I have just returned from a short stay at one of my favorite places in Mexico, Cuixmala. Set in 25,000 acres of unspoiled land, lagoons and beaches on the Pacific Coast, Cuixmala is a remarkable property that offers three completely different accommodation choices and a lengthy list of activity options.
The priciest of these options is Casa La Loma, a ‘1001 Nights’ fantasy house with 4 bedrooms and 6 bungalows that is tailor-made for a celebration or a wedding.
There are a further three private villas of 1 to 4 bedrooms that are fully staffed with their own landscaped gardens, a pool and incredible views of the ocean.
And then there are the casitas that are perfect for a couple or a family. Nine total, these charming 1 to 3 bedroom houses have private terraces, satellite TV and DVD players and share a divine pool and the “club house”, Casa Gomez, the most chic club house you have ever seen. My casita, Clavel, was blue and white, had gorgeous views of the ocean and complete privacy. Prices start at a reasonable $400 per day inclusive of breakfast.
There are some real WOW facts about Cuixmala. Here goes: zebras, gazelles and crocs populate part of the important Chamela-Cuixmala Bisophere Reserve so you have, in essence, a mini-African plain at your fingertips; surfing, golf, lagoon boat rides, wildlife and polo are all within spitting distance; yoga practice, massage therapies and organically grown products can be tailored to your desires; a short private charter will bring you to my favorite “hotel” in this hemisphere, the very powerful, very beautiful Hacienda de San Antonio located in the mountains. Owned by the same proprietor and offering the same warmth, service and enchantment, this is the perfect add-on to a stay at Cuixmala.
As you know, I believe that much of life’s pleasures resides in the personal relationships one forges. One of the most charming and most professional women I have had the opportunity to work with is Maria Campos. Maria – always beautiful and gracious – runs Cuixmala with a seemingly effortless touch. I love the zebras and crocs, the gorgeous beach, comfy bed and really delicious food; but I really enjoy Maria. It lifts my heart to see her, although it is all too seldom.
Cape Town is one of the world's great cities. The setting alone is worthy of top billing. And then you have a vibrant culinary scene, a fascinating flora and fauna representative of its microclimate, a diverse population and the logistical advantage that makes it a gateway for visits to the wine lands, to the garden route and north into the bush. In spite of the aforementioned, what makes me vibrate with anticipation in Cape Town is its flourishing art and design scene, its world class museums and galleries, its artisans, many of them passionately committed to ensuring that hand and design skills endure. The person who knows as much about this sector of the Capetonian landscape is Marion Ellis whose company, Cape Insights, designs whole or partial itineraries that feature - among other subject matter - the flourishing arts of the city. Marion's knowledge has both the breadth and depth to take you on a meandering journey across the media - from paintings and ceramics to photography and art installations - and behind the scenes to meet with collectors and artists, teachers and innovators."
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