This village-style self-contained hotel, built behind its own sheltered sandy cove, really offers the best of all possible holiday worlds. A mix of small-scale Mediterranean grace and the soft pastel and ochre colours of this region of Mexico, it serves both as a relaxing retreat and as the base from which you can sortie on all sorts of adventurous activities. 

For family members who want to unwind, there are extensive lawns dotted with whispering palms, a comprehensive spa, and sun-loungers facing the tangerine sunset. The resort has its own cinema, and a library stocked with books and DVDs.

Accommodation is in large, brightly decorated rooms, family suites and cottages, many with their own Jacuzzi or plunge pool. The range of more energetic options is impressive: guided horse-riding, tennis, mountainbiking…. and swimming in the large free-form pool.

Water sports available from the beach include kayaking, snorkelling and fishing excursions. Having worked up an appetite, you can eat al fresco in the informal  pool-side restaurant, and there is a small deli on site.

The resort is Mediterranean in style, comprising elegant whitewashed buildings with red tiled roofs surrounding an attractive landscaped garden and pool. The interior décor is regionally influenced with bright ochre walls and Mexican tiles.

Location

El Careyes Beach Resort is set on a private bay on the 12km Pacific coastline of Costa Careyes along Central Mexico's Costa Alegre, best known for the mega-resorts of Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco.

The nearest airport is at Manzanillo, a 90-minute drive along the gleaming Pacific coast dotted with small inlets and coves. Occasionally, the highway cuts inland through varied scenery of arid and lush vegetation before weaving back to the ocean and eventually arriving at the turnoff at Km 53.5.

Alternatively, El Careyes Beach Resort can be reached from Puerto Vallarta, a two-and-a-half hour drive away by car.

Things to do

El Careyes Beach Resort has a delightful secluded private cove, one of six that are dotted along Costa Careyes. Alternatively, lounge beside its inviting freeform swimming pool, or at additional cost, rejuvenate with a massage in the resort's spa.

Activities, some at additional cost, include tennis, mountain-biking, birdwatching, sport fishing, sailing, kayaking, water-skiing, diving and snorkelling excursions. Horseriding, and from late November to April, polo, can be arranged.

Our comment

"This luxurious hideaway manages to appeal to all without intruding on anyone."