Kylie and Kendall Jenner recently enjoyed a luxurious vacation in Costa Careyes, a secluded oceanfront resort community along Mexico’s Pacific Coast. The sisters rented a marigold-colored villa situated on a cliff overlooking the ocean for at least $6,500 per night. They treated their Instagram followers to carefully posed photos showcasing the villa’s stunning architecture and exclusive location. The villa, called Sol de Oriente, is now available for purchase for $15 million.
Costa Careyes was founded by Gian Franco Brignone, an Italian artist, financier, and real estate developer, in 1968. Brignone envisioned a luxurious hideaway where artists, celebrities, and wealthy individuals could find inspiration and relaxation. He acquired 20,000 acres of land and an eight-mile stretch of coastline, despite the absence of connecting roads to nearby towns. Over the years, innovative architects were enlisted to design unique homes with vibrant colors, reminiscent of the Mediterranean but with palapa-style roofs.
Costa Careyes is the opposite of bustling Cancún and less accessible than Tulum. It boasts around 100 residences, including a boutique beachfront hotel with several dozen five-star accommodations. The enclave has attracted celebrities like Tom Ford, Robert De Niro, Mick Jagger, and Uma Thurman, who value its privacy. The secluded resort features numerous eccentric artworks and installations. Additionally, every November, Careyes hosts Ondalinda, an ultra-luxury festival blending art, spirituality, and wellness.
Sol de Oriente, completed in 1999, was designed by French architect Jean-Claude Galibert in collaboration with Brignone. The main villa, known as The Castle, is star-shaped and features a three-tiered palapa and an infinity-edge pool. It includes three deluxe bedroom suites and expansive open-air living spaces leading to terraces and the pool. Two ocean-view casitas and a two-story structure with additional bedrooms offer comfortable accommodations. Accessory villas are connected to The Castle via a staircase or funicular. Staff housing is located separately.
Sol de Occidente, a pale-green villa, is situated across the crescent-shaped Playa Careyitos from Sol de Oriente, adding to the uniqueness of the area.
Gian Franco Brignone passed away earlier this year at the age of 96, and his family and successors continue to manage and carry out his vision for Careyes. Sol de Oriente is now owned by Brignone’s son, Filippo Brignone, and is available for purchase through Carolwood Estates.