Handmade cliffside retreat
Life here runs off-grid on a roadless cliff, with open-air pavilions built by hand and candlelit dinners over the bay.
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Color-blocked open pavilions and thatched stone casitas built by hand above the bay.
Notable
Hillside palapa treatments using house-made botanical scrubs, and a spring-fed infinity pool.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The idea of a single home evolved into 10 casas—many of which are wall-less structures with modern thatched roofs and outdoor showers—embedded into the jungle.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Roads do not reach Yelapa, so arrivals come by boat across the bay. Pack mules haul luggage up the steep jungle trail.
The rooms
Ten individual casitas look straight into the canopy with open-air layouts and stone terraces. Select houses add private plunge pools.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Mountain spring water fills the multi-level infinity pool, set beside stone decks and a palapa strung with hammocks.
At the table
The open-air terrace serves regional Mexican dishes, with daily catches, coconut prawns, and fresh tropical fruit.
How it began
The founders pitched a tent on the cliff for a year, clearing jungle with machetes to build a private home.
Costalegre
More like this
Casitas de las Flores
“Sculptural cliffside roost”
Las Alamandas
“Secluded wilderness cove”
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.