Costa Careyes Jalisco Mexico

Every detail about this place has a reason for being and every element of its formation is surreal: rooms have smooth, rounded corners; every window and terrace has been designed to frame the ocean; the colors of the houses play tricks on your subconscious and inspire pleasure (I’m not even kidding); odes to man and women, like Copa del Sol, can be found in remote corners, and nature preservation is religion. Houses have hidden architectural gems like a hand-woven nest that is perfect for reading; a hot pink, circular patio built just to appreciate a colossal boulder, and mischievous trails that have no purpose other than to make you walk through a beautiful ambush of lavish bougainvilleas.

Take an hour and a half flight from Mexico City to Manzanillo, rent a car and drive an hour up the coast to Careyes. You can’t get lost, it’s almost a straight line there. International flights arrive in Puerto Vallarta but the drive to Careyes is 3 hours long so the layover in Mexico City is worth it!

There are no addresses in Careyes, only house names. You will never lose your way though – the staff of the houses know every single name there is to be known and they have their numbers in case you have friends are staying elsewhere!

Careyes is truly surreal. And all the houses you can rent are managed by an impeccable concierge. Prices range depending on the season and the size of the the house but it starts off at $350 USD a night for a beautiful one or two bedroom casita with the whole five start treatment: an ocean view, daily cleaning, making your bed and serving you breakfast. There are also four bungalows directly on Playa Rosa which depending on the seasons start at $320 USD per night.

The private houses and ocean castles that have 360° infinity pools and a full staff so that you don’t have to lift a finger, fit anywhere from 6 to 14 people and they start at $3,000 USD per night.

You can’t go wrong no matter which house, beach bungalow or casita you rent as they all have incredible views of the ocean. On a good day, during whale migration season (mid December till end of March) you can even see the whales swimming from your bed.

Careyes is so small (8 kilometers) that location is not a problem, you’ll always be central.

Home-cooked meals are the most delicious choice as all the houses come with a fantastic cook. However, to spice things up you have a few alternatives!

Have lunch one day at Playa Rosa – it is spectacular. A bottle of rosé and freshly made pasta with shrimp alá Tres Chiles is a must.

For healthy salads and paninis or a hearty breakfast, La Coscolina, in Plaza de los Caballeros, is the place for you.

If you’re in the mood for meat or pizza, Punto.Como is where you want to head. It’s across the square from La Coscolina.

If you’re in the mood for a fresh Asian food menu with a Mexican twist on the beach, head over to Cocodrilo Azul. You’ll eat on the beach and dance around the bonfire after dinner! Make sure you ask the concierge first as they’re not open all year round!

Dress up a little to go out – the hippier chic the better!