Forget Xanadu; discover Xala, the Anti-Resort on Mexico’s Pacific Coast

Nestled in Costalegre, Mexico, along the rugged Pacific shore south of Puerto Vallarta, a unique haven has emerged, reminiscent of the Madrigal family retreat in Encanto: a self-sustaining community set to welcome visitors in 2023. Spanning 3,000 acres, it boasts five miles of pristine beach, home to nesting turtles; reforested farmland and cattle pastures; two estuaries and a mango grove; beachside villas and boutique hotels; and—fascinatingly—a top-notch skate park.

This is Xala. “Xala is not merely a resort; it’s a vibrant community,” said founding partner Ricardo Santa Cruz, an entrepreneur raised in Guadalajara and California, who is also behind the One&Only Mandarina on Riviera Nayarit alongside brothers Jeronimo and Juan Bremer. “When visitors arrive here, it will offer a truly unique experience unlike anything they’ve encountered before.”

Collaborating with notable figures such as Richard Gere and Johnny Schillereff, founder of Element Skateboards, Santa Cruz and his co-founders aim to establish a sustainable community that prioritizes social and environmental responsibility. “We emphasize accessibility for the local community rather than the tourist exclusivity often linked to resorts in Mexico and worldwide,” they state.

How does this vision come to life? Take the site’s water supply, which originates from an aquifer 10 miles away. Xala developers partnered with the state government to jointly invest in providing water to 230 families and 2,400 acres of land in the process. They also supported the work of Ceci Martinez, who maintained a small turtle sanctuary on the coast for two decades until her passing last year. Her legacy will continue with a new turtle camp and educational center. Additionally, a cultural center has already been established, with local students participating in after-school programs focused on art, dance, and music. The community comes first; the three boutique hotels and luxury residences follow.

Image courtesy of Xala/The Heart Supply

Skateboarding in paradise

Santa Cruz, who famously introduced bungee jumping to Mexico in 1994, has found a like-minded collaborator in Johnny Schillereff. The New Yorker, known as an “East Coast skate rat,” is the founder of Element skateboards. Schillereff’s latest venture is with The Heart Supply, a family-driven initiative with his wife Kori and their children, aimed at putting skateboards in kids’ hands and helping them roll toward positive opportunities and a happier, healthier life.

The vision continues with the “Heart Park,” a beachfront skatepark at Xala that’s now open and aims to be a community hub—an inspiring and safe environment for local skaters and newcomers alike. The park will offer skateboards, safety gear, and lessons for beginners. “It’s simply a playground for everyone,” says Schillereff. “You can come here, do whatever you want, and enjoy time with great people. We want to guide kids in skateboarding... helping them achieve their first ollie or push right here.”

The Heart Park will showcase local street art, host various events, and foster collaborations with international skateboarders and artists. Notably, U.S. bronze Olympic medalist Jagger Eaton has already visited. Skateboarding’s popularity is surging in Mexico City, even earning a feature in the New York Times this year. This rise brings a focus on diversity and inclusion across age, race, and gender. Schillereff emphasizes the sport’s role in building community, which is central to Xala—a dream transformed into reality that travelers will soon enjoy.