360 XQMX has a fourteen-year history at Lake Chapala. We have welcomed over four hundred painters, writers, musicians, photographers and anyone pursuing the arts to stay for two weeks to four months as a resident. We provide contemporary accommodations, delicious breakfast, a salon series, opportunities for exhibitions, curated cultural excursions … and most importantly a community (both in-house and locally) that embraces, encourages and inspires our residents to explore their inner artist and produce work that reflects the color and texture of our vibrant Mexican village. Sometimes our residents are exploring a new medium. Sometimes they are crafting plans for an upcoming exhibition or performance. Or perhaps they are here to just soak up the soundtrack, the sunsets and the glorious weather. Whatever their vision for their residency, 360 XQMX is here to exceed their expectations. The 360 XQMX headquARTers is a contemporary structure with four suites on the first floor and six on the second floor. The suites are arranged facing either North or South and each of them opens onto our central pool courtyard. Each suite is basically the same and contains a KING bed (which can be split into two TWIN beds), a sofa, private bath with modern plumbing, WIFI, air conditioning, a smart TV, blackout curtains and a full kitchen. The space outside each suite varies in size but all have a table and chairs (and sometimes a sofa) that can be used as your studio, as social space or for dining. Our second floor terrace is available to be used as a group studio. Our breakfast dining area is available all day (after 10am) and our scenic mirador (rooftop terrace) is always available for your creative pursuits. You will find art hanging on almost every wall of the headquARTers. Some is for sale, some were gifts from visiting artists and some are the private collection of 360 XQMX. the art is a combination of local, regional and international artists and it used to decorate the structure and make it friendly and welcoming. You may make yourself at home throughout the property ... write, paint, sketch, compose ... you will find plenty of nooks and crannies to work on your chosen medium. Our MINIMUM STAY is two weeks, but we recommend you stay longer so you can get fully acclimated, become a part of the community and also be productive. A 20% LODGING FEE IS TO BE PAID IN CASH (MXN pesos) ON ARRIVAL.

What kind of creatives can come?

Artists, Writers, Photographers and Musicians ... any creatives looking for time, space and inspiration.

House rules

This is a non-smoking facility. To maintain a professional atmosphere for the residents to create, we do not allow children or pets. A respectful quiet time is expected between 10pm and 9am. Flights arrive at the Guadalajara airport at all hours of the day. I am always present to welcome the residents, no matter the arrival time. All housekeeping is usually complete by 1pm. If the resident’s suite is not immediately ready, there are plenty of places for them to wait comfortably for their suite. Check-out is flexible and similarly depends on if there is an incoming arrival for the suite on that day.

Important things to note

Ajijic is a mere 40 minutes from the Guadalajara International Airport. We coordinate with a charming driver who welcomes our residents at the airport and delivers them to our doorstep. Guadalajara is a vibrant, fascinating city offering museums, architecture, fine dining and a vibrant restaurant scene. However, Ajijic … has much of the same. Gallery openings, delicious restaurants, cultural museums, shopping and live music will keep you occupied when not doing your creative work. 360 XQMX will connect you with the hiking group, kayakers, writing groups and a variety of art focused activities. If you wish to do a wine tour, visit a tequila distillery, savor yogurt and cheeses at the goat farm or spend the day at a thermal spa with a hot stone massage, you will find all of these. 360 XQMX is five blocks from both the plaza and the malecons. Although in a residential neighborhood, there are restaurants, bars and cafes within a few blocks. The location is ideal. However, very typical of Mexico, the streets are cobblestone and the sidewalks are wonky. So, residents are encouraged to keep their eyes on the path as walkability can be unruly. The local bus stops directly in front of the 360 XQMX headquARTers, which will take you east towards Chapala. Westbound buses can be boarded two blocks north of us on the main road through town. There are bikes and cars for rentals if you wish to explore. There are several options in town for an Uber-like service that can drive you to complete errands or take you on a longer excursion. Breakfast is included on Mondays through Saturdays. We provide yogurt, granola, fresh fruit and something savory or sweet. Sometimes it is omelets or chilaquilies and sometimes it is a delicious sweet pastry. We have a lovely stone-tiled pool and gym equipment. My role as Director is similar to a concierge. I talk with my residents in advance of their arrival to determine their vision for the residency. I work to make connections and introductions that will enhance their experience. If they wish to lead a workshop while staying here, I will make that happen. If they bring or create enough work for an exhibition, that could be an option for them. I schedule a salon series at least once a month, giving them the opportunity to present their work and address a crowd of their peers and local art enthusiasts. Each residency is curated based on their expectations. 360 XQMX also coordinates excursions. They often are an additional charge for the residents. They might be a photography field trip, or a selection of museums in Guadalajara or possibly a shopping trip to a nearby community. 360 XQMX also coordinates excursions. They often are an additional charge for the residents. They might be a photography field trip, or a selection of museums in Guadalajara or possibly a shopping trip to a nearby community.