Cuixmala

MEXICO

THE PERSONALITIES

Lovers of nature, wildlife, and eco luxury.

MOMENTS

180 degrees of the powerful Pacific Ocean. Whimsical colourful architecture amidst a green natural paradise. Mango trees. Wild zebras. Releasing baby turtles at sunset. Crashing waves, magic and transformations.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Best October to June.

COST

WHY STAY

Cuixmala is a one-of-its-kind luxury retreat along Mexico’s vast Pacific Coast, in the state of Jalisco. Hidden inside the 30,000 acre Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve, and surrounded by coconut plantations, lagoons, and bamboo groves, the natural hotel was created by Sir James Goldsmith, knighted for his services to ecology.

The property consists of the main house of Casa Cuixmala, overlooking the ocean; three villas, complete with a personal host and cook; six bungalows, and ten casitas, all built with respect to the environment.

Take in the truly unique architecture and wild environment. Take a stroll through the Biodynamic farm. Discover Cuixmala’s wellness program, including massage and meditation, with the essential oils and lotions made on site. Connect to nature and to yourself.

WHY WANDER

Exploration options are as plentiful as they are diverse. Discover the various landscapes surrounding the property. Ride horseback through coconut plantations. Visit the calm Playa Caleta Blanca for snorkeling. Visit a private eco animal reserve, home to zebras, crocodiles, antelopes, 270+ bird species, as well as an illusive jaguar to name a few. Go surfing. Spend the day on the water atop a 42ft sailing yacht is available to charter.

Cuixmala is part of numerous wildlife initiatives with its Turtle, Feline, Crocodile, and Bird programs.

INDULGE IN

Seasonal and sustainable produce biodynamically grown, raised, and fished in the surrounding area. Try octopus tostadas or the catch of the day.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Manzanillo International Airport, which is 75 minutes away orPuerto Vallarta International Airport for a scenic 3 hour drive. Rent a car to have the freedom to explore.

WILD INITIATIVES

The hotel embraces a holistic approach to environmental stewardship, weaving sustainable practices into the fabric of its operations. Cuixmala boasts an eco-friendly design that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding natural landscape, minimizing its impact on the delicate ecosystems. The property harnesses renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to reduce its carbon footprint. Water conservation is a key focus, with efficient systems in place to optimize usage. Cuixmala is dedicated to biodiversity conservation, actively participating in local initiatives and protecting the native flora and fauna. Through community engagement and responsible tourism practices, the hotel contributes to the well-being of the region. Guests at Cuixmala are invited to partake in an eco-conscious journey, providing an unforgettable experience that respects and preserves the captivating beauty of Mexico's Pacific coast.

*Photos property of Cuixmala

HOTEL Escondido

MEXICO

THE PERSONALITIES

Surfers. Hippies. Design Lovers. Friends or family reunion.  

MOMENTS

Laid back luxury. Remote paradise. Cactus garden chill. 

BEST VISITING MONTHS

April to December.

COST

WHY STAY

Escondido, means "hidden" and the name really speaks for itself. Located in the state of Oaxaca, Hotel Escondido sits on a secluded beach, not far away from Puerto Escondido, Mexico’s surf paradise. Nestled along the pristine shores of the Pacific Ocean, the retreat stands as a secluded haven where luxury meets natural beauty. With its design seamlessly blending with the surrounding landscapes, Hotel Escondido celebrates the spirit of slow coastal living, providing guests with a beachfront sanctuary that harmonizes with the rhythm of the ocean waves. Choose one of the sixteen design palapas with individual pools and terraces, all facing the beach. Take a swim in the long infinity pool, built parallel to the coast. Visit the spa for traditional Mexican treatments and really enjoy being away from it all. Boasting minimalist architecture and a commitment to sustainability, this beachfront hotel invites travelers to indulge in the art of relaxation, enjoying the sun-kissed beaches and the laid-back charm that defines the allure of Mexico's Pacific coast.

WHY WANDER

Surf. Go horseback riding along the beach. Do yoga at sunrise. Take a trip to Laguna de Manialtepec or Rocablanca beach, both about 15 minutes from the hotel.

INDULGE IN

Gourmet Mexican food. Catch of the day. Huevos mexicanos for breakfast. Hot oaxaca chocolate. 

GETTING THERE

Fly into Huatulco and take a 2 hour exhilarating mountain ride to the hotel. Fly into Puerto Escondido for a closer options.

WILD INITIATIVES

The hotel integrates sustainable design elements into its architecture, utilizing locally sourced materials and prioritizing energy efficiency. Solar panels are employed to harness the abundant Mexican sunshine, contributing to the hotel's commitment to renewable energy. Waste reduction is another key aspect of Hotel Escondido's sustainability initiatives, with recycling programs and a focus on minimizing single-use plastics. The resort is dedicated to preserving the local ecosystem, engaging in conservation efforts and promoting responsible tourism practices.

