Costa Careyes, Mexico

• More about your oliver guide: Elizabeth Welborn
• Trip type: Family, Beach
• Activity level: easy
• Ideal length of trip: 7 DAYS

to & from

Puerto Vallarta is my airport of choice for reaching Costa Careyes. The airport has various commercial carrier options with Virgin, United and Alaska, as well as a variety of rental car agencies (warning, cheap rental car prices are a gimmick to get you in with car insurance rates nearing $30 a day; research with rental agencies and insurance policies before you arrive).

The drive to Careyes is 2.5 hours south from PV along Highway 200. It is an easy and straight shot from the airport. Manzanillo Airport is a great choice for those flying from LA. Manzanillo Mexico is just one hour south of Careyes, although the drive is a little more confusing with the lack of road signs. There is also a private landing strip in Careyes.

Where to Stay

• Costa Careyes is a luxury private resort located on the Pacific in the southern part of Jalisco, Mexico. It is comprised of private villas and casitas as well as incredible ocean castles. The Casitas de las Flores above Playa Rosa Beach are all beautiful little gems and allow for easy access to the beach for swimming, sunbathing and eating - great for single travelers, couples and families; each has a spectacular view of the Pacific. Small bungalows are available along the beachfront. The larger homes and castles (yes, amazing castles) allow for more guests, especially terrific for special celebrations; many of the larger homes have beautiful infinity pools overlooking the ocean.
• For a super spectacular stay, my favorite castle is Sol de Oriente, one of the most amazing villas in Mexico- an inviting, sun colored castle encircled by an azure like infinity pool that you can access out of your window. With a completely open view of the vast Pacific Ocean and crashing waves below, it is bound to be your favorite, too. Simply incredible.
• The architecture is colorful and unique in each of the private locations. All can be booked with an easy email to: reservations@careyes.com.mx There are no hotels in Careyes.

Where to Eat and Drink

• Playa Rosa is the main beach and has a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The cuisine is locally inspired with fresh catches of the day, warm tortillas and savory salsas. Margaritas (and glasses of Mezcal) are top notch with tropical smoothies you will crave daily. Fresh coconuts are a must. Easy, kid friendly food is also available.
• My favorite place for dinner was across the highway in the local pueblo- a lesser known spot favored by local residents with incredible cuisine called Pueblo 25 with Chef Marco Lorelli. Marco is from Lima and creates delectable, gourmet, Peruvian cuisine with all of the fresh and local ingredients along the Pacific.
• Nearby in the Plaza de los Caballeros del Sol are two restaurants: Punto Como and Las Coscolina. Punto Como is a fun gathering in the evening with other resort guests as there is an outdoor theater. The food is similar to Playa Rosa with local offerings, as well as a pizza kitchen and pastas added to the menu. Las Coscolina is a Columbian inspired restaurant with a flavorful menu. It was a favorite for breakfast as they offer the best, freshly pressed juices and smoothies. They also have great salads, panini, and vegan options.
• Casa do Nada (not de, do) is a small beachfront casita that on some occasions serves margaritas after beach rides and other local fare. It is also central to Ondalinda, a local festival akin to Burning Man with a Careyes flavor (other trip).
• Cocodrillo Azul is a beach-side private restaurant that offers Asian fusion cuisine (sushi with a tropical flair) and late night DJ and dancing on the beach. It is a fun way to begin and end the trip to Careyes.

What to Do

• Surf, paddle board, snorkel, dive, fish. Captain Crunchy is your contact on the beach.
• Dabble in various equestrian disciplines and beach rides.. Polo is our main impetus for a Careyes vacation, although you do not have to be experienced to play- beginner lessons for adults and kids are available. Competitive tournaments are hosted November - April, contact: susanstovall@careyes.com.mx.

inside scoop

• The resort is equally chic in its architecture as it is with its guests. The mix of residents and guests is very international, eccentric, and multi lingual.
• Attire: Resort-chic dress with a kiss of boho, but incorporate your individual style, for that is Careyes.

What to Pack