10 Spanish Phrases Every Retreat Guest Should Know
Good news first! You don’t need to speak Spanish to enjoy a trip to Baja. Plenty of people get by just fine speaking in English.
But a few simple phrases go a long way. They show respect, make everyday moments easier, and usually earn you a warm smile. Even if your pronunciation is a little rough, the effort counts.
Here are the 10 we think are most useful, plus one bonus you’ll definitely need.
The Basics
1. Buenos días (BWAY-nohs DEE-ahs)Good morning. The easiest way to start a friendly interaction. Switch to buenas tardes in the afternoon and buenas noches in the evening.
2. Por favor (por fah-VOR)Please. Add it to almost anything and you’ll sound instantly polite.
3. Muchas gracias (MOO-chahs GRAH-see-ahs)Thank you very much. Use it often. You’ll hear de nada (“you’re welcome”) in return.
4. Con permiso (kohn pehr-MEE-soh)Excuse me, when you need to get past someone. Use perdón if you bump into someone or need to apologize.
For Shopping in Todos Santos
5. ¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah)How much does it cost? Essential for browsing the galleries and shops.
6. ¿Aceptan tarjeta? (ah-SEP-tahn tar-HEH-tah)Do you accept cards? Many shops do, but smaller vendors may prefer cash.
7. Solo estoy viendo (SOH-loh es-TOY vee-EN-doh)I’m just looking. A friendly way to browse without pressure.
For Meals and Getting Around
8. ¿Dónde está el baño? (DOHN-deh es-TAH el BAHN-yoh)Where is the bathroom? Arguably the most important phrase in any language.
9. La cuenta, por favor (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)The check, please. Handy for cafés and restaurants in town.
10. ¡Qué rico! (keh REE-koh)How delicious! Perfect for complimenting a great meal, and the kitchen staff will appreciate it.
Bonus Phrase
Necesito una siesta (neh-seh-SEE-toh OO-nah see-ES-tah)I need a nap. Not strictly essential, but very on-theme for a wellness retreat :)
A Few Tips
Don’t worry about being perfect. People generally appreciate the effort, even if you mix up a word or two.
Smile and slow down. Speaking slowly helps both of you.
Ask for help. “¿Hablas inglés?” (Do you speak English?) is always okay.
Say thank you generously. It’s the phrase you’ll use most, and the one people remember.
Putting Them to Use in Baja
On Baja Soul Sanctuary, you’ll have plenty of chances to try these out. Say buenos días on your way to morning yoga at Yandara, tell the kitchen staff ¡qué rico! after a great meal, and ask ¿cuánto cuesta? during our day trip to Todos Santos, Baja’s artsy Pueblo Mágico.
No Spanish is required, though. Just bring curiosity and a willingness to try. We’ll take care of the rest.
Baja Soul Sanctuary: A Mindful Women’s Retreat
March 28 – April 3, 2027
Yandara, Baja California Sur, Mexico
$3,900 USD · Small group, max 17 guests
¡Nos vemos en Baja! (See you in Baja!)
-Sally with Waypoint
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