Villa Rentals: Curve Appeal
A thatched-roof estate rounds out the Mexican Riviera.
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Sharephotos by: Michael Calderwood
August 1, 2006
Surrounded on three sides by more than nine miles of pristine secluded beaches, Punta Mita derived its name from the Aztec word mictlan, meaning "gateway to paradise." The peninsula, located on the Mexican Riviera north of Puerto Vallarta, encompasses 1,500 acres—two of which contain Palmasola, one of the latest rental additions to the thriving resort community that is Punta Mita.Like the legendary director John Huston, who became enamored with the area while filming The Night of the Iguana, a Bay Area commercial real estate developer and his investment banker wife were so seduced by the stunning natural beauty that they decided to build their own home there two years ago.
Palmasola refers to the lone beachside palm that captivated the owners when they first stayed at the nearby Four Seasons resort. "We fell in love with Punta Mita immediately," says the husband. "This stretch of beach was gorgeous and
private. We wanted to create a beautiful beachfront retreat
where we could bring our family and friends and their kids—a place where we felt
far from civilization yet had access to modern conveniences and the cultural and
recreational amenities available to the Punta Mita community."
The 22,000-square-foot estate comprises 11 thatched-roof
palapas, in a tropical villagelike setting that can comfortably accommodate up
to seven couples or two to three families with children. The structures’ soft
curves and fluid interior/exterior living spaces are the work of Mexican
architect Manolo Mestre and his associate Juan Collignon as well as interior
designers Erica Krayer and Ofelia Uribe, who collaborated closely with the
owners. Interspersed between the structures—which include a master residence,
guest residence, family room/media center, civic center and pool pavilion—is
lush tropical landscaping.
Throughout the estate, the emphasis is on simple, natural materials.
Unpolished marble floors, hand-plastered walls and custom furniture handmade in
Mexico from native hardwoods blend seamlessly with indigenous art and crafts
ranging from contemporary abstract paintings to ceramics and textiles.
"Palmasola has a timeless, Pacific coastal look," says Mestre. "We wanted to
create a healing, soothing environment that interacts with nature and has an element of mystery. From the moment you enter, you know
you have left the outside world behind."
Whether you are sipping a margarita at the infinity-edge pool,
dining under the stars on the family room’s roof terrace, relaxing around a
beachside campfire or tucking into one of the seven spacious suites in the
master and guest residences, there is a continuous sense of intimacy and organic
balance.
Palmasola
505.920.1381
www.palmasola.net
