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Earthly Pleasures We may seek yoga by the pool, holistic therapies and an organic menu on holiday, but travel is about more than caring for ourselves – it’s about looking after the planet too. From protected biosphere reserves to remote islands, here’s our pick of the mindful retreats that won’t cost the earth WORDS HARRIET COOPER
Cuixmala, Mexico
Perched on a cliff, with a bird’s eye view of the pristine Costa Alegre and the sparkling Pacific Ocean beyond, Casa Cuixmala certainly has location on its side. Owned by Alix Goldsmith Marcaccini, daughter of the late Sir James Goldsmith, this dreamy Mexican hideaway – originally built as Goldsmith’s own private retreat – sits in a 30,000-acre biosphere reserve, an intoxicating mix of jungle, coconut plantations, sweeping savannah and grasslands. The main Casa is Mexican meets European meets Moorish in design and comfortably luxe (the emphasis is on feeling like you are on a big ranch rather than in a hotel). Guests can also stay in adjoining bungalows, one of the three private villas or the Casitas, a group of suites which share a resort pool and clubhouse. An eco-warrior knighted for his services to ecology, Goldsmith's love and respect of nature lives on throughout Cuixmala. Zebras and eland antelope roam the sprawling estate, while the elusive jaguar, freshwater crocodiles and 270-plus species of bird can also be spotted, whether by foot, bicycle, horseback (caballerango/cowboys will take you out along wild trails) or boat – there’s even a sea turtle sanctuary here. Three beaches offer tranquil bays for swimming, snorkelling or paddleboarding and rugged cliffs for perching on to watch for whales off the wild coast. There are also soccer pitches, basketball and tennis courts. Hungry from their healthy exertions, guests can feast on authentic farm-to-fork dishes in the knowledge that
most of the ingredients have either been grown in the sprawling organic and biodynamic gardens, or reared at the hotel’s sister property Hacienda de San Antonio, a former coffee plantation-turned-ranch in the foothills of the Volcano of Colima. This is a magical place, offering that unique combination of being completely connected to nature, while also being in the lap of luxury. Albeit, a very ecoconscious luxury. cuixmala.com
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