Note: This article was initially published in Luxury Living Magazine
Mexico’s west coast “Costalegre” known as the “happy coast” has long been a magnet for the jet set crowd. This windswept coast is lined with coves, and sleepy fishing villages stretch for miles bordered by Jungles. Here in this landscape, you find the luxury resorts of the well-heeled crowds – Costa Careyes, founded by Italian entrepreneur Gian Franco Brignone in 1968; Cuixmala, formerly owned by Sir James Goldsmith, now run by his daughter Alix Marcaccin.
I drove through an unmarked gate and down a dirt road until; paradise, it just materialized. I saw an Italianesque water fountain, lush vegetation, colourful villas and guest retreats all set in 1600 unspoiled acres resting on miles of breathtaking coastline, this was Las Alamandas. I was excited to wander the grounds and came upon a lovely lagoon, Horse riding trails, private airstrip, tennis courts, and gardens, simply overflowing with flowers, fruit, and vegetables.
Las Alamandas is the pride and joy of Isabel Goldsmith-Patiño (James Goldsmith’s eldest daughter), who inherited this little piece of paradise from her maternal grandfather, Bolivian Tin Magnate Antenor Patiño.
Goldsmith-Patino’s personal touches are evident everywhere, from her art collections and exquisite sculptures to colourful pottery. No attention to detail is spared throughout the 16 suites; there are decorative flower petals placed on the beds and towels, and biscuits and water are left at your bedside each evening. Goldsmith-Patiño is a charming hostess and greets her guests personally if she’s in residence, which amounts to 3-6 months a year. She divides her time between Las Alamandas, Los Angeles, Paris, and London.
The key to enjoying Las Alamandas is in knowing you have arrived in paradise and privacy is a given; service is par excellence and all your needs will be catered to. With this in mind, I settle into my unbelievable suite, the Presidential Suite, I might add, where the bathroom with its marble soaker tub, is as big as my bedroom. This 2-bedroom suite ‘Casa del Sol’ has a private pool, hot tub, a hammock gently swinging between two palms and the most spectacular ocean view.
Waking on my first morning, I was faced with a couple of big decisions, which of the three secluded beaches would be my destination and where to dine in the evening; my patio overlooking the Pacific or the Oasis restaurant for a candlelit supper. Lunch is always a casual affair served under a beautiful Palapa – meals are freshly prepared, ranging from Mexican dishes to continental cuisine. The resident Chef uses newly caught fish to create the most fantastic seafood tacos, salads, and entrees.
Once I ventured from the hammock, I selected a few relaxing activities. As nature in all its glory, was mere steps away, I could tour the property and spy on wildlife in its natural habitat and take a guided excursion to view some of the 270 bird species (Black Ibis, Osprey, Barn Swallows, American Coot, American Crestel, Northern Jacana), all the more enjoyable, with a chef-inspired picnic basket in hand.
Who could ask for more!!
For more information visit: www.alamandas.com
Getting to Las Alamandas: Fly to either Puerto Vallarta (PVR) or Manzanillo (ZLO). From there take a private charter or car rentals are available at the airport.
Address: México 54D 200, Santa Cruz de Las Flores, 48850 Costalegre, Jalisco., Mexico
