5 minute read
Named after the golden Copa de Oro flower that grows wild along Mexico’s Pacific coast, Las Alamandas takes its name, and its spirit, from nature. As owner Isabel Goldsmith-Patiño says, “Las Alamandas is the result of my love for nature.” It’s an affection that’s visible in every corner of this secluded retreat, characterised by tropical gardens, vivid architecture, and ocean views as far as the eye can see.
Far from the polished predictability of larger resort-style properties, Las Alamandas has long drawn travelers in search of something different: a slice of luxury in Mexico that remains very much its own. Romantic, creative, and inherently connected to its surroundings, it’s a truly authentic Mexican hideaway in every sense. While it’s captivating year-round, we love visiting between November and April, when the days are warm, the air is clear, and the coast is at its most inviting.
ARRIVAL ON THE COSTALEGRE
Wind down a rustic stretch of dirt road until the landscape suddenly gives way to lush greenery, a sparkling fountain, and those vibrant pink walls: you’ve arrived, welcome to Las Alamandas. Sitting proudly against the tropical blue sky of Mexico’s unspoiled Costalegre coast, this boutique hideaway is a unique gem, its bold hues and coastal vistas ready for any Instagram grid.
Perhaps arrival with a touch down on their private airstrip is more your style… Either way, set across 2,000 acres of preserved nature, you are greeted by a collision of jungle and coastline in a pop of colour, encased in beautifully curated gardens. The surrounding area remains blissfully untouched: with wild beaches, rugged landscapes, and the soft flow of the ocean to remind you that you’ve truly escaped.
With 8 villas hosting 18 suites, all generously sized and individually designed, Las Alamandas feels refreshingly personal; more like staying in someone’s colorful, character-filled home. Each room bursts with personality and charm, alive with Mexican artistry and warmth. With suites opening to the sound of the waves, it feels as though you’re floating on the ocean itself as you drift off to sleep at night.
THE SPIRIT OF MEXICO IN THE GUEST EXPERIENCE
At its heart, this property is a celebration of Mexico. Every corner reflects the vision of its creator, Isabel Goldsmith-Patiño, from the vibrant architecture to the hand-painted tiles, woven textiles, and carefully selected local art that fill each room. Oozing with character, it feels more like a private Mexican home, and unlike any other resort you may have visited before. You can even find a stack of DVDs beside the television, a charming nod to simpler times, that somehow fits perfectly here.
The meals showcase that same authenticity. Fresh fish caught that morning, hand-pressed tortillas, carne asada (grilled beef) with beans, freshly picked tropical fruit, all served in the way that locals enjoy best. Much of the produce comes from the resort’s organic orchard, and the menus change with what’s freshest – if you’re looking for a relaxed, barefoot style of luxury dining, with a side explosion of flavor and traditional flare, then this is the place for you. Dinner is served at Oasis Restaurant, adorned with candlelit tables under the stars and a tropical tequila and margarita bar which draws on herbs and fruits from the resort’s own gardens. At La Palapa Beach Club, you can dine midday with toes in the sand, Pacific waves just beyond your plate.
Much of the soul defining this property comes from Isabel herself. Still calling this place home, Isabel lives in a house perched up on the hill above the property. She returns from her travels across the country with paintings, sculptures, and textiles that now fill the small on-site boutique gallery, each one a reflection of her deep affection for Mexico.
A CURATED OCEANFRONT LIFESTYLE
Las Alamandas has been welcoming guests for decades, but its appeal remains timeless. This year, the property has refreshed its suites with new touches while still keeping the character that makes it so beloved. A newly opened games room adds a touch of old-school fun, complete with pool and ping-pong tables, and there are now pickleball courts too (a hit with returning guests).
Days here move at a slower pace. Mornings might start with a horseback ride along the sand, followed by a private picnic lunch on a hidden stretch of beach. Guests can try their hand at tennis, basketball, or croquet, or perhaps enjoy a quiet wander along the shore, on the lookout for seasonal humpback whales. Finish your day sipping some delicious cocktails while admiring the sunset melt into the horizon. Ahead of time, Journey Mexico will help curate the perfect itinerary for you, balancing relaxation with immersive activities that allow you to make the most of this spectacular setting.
For families or groups of friends, it’s perfect for a buyout. With its intimate size (only 18 suites) and a whole stretch of the Pacific at your doorstep, it feels like a private villa compound in a fairytale setting. Some suites, like Bougainvillea 2, feature double showers with hot-pink hand-painted tiles for that extra flourish. The festive season is especially magical: no minimum stay from December 19 – 27, and a five-night celebration from December 27 to January 1, complete with mariachis, fireworks, and a Mexican fiesta beneath the stars.
A RARE GEM: FROM THOSE SEEKING SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Las Alamandas is the kind of place we at Journey Mexico love introducing to the types of discerning travelers seeking intimacy over scale, character over convention, and a true sense of place. Distinctive and full of spirit, it offers a unique style of luxury: quietly confident, remote, and unmistakably Mexican.
We love designing journeys around Las Alamandas and think it pairs perfectly with a visit to Mexico City; contrasting the capital’s energetic and vibrant pulse with the stillness of the Pacific coast. It also makes a spectacular long weekend escape or private buyout, where the entire estate becomes your own: gardens, beaches, and staff devoted solely to you and your guests. Evenings bring their own magic, with seaside barbecues, clifftop cocktails, and romantic dinners with the ocean as your backdrop.
For those looking for something beyond the ordinary, Las Alamandas is an experience that captures the heart of the country while maintaining its own unique charm. Every time we return, we’re reminded that places like this are rare: a celebration of the setting, the people, and the spirit of Mexico.
