Casa Cuixmala Reopens February 1

Casa Cuixmala closed briefly after hurricane Patricia mainly to replant landscaping that was damaged by the storm. During the down time they took the opportunity to add outdoor showers to the bungalows and upgrade Casa Gomez, their second restaurant, with outdoor seating on a new fountain courtyard.



Casa Cuixmala re-opens in full bloom on February 1. Surrounded by crocodile lagoons and with herds of zebras roaming on the plains it seems like it might be the hidden headquarters of a villain in a James Bond novel. The oceanfront palace was in fact designed by Robert Couturier (Rizzoli: Designing Paradise) in an exuberant style that mixes the feel of Morocco, India and Mexico with soaring ceilings and fountain courtyards. It was built for the international financier Sir James Goldsmith who created not only this oceanfront palace but also the surrounding 25,000 acre eco reserve. In Sir James' time Casa Cuixmala hosted Presidents and Prime Ministers from around the world. Under the ownership of his daughter, Alix Marcaccini, it was originally made available as the ultimate villa rental attracting guests like Mick Jagger, Madonna, George Lucas, Tom Cruise and even Bill Gates. Still owned by Alix and her family, Casa Cuixmala has now been transformed into an ultra luxury 12 suite boutique hotel which has attracted a new list of celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin, Ralph Lauren, Thandie Newton, Gael Garcia Bernal and Alice Temperly in the last year alone.



The suites are either in private bungalows nestled in lush tropical gardens or within the palace itself. Expansive living areas open to panoramic views of the Pacific. Huge palapas provide outdoor areas for dining and relaxing in the area's perfect climate. A grand staircase descends to a stunning tiled pool on the wide white sand beach.

Casa Cuixmala sits on over two miles of private beach and is surrounded by thousands of acres of nature which besides the local flora and fauna boasts herds of zebra and antelopes. A network of trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking give guests a chance to experience the unspoiled environment first hand. Home to over 270 species of birds it is not unusual to spot parrots, roseate spoonbills (the color of flamingos) or giant storks. Meandering through the jungle, guests may also sight wild boar, coati mundi and the occasional puma. Perhaps nothing is quite as memorable though as riding on horseback through a herd of zebras with the colorful dome of Casa Cuixmala glistening in the distance. This is Utopia.



Meanwhile Caleta Blanca, the white sand beach on a calm picturesque bay, is ideal for paddle boarding, snorkeling, ocean kayaking or just lounging on a hammock in the shade of the towering palm trees. In winter months whales glide by offshore while schools of dolphins frolic in the bay. A castaway's dream. Guests may also participate in Cuixmala's turtle protection program, one of the most successful in the world, by helping the biologists return the baby turtles to the sea.

Dining at Cuixmala is world class, serving a sophisticated organic cuisine entirely sourced from their own organic farms. Fruits and vegetables harvested in the morning are served the same day, the ultimate in farm to table. Its not just the food that is outstanding at Casa Cuixmala but also the settings. The main restaurant offers panoramic views of the ocean, lagoons, coconut plantation and mountains. For an even more memorable evening dinner may be served on the beach, surrounded by hundreds of candles and with a bonfire nearby. Stars twinkle overhead to the sound of breaking waves. Heaven.



While Casa Cuixmala now functions as a small luxury hotel it has never lost the ambiance of when it was rarefied private estate with highly personalized service reminiscent of another era. The activities list is only a framework with each experience customized to the particular guest's taste and interests. At Cuixmala the fantasy becomes the reality.

Casa Cuixmala is located on the west coast of Mexico about 2 1/2 hours south of Puerto Vallarta by car but also has its own grass landing strip. Suites range from $1,600 to $5,000 during the winter season.

Visit website: www.cuixmala.com