Jalisco, Mexico – A Mexican tourism development firm intends to construct a $1 billion ultra-luxury resort and residential complex named Xala along the coast of Jalisco. Spearheaded by the team behind the Mandarina project, Xala will span 3,000 acres in Costalegre, situated south of Puerto Vallarta.
Costalegre encompasses various towns and beaches, including Melaque, Tenacatita, Costa Careyes, and Chemala, extending from Barra de Navidad to Playa Quemada. Notably, the area already hosts exclusive developments like Careyes and Cuixmala.
Xala aims to feature at least two high-end hotels and 100 vacation homes, potentially collaborating with brands such as Four Seasons and One & Only. Regarded as one of Mexico’s most costly tourism endeavors, the project’s initial phase will introduce a 51-villa Six Senses hotel, each equipped with a private pool, slated for completion by 2026.
Emphasizing sustainability, Xala plans to reforest nearly 250 hectares and allocate 590 hectares as a protected area. Initiatives to protect local wildlife, including reptiles, turtles, and ocelots, are also in the works. Ricardo Santa Cruz of Tourist Assets of Mexico highlighted, “Costalegre’s limited infrastructure has preserved much of the area, making it a prime location for sustainable tourism in Mexico.”
Enhanced accessibility is anticipated with the inauguration of the Chalacatepec International Airport next year. Furthermore, the Jalisco Tourism Ministry is investing in road upgrades to enhance connectivity within the region.
Tourism officials foresee Costalegre emerging as a premier destination on the Pacific coast, describing its beaches as “a diamond in the rough.”