*Images property of Escondido Hotel

Hotel Encuentro Guadalupe

MEXICO

THE PERSONALITIES

Winos. Design Lovers. 

MOMENTS

You are here for the beautiful vast surroundings, the unique architecture and the wine. Relax on the pool terrace  or watch the stars in jacuzzi at night. Light the Mexican kiva to stay warm on a private wooden terrace.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

April to December.

COST

WHY STAY

Nestled in the heart of Mexico's wine country, Hotel Encuentro Guadalupe offers a unique and immersive escape for those seeking a blend of luxury and nature. Situated amidst the stunning landscapes of Valle de Guadalupe, the hotel features modern and minimalist design that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding vineyards and mountains. Guests can indulge in the breathtaking views of the valley from their private, eco-friendly "boros" – innovative cabin-like structures that provide both comfort and a connection to nature. The hotel embraces sustainable practices, utilizing solar panels and recycled materials in its construction. Beyond its eco-conscious initiatives, Hotel Encuentro Guadalupe boasts an array of amenities, including a renowned on-site restaurant, wine tastings, and outdoor activities. Whether exploring the local wineries, enjoying a soak in the infinity pool, or simply savoring the tranquility of the landscape, this Mexican gem offers an unforgettable retreat that harmonizes with the beauty of its surroundings.

WHY WANDER

The unique landscape of Valle de Guadalupe houses some of Mexico's biggest wineries. Explore the vineyards and the restaurants in the area for a culinary adventure.

INDULGE IN

Gourmet local cuisine at the hotel. Visit Laja restaurant a short drive away. Eat under the stars overlooking the valley.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Tijuana and arrange a pickup with the hotel.

WILD INITIATIVES

The property employs solar panels for energy generation, reducing its carbon footprint while harnessing the abundant sunlight. The design incorporates recycled materials, contributing to a responsible approach to construction. Hotel Encuentro Guadalupe also focuses on water conservation, implementing efficient systems to minimize usage. Embracing the principles of sustainable tourism, the hotel promotes responsible exploration of the region, ensuring that guests have a positive impact on the local environment.

*Images property of Hotel Encuentro Guadalupe

PLAYA VIVA

MEXICO

PERSONALITIES

People looking to spiritually recharge. Wildlife lovers. Eco-tourists. Yogies.

MOMENTS

Sustainability meets luxury. Staff that quickly become family. Whale sightings from your private beach. Untainted sand. Kayaking amongst the pelicans.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Anytime! Note that rainy season is from July to October. 

COST

WHY STAY

Playa Viva offers a unique blend of eco-luxury amidst the rugged and unspoiled beauty of Mexico's Pacific coastline. Situated on nearly 200 acres of pristine coastal land, Playa Viva consists of a diverse range of ecosystems, including estuaries, archaeological sites, and coastal forests. The resort provides a secluded and immersive experience, allowing guests to escape into the wonders of nature and enjoy unparalleled relaxation in a private and sustainable paradise.

With 19 eco-luxury rooms, including the award-winning oceanfront Treehouse accommodations, guests can enjoy breathtaking ocean views while immersing themselves in nature. From morning yoga sessions to volunteering in the turtle sanctuary, ample opportunities are provided to engage with the local environment and community, or simply unwind in paradise. Playa Viva operates as a B-Corp certified brand, emphasizing sustainability and regenerative practices, including running entirely off-grid with solar power and supporting local health, education, and land restoration initiatives.

The resort's commitment to wellness is evident in every aspect of the guest experience, from healthy, locally sourced cuisine to daily beachside yoga classes and a variety of massage services. The property's mile-long private beach and lush surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for guests to connect with nature and enjoy the simple luxury of the natural world. Playa Viva's dedication to creating meaningful community and providing transformational experiences extends to its watershed regeneration projects, which focus on education, permaculture, marine conservation, water health, and reforestation, all aimed at achieving a greater impact in the ecosystem.

WHY WANDER

Enjoy complimentary yoga every morning. Wander the 200 acre property and discover an Aztec archeological site or a mangrove ecosystem - home to a variety of wildlife. Bird watch. Take a snorkeling, diving or deep sea fishing trip. Surf some of the best waves on Mexico's Pacific coast - all within a one hour drive. Go horseback riding on the beach and into the ocean. End the week with a visit to the Mexican chocolate makers. Take part in preserving wildlife and volunteer in Playa Viva's own Turtle Sanctuary. 

