Here’s a quick guide to understanding the spirit of Ondalinda, the exclusive bohemian festival in Careyes, Mexico, and how to make the most of this unique experience.
1 The origin of Careyes
Careyes is an enclave on Mexico’s west coast. It was founded in 1968 as a private community by Italian banker and real estate investor Gian Franco Brignone, who, charmed by the pristine beauty of the coastline, chose it as his personal retreat. The original core of Careyes is now a private luxury resort still managed by the Brignone family, featuring around a hundred ocean castles, villas, casitas and bungalows, blending vibrant Mexican colors with Mediterranean architecture. It’s a magical place that draws VIPs like Giorgio Armani, Cindy Crawford, and NFL star Aaron Rodgers, and where Seal and Heidi Klum celebrated their wedding.
2 A place for harmony with self and nature
When it was founded, Careyes was something of a hippie colony where Brignone and his friends lived simply and close to nature. Over time, the area has evolved with a touch of sophistication, but the original spirit remains: visitors aren’t just drawn by the spectacular coastline, but by the promise of a holistic experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. Iconic spots such as the Copa del Sol, Piramideon, Cosmic Temple, and El Centro del Universe host sound bath ceremonies, group meditations, and spiritual rituals. This spirit fuels every event in Careyes, from the Arte Careyes Film & Art Festival to the Wellbeing Yoga Retreat, and of course, Ondalinda.
3 The Ondalinda concept
Ondalinda brings the “tribal gathering” concept into the modern age: people from diverse backgrounds coming together to exchange knowledge and experiences. In today’s world, that means celebrating cultural differences and fostering mutual respect and understanding. The festival’s programming revolves around themes like human collective, personal elevation and spiritual connection.
4 The three pillars of the festival
Ondalinda is built on three pillars: music, culture, and wellness. Music is at the heart of the event, with a rich lineup of DJ sets and live performances. Culture celebrates Mexico as the host country, with exhibitions and artisan markets offering a chance to meet local artists and designers and discover their creations. Finally, the wellness program includes not just yoga and pilates, but also unique rituals like cacao ceremonies, Circulo de Palabra Temazcal, and group meditations at sunrise.
5 The 2021 Ondalinda theme
Each year, Ondalinda explores a new theme. For 2021, it’s mycelium: the network of fine underground filaments that forms the vegetative part of fungi. Mycelium nurtures fungi by absorbing nutrients from the earth. This serves as a metaphor for the festival itself: just as the mycelium and fungi are interconnected in symbiosis—sharing essentials like food and information—the festival celebrates the intricate web connecting all living beings, revealing the magical beauty of nature.
6 The festival headliners
Music is the thread uniting the entire festival. DJs and musicians bring everyone together in a powerful collective dance ritual. The musical lineup is infused with spiritual undertones, and the dancefloors are transformed with immersive art installations. Notable headliners include Be Svendsen, Jan Blomqvist, and Kaz James—artists featured at global bohemian gatherings such as Burning Man, The Gardens of Babylon in Basel, and Ibiza’s cosmic Blue Marlin nights.
7 The creative mind behind Ondalinda
The creative director of Ondalinda is Lulù Luchaire. After graduating from the Sorbonne and six years as a marketing manager at Apple, Lulù became an entrepreneur. All her ventures have a strong ethical and social mission—Ondalinda is no exception.
