Cuixmala
Hotel Name: Cuixmala
Number of Rooms: 13
Location: The Costalegre, on western coast of Jalisco, 75 minutes north of Manzanillo Airport and three hours south of Puerto Vallarta Airport.
Once the private home of Franco-British billionaire Sir James Goldsmith, this whimsical wonderland perched on 25,000 acres of the shimmering Costalegre combines Mexican and North African architecture to striking effect. Outdoors, the fantasy atmosphere is enhanced by riots of bougainvillea and herds of roaming zebra; inside the secluded suites, bungalows, villas, and casitas, vibrant furnishings pop against smooth, cool white walls and floors, creating an environment of highly curated and very tasteful whimsy. An organic garden, sea turtle sanctuary, and clouds of pink flamingos complete this eccentric Eden.
What We Loved: Cuixmala’s opulent remoteness means there’s a feeling that anything is possible here, from discrete hedonism to unparalleled relaxation. There’s only one rule: no swimming in the crocodile lagoon.
What We Didn’t Love: It’s distinctly not easy to get here (but isn’t that actually part of the charm?)
Right For: Nomadic glitterati, those looking to cut loose, lovers of both wildlife and nightlife.
Wrong For: Minimalists, open water swimmers (the gorgeous beach directly in front of the main Casa is too rough for swimming, though there is a gentler beach on property as well).
Best Time to Visit: The rainy season ends in October, meaning November is lush and green; turtles nest and hatch between November and March.
TLF Tip: Pair beach time at Cuixmala with r&r at its pink palace of a sister, Hacienda San Antonio, whose exotic porticos arc through the Colima cloud forest about 150 miles to the east.