Costa Careyes: Mexico's secret luxury oasis for the super-rich

The private holiday resort Costa Careyes, which is only accessible to millionaires and the like, is located on the Mexican Pacific coast. But what exactly makes the place so special?

Covering an area of around 5,300 hectares, which is roughly the size of Manhattan, there is a place on Mexico’s Pacific coast that is only accessible by invitation, with your own villa or with a lot of money. A strict committee decides on site who is allowed to stay and build.

The concept is clear: the villas must fit harmoniously into the landscape and must not resemble each other. In total, the place consists of 50 private villas, each of which is far apart and secluded. The Overnight prices are between 2,500 and 10,000 US dollars per night, with purchase prices starting at eight million dollars.

Costa Careyes is reminiscent of Palm Beach

Costa Careyes is therefore not just a resort, but a closed community high society, similar to Palm Beach. Politicians, entrepreneurs and artists enjoy an exclusive life here with their own polo club, private events and international tournaments. Mass tourism is excluded.

“Imagine spending time in a place with no overstimulation, no noise, just the purest elements. I say that all the time in my yoga classes: Careyes has the crème de la crème of oxygen. If you want to climb into a fountain of youth, you have to breathe in the air here,” reports resident and yoga teacher Niki. Each villa is planned individually; construction projects can take years.

Founder responsible for entire infrastructure

The social structure is also clearly structured: at the top are the luxury villas. Below that are the apartments for daycare workers and at the very bottom are the pueblo houses for the workforce. Four restaurants provide meals for the residents. In order to maintain the exclusive character, working and Luxury life strictly separated.

Careyes was founded in 1968 by the Italian visionary and banker John Franco Brignone. His goal was to create a place where luxury, peace and nature go hand in hand. Brignone lived closely with the Mexican community, cooking and eating with the employees and building the entire infrastructure of the place. After Brignone’s death in 2022, his son Jojo Brignone took over the management. Under his leadership, the place became more commercial and opened up to guests for shorter stays.