A WORLD UNTO ITSELF: Alix & Goffredo Marcaccini’s 30,000 Acre Nature Reserve.
Editorial
A WORLD UNTO ITSELF: Alix & Goffredo Marcaccini’s 30,000 Acre Nature Reserve.
The sun rises, and instead of a phone alarm, you awaken to the symphony of exotic birds and the gentle rhythm of oceanic waves. This is no dream—it’s daily life at two of Mexico’s most enchanting luxury retreats: Cuixmala and Hacienda de San Antonio. Though one graces tropical coastlines and the other highland plateaus, these sister properties are united by a shared purpose: to provide an escape where luxury meets tranquility, and nature intertwines with heritage.“Cuixmala is truly one-of-a-kind,” owner Goffredo Marcaccini begins. “It’s not merely a destination but an ecological sanctuary set against the backdrop of stunning architecture.” Many would agree—Cuixmala has won the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards from 2017 to 2021, and been featured by Architectural Digest as one of ‘The 7 Most Beautiful Resorts on Mexico’s Pacific Coast’. Spanning 30,000 acres, Cuixmala is teeming with biodiversity. Home to over 270 bird species, 72 mammals, and over 1,200 plant varieties, zebras roam the savannahs, crocodiles bask by lagoons, and the air hums with the sounds of vibrant subtropical life. But Cuixmala isn’t just a refuge for wildlife—it’s a refuge for people, too.
“Our focus is on nurturing our guests while ensuring everything flourishes in balance with nature, Goffredo says. “We want to make sure that every moment at Cuixmala feels like a charming homage to tranquility.”
Through its partnerships with conservation organizations such as the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the estate has helped establish protected areas like the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve. This reserve safeguards over 131 square kilometers of dry tropical forest, one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. “It was a monumental effort,” Goffredo says, “but seeing these landscapes thrive and remain untouched by modern encroachments has been one of our greatest achievements.” While Cuixmala thrives with the vibrancy of the coast, Hacienda de San Antonio offers a different kind of magic. Nestled in the foothills of the Volcán de Colima, this former 19th-century coffee plantation exudes timeless elegance. “Hacienda de San Antonio is an enchanting, magical escape,” Goffredo shares. “Every corner tells a story, and every experience is designed to elevate your stay.” Goffredo isn’t wrong. Upon setting foot in the Hacienda de San Antonio, you’re standing amid a captivating pocket of living history, one that retains the grandeur of a traditional Mexican home. Verdant garden courtyards and endless shaded corridors unfold into the hacienda’s own Rancho Jabali a 5,000-acre working ranch. The hacienda’s gardens burst with color—bougainvillea climbing stone walls, flowering trees lining pathways, and fountains shimmering in the sunlight. These serene outdoor spaces are matched by the warmth and grandeur of the interiors, curated by Alix with a passion for design. “The architecture, the patios, and the suites through-out are all part of a living, evolving project,” she explains. “I’ve poured so much joy into curating the décor, traveling across Mexico and the world to find unique pieces.”
All photography by: Davis Gerber
FULL STORY AVAILABLE IN THE FIRST VOLUME OF VICARIOUS VIGNETTES. RELEASED SUMMER 2025.