The Costa Alegre is Emerging: A Highway & Airport to New Luxury Resorts

Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy’s Hotel Cheval Blanc & The Four Seasons Tamarindo

Costalegre’s New Airport Set to Boost Jet Set Destination

Mexico’s Pacific coast is in the news of late. That’s especially true of the Costalegre, the expanse of beaches, capes and bays between Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta. Long the favorite of the private jet set, it’s about to become a bit more accessible — in an exclusive way that is.

A new Costalegre airport is in the works, making it much easier to reach the region. At the moment, visitors flying commercial must arrive either at Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo. Neither is particularly convenient.

“If all goes well within two years the new airport will be up and running. The runway is already there and they’re working on the buildings. They will also be widening the road going in both directions,” Wayne Hudson tells Travel Agent.

Hudson is spokesperson for Cuixmala, the expansive resort that was once the home of British tycoon Sir James Goldsmith. Cuixmala lies in the middle of the Costalegre, and attracts a distinct crowd.

Tourism in the state of Jalisco should get a major boost with new infrastructure development in the Costa Alegre region.

The Costa Alegre consists of a series of 43 virgin beaches, capes and bays distributed along the Pacific coast between the major tourist centers of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, and Manzanillo, Colima.

A project long in the making is the extension and modernization of federal highway 200, which runs from Puerto Vallarta to Barra de Navidad, which authorities say is soon to be finished after two years of work.

Another major infrastructure project in the area is the Chalacatepec airport, which could be ready for its first airplane in just a year and a half.

The runway has been ready for the last four years but the state government still must conclude expropriation agreements with community landowners for the terrain that surrounds what will be the airport proper.

The payout will cost 15 million pesos (US $858,000), while the construction of a road to give area residents access to the main highway without crossing the runway represents an additional 17 million.

Once ready, the 90-million-peso airport will be able to accommodate 170-passenger aircraft, and both commercial and private flights.

The new airport is just one of the items in a broader, US $400-million investment package announced last year to develop Costa Alegre.

Authorities and state officials have described the Jalisco beaches as a “diamond in the rough” destined to become “the most beautiful beach on the Pacific coast. Costa Alegre represents the future of beach destinations not only in Jalisco, but in Mexico.”

Giving credence to such claims are international hotel brands such as One and Only and Four Seasons, among others, that are currently developing 18 projects with a combination of domestic and foreign investment.

XALA

A breathtaking sanctuary for the socially conscious, that sparks imagination and inner peace, while being immersed in nature.

A new development has been announced that combines conscious travel with luxurious residences, three boutique hotels, one hostel and more in Xala, Mexico.

The development, located on the west coast of Mexico on over 1,000 hectares of land, is expected to open its doors in 2023 after it finishes its first phase, which costs $125 million.

The goal is to create a community-oriented destination focused on agriculture, farming and sustainability. Locals will also have access to nearly five miles of beaches as well as two estuaries.

Xala will restore and protect the local environment. It’s already reforesting nearly 250 hectares of land, with 500 hectares preserved as a protected area. It will also create programs to protect the region’s reptiles, turtles, ocelots and other endangered species.

Richard Gere and The Heart Supply founder Johnny Schillereff are partners in the venture along with developers Ricardo Santa Cruz and Jeronimo and Juan Bremer.

“The opportunity to be part of Xala was something I knew I couldn’t miss. Xala will be a project that flourishes and sets a new benchmark from which sustainable, respectful and community-based developments should be based on.

I’m excited to work with the team and the community to bring our shared vision of delivering the most exceptional levels of tourism and a truly sustainable neighbourhood to this incredibly special part of the world,” said Gere.

Xala is about two hours from Puerto Vallarta and five minutes from the future site of the Costalegre Airport.

Careyes

The Great Escape: Careyes Mexico Is Bohemian Luxury Exemplified

Forbes Magazine

Careyes has been a backdrop for the fashion set. In the mid 80s the iconic Calvin Klein Obsession ad, lensed by Bruce Weber, took place at Careyes. Designer Giorgio Armani and supermodels Naomi Campbell, Heidi Klum, Stephanie Seymour, and Cindy Crawford have gone to Careyes for photo shoots as well as to vacation. Celebrities such as Uma Thurman, Alejandro Iñárritu, Lee Daniels, Francis Ford Coppola, Kevin Hart, and Mick Jagger have retreated to Careyes not only for its tranquility, but for its privacy too.

