Meagan Drillinger
The Costalegre has been splashing across headlines for the past few years. This is thanks in part to recent openings from heavy-hitting brands; news of an expanding airport and the potential for projects on the horizon; and the destination's commitment to natural preservation and sustainability. For years, Costalegre has been my favorite part of Mexico because of its remoteness and its position as a destination for travelers truly "in the know."
I've had the pleasure of staying at many of the resorts along this rugged stretch of coastline that stretches from Puerto Vallarta south to Manzanillo. I have genuinely wonderful things to say about each place here, as each resort offers something different for travelers. Each one, I believe, is obviously committed to protecting the land in Mexico in ways other destinations are not. And while I love all these places, my own personal favorite place to stay in Costalegre is a boutique little number called Las Rosadas.
Each villa has a beautiful living space and floor-to-ceiling windows. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
If we are friends or you follow me on social media, then you are probably already familiar with my deep appreciation for this jewel on the Pacific. A simple horse corral gate on the side of the road signals that you've arrived. This simple entrance leads to a collection of palatial hilltop Ocean Club Casitas spread across four acres and overlooking an impressive stretch of private beach.
Down on the sand, a grove of palm trees creates an idyllic, "Robinson Crusoe"-style vision, complete with woven bamboo-covered footpaths that lead to open-air, palapa-roofed living rooms; the breezy beachfront Bar Mono; and the romantic Casita Las Palmas, a beachside bungalow where the waves crash literally on the doorstep.
Within the compound of Las Rosadas are jungle-shrouded roads that lead to undeveloped beaches and dramatic clifftop perches overlooking the crashing Pacific Ocean. It feels like a private playground, and in many ways that is exactly what it is. Picture private romantic picnics on wind-swept beaches, massages on a private infinity-edge pool terrace with nothing but the soundtrack of waves, or a candlelit dinner underneath strings of twinkle lights and a blanket of stars.
Some villas have their own private infinity-edge pools. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
What I love most about Las Rosadas is that it reminds me of the places I used to be able to discover in Mexico when I traveled around the country with little more than a dog-eared Lonely Planet guidebook and a backpack -- except it's infinitely more upscale. Rustic elegance is how I've described it to people. It's equal parts toes in the sand and infinity-edge pools and fine dining.
What to know about Las Rosadas
Las Rosadas is the brainchild of the Miller family, with the creative direction and vision of long-time local residents Maria Rodriguez de Campos and her husband, Efren Campos. Together, this unstoppable team has brought to life a posh escape that captures a vibe in Mexico that many luxury spots can't. It's a vibe that is authentically Mexican and evokes a true feeling of being off the beaten path, without having to sacrifice creature comforts. The details of the design combined with its blessed natural scenery makes everything at Las Rosadas photogenic and memorable in a way that almost pains the heart. You just want to be there.
Everything is customizable, too. The kitchen staff has been trained under the guidance of world-renowned French restaurateur and Michelin-starred chef Laurent Manrique. Manrique discovered Las Rosadas in 2019 and teamed up with the resort to take its culinary offerings to the next level.
The property at Las Rosadas features dramatic Pacific Ocean views. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
With world-recognized accolades and restaurants in San Francisco, Manrique's menu at Las Rosadas is perfectly executed, and yet is anything but fussy. Everything from the fresh fish skewers to chicken enchiladas and the arrachera, the perfectly grilled burgers and homemade pizzas is sublime. Flavio, the head bartender and mixologist, is always on hand to pour an exceptional bottle of wine or mix up a beautiful cocktail.
The staff at Las Rosadas is small, and everyone quickly becomes known on a first-name basis. Each time you return to Las Rosadas, it genuinely feels like a homecoming in a way that is far more authentic than at other resorts.
The Mexico of today is changing -- and quickly. Change is inevitable and can ultimately be a very good thing. But it's always comforting to know that places like Las Rosadas still exist, where travelers can disappear into nature and reconnect with the beauty and spirit of Mexico. Where luxury is created because of the simplicity of nature, detail-oriented personalization and the "in-the-know" experience. Las Rosadas captures all this so well. When I'm not there, I'm constantly thinking of when I can return.