Residing alongside five kilometers of pristine Mexican coastline is the 36,000-acre Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve; within this oasis sits Cuixmala, recognized as being at the forefront of eco-luxury travel. Here the boundaries separating guests from nature are dissolved, whilst being one of the most luxurious places to stay in the world.
“The Cuixmala estate… now it is the world’s most beautiful hotel.”
– Mr Porter
Created by Sir James Goldsmith, knighted for his services to ecology, Cuixmala was originally established as his private estate. He purchased the initial piece of land for Cuixmala in 1987, and by 1989 had completed his house—Casa Cuixmala, and the guest bungalows. In 1990, Sir James announced the ‘active business chapter’ of his career was closed and directed his considerable energy towards furthering debates on environmental and humanitarian issues.
Sir James was able to put many of his environmental conservation theories into practice at Cuixmala, piece by piece constructing what has now grown to a 36,000+ acre private reserve, protecting what remains of Mexico’s dry tropical forest and the endangered species that survive within. Sir James donated the land for the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve, a foundation set up with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). A project that has been carried on by his daughter Alix and her husband Goffredo Marcaccini to this day.
“Why would it be less economically viable to invest in improving the environment rather than injuring it?”
- Sir James Goldsmith, Statement on Business and Environmentalism to the World Economic Forum, 1991
CUIXMALA ECOLOGICAL FOUNDATION
History
Located on Mexico’s breathtaking Pacific Coast, in the state of Jalisco. Río Cuixmala courses along the estate’s southern border, from the 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.
The centerpiece is Casa Cuixmala, a sprawling villa modeled after the Hagia Sophia, with an iconic blue-and-yellow tiled dome crowning the house’s ornate and vibrant architecture. Inside, four suites and various palatial living areas are adorned with Oriental rugs, handcarved furniture, mashrabiya windows and sumptuous silks. An incredible assemblage of international beauty, but the views from the three palapa-covered terraces and the saltwater pool are pure Mexican Pacific. Additionally, Six freestanding bungalows, adjacent to the main house, bring the Casa Cuixmala area’s bedroom total to ten.
On a smaller scale three private villas are dispersed throughout the property, but the aesthetics certainly do not diminish. Each has its own unique character, and all feature full service staff, a private pool, sprawling gardens, and communal living and dining areas, as well as four or five whitewashed guest rooms, brightened further with colorful textiles. Simpler still are the ten casitas, varying from one to three bedrooms; set ten minutes inland, they share a swimming pool and a restaurant/clubhouse, Casa Gomez, offering a panoramic westward view over the interior of Cuixmala
“it’s clear that the place attracts a certain type of unpretentious, bohemian visitor - well-traveled folks who are still drawn by the wild landscapes and sense of boundless possibility that likely led Goldsmith here in the first place.”
- FORBES
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The Estate
The coastline affords a variety of rich landscape at Cuixmala. There is an array of beaches, from picture-postcard tranquility to rocky bluffs jutting out into the powerful Pacific; the inland landscape ranges from lush jungle, coconut palm groves and lagoons, to sweeping savannah and grasslands. With each new day guests embark from their accommodations, integrated with respect into these different environments, to find endless new adventures awaiting them.
Whether simply lounging on a beach, or enjoying one of many recreational past times, from riding horseback through zebra herds, snorkeling off Playa Caleta Blanca, releasing Sea turtle hatchlings on Playa Cuixmala or visiting the Biodynamic farm, guests can be confident their stay will be as action packed or completely relaxed as they wish. Visit the Recreation page to learn more about all Cuixmala has to offer.
“All human beings need spiritual commitment. Otherwise, they become counting machines and believe that every aspect of nature is no more than an instrument that can be operated, mended or replaced.“
- SIR JAMES GOLDSMITH
VIEW RECREATION
Guest experience
Immerse yourself within Cuixmala via our Vimeo library, updated regularly, each short film aims to provides an in depth look at the multitude of facets within the hotel and property.
Plan your visit
The Cuixmala reservations team remains available to assist in organizing the best accommodation and itinerary for your visit.
