This truth is undeniable: Mexico is always a good idea. And the resorts in Mexico are equally enticing. With so many distinctive cultures, styles, cuisines, and beliefs, the United States’ southern neighbor is gloriously diverse and endlessly exciting. That even applies to a narrower zone: mainland Mexico’s long Pacific Coast. There, destinations such as Careyes are the epitome of imaginations running wild to build—over half a century—one of the most original and vibrant beach communities in the world. Elsewhere, recognizable luxury brands have created resorts that turn fantasy into reality. Here, the seven most spectacular resorts in Mexico stretching up and down the Pacific coast, with views for days, not to mention, at certain times, sea turtles and humpback whales.
Careyes
Mexico’s best-kept secret is a bit less confidential these days, since quite a few notables flocked to its flamboyant villas during COVID-19. Still, the paparazzi-free enclave known for unorthodox architecture and design—curvaceous and bold, the palapa-roofed villas include collaborations between Italian and Mexican creatives—is decidedly boho in spirit. Artistic festivals and installations are just some of the draws of the 20,000-acre destination founded in the late ’60s; naturalists thrive off the unspoiled wilderness, tiny islands, and miles of virginal beach that are home to nesting sea turtles. Beach clubs, locally sourced restaurants, and wellness exploits are a few other elements lending to Careyes’s idyllic energy.
And while the brick-clad El Careyes Club & Residences is a flawless place to stay—see spacious suites with ocean-view balconies—it’s Careyes’s legendary fully staffed private villas that are where the magic lies. The newest is the flamingo-pink Casa Mirador, designed by husband-and-wife architects Alex Possenbacher and Lorena Contreras and designer Veronica Peyrelongue, and featuring work by local artisans alongside a curvilinear infinity pool and signature stark white interiors.
Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo
This forthcoming Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo is another reason for a pilgrimage to Jalisco’s Costalegre (translation: joyful coast), this year. When it opens mid-2022, the property, an hour south of Careyes, is bound to seduce design buffs well versed in Mexican aesthetics. The project—157 camouflaged rooms meant to disappear into the natural landscape of the 3,000-plus acre private reserve—was designed by five revered firms: Victor Legorreta, Mauricio Rocha, Mario Schjetnan, Uribe Krayer, and NODO Taller. The concept of rewilding was top of mind when they devised a palette of authentically regional materials (think lava rock, cement, and wood) as well as textiles that intuitively follow the natural terrain’s curves. Though it’s thoroughly modern, the resort is in many ways an ode to Mexican heritage, with abundant fabrics and art harking to pre-Hispanic culture plus experiences and activities meant to rebalance and inspire.
