Inside Costalegre: The Luxury Coastline Every Travel Advisor Should Know
Everything you need to design unforgettable, high-touch escapes along Mexico’s most exclusive stretch of Pacific coastline.
Photo: Courtesy of K. Cifuentes
Jalisco, one of Mexico’s most culturally rich states and the historic cradle of mariachi music and charreadas (Mexican rodeos), may also be known as the birthplace of tequila and includes popular tourist destinations such as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, but this Southwestern state is also home to some of the best beaches, cuisine, and now, hotels in the country.
Costalegre, also known as Mexico’s “happy coast,” is set along the Pacific Ocean between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo, spanning nearly 200 miles of secluded beaches, coves, and jungle-backed shores. The area has long been a favorite among in-the-know travelers, but with new luxury hotels (including forthcoming Six Senses Xala) and investments emerging and celebrity interest at an all-time high (it’s a favorite of Kendall and Kylie Jenner, who stayed at the iconic Sol de Oriente villa in Costa Careyes), the region is poised to become one of Mexico’s hottest new destinations.
Here’s what you need to know about planning a trip to Costalegre, a quietly glamorous escape where nature and high design go hand in hand.
The Advisor’s Cheat Sheet
Region Overview
More than just Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, the state of Jalisco has another region that has been a well-kept secret of wealthy and celebrity travelers for decades. Costalegre is easily accessible, located about 90 minutes north of Playa de Oro International Airport in Manzanillo and about three hours south of Puerto Vallarta International Airport. A third international airport near Chalacatepec is currently under development. In recent years, the region has seen several new luxury properties open, including the Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo.
Best Time to Visit
Costalegre experiences its high season from November to March, when there is little rain and temperatures remain high, but not as high as during the low season. The polo season also runs during these months, attracting many players and spectators from around the world.
From June to the beginning of October, the area experiences a low season characterized by high temperatures and frequent rainfall, especially during August and September. The shoulder season typically runs through October, with moderate temperatures and a few lingering clouds.
At-a-Glance Essentials
A valid passport is required to enter Mexico, while a visa is required for stays exceeding 180 days. Currency over $10,000 must be declared upon entry and exit. Upon entry, you will need to fill out a customs form, which will generate a QR code that you must scan upon exit from the country.
Spanish is the official language of Mexico, but most resorts will have staff who are fluent in English, as well as other languages. While petty crime can be common in villages, especially where tourists frequent, resorts are typically secured by a full security staff. Guests doing off-site exploration should exercise caution and avoid having valuables visible.
Top Destinations & Must-Sell Experiences
Among the highlights of visiting Costalegre is the opportunity to see endangered sea turtles coming to nest on the area’s beaches along the Pacific. Costalegre has long been recognized for its conservation efforts, with many of the area’s resorts dedicating land and resources to these initiatives. While there, visitors can learn about the ongoing conservation work through local programs that offer insight into how these species of sea turtle are being protected.
Guests can also take part in beach cleanups and help support community-led efforts to further preserve the fragile coastal ecosystem. Participating in these efforts lets visitors gain a deeper understanding of the challenges these animals face and provides an opportunity to contribute to their protection in a meaningful way.
Costa Careyes
Perched atop dramatic cliffs with rows of colorful houses reminiscent of Positano, Careyes is a private coastal enclave that blends architecture with creative energy and privacy. Careyes is perfect for design-minded travelers, innovative entrepreneurs, and discerning travelers who prioritize privacy above all else.
Top activities for guests include a sunset sail along the Playa Rosa coastline, ending with Champagne and a barefoot dinner at the Playa Rosa Beach Club; curated art and architecture tours of the Careyes community, including private access to artist homes and designer villas; or sound healing or private yoga classes at Copa del Sol, a concrete acoustic sculpture facing the Pacific.
Insider Tip: Careyes books out for private events in peak season—target late April or early November for full access to galleries, villas, and local artists without the crowds.
Cuixmala
Originally built as the private estate of a European billionaire, Cuixmala is now an elite eco-resort and wildlife sanctuary spanning over 25,000 acres. It’s ideal for sustainability-focused families, wildlife enthusiasts, and discerning clients seeking a total immersion experience.
Guests can take a private, safari-style tour to see zebras, wild boars, and endangered species roaming freely on the property; have dinner under the stars at the estate’s biodynamic farm, prepared by a private chef; or take a guided horseback ride through protected lagoons and beaches, ending with a secluded beach picnic.
Insider Tip: Book one of the private casitas set deeper within the jungle—you’ll trade in an ocean view, but get more wildlife access and privacy.
