Cuixmala Resort in Mexico: Where the Stars Go for Sustainable Luxury

The breathtaking Cuixmala Resort in Mexico is a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/white-house-organic-farm-project-bus-tour/">working organic farm </a>and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/calistoga-residents-raise-money-for-their-own-sustainable-retreat/">sustainable retreat</a> for affluent visitors. Billionaire Sir James Goldsmith initially purchased this 25,000 acre land parcel in the late 1980s in order to establish the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve and protect its resident endangered species from human encroachment. He soon commissioned <a href="http://www.robertcouturier.com/biography.html?detectflash=false">Robert Couturier</a> to design a a series of semi-ecological casitas and villas for his friends and family, which took two years to complete and employeed thousands of local workers.

This palatial resort was originally designed as a luxury playground for billionaire Sir James Goldsmith.

It was also established as a 25,000 acre nature reserve that protects a variety of endangered species.

The project took two years to build and employeed thousands of local employees.

The buildings were made from locally sourced materials.

And were styled after bright and playful Mexican architecture.

The resort consists of La Loma and varies casitas and villas.

And employees 250 people.

Although the furnishings are fit for kings, this resort does - surprisingly - meet the three pillars of sustainability (ecological, economical, and social).

All of the food served at the resort is sourced from its own organic farm.

We love the playful tile in this bathroom.

In general, we balk at elitist projects like this.

But this resort - which is naturally ventilated and lit - enables the protection of numerous fauna and flora species.

It's just that very few people will be able to experience it!