Costa Careyes, Mexico - Framed by swaying palms leaning defiantly into a gusty ocean breeze, Las Alamandas, a sparkling five-star Mexican hideaway lying midway between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo, appreciates hospitality and service as it should be.

Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock, Meryl Streep, Nicolas Cage, Ellen de Generes, and Sting have all checked in at Las Alamandas, as have any number of everyday folks with a sense of discovery and romance looking to enjoy the 1,500-acre, nature-based enclave.

Like an exquisite movie set on Universal’s back lot where a gifted artist’s broad brush has created the splashing colors and textures of Mexico, Las Alamandas’ landscape carefully accents four eye-opening beaches, seven luxurious villas, 18 gorgeous suites, and a huge separate estate with views of the sea that will remain etched in your holiday memories.

Vivacious and focused, with roots in Mexico, London, Paris and California, and fortunately blessed with a sizeable slice of genius, Isabel tackled a large piece of raw land handed down to her by her maternal grandfather, Don Antenor Patino. Patino, a Bolivian tin magnate, completed Las Hadas in 1974, a resort seven miles northwest of Manzanillo on the Santiago Peninsula.

While still in her 20s and determined to make her mark within the competitive business of hospitality, Isabel was admired as an unpretentious beauty who was eager to please. But it was her hands-on vision and years of intense work that earned her a host of international honors, a mark of distinction that women throughout the world with dreams and ideas can use as a measure of achievement.

Named after the prolific yellow Alamanda flower, her gated oasis is as remote as it gets in Mexico, the romantic atmosphere vigilantly protected by eliminating room keys, blaring televisions and jangling telephones, transforming daily living into a succession of sensuous pleasures.

Conservation being a high priority, Isabel designed Las Alamandas for a discriminating clientele by incorporating the best of uncluttered Mexican hacienda decor and architecture, the sole exception being the large Portuguese entry fountain, a replica of a 17th century fountain Isabel discovered in Estoril, Portugal.

Classic primary colors, cool tile floors, thick walls, shuttered windows, and vaulted ceilings set an exquisite mood, as do furniture pieces made on the premises. Brightly cushioned equipales chairs from Colima, pottery from San Miguel de Allende, colorful Guatemalan pillows and Mexican fabrics and art, are ideal combinations.

Individually designed suites and villas have honor mini-bars, large bathrooms with hand-painted Mexican tiles, oversized bathtubs perfect for two, showers, and bidet.

Most include a private Jacuzzi and a private flower-draped patio ideal for dining al fresco or relaxing in a hammock soothed by the sounds of the ocean.

During the opening in 1990, Robert De Niro, the first registered guest, suggested a state-of-the-art fitness room which was promptly installed. Adjacent are attractive value accommodations for those booking a longer respite.

Overseen by Isabel and General Manager Dorota Antoszkiewicz, the thoroughly modern and self-sufficient kitchen provides an ever-changing menu of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from the property’s large organic garden while paying strict attention to the essentials, like water purification. The menu is further enhanced by the daily catch brought in by specially selected local fishermen who deliver to the kitchen door.

Intimate dining can be arranged at Mirador, a glorious vista point high on a bluff dedicated to Isabel’s grandfather, overlooking inlets and small offshore islands, flocks of spirited sea birds, and lingering vibrant sunsets, long ranked among the world’s best.

Exploring the property, guests will gaze upon 80 miles of virgin protected beach, a coastline that stretches to the horizon, and a large soft-water estuary with a 20-foot channel opening to the ocean. A wild ride for those with a sense of adventure is to be swept along the channel from the lagoon to the Pacific’s foamy surf.

Nearby is the San Nicolas River where one can take pleasure in a picnic lunch on the banks of the river, then hop on a crusty riverboat named Robinson Crusoe and cruise the San Nicolas through a nature area of unspoiled terrain. Another day could be a guided horseback ride on well-fed horses that understand a bit of English.

Under a star-filled sky, guests including a smiling honeymoon couple, walk to a dining area adjacent to the beach where a buffet is in place along with Mexican music, candlelit tables and a roaring beach bonfire. Friends for a fleeting moment, everyone salutes the evening and exchanges nice thoughts before disappearing into the darkness.

Before You Go
Check for numerous travel packages including arranged airport shuttles from Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo. Toll free in U.S. and Canada (888) 862-9616; Tel. + (52) 322-285-5500; alamandas.com; info(at)alamandas.com.