Barra de Navidad
This working fishing town and laid-back marina destination offers a window into authentic coastal life. Barra de Navidad suits return visitors to Mexico, sailing clients, and guests seeking a blend of tradition and casual luxury.
Here, guests can charter a private deep-sea fishing boat for the day, followed by a beachside preparation of the day’s catch by a chef; take a cultural walking tour with a local historian, where you’ll explore historic churches, marketplaces, and take in legends of pirate lore; or enjoy a dinner cruise through the mangrove canals at golden hour, complete with mezcal pairings on board.
Insider Tip: Local fishing cooperatives offer exclusive access to secluded beach spots that are otherwise unreachable by land—a hotel concierge can help coordinate.
La Manzanilla
Known for its wide, walkable beach and laid-back charm, La Manzanilla draws low-key sophisticates who favor boutique over flash. It’s ideal for creative professionals, wellness travelers, and those seeking low-intervention luxury.
Nature is top of mind here, with activities like an early morning kayak into Tenacatita Bay, followed by fresh ceviche and natural wines on the sand; a private visit to a sea turtle conservation center, timed with evening hatchling releases; or an intimate mezcal tasting at a local beach bar, hosted by the producer himself.
Insider Tip: Skip weekends. Midweek visits mean fewer day-trippers, better availability at local restaurants, and a more relaxed pace.
Punta Perula
The northern entry point to Costalegre, Punta Perula is known for its proximity to the Chamela Islands, calm waters, and up-and-coming eco-resorts. It’s best for marine enthusiasts, adventure families, and travelers seeking something undiscovered.
Here, visitors can take a private boat to Isla Cocinas, with snorkeling, a custom seafood grill, and beach hammocks set by your guide; enjoy whale watching in winter, timed with migration patterns and GPS-tracked pods; or go on a scuba- or free-diving expedition with a local marine biologist.
Insider Tip: Use Punta Perula as a launch point to build custom archipelagic itineraries—boats can anchor at uninhabited islands overnight for wild luxury under the stars.
Where to Stay
Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo
The Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, which opened in 2022, is situated within a 3,000-acre private nature reserve and has suites facing the ocean, with many including private plunge pools. The resort has three restaurants—including Coyul, a partnership with The World’s Best Female Chef 2023 Elena Reygadas—as well as full-service at their pools and private beach. Guests can explore the property with a run concierge or take a private golf class on El Tamarindo Golf Course, designed by golf architect David Fleming.
Ocean Castle Sol De Oriente
This sprawling, six-bedroom villa, complete with a funicular to take guests down from the main house to the lower bedrooms, is an influencer’s dream. The brightly colored villa was recently host to the Jenner sisters, who plastered social media with snaps in the yellow-hued home. The villa also includes a private infinity pool wrapping around the house, overlooking the Pacific, and includes butler service for the duration of the stay. It’s a perfect fit for those who want to be seen.
Las Alamandas
For those who don’t want to be seen, Las Alamandas might be one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Las Alamandas has long been a sanctuary for visiting celebrities, with past visits from Bill Murray, Nicholas Cage, Robert DeNiro, and Jennifer Aniston, to name a few. For many of these celebrities, the unchanging nature of the property throughout the years is one of its draws.
The WiFi range on the property is still spotty, just how the owners like it. Rooms still come equipped with DVD and VHS players, while an extensive library of videotapes can be found in the resort’s lobby, alongside photos of some of the actors represented. The gym, commissioned by DeNiro, is extremely barebones, and may be as recent as the videotapes. Given all this, the resort feels like a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of our modern world, especially given its secluded nature.
What to Book
Fine Dining and Culinary Experiences
Costalegre’s coastal bounty and emerging slow-food scene create the backdrop for truly refined culinary experiences. At Cuixmala, guests can book a private chef’s table on the property’s organic farm, where hyperlocal dishes are prepared using ingredients harvested just hours before. In La Manzanilla, a sea-to-table beach dinner with a local pescador offers a more rustic—but no less memorable—experience, with fresh catch grilled fireside. And at Careyes’ Playa Rosa Beach Club, guests can indulge in a multi-course tasting menu paired with natural Mexican wines and artisanal mezcal, all set against a cinematic oceanfront backdrop.
Advisor Insight: Some villas in Careyes offer access to private chefs trained in Michelin-starred kitchens—your contact can confirm chef bios.
