When our colleague Brekke Fletcher, Director of Content at iBestTravel, received an invitation to visit Costa Careyes in Mexico, she jumped at the opportunity. Here’s a recount of her dreamy getaway.
It had been on my radar for years, yet I had no idea what to expect from Costa Careyes.
This location is precisely the kind of place you have to see to believe. Nestled in the Costalegre region of Jalisco on Mexico’s rugged Pacific coast, Costa Careyes serves as a blend of private retreat, luxury resort, architectural marvel, and vibrant creative community.
During my visit last month, I was graciously hosted by Kim Kessler, a close friend living there, who advocates for Careyes and its Italian owners, the Brignone family. Gian Franco Brignone, the family patriarch, pioneered the development of this coastline in 1968 and remains the destination’s visionary architect. His sons, Filippo and Georgio, continue to nurture this exquisite locale.
My Stay in Costa Careyes
I chose to stay in Play Rosa Bungalow #1, a beachfront bungalow next to the Playa Rosa Beach Club restaurant. Guests have the option of reserving a small casita or a larger villa for family gatherings. The Brignone family also offers some of the Ocean Castles for rent, such as Sol de Oriente, which boasts an astonishing 360-degree infinity pool and an operational funicular. For my next visit, I hope to luxuriate at The El Careyes Club and Residences, as they feature five infinity pools!
My Morning Routine in Careyes
Each day began with a tranquil morning stroll followed by a delicious breakfast. I would wake up at dawn to the soothing sound of lapping waves, enjoy two rich coffees in my beachfront bungalow, and stroll barefoot along the shoreline in my sleepwear. As I relished the solitude—an extraordinary experience in our fast-paced world—I returned to my bungalow for a quick dip before heading to the Playa Rosa Beach Club for breakfast, which is one of Careyes’ seven dining options.
Foregoing the typical 21st-century breakfast options (I think we’ve all had enough avocado toast), I opted for the chilaquiles, arguably the best I’ve ever tasted. Though I was tempted to order more, I knew I’d be on a boat soon.
Must-Do Activities in Careyes
Engaging with the water is a must. After breakfast on my first day, I joined Captain Crunchy on a small motorboat. Our first destination was an impressive sea cave with emerald water and breathtaking rock formations. As we exited the cave, I spotted a beautifully framed view of the ocean through the arch, an experience that brought tears to my eyes.
We proceeded through rock formations that jutted dramatically from the sea, navigating a canal known as Piratas (yes, it’s named for pirates) and arrived at a secret beach. The water was crystal clear, allowing me to see fish swimming around me as I floated, gazing at the blue sky above. I also witnessed a pelican diving into the water for its lunch, which coincidentally, I would also enjoy later.
As we ventured further into the ocean, Captain Crunchy noted that he had spotted whales the previous day, so we held hope of seeing them. It was not long before we encountered a “super pod” of dolphins frolicking nearby. Though I attempted to capture the moment on my phone, I realized that this was a moment best experienced without distraction. Soon after, we caught sight of whale tails rising from the water’s surface. We quietly bobbed as we listened to their breaths and felt the incredible power of their presence.
Though it was challenging to leave this awe-inspiring scene, we made our way back to shore as the winds picked up, creating rough waters. From the shore, we could see the colorful castles, villas, and casitas of Careyes lined up along the coast, punctuating the cliffs with lively hues. To the south, the stunning sculptural structure, La Copa del Sol (the cup of the sun), designed by Gian Franco Brignone in 2006, stands at the end of a cliff.
Cultural and Social Hotspot in Careyes
Plaza de los Caballeros del Sol serves as the cultural hub of Costa Careyes. This vibrant square offers opportunities to connect with both residents and visitors. It hosts a weekly farmer’s market, along with regular film screenings and parties. The location also showcases an art gallery featuring local artists and occasionally work by school children participating in Careyes Foundation programs. You can also find boutiques, an indoor movie theater, and an ice cream shop. For a delicious dinner, I recommend the steakhouse Punto Como, particularly for rib-eye enthusiasts. For casual breakfasts or lunches, La Coscolina is a popular choice, offering both indoor and outdoor seating.
During my time there, I met with Sarah Lerman, director of the Careyes Foundation, to learn more about the educational initiatives they provide to nearby communities. She also kindly introduced me to the Careyes Art Space, showcasing work by artists from Oaxaca.
Exploring Beyond the Typical Path in Careyes
I indulged in a sound healing session at La Copa del Sol with Niki Trosky, whose talent is simply magical. Reaching Copa involves navigating a winding dirt road for about 10 to 15 minutes, creating a small dust storm as you drive. After parking next to the lighthouse (keeping an eye on the lighthouse-keeper’s dog, who is surprisingly unafraid of vehicles), I made my way inside.
Entering the Copa requires passing through a narrow corridor and a few stairs. Even if you’re skeptical about such experiences, the outcome is genuinely uplifting.
After the sound healing session, we headed to Casa de Nada to watch the sunset while enjoying dinner. It presented a rustic and relaxed atmosphere, striking a perfect balance after such a transcendent afternoon. I savored delicious mini crab cakes topped with remoulade, paired with two glasses of wine.
After all, I was on vacation!
Brekke traveled to Costa Careyes at their invitation. iBestTravel staff members do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.
