with our feelings and emotions. We appreciate more the little things of life. Oli is becoming a free child – he is growing up as a free soul. He’s not scared of violence or traffic. I think he’s freer than a city child.

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

First they need to experience the life here because it’s not for everyone. This life is for a specific kind of person. They should spend a few months here before making the decision.

Anything else you’d like to add?

We feel in our hearts that we did the right thing by moving to Sayulita. We are in the best place we can be at this specific moment of our lives.