After staying at over 200 hotels in Mexico, there's one luxury resort on the 'Happy Coast' that I can't forget.

My love for Mexico began with a backpacker's budget, where luxury meant freedom: pristine beaches, unpretentious palapa-topped eateries dishing out the best fish tacos, and a peaceful hammock swaying in the shade. You can still find that in Mexico, especially on a budget. In my 20s, if I could drag my backpack into a tranquil beach town, settle at a laid-back bar, and enjoy a cold Corona, I knew I had discovered paradise. That's how many have come to adore Mexico.

Not much has changed for me, aside from my budget and a newfound appreciation for those luxurious touches like high thread counts and gourmet dining. After 15 years exploring luxury hotels in Mexico, Las Rosadas feels tailor-made for me. It's unlike any other place I've experienced in Mexico—it's not a sprawling resort, but a charming collection of ocean villas and a beachfront bungalow, radiating both bohemian charm and luxury.

Imagine open-air living rooms with palapa roofs right on the sand, furnished with cloud-like sofas and oversized white poufs. Picture white Grecian villas featuring private plunge pools that overlook a rugged mile-long private beach dotted with swaying palm trees. Much like that hidden gem bar in your hometown you wish would remain undiscovered, Las Rosadas is a place you'd only know about if you were in the know—and that’s what makes it so enchanting.

Unlike other luxury resorts in Mexico, this one is perfect for travelers like me who once pursued beach backpacking adventures but now have refined tastes and a little more cash to spare.

After exploring over 200 hotels in Mexico, the one that keeps coming to mind isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a journey back to a cherished memory. It embodies the very essence of why I fell in love with Mexico, all wrapped up in a profoundly satisfying experience.

Here’s everything you need to know about Las Rosadas.

How to Reserve Your Stay

• Address: Puerto Vallarta - Manzanillo, 48869 Manzanillo, Jal., Mexico
• Phone: +52 310 499 4180
• Website: lasrosadas.com

The Accommodations

With just a few villas, Las Rosadas creates an intimate atmosphere. Guests can choose from three room categories, each with its unique ambiance. The Ocean Club Casitas are particularly favored, reminiscent of hillside villas in Greece—imagine pristine white spaces, high ceilings, and expansive windows that let in abundant natural light. Elegant details include sparkling plunge pools, outdoor showers, and natural materials like wood, clay, and stone. Casitas are available in one to three-bedroom options.

Paloma Blanca represents the largest room category, a lavish villa estate enveloped in tropical greenery, overlooking Playa Las Rosadas with stunning views of the bay islands. This expansive space features six distinct bedrooms, a beautiful kitchen, numerous outdoor patios perfect for yoga, meditation, or sunbathing, and a breathtaking infinity pool.

The most intimate option is Casita Las Palmas, the first bungalow ever constructed at Las Rosadas. This romantic beach bungalow, topped with a palapa, sits directly on the golden sands, just steps away from the soothing waves of the Pacific.

Culinary Delights

Dining at Las Rosadas is as elegant as it is unpretentious. The culinary program focuses on local ingredients, offering simple yet fresh dishes in an incredibly photogenic setting. Leading the menu is chef Laurent Manrique, owner of Cafe de la Presse in San Francisco and former executive chef at the Michelin-starred Aqua.

There are two on-site dining options: Bar Mono, right on the beach, and La Terraza, a cozy casita-style kitchen with an outdoor patio. At Bar Mono, you can relax with your toes in the sand while sipping a perfectly crafted margarita and enjoying fresh grilled fish or shrimp skewers, as well as vibrant ceviche. In the evenings, beneath a starlit sky and the warmth of a beach bonfire, savor juicy arrachera steak or chicken enchiladas drizzled with tangy red sauce.

La Terraza offers a more laid-back dining experience, serving up handcrafted pizzas and burgers.

For breakfast, guests can choose from fresh fruit, eggs, handmade tortillas, or yogurt and granola, either in their casita or right on the beach. I particularly enjoy breakfast by the water, feeling the coolness underfoot before the sand warms up in the sun.

Recreational Activities and Amenities

When it comes to beachfront hotels, Las Rosadas allows you to truly disconnect from reality or embark on exciting explorations. Each day offers the adventure of your choice. I’ve savored lazy beach picnics on its secluded shores, sipping rosé and enjoying ceviche before drifting off in a gently swaying hammock.

For those seeking a bit more thrill, paddleboarding is available to discover hidden coves and rocky coastlines. Las Rosadas can arrange boat tours to the Chamela Bay islands, scuba diving trips, or horseback riding adventures. Nearby lies the quaint village of Pérula, boasting a stunning stretch of untouched beach framed by mountains, complete with picturesque views, casual beachside eateries, and a relaxed vibe. Depending on the season, local cultural events and festivals, like polo matches or even a beachfront Chinese New Year celebration in Careyes, can also be enjoyed.

While there isn't a dedicated spa, property manager Maria Rodriguez de Campos can organize in-villa massages on the beach or on your private terrace, all while you listen to the soothing sounds of the ocean waves.

If you can envision it, Las Rosadas can probably bring it to life.

Environmental Responsibility

Overall, the Costalegre region is one of Mexico's most protected areas. Five families collectively manage the land, committing to preserving as much of it as possible. Just offshore from Las Rosadas, you'll find a cluster of protected islands teeming with rays, dolphins, and seasonal whales. To the south lies the expansive 36,000-acre Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve, which places limits on development to safeguard its natural beauty and wildlife.

Las Rosadas has designated most of its nearly 400-acre property as a nature reserve. Here, visitors can observe iguanas, participate in sea turtle releases, and witness hundreds of migratory birds flocking to its lagoon. The hotel collaborates with a regional biologist to ensure its environmental management plan remains effective.

Setting

The allure of Las Rosadas—and the Costalegre region—lies in its seclusion. Nestled in nature, it’s a world away from bustling all-inclusive resorts, beach bars, and cruise ship crowds. To reach Las Rosadas, visitors can fly into Puerto Vallarta, roughly three hours to the north, or Manzanillo, about 2.5 hours to the south. Las Rosadas can organize private transfers, or you can opt to rent a car for a more flexible journey. I recommend having your own vehicle to effortlessly explore the area, discovering one secluded beach after another and visiting charming villages along the way.

Maximizing Your Stay

Las Rosadas is not a budget destination. Rates for the Casita Las Palmas start at around $700 per night, with the Ocean Club Casitas priced even higher. While breakfast is included in all room categories, the true value of Las Rosadas lies in its personalized and customizable offerings. With such a small property, it moves away from a cookie-cutter experience, aiming to provide a genuine home away from home for each guest.