Last updated on January 11, 2024
Look at our smiling faces, the sunny days, the stories of lands afar. People often say how wonderfully happy we look – and we are, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have our moments. We drown in piles of work, become irritable with those around us and get overwhelmed by the very fact of life – you know those ‘Oh my god, how are we breathing?, Why is a chair called a chair? and ‘We’re on a spinning planet’ type moments? Around about then it’s time for an intervention – a walk in the park, a favourite movie or, if we’re lucky, the new favourite, which we’ll christen Avatar Therapy.
Here’s introducing the latest in therapeutic techniques…
It starts with a walk through the jungle…
…past peeling trees and turquoise waters…
…until you reach the secret beach – your own private Pandora.
Look for the rocks tinged with blue and you’ll find the muddy treasure you’ve come for.
It’s time to begin your transformation to Na’vi. Dip your hands in, slather it on, and let the blue potion draw out the tribal within….
…until you have your very own clan.
Those with beards will look especially good.
Battles are an inevitability once the inner warrior is unleashed…
…while other more peaceful members tend to attract beauty and butterflies.
We find that a jumping shot (or 100 failed tries) adds to the therapy’s benefits.
And of course a handstand always helps.
Once the mud has dried, it’s time to dip in the ocean, shed your Na’vi skin and bask in your newfound softness – or search for crabs like Christoph.
Of course, all good clans need a fire-maker.
And finally time to head home, glowing from your Avatar therapy and unable to talk about anything but how luscious your hair feels.
Thank you to the lovely Shannon at A Little Adrift for some of the excellent photos of Steve and I.
How to get to the mud beach
To get to the mud beach, you have to go via Las Lomas. You can’t get there via San Pancho because there are private properties that block the way.
It’s been brought to my attention that some people have been trying to go through the private properties without permission. San Pancho is a beautiful, friendly place, so please treat it and its people with respect. Worse, I’ve also heard that people have been leaving trash on the beach and destroying some of the habitats, which is frankly heartbreaking. So, if you do go there, please be respectful, collect your litter and leave no trace.
Read more San Pancho tips
We lived in San Pancho for six months and fell head over heels in love with town. We’ve written an extensive post of all our San Pancho tips. We called it 54 Reasons to Love San Pancho.