INDULGE IN

Fresh fish tacos. Barbacoa (slow-cooked meat). Fruit-infused water. Basil margaritas. Herbs and vegetables from Playa Viva's own organic gardens. Learn how to make handmade tortillas. Take part in communal dinners. 

GETTING THERE

Take a 35 minutes drive south from Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa International Airport. Walk barefoot the rest of the time. 

WILD INITIATIVES

Playa Viva aspires to build a self-sufficient settlement, using water conservation measures and running on a 100% solar system. The ecolodge also runs The Playa Viva Turtle Sanctuary, protecting turtles from predators and poachers. This unique eco-resort is committed to preserving the natural beauty that envelops it, creating an idyllic escape for environmentally conscious travelers. Playa Viva integrates sustainable practices throughout its operations, from its solar-powered energy systems to organic farming initiatives that supply the on-site restaurant. The accommodations, including beachfront casitas and treetop suites, offer an immersive experience that connects guests with the surrounding nature. With a strong focus on community engagement, Playa Viva supports local projects and endeavors to empower the nearby communities. Whether indulging in farm-to-table dining, practicing yoga in a palapa overlooking the ocean, or participating in turtle conservation efforts, guests at Playa Viva embark on a journey that harmonizes luxury with a profound respect for the environment.

*Images property of Playa Viva

Casa Adela

MEXICO

PERSONALITIES

Couples looking for an intimate wedding venue. Design and architecture lovers.

MOMENTS

Cactus and flowers everywhere. Concrete soaking tubs. 360 degree views of the vast surrounding landscape. Scent of citrus and lavender in the air. Sunrise yoga. Private secret oasis.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Lots of sunshine November to March and September to October with average temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.

COST

WHY STAY

Casa Adela is a boutique hotel outside of San Miguel de Allende, in the vast Mexican countryside. The 8-acre retreat, originally an artist’s residence, consists of 7 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, and sits on a hill of the Sierra Nevada high desert plain.

Relax in the natural hot-spring fed pool or get a hot stone massage. Wander through the onsite citrus orchard & herb garden. Enjoy unparalleled mountain views every morning and nightly stargazing from the hacienda’s rooftop terrace.

WHY WANDER

See the surrounding Unesco heritage site from a hot air balloon or ride through canyons on horseback. Go into town to see works of masterful artisans ot take the San Miguel culinary tour. Go mountain biking or rappelling. Visit Guanajuato for its wines.

INDULGE IN

Modern Mexican cuisine. Herbs and cactuses from Casa Adela’s own garden. Try the Cactus Salad or Guanajuato Chicken.

GETTING THERE

Fly into San Miguel de Allende and arrange a pickup with the hotel.

Wild Initiatives

The 8-acre retreat has been thoughtfully designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The property's focus on sustainability can be seen in its eco-friendly initiatives. Casa Adela utilizes a natural hot spring to fill its pool, minimizing the need for energy-intensive heating systems. The hotel also actively supports local artisans, using handcrafted furniture and decor, and serves locally-sourced cuisine to reduce its carbon footprint.

*Images property of Casa Adela

Lo Sereno Casa de Playa

MEXICO

PERSONALITIES

Surfers. Escapists. Design lovers. Yogis.

MOMENTS

Undiscovered Mexico. Cool serenity. Welcoming waves. Falling asleep in the shade of coconut palms. Ocean at your door.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Anytime! Note that rainy season is from July to October. 

COST

WHY STAY

Lo Sereno Casa de Playa is a boutique oceanside retreat in Troncones, Mexico. With the Pacific Ocean on one side, Sierra Madre Mountains in the background, and an infinite unspoiled beach in your view, the hotel lives up to its name - The Serene Beach House.

Choose one of ten earth-coloured, modern tropical rooms, facing the ocean. Each room is complete with a bathroom patio, a wooden terrace, and colour schemes inspired by the surrounding nature.

Enjoy the open-air hangouts, the infinity pool, and picture-perfect sunsets. Let the time slow down and take in Troncones’ sleepy barefoot luxury.

WHY WANDER

Troncones is charming and quiet beach town, as well as a world-class surfing destination. Enjoy long stretches of virgin, uncrowded beaches. Go surfing in a place, where there are always waves somewhere along the coast. Watch pelicans dash in and out of water for their lunch or sea turtles laying eggs in the sand.

INDULGE IN

Gourmet Mexican cuisine. Fresh ceviche. Tacos & Tequila.

GETTING THERE

Troncones is 30 minutes from Zihuatanejo International Airport.

*Images property of Lo Sereno Casa de Playa
*By Vanessa Fuentes and Nada Lottermann for Design HotelsTM - Made By Originals

La Casa Que Canta

MEXICO

PERSONALITIES

Lovers and friends looking for a private and uninterrupted getaway. 

