Careyes, located between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo, was conceived in 1968 by Italian Gian Franco Brignone. The result is a private beautifully done resort reflecting the climate and natural beauty of the Costa Alegre, 100 miles of virtually undeveloped coast protected by stringent development rules. Throughout the property are very private villas designed in the unique style for which Careyes is known. These fabulous houses combine the modern look of Luis Barragan with the primitive palapa (a traditional Mexican thatch roofed shelter) and are brightly painted with sweeping curved walls and very large open living spaces. Colors here are dazzling in the daytime and become wonderfully warm as the sun moves across the sky. Another sublime visual is the lush green jungle on one side, the ultramarine blue Pacific on the other and the villas in the middle.

Also within the compound is Playa Rosa, a small beach with charming palapa housing a restaurant, Las Casitas de las Flores and the pueblo style Careyes Hotel, which has tennis courts, terrific shops, a very good restaurant, an excellent spa and a private beach. Just down the road are the polo fields where during the season (November - April ) many of the world's finest 10 goal players compete. Lessons and clinics as well as regular riding are also available. For those wanting golf, about 45 minutes south is El Tamarindo Hotel, which has a spectacular course carved into the jungle and along the beach.

Chamela, 10 minutes north, has a 4,000' dirt strip for light aircraft; Manzanillo is one hour north and Puerto Vallarta is two hours south. While the Manzanillo airport is closer and is served by Alaska Airlines, Mexicana, Southwest, Aerolitoral and Aerocalifornia airlines, most major airlines fly into Puerto Vallarta.