Las Alamandas Resort - Owner's Story

Whilst Mexico may be famed for its vibrant culture, dynamic architecture, and colourful cuisine, it still holds hidden pockets of untouched paradise — places where nature reigns and tranquillity thrives. One such rare gem is Las Alamandas Resort, a strikingly intimate beachside sanctuary, privately tucked away on 2,000 acres of pristine Pacific coastline. A place that feels entirely your own.

This secluded, technicoloured escape was dreamed into life by Isabel Goldsmith, daughter of the late Sir James Goldsmith, who imagined a haven far removed from the noise of modern life. Here, barefoot luxury meets the warmth of authentic Mexican hospitality — where every shade of pink, every curve of a dome, and every breeze off the sea, speaks to her personal vision and enduring love for beauty, freedom and privacy.

A living canvas of colour and calm, Isabel draws inspiration from the bold simplicity of iconic Mexican architect Luis Barragán, infusing the resort with joyful, vibrant hues — most notably that flattering, ever-changing Mexican pink.

“Las Alamandas was conceived as a private sanctuary — a place where guests can retreat in complete freedom,” Isabel reflects. “That colour brings warmth and charm to every corner.”

With only 18 suites scattered across four private beaches, the resort feels more like a private estate than a hotel — a deliberate choice that preserves both its serenity and sense of exclusivity. Isabel's touch is found in every detail: from the curving architecture and lush gardens to the thoughtful interiors, designed to complement the natural light and colours that surround them.

Isabel’s inspiration goes beyond design. A lover of light, nature and art, she brings an emotional intelligence to hospitality that few can replicate. “The way a single hue can transform with the light, the climate or its surroundings — that’s what guides me.” It’s this sensitivity to atmosphere and emotion that sets Las Alamandas apart.

The resort’s pink dome is a particularly meaningful detail — her own tribute to her maternal grandfather Antenor Patiño, whose hotel Las Hadas in Manzanillo became a muse for tropical fantasy and architectural whimsy. “Las Alamandas features several domes — some white, some tiled — but the pink dome is mine. A personal connection to that legacy.”

Every retreat has its milestones. Isabel remembers them all. “My first client was Robert De Niro. He took over the entire hotel — at the time, only twelve rooms. That moment gave me credibility and, more importantly, the confidence to pursue this dream.”

In those early days, there were no phones, no internet — just the sounds of nature and the pulse of the Pacific Ocean. When the first landlines were installed — and the now-quaint hum of a fax machine arrived — it marked a quiet victory.

But not every challenge has been technological. “One of our biggest struggles has always been staffing — being far from a major city makes it difficult to attract skilled professionals. And, perhaps ironically, I often hear the same ‘compliment’: I love your hotel — but I’m not telling anyone. It’s my best-kept secret.”

For Isabel, true hospitality goes far beyond luxury.

“The art of hosting is about making people feel at ease. That they’ve arrived somewhere that understands them. Never forget that true hospitality lies in being a gracious host.”

She’s travelled extensively, and holds deep admiration for the consistency of the Four Seasons, the warmth of the Mandarin Oriental, and the evocative florals of Jeff Leatham — but Las Alamandas is her heart. Her soul. Her expression.

Her favourite place on the property? The Presidential Suite, of course. “Every time I pass by, I think, I wish I were staying there. It has its own beachfront lap pool, a spacious veranda, a Jacuzzi — all just steps from the ocean.”

Whether it’s the untouched beauty of its coastline, the calm of a shaded veranda, or the soulful energy of its colours, Las Alamandas is more than a hotel — it’s a deeply personal labour of love. A sanctuary where guests can reconnect with nature, with beauty, and — often — with themselves.

It may still be one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets. But Isabel is ready to share the magic.