Cuixmala
MEXICO
THE PERSONALITIES
Adventurers. Conservationists. Dreamers. Families seeking connection and wide-open space. Luxury travelers who crave something soulful, wild, and meaningful.
MOMENTS
Crashing waves, magic and transformations. Riding horseback along a golden beach at sunset. Watching zebras graze on distant hills. Wandering lush organic gardens and harvesting your own ingredients for dinner. Kayaking through mangrove lagoons alive with birdlife. Stargazing from your private terrace, where silence feels almost sacred.
BEST VISITING MONTHS
November through April is dry season, with sunny skies and warm temperatures perfect for beach days and exploration. May through October brings lusher landscapes and quieter days, though brief afternoon rains are common.
COST
WHY STAY
Set on 30,000 acres of protected jungle, coastline, and mangroves along Mexico’s wild Pacific coast, Cuixmala feels less like a resort and more like a self-contained world. Once the private estate of British financier and conservationist Sir James Goldsmith, the property is now recognized as one of the world’s most extraordinary eco-retreats. Its Moorish-inspired architecture—arched doorways, vibrant tiles, and sweeping domes—sits high on a bluff overlooking the ocean, creating a sense of drama from the moment you arrive. The design flows seamlessly into its surroundings, balancing grandeur with intimacy, and its private villas and casitas are scattered discreetly across the estate to ensure complete seclusion.
The experience at Cuixmala is as much about the land as it is about the luxury. Days begin with the distant crash of waves and the calls of exotic birds echoing through the forest. Guests are invited to wander through the property’s lush organic gardens, to swim in deserted coves, and to explore miles of pristine coastline without seeing another soul. Each villa and casita is thoughtfully designed, featuring breezy layouts, bold color palettes, and hand-crafted details that celebrate Mexican artistry. Private terraces open to uninterrupted ocean views, inviting you to slow down and fully inhabit the moment.
Beyond its beauty, Cuixmala is designed to feel personal. Whether you’re sharing a private chef-prepared meal on your terrace, practicing yoga overlooking the sea, or being guided on a nature walk by one of the estate’s conservationists, everything is tailored to your rhythm. This is a retreat where the line between indoors and outdoors disappears, and every experience reminds you of the untamed world that surrounds you.
WHY WANDER
Cuixmala is for those who crave connection to the wild. Beyond the estate’s vast ecological reserve, the Costalegre region offers fishing villages, secluded beaches, and cultural experiences that remain beautifully untouched. With miles of unspoiled coastline and trails winding through tropical forest, it’s a place where exploration feels endless.
Exploration options are as plentiful as they are diverse. Discover the many landscapes surrounding the property: ride horseback through coconut plantations, visit the calm Playa Caleta Blanca for snorkeling, or take a trip to the private eco animal reserve, home to zebras, antelopes, crocodiles, over 270 bird species, and even the elusive jaguar. Surf the Pacific, explore hidden coves, or spend the day aboard a 42-foot sailing yacht available for private charter.
Hike through jungle paths, kayak through mangrove lagoons, and watch sea turtles hatch on the shore. Cuixmala’s conservation efforts run deep, including Turtle, Feline, Crocodile, and Bird protection programs, and guests are encouraged to learn about and even participate in these initiatives. Wander here, and you’re not just visiting, you’re helping preserve one of the most remarkable private ecological reserves in the world.
INDULGE IN
Organic, biodynamic dining that begins at the on-site farm. Traditional Mexican flavors reimagined with fresh seafood, tropical fruit, and produce harvested that day. Private chef dinners on your villa terrace, picnics on a deserted beach, or al fresco meals under the stars.
GETTING THERE
Cuixmala is located in Jalisco’s Costalegre region, a 2.5-hour drive from Puerto Vallarta or 90 minutes from Manzanillo. Private transfers and charter flights can be arranged, and the journey itself offers a glimpse of Mexico’s rugged Pacific coast.
WILD INITIATIVES
Conservation is at the heart of Cuixmala. The estate’s 30,000 acres form one of Mexico’s most important private ecological reserves, protecting endangered species like jaguars, ocelots, and sea turtles. Its organic farm and biodynamic gardens supply the property and local community with produce, and guests are encouraged to participate in wildlife monitoring, reforestation, and marine conservation programs. Staying at Cuixmala means contributing to the protection of this rare, wild place for generations to come.
*Photos property of Cuixmala, by Davis Gerber