book

a Mexican

Paradise

An Italian

Vision,

about careyes

Over 50 decades since Gianfranco first laid eyes on the Costalegre, his legacy thrives in the territory he created. In the majestic jungle still inaccessible due to its rivers, extensive jungles, and lack of roads, Gianfranco imagined a one-of-a-kind territory where nature is sacred, art is exalted, and people live with freedom.

Gianfranco’s passion was the catalyst for the tangible manifestation of Careyes in all its vibrant glory. Now, Careyes is the unprecedented destination he dreamed of on that famed flight over the Pacific coast and a safe haven for all who enter it, from the carey turtle to the colorful humans.

Meet Gianfranco Brignone

the founder

From a visionary founder and framer of natural landscapes to a legacy that lives on for generations

Our Story

Discover how one enigmatic family’s experiment in artful living has created a timeless escape.

Gianfranco’s flight over the Pacific Coast and the purchase of the territory, 2th July.

Casa Mi Ojo becomes the first home built

Rincón de Careyes is built in the same year

Development of the dream begins

1968

1975

From the beginning

1970

continue

The Turtle Preservation Program (Sea Turtle Protection and Conservation Center) is established by biologist Alejandro Peña and his biology colleagues

The first celebration of the annual Chinese New Year Festival, 9 February.

The Careyes Seat Hotel development begins

1983

1986

1976

Phase 1 construction of Casitas de las Flores begins

1985

Inauguration of the Polo Fields

Sol de Oriente and Sol de Occidente are built

Caballeros del Sol first ceremony

Iconic Villa Tigre del Mar is built as Gianfranco's home

1990

1996

1989

Hotel Careyes remodeling and inauguration

1993

La Copa del Sol and Pyramideon construction and inauguration

First Edition of Arte Careyes Festival

Inauguration of the Arte Careyes Gallery

. First New Year’s Eve celebration in
Tigre del Mar

Opening of the
Careyes Clinic

First edition of polo tournament,
Copa Agua Alta

2004

2010

2000

Gianfranco Brignone is honored with Mexico's highest award, the Aguila Azteca, for his role in advancing tourism along the Jalisco coast, September.

2006

First Edition of Ondalinda Festival

Inauguration of the new Careyes Clinic

The Careyes Foundation is founded, uniting over three decades of philanthropic work by Careyes' owners to assist communities along Mexico's southern Pacific coast.

2016

2019

2013

El Careyes Club and Residences remodeling and inauguration

2018

to be continued

back to start

The future of Careyes

With deep respect for our heritage and the evolution that has brought us here, Gianfranco’s successors - Emanuela, Filippo, and Giorgio Brignone alongside our development partners, keep the Careyes spirit alive. As the custodians of Careyes, we safeguard this extraordinary territory and nurture the unique ambiance cultivated by our founder, emphasizing the ethos of sustainable growth within our protected natural reserve.

the legacy

the brignone family

"People come here to connect, whether that be with nature or the growing community of visionaries transforming this coastal stretch into one of Mexico’s most fascinating art havens".

"This is precisely the kind of place you have to see to believe. Careyes is equal parts private retreat, luxury resort, architectural marvel, and creative community".

"This abundance of raw, wild nature is not a coincidence. Unlike other destinations in Mexico, Costalegre has remained protected and purposefully low-impact for decades".