MOMENTS

Falling in love again. Slowing down. Getting lost in each other to the sound of the waves hitting the rocks. 

BEST VISITING MONTHS

November to June. 

COST

WHY STAY

La Casa Que Canta is a luxury boutique hotel, facing Zihuatanejo Bay in Ixtapa, Mexico. There are 25 private oceanfront suites to choose from, complete with terraces, breathtaking views, and plunge pools, only minutes away from the famous La Ropa beach. 

Wander the property's lush gardens, cool off in the salt water infinity pool, take an afternoon nap in one of the hammocks, or simply enjoy the view in a place that was the setting for the film When a Man Loves a Woman. 

WHY WANDER

Take part in Iyengar-Hatha yoga classes. Discover the charming fishing village of Zihuatanejo Bay. Spend the day at La Ropa. Go kayaking. Fish. Explore the local culture. 

INDULGE IN

Zucchini blossoms stuffed with poblano chili, Italian squash and cream cheese. Tamales filled with slow-roasted pork. Fish fillet in banana leaf. Homemade lime sorbet. 

GETTING THERE

The hotel is 20 minutes away from the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport. 

WILD INITIATIVES

La Casa Que Canta is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The hotel embraces its role as a guardian of the stunning coastal environment it calls home. To minimize its ecological footprint, La Casa Que Canta has implemented a range of green practices, from energy-efficient lighting and cooling systems to water conservation measures. Additionally, the hotel supports local artisans and sources much of its furnishings and decor from Mexican craftsmen, fostering a sense of cultural sustainability. La Casa Que Canta takes pride in the conservation of the lush surrounding landscape and strives to provide guests with a luxurious and eco-conscious experience, reminding them of the importance of preserving the natural beauty of the region for future generations.

*Images property of La Casa Que Canta

Hotel El Ganzo

MEXICO

THE PERSONALITIES

Artists. Musicians. Fishermen. Design lovers. 

MOMENTS

Creativity all around. Musical nights. White and wood accents. Views of the harbour and the sea beyond.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Best October to June.

COST

WHY STAY

Hotel El Ganzo is a unique boutique hotel at the base of the Puerto Los Cabos marina in San José del Cabo, Mexico. The retreat is unlike any beachside Mexican getaway you have experienced, celebrating creativity, diversity and culture. There are 70 custom-designed rooms, facing the Marina and the Sea of Cortez. The spacious Master Suites include a terrace and a Jacuzzi. 

Relax and watch the horizon in one the Bali daybeds at the rooftop infinity pool. Visit the El Ganzo Spa, and try the Mezcal Ritual detox, complete with an agave scrube, mezcal lotion massage, and desert clay purification. Musicians will love the underground music studio and guests will love weekly live performances and art shows from visiting artists. 

WHY WANDER

Lay out, paddle board or canoe at El Ganzo’s Beach Club. Do a bike tour around the marina. Go tequila tasting. Dive among the only living reef on the Pacific side at Cabo Pulmo. Visit Lovers Beach. Go whale watching. 

INDULGE IN

Coconut mojitos. Chilaquiles for breakfast. Shrimp ceviche. Visit the Gachoo Sushi Bar if you are craving sashimi. 

GETTING THERE

San Jose International Airport is 20 minutes away. 

WILD INITIATIVES

Hotel El Ganzo, Mexico's pioneering social enterprise, recently achieved a significant milestone by becoming the country's first hotel to obtain B Corp certification, marking its dedication to social and environmental responsibility. As part of this commitment, the hotel focuses on reducing inequality, poverty levels, and environmental impact while creating high-quality jobs and fostering a stronger community. Through initiatives in energy, water, waste management, carbon footprint reduction, and education, El Ganzo aims to address pressing global challenges while promoting sustainable practices.

In addition to its environmental efforts, El Ganzo prioritizes community support by emphasizing diversity, equality, and inclusion. The hotel's Community Center provides a space for local youth to explore their creativity and participate in educational activities, contributing to a stronger sense of community and economic empowerment. El Ganzo also prioritizes sourcing products from local suppliers, hiring and training staff locally, and supporting community initiatives such as GANZOAYUDA, a relief fund established during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist families in need.

Environmental sustainability is at the core of El Ganzo's operations, with initiatives ranging from energy-saving campaigns and waste management to ocean conservation efforts and the use of eco-friendly products. The hotel implements an Environmental Management System to monitor and reduce its environmental footprint, while also investing in renewable energy sources and adopting innovative technologies for water purification and waste reduction. Guests are encouraged to participate in these efforts through donations to the Community Center and supporting sustainable travel practices, furthering El Ganzo's mission of making a positive impact on both people and the planet.

*Photos property of El Ganzo