What was once a private family retreat for billionaire tycoon Sir James Goldsmith, is now Cuixmala, a grandiose boutique hotel in the exotic jungles of Mexico. A blend of captivating styles from Morocco, India and Mexico clothe this hilltop palace whose design can be attributed to Robert Couturier, the successful architect whose career took off after completing the Mexico project. Located two-and-a-half hours south of Puerto Vallarta, the hotel’s orange-sherbet exterior peeks out from the tops of congested, green forests while its interior is made up of bright white walls and floors that contrast with the striking blue ocean. Bright, bold patterns of faraway lands accent the rooms while fountain courtyards and magnificent staircases occupy the rest of the property.
The hotel’s accommodations are made up of spacious suites and individual bungalows as part of Casa Cuixmala, along with three rental villas and a group of casitas. The largest of the suites, the Cuixmala Suite, has its own splash pool that overlooks the beach below, an ocean view shower and over sized ocean view bathtub. Twenty-foot ceilings tower above the bed and spacious living area that has a fireplace and large windows that lead to a private terrace. The nearby bungalows feature outdoor showers and large terraces with ocean and lagoon views while the casitas and villas include views of the nearby coconut plantation, swimming pools and large living areas.
The eye-candy of the property is the hotel’s over-sized tiled pool located at the bottom of a uniquely designed staircase that falls down from the top of the hill, as if a royal princess might come traipsing down at any moment. The checkered floor of the salt water pool shimmers under the Mexican sun and a shaded beach palapa sits nearby for those looking to lounge in style. Active travelers can enjoy an endless amount of nearby activities like horseback riding, mountain biking, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, yoga and more.
Like so many opulent resorts, Cuixmala has a variety of impeccable cuisine—but unlike most, the ingredients here are nearly 100% organic and sourced from its own farms and ranch. Don’t be surprised to learn that the tomatoes in your salad were plucked from its vines a mere few hours prior to being placed on your plate. Enjoy meals in all settings, from a ranch house, a grand terrace, under the palapa or at the pool.
Aside from ultra-luxe amenities, the hotel caters to the environment as well. Through the Cuixmala Exological Foundation established by Sir James Goldsmith, and the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve, Cuixmala has helped restore Mexico’s wildlife and environment to this region. Surrounded by 25,000 acres of nature reserve, the bird sanctuaries, mangroves and Turtle Protection Program are just a few ways Cuixmala is helping to revive its surrounding environment that’s home to many animals like antelope, zebras or even jaguars as Cuixmala is one of the few remaining habitats for the North American feline.
For more information, visit: cuixmala.com