mexican delight


Earlier this month, my husband and I were lucky enough to sneak away from reality (and the kiddos!) for a long weekend trip to Costa Careyes, Mexico. Unlike most resort towns, there are no hotels, stores, or even ATM's. Located on the Pacific Coast,  a few hours south of Puerto Vallarta, Costa Careyes (literally “turtle coast”) is home to a sea turtle sanctuary, and 70% of the land is a nature preserve, surrounded by miles and miles of deserted beaches and lush jungle. Founded in the late 1960's by the eccentric Italian-born financier and artist Gian Franco Brignone, Careyes has an artsy, bohemian vibe, reflected in the Crayola-hued villas that are perched on steep craggy cliffs. We, along with some friends, stayed in the thatched-roof open-air villa, pictured above, and indulged in infinity pool swimming, hammock swinging and guacamole-and-chips eating. Read on for more highlights!


Here I am, ready for action Day 1.


The colorful walls and floating staircase of Dos Estrellas (our villa) capture Careyes' creative spirit.
 

Meet our infinity pool, where we convened after breakfast, post-workout, pre-sunset and so on.


This might just be the best late afternoon snack I've ever had: homemade guac, chips, pico de gallo salsa and a frozen margarita. Served up poolside, of course.
 

We hit the beach at Playa Rosa, located in the bay below our house. It served as our launching pad for boating, paddle boarding, and Pacific Ocean bobbing. (P.S. the bath tub-like water temperature was utterly perfect.)


Here I am lounging (and most likely debating another nap) at Playa Rosa.
 

The trip's signature drink: a fresh lime juice margarita with a smidge of salt. Yum!


Our nights out centered around dinners al fresco and dancing till midnight. In the picture, above, I am partaking in some cocktail lounging. Ah, yes!
 

One day we took a boat ride up the Jalisco coast in search of secluded coves. It didn't take us long as they were everywhere. Once we decided on the perfect calm spot, we anchored and jumped into the ocean. You can see our orange villa in the distance, above.


I can't really recall why I chose the expression above, since there were plenty of handsome men and guacamole on board.


We lingered over big and hearty breakfasts at this table every morning--huevos rancheros, frijoles con queso, fruit, chocolate cake, and yes, more guacamole.
 

The villa had more cool hang out spots than I had time for! I did not do this terrace justice, sadly, but knowing it was there felt just as good!


Here I am getting my festive on in a recently purchased beaded dress by Virgos Lounge (with a slit up to there!).


Our bedroom balcony afforded this mesmerizing view of the ocean. The sound of the waves crashing on shore lulled me into the best sleep I've had in ages.


On the last day of our vacation, we stayed in the pool till the very last minute. Careyes was hard to leave--but I am sure I will return some day!

Photos: Casa Does Estrellas, Stephanie Johnson, Kevin Kendrick (last pic)

29 comments

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful and absolutely peaceful looking vacation! Looks amazing! Love the Virgos Lounge dress. I wish ASOS had it in more sizes!

Effortless Everyday Style said...

This look incredible!! Costa Careyes was recently featured on Bravos Million Dollar Listing
http://effortlesseverydaystyle.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Wow, looks like an amazing trip! We're going to Hawaii in the spring and this post has convinced me that I will need to be on the look out for some cute DRESSES!!!!

Jill Roberts Freeman said...

Perfection! Booking for Spring 2014!!!

Jill Roberts Freeman said...

Perfection!
Booking for Spring 2014

Unknown said...

What a gem of a place...gorgeous!

Alina said...

You look gorgeous in the beautiful settings, Marlien! Your holiday looks amazing! Wondering where you got the white top from (the one in the second photo)? Thanks Marlien. xo

Marlien Rentmeester said...

My white lace top is actually a dress that I've featured on LE CATCH before. I took the slip out and made it more tropics-worthy. You can see the dress here. http://bit.ly/11DeGrG

alloraadams said...

Amazing, Marlien!! You look absolutely gorgeous! I am so happy you got to enjoy such an amazing trip!!!

Victoria | Hibiscus Bloem said...

This looks wonderful and just the place Id'd love to go with my Huzz. Love the top you are wearing in the 2nd photoraph.

Soulful Mama said...

Wow! This place looks spectacular!! Noting it down in case I'm in Mexico any time soon ;-)

Clare x

Alina said...

Thanks heaps for getting back to me, Marlien! You are a Gem! xo

Unknown said...

Where is the pineapple dress from??! J'adore.

Patrice Batson said...

What a dreamy vacation! I'm looking into this place immediately.

Michele said...

Gorgeous pictures. Now waiting for a post on bikinis. love all the ones you are wearing x

Marlien Rentmeester said...

The pineapple dress is H&M from this past summer!

Azra said...

It looks amazing and you truly look stunning. Love the white top... I think it was featured sometimes on LE Catch. Now, I regret that I didn't get it.
Love pineapple dress... everything.

It must be nice to get some break. :)
Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

That vacation spot looks beautiful! Love the Virgos Lounge dress, just 2 questions. How high is high re the slit? And sizing-wise...does it run true to size or like most UK sizing, better to size up?

Marlien Rentmeester said...

The Virgos Lounge dress slit is quite high (watch the video on the Asos site). It's pretty risque, but in the right festive party situation it's a winner. I did need to size it up.

Anonymous said...

Marlien, please tell me about the dress you are wearing "cocktail lounging." Is it lace? Semi-sheer? Whatever it is, I would love to know where you got it. It is beautiful. I am also curious about your bikini with the yellow straps (in the pic where you aren't looking happy--ha ha). Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Hi Marlien, with myself and quite a few people I know planning warm-weather vacations, could you do a vacation post soon (can be a bit more challenging this time of year to find good beach-wear)? I love everything you are wearing in this post!

Marlien Rentmeester said...

The dress is a mesh overlay DVF maxi purchased earlier this year--but I don't see it anywhere online now. I bought the bathing suit this summer in Greece. I just went to look for it in my closet and....it's not there! I think I may have left it in Mexico! I know the brand is based in Colombia.

Marlien Rentmeester said...

Yes, I will do a warm-weather vacation shopping list post soon!

Holly T said...

Hi!
I love that Virgos dress! They have my size so I am in debate-what's the back like? Would it work for a bustier gal?:-)

Marlien Rentmeester said...

The back of the dress is solid--meaning no cut-outs. And I think it would work for those more well endowed. :) You can always return for free if it doesn't suit you.

Anonymous said...

I've been perusing your site to get tips on beach wear/hot weather wear but not having much luck finding things still in stock. Do you have any ideas of where to get casual, semi-conservative dresses (love the Mexican, boho type beach dresses on your blog) or skirts for very hot weather? I am planning on going to Nicaragua in January - it's incredibly hot and humid there and fairly conservative (skirts/dresses only and to the knee or at least close to it). It's also not a leisurely vacation but more of a 'working' trip - delivering food and clothing and playing with children..... all of this is to say that I'm expecting my clothes to be trashed by the end of the trip.:) Thanks Marlien!!

Anonymous said...

Just received my Virgos dress! Love it. Can you please suggest what shoes and jewelry I should wear with it? Since there is so much going on w/ the dress... i was having trouble deciding how to complete the look. Thanks!

Marlien Rentmeester said...

Shoe-wise with the Virgos dress, I'd wear barely there strappy heels in either black, nude or gold/silver metallic. It's such a fun dress!

Judith Jones said...

Marlien, where did you get the lace pom pom dress/top you are wearing in this post? It looks fabulous on you!

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