Surrounded by 30,000 acres of nature preserve, the 4,000-acre resort on Mexico’s Pacific Coast has some of the most glorious warm-weather houses in the world.
Indagare Loves
The villas’ fun and innovative architecture
Community atmosphere, embodied by Careyes’ founder Gian Franco Brignone
Polo matches and film and contemporary art festivals held on the grounds
Review
Costa Careyes (or Careyes as initiates tend to refer to it), is not technically a private club, but it certainly feels like a sexier version of Lyford Cay, the members-only enclave in the Bahamas. One villa comes with a rope ladder bridge to its own wave-crashed peninsula. Two others come with moat-like pools so guests can swim from the porch off of their bedrooms to the dining patio for breakfast if the spirit moves them.
Inspired by the jet-set scene of the Costa Smeralda, the scion of an Italian banking family, Gian Franco Brignone, founded the resort and real estate development in the early 1970s. He staked out a wedge of land between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo and began with a beach house on a palm-shaded cove. According to legend, he lured Gianni Agnelli as a houseguest in the early days. Sir James Goldsmith rented houses in the 1980s, before purchasing a 25,000-acre parcel down the beach where he created his own fantasyland, complete with a menagerie of African animals and a Moorish castle, called Cuixmala.
Over the years, the Brignone family worked with architects, artisans and aristocratic homeowners to fashion a distinct Careyes look for the sixty private houses and the hotel (now closed) and restaurants that they gradually added. Some of the most extravagant homes have been built in the 2000s but all embody a kind of mad Mediterranean-meets-Mexican fiesta/siesta lifestyle. The cliffside houses, in a riot of bright colors—from cobalt blue to deep peach and electric pink—emphasize glamorous open living. Palm-thatched shaded great rooms extend out to vast stone decks inlaid with mosaic patterns and infinity-edged pools that drop down to Pacific views. Forget the current craze for houses that blend into the environment. Here, they stand out and make a dramatic statement like the bougainvillea that blooms flamboyantly along the pathways.
Where to Stay
There are a total of sixty private houses (castles, villas and casitas) in Careyes, forty of which are available for rent when the owners or their friends are not in residence. Each house or villa rental comes fully staffed with a cook, housekeeper, and in some cases butlers and house managers. Contact our bookings team to discuss the best house for your needs.
Indagare Tip
Many of the cliffside houses have dramatic architecture with pools and verandahs. The effect is stunning but may take away the breath of mothers who arrive with young children and realize that child safety will be a constant concern. Families may be better in a less glamorous casita or even waiting until toddlers can be trusted not to explore ledges.
Dress Code
With the founder Gian Franco Brignone parading around in a flowing caftan and carrying a gnarled wooden cane, it’s no surprise that informality and individuality are the two keys to packing for Careyes. The one exception is the themed parties, such as “white” parties and Casino Royale nights. Before you arrive: check with your house manager to see if there will be any costume events.
Who Should Stay
It’s a popular choice for couples and families who know others, otherwise, it’s easy to feel out of place in a country-club like setting, albeit one without the stuffiness. Still, if you’re just looking to luxuriate in a stunning villa without interacting with the neighbors, Careyes is a great option.
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Aerial View - Costa Careyes, Mexico
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