Ji in hindi; beloved Sacha in kichwa; mountain
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Pre-Colombian cultures believe that where a volcano and a lake meet, God is there.
Gustavo Vallejo, journalist
Sacha Ji is located in Ecuador, in the heart of the Andean mountain range, the world’s longest con9nental range. Ecuador is named a;er the equator, which runs through the country and divides there the planet into the Northern and the Southern Hemisphere. Sacha Ji overlooks Imbabura Volcano, considered the sacred protector of the region by the local culture.
Creating Connection ""Sacha Ji is a pioneer of sustainable architecture in Ecuador Interview by Arq Ana María Durán, CLAVE magazine
A trained architect, owner MarĂa Teresa is happy to admit that the project started a bit back to front. She laid out the gardens and vegetables and fruit trees before she set about building the actual 11-room hotel. But this, in a way, reflects the holistic approach that encapsulates her project: the culinary aspect of the experience here was as important as the architecture or the comfort. Thus the garden, with its energy-flowing curves and organic precepts, was never a secondary consideration in her vision. It was always key. Dominic Hamilton, Ă‘an Magazine
"I have always been interested in Inca architecure and the round forms it took in Ecuador. The vegetable and fruit garden also took on those forms as we created five rings, which in numerology refer to the body. Five is also the number in the proportions of a doric column". Interview by Arq Ana María Durán Calisto, CLAVE magazine
"I was interested in having contact with the earth” Interview by Arq Ana María Durán Calisto, CLAVE magazine
Walkway through our organic orchard
One of our many therpaies, Equine-assisted therapy is offered in alliance with Christina Ring
The green roofs cover all the buildings of SachaJi. Their objective is to: visually integrate architecture and mountain, thermically isolate the interior spaces by trapping the heat inside, and reduce the carbon footprint of the project. Interview by Arq Ana MarĂa DurĂĄn, CLAVE magazine
Environmental Consciousness
At some point Maria Teresa learned about the group Earthship and the system, that uses used car tires to build foundations that resist earthquakes and isolate constructions thermically. She decided to apply this in SachaJi. She used Youtube to show the workers how to so it. “Over 2000 tires were used. I bought a pick up truck and during the years of construction I would come and go form the site bringing tires I found " Interview by Arq Ana María Durán Calisto, CLAVE magazine
""Our project’s objective is to create spaces that respect human beings and nature. Jose Mafla, EL COMERCIO, Un rincón en los Andes para la relajación
Feng Shui fire ………earth..…..water……
Fire area outside our dinning room. Photo by Harvey Stein
Mandala made of huayruro seeds from the jungle that protect spaces
Hot Tub and Polar Pool for Hydro-therapy, with Lake view and Ying-Yang mandala
"I read about Feng Shui, about sacred geometry, about sustainable architecture. It was during that initial design phase that curves began to appear. The Flower of Life was my starting point." Interview by Arq Ana MarĂa DurĂĄn Calisto, CLAVE magazine
The curved forms in the architecture follow a feng shui principle that states that energy moves in curved paths. The curved faรงades face the panoramic view that surrounds Sacha Ji, as well as to the setting sun that adds to the warmth in the rooms.
Healing on the equator…
SachaJi is at 2960mt above sea level
Vacations on high altitudes are healthy: • They improve the heart and circulation system. • They improve the blood sugar and metabolism. • They have beneficial neuro-psychological effects: High altitudes relieve subjective pains, improve one's attitude towards life and increase the quality and length of undisturbed sleep. • The number of young, red blood cells increases. Those transport the oxygen in the body better. Source: http://www.cendevaves.it/
Just like the two hemispheres of the planet meet here, You meet healing.
Andean Cleansing in SachaJi with Do単a Rosita, medicine woman
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE RETREAT, SachaJi, 2014
Yoga Room
Hammocks over the green roof
Our Healing Therapies Menu offers a variety of treatments that will help you destress, renew and regain balance. From Andean Cleansing, yoga, guided mediations, reiki, equine assisted therapy, ayurveda, lomi-lomi..it all comes together in SachaJi
Come together
Andean Cooking Classes with the Daniel, head chef
Sacah Ji I is the ideal place for couples, single travelers and group retreats. We offer several activities including Andean Cooking Classes, Horseback Riding, Guided Trecking and we can arrange local tours around the area
From land to plate
Armando Lozano , head gardner
SachaJi’s fresh salad
The gastronomic experience at Sacha Ji is very much part of the whole. Although the emphasis is very much on vegetarian dishes (a rarity in Ecuador), guests can also enjoy chicken and fish, but no red meat. María Teresa mentions how people rave about her uvilla (goldenberry) juices, and the basil-flavored lemonade. The team have developed “thousands of soups”, many based on the highly-nutritious quinoa and amaranth cereals that are such important ingredients in traditional Andean cooking. Dominic Hamilton, Ñan Magazine
Cutlure & Nature
Imbabura is the home to indigenous people known for their handicra;s, tex9les and music. A few kilometers away from Sacha Ji you can there are over 400 lakes and lagoons, crater-‐lakes, waterfalls, snowcapped mountains, several ac9ve volcanoes, historic haciendas and pre-‐Hispanic ruins.
Community & environment
Sacha Ji was reforested with na9ve Andean trees, crea9ng two forests that embrace the Main House and the two blocks of guest rooms.. SachaJi is also the home to 4 rescued dogs and 1 rescued cat. In the near future we will begin a local pet spaying and neutering campaign
We support a local orphanage where al the children are HIV positive. We offer a volunteer program and other alternatives to support the project. Â Â
Maria Teresa Ponce is owner and creator of SachaJi. As an Architect, photographer and yoga instructor, she was able to bring together all her passions in SachaJi . “I am truly blessed because I have the opportunity to show gustes how to be better with the earth, and at he same time be better with themselves�.
"A Place Like No Other! If the rest of the world were to crumble, Sacha Ji would still stand as a haven of peace, a power spot to reconnect you with your soul & your health. Food beyond organic, service more than impeccable.� Kaline Caroline Khalsa Bertrand Los Angeles,California , 2014