PLAYA VIVA
MEXICO
PERSONALITIES
Conscious travelers. Slow food lovers. Nature seekers. Wellness devotees. Families craving simplicity. Storytellers inspired by the land.
MOMENTS
Waking to ocean breeze and birdsong. Harvesting fresh greens from the garden at dawn. Sharing meals under a canopy of stars. Turtle release at dusk. Walking the orchard paths bursting with tropical fruit. Swimming in the warm Pacific waters after a day of yoga and silence.
BEST VISITING MONTHS
Playa Viva is a year-round sanctuary, though the dry season from November to April offers the clearest skies and calmest seas for ocean swimming and outdoor adventures.
COST
WHY STAY
Playa Viva sits on Mexico’s Pacific coast in the state of Guerrero, enveloped by a private stretch of beach, tropical forest, and rolling hills. The property offers a rare intimacy with nature, where the rhythm of the ocean meets the rustle of the jungle. Visitors experience the full spectrum of the ecosystem, from mangroves and wetlands to tide pools and nesting grounds, making it an immersive playground for wildlife observation and reflection.
The architecture at Playa Viva is rooted in regenerative principles, designed to harmonize with the land. Villas, casitas, and communal spaces are handcrafted from local materials like bamboo, clay, and timber. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Pacific Ocean, open-air terraces provide fresh breezes, and every structure is positioned to minimize environmental impact. Wellness is integrated into the design, with oceanside yoga platforms, spa areas infused with botanical therapies, and quiet nooks for meditation.
Founded by David Leventhal, Playa Viva is a model for regenerative travel. Every aspect of the property, from the turtle sanctuary to the permaculture gardens, reflects a philosophy that travel can restore rather than deplete. Guests leave with a deeper understanding of the environment, human connection, and the power of thoughtful design to protect the land while offering luxury that feels organic and unforced.
WHY WANDER
The surrounding region of Costa Grande is rich in natural and cultural experiences. Guests can explore tropical forest trails teeming with birds and wildlife, ride horses along the unspoiled beach, or kayak through nearby estuaries to witness mangrove ecosystems. Guided hikes offer insight into native flora, medicinal plants, and traditional farming techniques practiced by local communities.
The nearby beaches and cliffs provide opportunities for swimming, surfing, or simply basking in the sun while observing nesting turtles. Fishing trips with local guides, paddleboarding along the calm waters, and snorkeling among tide pools offer hands-on ways to interact with marine life and coastal ecosystems. Seasonal excursions to nearby villages provide cultural immersion, with local markets, artisanal crafts, and culinary experiences reflecting Guerrero’s heritage.
Evenings at Playa Viva bring a chance for reflection and slow connection. Guests may join communal gatherings, share stories under the stars, or participate in workshops on sustainable living, conservation practices, and cacao cultivation. Every wander is designed to deepen appreciation for the land and strengthen bonds with both nature and fellow travelers.
INDULGE IN
Dining at Playa Viva celebrates local flavors and sustainable ingredients. Meals feature fresh seafood, organic vegetables from the on-site permaculture gardens, and cacao-infused creations. Communal dining spaces, cliffside terraces, and private decks allow guests to savor each dish against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Cooking classes, farm-to-table dinners, and tasting sessions make indulgence an immersive, sensory experience.
GETTING THERE
Playa Viva is accessible via the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport, followed by a scenic drive through tropical landscapes to the resort. Transfers are arranged by the property to ensure a smooth and relaxing arrival.
WILD INITIATIVES
Playa Viva is committed to ecological restoration and community empowerment. The resort runs a sea turtle sanctuary, participates in mangrove and forest reforestation projects, and operates entirely on regenerative principles, including solar energy, water conservation, and organic farming. Local communities benefit from employment opportunities, education programs, and cultural exchange initiatives. Each guest contributes directly to these efforts, making every stay part of a cycle of conservation and renewal.
*Images property of Playa Viva, Kev Steele, Ryan Forbes photography, @Hairtieneeded, AVA BLU. Manta Architecture, Jaquory Lunsford