High-Touch Excursions
Costalegre is home to plenty of immersive experiences that blend natural beauty with insider access. A golden-hour lagoon tour by kayak or panga, led by a marine biologist, reveals the region’s rich biodiversity in its most photogenic light. In Careyes, a curated architecture walk takes travelers through the area’s most iconic villas, offering a rare perspective on their bold design and cultural history. For those craving open water, a private yacht charter to the uninhabited islands of Chamela Bay includes snorkeling, a personal chef, and a soft landing setup for secluded beach exploration.
Advisor Insight: Bookable via Journey Mexico or Tia Stephanie Tours.
Culturally Immersive Experiences
At nearby turtle sanctuaries, guests can participate in hatchling releases and engage one-on-one with conservation staff to learn about ongoing protection efforts. In Careyes, resident artists host intimate art crawls that include behind-the-scenes studio visits and personal storytelling. And in La Manzanilla, a regional cooking class begins with a guided visit to the local market, followed by hands-on instruction in a private casita, offering a delicious window into the area’s culinary traditions.
Value-Add Services
For a seamless arrival and departure, book a private SUV transfer from ZLO or PVR, which typically come equipped with in-car amenities and bilingual driver-guides who provide local insight en route. At the airport, VIP meet-and-greet services include fast-track immigration, baggage handling, and personalized assistance, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience from tarmac to hotel.
Logistics & Access
Getting There
Costalegre is most easily accessed via Aeropuerto Internacional Playa de Oro (ZLO) or Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), both of which offer direct flights from major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, and Phoenix. The former is closer to Barra de Navidad, Cuixmala, and La Manzanilla, while the latter is a better entry point for those headed to Punta Perula and Careyes.
For a seamless arrival, VIP airport services offering expedited immigration services and tarmac transfers are available at both airports. Private air options, including charter flights or helicopter transfers to Careyes or Cuixmala, can be arranged for high-end clients seeking door-to-door access.
A third airport, Chalacatepec International Airport, is scheduled to become operational in 2026 and is situated in the heart of Costalegre.
Getting Around
Due to Costalegre’s spread-out geography and limited public transportation options, private SUV transfers and hired driver-guides are the most reliable, comfortable, and safest options for traveling between destinations.
Roads in the region can be winding and unpaved in remote areas, making professional drivers familiar with the region highly recommended. For island excursions, private pangas or small yachts offer flexible coastal access, and many of these can also be booked through resorts. Advisors should pre-arrange transfers through vetted partners to avoid gaps in service.
Booking Intel: Seasonality, Pricing Trends & Insider Tips
For peak season travel to Costalegre—especially around the holidays and winter breaks—advisors should aim to book six to nine months in advance, as boutique villas fill quickly. Shoulder season in late October or early May offers better rates, fewer crowds, and milder weather, while summer brings value opportunities for flexible travelers, despite the occasional storm risk. Top partner villas in Careyes and Cuixmala often offer 10–15% commissions and concierge support, making them attractive from a sales perspective.
Clients are increasingly opting for longer stays, often combining destinations—like pairing Cuixmala with Careyes or adding in a few nights near Tenacatita Bay. Eco-luxury, wellness add-ons, and private chefs are among the most-requested upgrades.
While Careyes continues to attract attention (and celebrities), quieter gems like Punta Perula offer stunning scenery with less buzz. For a special touch, consider pre-arranging a sunset massage, a private beach club reservation, or a welcome basket stocked with local mezcal and handmade sarapes.
Suggested Itineraries
6-Day Family Coastal Adventure
Start: Barra de Navidad / End: Careyes
Perfect for large families, this itinerary includes a beachfront stay in Barra de Navidad, paddleboarding in Tenacatita Bay, and a private wildlife boat tour through the La Manzanilla mangroves. End the trip with three nights at Villa Sol de Oriente, where kids can explore the villa’s dramatic layout (while taking turns riding the funicular up and down) while adults unwind with poolside cocktails and prepared meals by the villa’s on-site staff.
7-Day Coastal Culture & Wellness Retreat
Start: Manzanillo (ZLO) / End: Tamarindo
Begin with two nights in La Manzanilla, sending guests on a chef-led market tour and cooking class before they visit a sea turtle sanctuary. Then, they’ll head north to Tamarindo for five nights of rest and reconnection at Four Season Resort Tamarindo.
Highlights here can include a private mezcal and ceviche tasting at Coyul, a guided jungle hike to hidden beaches, and time at leisure in the resort’s cliffside infinity pools or holistic spa. Guests can also visit the property’s organic farm and get up close with some of the animals (chickens, bees, and goats) that provide the resort with food.
