Your Guide to Mexico’s Happiest Coast

Introducing Costalegre, a hidden gem full of laid-back luxury in Jalisco.

By Phoebe Neuman

There’s no shortage of great beach destinations in Mexico, but if you’re looking for a getaway that feels off the beaten path without sacrificing any of the creature comforts of luxury travel, Costalegre is it. The 200-mile stretch of Jalisco coastline south of Puerto Vallarta is known as Mexico’s “Coast of Joy” for good reason: the beaches are unspoiled, the food is fantastic, and the pace of life (and travel) is just a little bit slower than hot spots like Riviera Maya or Los Cabos.

We recently had the privilege of spending a few days swimming, sipping, and wandering our way through the beaches and towns that fringe this idyllic slice of the Pacific. Here, we share what we found—and how to make the most of a trip to Mexico’s most tranquil beach destination.

 

Stay

Costalegre may be laid-back, but it has become a hot spot for luxe hotels and resorts—a reputation that next year’s opening of the new Six Senses Xala is only solidifying.

If you’re looking for a truly unplugged, toes-in-the-sand kind of stay, check into Las Alamandas. Tucked away down a long dirt road on the central stretch of Costalegre, the boutique, ecologically minded resort (the property generates 90 percent of its own energy via solar panels and fuels its restaurants with an on-site farm) was one of the first in the region. The suites and villas embody the property’s “raw luxury” ethos: they’re stripped-back but comfortable and equipped with indulgences like expansive terraces and private infinity lap pools or hot tubs—an ideal spot for soaking in the spectacular stargazing that the resort is known for. Saturated pink and orange architecture provides a nice punch of energy to the otherwise deeply tranquil atmosphere that permeates every corner of the property, from the Oasis restaurant to the spa and the beach, which is a favorite nesting spot for Pacific sea turtles.

 

Like Las Alamandas, Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo leans into tranquility. But true to form, the family-friendly resort, which is located on the southern end of Costalegre, dials up the luxury factor. Opened in 2022, the property sits on a 3,000-acre private nature reserve that includes a world-class golf course and private airstrip among jungles teeming with tropical birds and cliffs overlooking the bay. Here, the vibe is less about unplugging and more about unwinding. Think slow morning hikes, relaxing afternoons snacking on fresh octopus aguachile between dips at the pool or the gentle waters of Majahua Beach, and rejuvenating the mind and body with a traditional temazcal experience before getting dressed up for a golden-hour reservation at Sal, where the catch of the day is served alongside raicilla Negronis.

Rounding out the best resorts in the region is Careyes. The property, which is part nature reserve and part art colony, helped put the region on the map with luxury travelers in the ‘70s with its eclectic architecture, annual art festival, polo fields, and wellness-focused lifestyle. In addition to the private homes that form the heart of the vibrant community (you’ll often find a mix of expats and travelers mingling over sunset cocktails at Lilo Beach Club on Playa Careyitos or a plate of ceviche at Playa Rosa Restaurant & Bar), Cayeres offers stunning clifftop villas fit for large groups as well as bungalows and casitas perfect for small families or couples.

See & Do

A Costalegre getaway is all about leaning into an easier, more relaxed pace of life. And while there’s no shortage of things to do in the region, we recommend taking it slow. Plan to spend at least a day unwinding on property wherever you choose to stay. When you’re feeling refreshed and ready to explore, head to the water, book a wellness experience that channels the region’s peaceful energy, or visit one of the colorful pueblos that dot the coast.

Nature 

A day on the water is one of the only must-dos while in Costalegre. We recommend booking a private boat tour with an operator like Pacific Adventures—the adventure outfitter that also runs surfing and mountain biking excursions—to fully soak up the beauty of regions like the stunning Bay of Chamela. Your guide will take you to protected marine areas that are home to some of the best snorkeling and birdwatching in Costalegre. In the water, you’ll chase after puffer fish, butterfly fish, and colorful wrasse as they dart through healthy coral reefs. From the boat or one of the secluded beaches you’ll stop at along the way, keep an eye out for the enigmatic blue-footed booby, which calls the region home.

The marine adventures can continue back on land by stopping into one of the many sea turtle sanctuaries that line the shores of Costalegre. If you’re there between August and December, you’ll be able to watch adult Pacific sea turtles as they come to nest. And if you’re really lucky, you’ll be able to help as their hatchlings make their way back to the sea—Las Alamandas and Careyes both offer sea turtle hatchling experiences you can participate in right on property.

Wellness

All the resorts we’ve mentioned have outstanding wellness programs that include everything from spa treatments inspired by local traditions and ingredients to yoga and meditation sessions. But if you’re looking for an experience that is truly transcendent, head to Copa del Sol at Careyes. Perched on the edge of a cliff, the otherworldly structure was designed to amplify the sensory and healing experience of traditional sound bath techniques. During an hour-long session, you’ll be lulled by singing bowls, flutes, and the sound of the waves crashing far below into a trance-like state that will leave even the most tightly wound person feeling refreshed, inspired, and grounded.

Culture

You could spend days road-tripping between Costalegre’s charming towns and Pueblos Mágicos, but if you only have time to head to one, we recommend spending a few hours in El Tuito. Meaning “beautiful small valley,” the farming village has roots that stretch back to the pre-Hispanic period, when it was home to the indigenous Nahuatl people. It’s known for its vibrant Sunday market (where you should absolutely pick up some panela cheese—a local specialty), quaint shops, 200-plus-year-old church, and homes painted with murals illustrating the trades of their owners.

El Tuito is also the ideal pit stop before heading to Hacienda El Divisadero, a raicilla distillery that has been producing spirits since 1885. On a tour, master distillers will talk you through the rich history of raicilla in Jalisco as you take in rolling hills of agave and traditional tools for harvesting, roasting, fermenting, and, finally, distilling only the ripest piñas into the deliciously smoky spirit. (Note that tours are offered primarily in Spanish, and it’s absolutely worth bringing along a translator if you aren’t traveling with someone fluent in the language.)

Untouched Mexico

Costalegre is one of those destinations that lingers with you long after you’ve gone home. True to its name, the rugged beauty and quiet sense of calm present at every turn along Mexico’s Coast of Joy is the ultimate antidote to a fast-paced, always-on lifestyle. Easily accessible from Puerto Vallarta, it’s perfect for quick getaways and lingering stays alike—a place that is sure to call you back again and again. (We know we’ll be back!)

This story was produced in partnership with Jalisco Tourism.