We need to talk about Sir James Goldsmith. A prominent economist, a committed environmentalist, and the founder of *The Ecologist* in the 1970s—yes, a print magazine back when such contradictions still seemed acceptable. He also created the Cuixmala Ecological Foundation, the precursor to this luxury hotel.
Cuixmala: History, How to Get There, and Its Legacy
That legacy explains what lies behind this place: a nature reserve spanning more than 30,000 acres that was once the personal retreat of Goldsmith and his Franco-British family. Since 1994, it has put Cuixmala on the map as a hotel for travelers seeking encounters with nature that are not at odds with luxury.
In case we hadn’t mentioned it, Cuixmala is located in the Costalegre region, in the municipality of La Huerta, Jalisco, on the Mexican Pacific coast. Getting there is part of the charm. It’s located an hour and a half north of the Manzanillo airport or three hours south of Puerto Vallarta—a seclusion that ultimately reinforces the feeling of entering a kind of timeless sanctuary with all modern comforts.
Along five kilometers of the Mexican Pacific coast, amid jungle, palm groves, and lagoons, an evocative landscape unfolds.
Paradise Lost in Cuixmala
And once you get to know the place, it’s perfectly understandable why Goldsmith fell in love with life in the area and became an environmental activist who loved lost paradises like this one, after having been known as a rather controversial figure in the world of international finance.
It is a sanctuary—one that becomes “our sanctuary” when we stay there—where protected wildlife coexists with visitors captivated by the local coastline, its cliffs, grasslands, ubiquitous coconut palms, and lagoons that seem frozen in the eternity of the Pacific.
We booked a getaway at Cuixmala—let’s be honest—looking for a place to get away from the daily hustle and bustle. A destination where the word “ecology” actually meant something, wasn’t just a buzzword thrown in to tick a box, and didn’t clash with the place’s values. But the trip ended up being more than just finding a place to rest. The area offers plenty of options so you don’t just sit around watching the waves—which is perfectly fine, by the way. You can go horseback riding among zebras, snorkel at Caleta Blanca Beach, be a turtle-rescuing hero, or simply unplug.
Adventure, luxury, and relaxation
In fact, one of the main features of this place is that it’s designed for both those seeking relaxation and those who love adventure. So, you’ve been warned. The place exudes exclusivity: nature and sophistication coexist in a harmony that is not often found, no matter how many reviews you read.
The resort features three restaurants and a menu based on ingredients sourced from a private biodynamic farm that provides healthy produce. The stables are home to ten horses, which you can ride for a stroll along the ocean shore and explore one of the three hidden beaches. Yes, you might even race one of the wild zebras that roam this habitat.
But if you’re not the adventurous type, you can do some yoga or book a spa treatment.
And if you’re a nature lover, there’s plenty to see: proud elands and more than 270 species of birds soar overhead. The Cuixmala Ecological Foundation —yes, it still exists—supports various research projects focused on conservation, environmental education, and sustainability.
Rooms that blend into the landscape
The 43 rooms spread throughout the property, Casa Cuixmala—the original residence—stand out for their warmth and interior design. Its suites and bungalows blend the indoor-outdoor lifestyle with the lush natural surroundings. The Mediterranean style of the bright rooms and the deep blue that visually connects with the marine environment make you want to stay inside, order room service, and pretend you live there.
The lounge areas and pools open directly onto private beaches, with spacious open areas that offer an atmosphere inspired by Mexican culture.
Architecture that opens up to the landscape
On the other hand, the one- to three-bedroom guest houses and cottages, which feature a large pool with unforgettable views of the colorful plantations, are another option for travelers who want to enjoy a more immersive experience that’s fully integrated with the local landscape.
This aesthetic harmonizes with the surroundings of the Hacienda de San Antonio, located at the foot of the Colima Volcano in the highlands of Mexico. The hacienda offers an immersive experience, where architecture, design, and landscape blend and intertwine.
Dining with a view of the Pacific
But the experience wouldn’t be complete without the food. The cuisine, inspired by international flavors and Mexican cuisine and prepared with organic ingredients sourced from El Rancho El Jabalí—the biodynamic farm linked to the Goldsmith family—is complemented by its distinctive white vaulted interiors and sweeping views from the outdoor palapa.
There’s nothing to complain about. On the contrary, after a horseback ride or a walk on the beach, arriving at Casa Gómez—the main restaurant—flipping through the menu, and choosing one of the recommendations is another highlight of the visit.
Among the appetizers that won us over: Cuixmala Guacamole, served with vegetables, fresh herbs, and chili ash, which reimagines one of Mexico’s classics with an original and spicy twist. The Rancho Burrata, served with marinated tomatoes, avocado, hibiscus flowers, and balsamic vinegar, is another standout dish—and a truly artisanal one.
Dining with the ocean as a backdrop
The cheese platter, served with homemade jams, walnut bread, and grapes, was another delightful dish that whetted our appetite. And for the nopal tlacoyos, the plantain fritters with almond mole, the corn esquites from the garden, or the tiradito of the day’s catch with serrano chili and radishes, accompanied by garden lettuce with vegan cashew cheese.
There are also vegetarian options, and both La Loma and Casa Gómez offer the added bonus of dining with the ocean as a backdrop.
Just out of curiosity, when we left after a week-long getaway, we looked up the meaning of the word “Cuixmala”: “a place where the soul rests.” If we’d known that beforehand, we would have stayed until Christmas.
Discover more getaways in AW Magazine