Cuixmala

Sir James Goldsmith Wildlife Sanctuary

Created by Sir James Goldsmith, knighted for his services to ecology, the once private estate is now open as a destination for discerning travelers. Cuixmala is located on Mexico’s breathtaking Pacific Coast, in the state of Jalisco. Río Cuixmala courses along its southern border, from its northern boundary, vast hills look out over the coconut plantation towards the Pacific Ocean, and to the east, bamboo groves and mango trees number in their thousands.

“Nothing is more exciting than seeing a house that looks like a fantasy movie. This is the feeling when seeing Casa Cuixmala but the environment is even more idyllic than the construction.“

– A.D.

Las Alamandas

Las Alamandas is Mexico’s ultimate beach hideaway!

Located between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo along the famed Costalegre Coast, it is nestled on 2,000 acres of unspoiled nature reserve.

This secluded luxury resort with only 18 suites is a delightful Mexican paradise created by Isabel Goldsmith-Patiño offering the exclusive ambience of an elegant private estate with the highest standards of service and hospitality from a warm and caring staff.

Described by the Los Angeles Times as “…the essence of romance, beauty and style,” Las Alamandas is an ideal place for truly relaxing getaways, romantic escapes, honeymoons, family get-togethers, intimate weddings, or an inspirational corporate retreat.

Enjoy privacy in an exceptionally spacious and beautifully appointed suite. Dine on delectable contemporary Mexican cuisine. Indulge in massages and treatments to the sound of the Pacific. Enjoy every activity from tennis and surfing to nature hikes, horseback riding and kayaking.

“…the essence of romance, beauty and style,” LA Times

Tamarindo

FOUR SEASONS RESORT TAMARINDO

This forthcoming Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo is another reason for a pilgrimage to Jalisco’s Costalegre (translation: joyful coast), this year. When it opens mid-2022, the property, an hour south of Careyes, is bound to seduce design buffs well versed in Mexican aesthetics. The project—157 camouflaged rooms meant to disappear into the natural landscape of the 3,000-plus acre private reserve— The concept of rewilding was top of mind when they devised a palette of authentically regional materials (think lava rock, cement, and wood) as well as textiles that intuitively follow the natural terrain’s curves. Though it’s thoroughly modern, the resort is in many ways an ode to Mexican heritage, with abundant fabrics and art harking to pre-Hispanic culture plus experiences and activities meant to rebalance and inspire.

Located on a secluded enclave along the Pacific Ocean in the state of Jalisco, between the towns of La Manzanilla and Barra de Navidad. 40 minutes via car from International Airport of Manzanillo-Costalegre, Mexico where there are daily flights from Mexico City as well as direct flights during key dates from the United States and Canada. The area, known as “Costalegre” or “Joy Coast” is acclaimed for its private beaches, lush landscape and unique topography.

Visitors of Tamarindo will discover all that the destination has to offer, from whale watching to exploring the local wildlife, water sports and activities, local markets, and so much more. Guests will also have access to incredible leisure and sport activities offered through the Resort.

The Resort offers four dining and beverage venues, including an ocean view bar and restaurant, beach bar and grill and golf club restaurant. The grounds also feature three pools, a full-service spa set amid verdant jungle and a fitness centre, young adults centre and lounge, water sports centre, tennis courts and 370 square metres (4,000 square feet) of meeting space. The highly acclaimed 18-hole, par 72, David Fleming designed links golf course round out the amenities.

Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo will join a growing collection of Four Seasons properties in Mexico, including Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City, the recently opened Four Seasons Resort and Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas, and the recently announced Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol.

Xeneques

LIFE, CHARMS & ANCIENT MOUNTAIN SPIRITS

Home to a Boutique Hotel, Spa and Healing Center, Botanical Gardens and Private Villas in an organically designed Master Plan, integrated with the lowest density allowances, where the maximum coefficient of construction is that of only 7% of the surface of this most magical land.

The abundance of fresh water, elevations and ancient trees provide for the perfect temperature all year round, as well as 150 species of birds.

For those who feel that less is more when it comes to enjoying Nature, this could be your place to call home Inside an idyllic pristine reserve.