Vivo Resorts: Paradise Found on Mexico’s Pacific Coast

Cary Mullen scoured the Earth for the perfect spot to develop a resort – researching locales in 30-plus countries and personally scouting more than a dozen of them – before choosing a beachfront paradise near Puerto Escondido on southern Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

“I realized I wanted the ocean, my kids wanted beaches, and I fell in love with Puerto Escondido,” he said of the Oaxacan town. Just north of town is where Mullen, a Canadian former Olympic Alpine skier, built a resort and established the Vivo Resorts & Residences brand.

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He was attracted by the region’s authenticity, culture, food and climate. “I feel Mother Nature really blessed this area,” he said, citing warm air and water temperatures and mostly sunny days.

The first tower opened in 2012 with 12 units. Today, there are seven towers with 120 individually owned studio to five-bedroom condominiums and villas with full kitchens and living areas, most of which are available for commissionable vacation bookings. All suites have ocean views, the architecture blends in with the environment, and all artwork is from local artists and artisans.

In December 2017, a clubhouse with a spa, sports lounge, general store, event space, kids’ club, fitness center, business center and restaurant serving farm- and sea-to-table Oaxacan and international fare opened. And two more towers are under development, with one set to open in January 2019 and the other in early 2020, bringing the total number of units to about 175.

The property, which fronts a 12-mile-long, unspoiled beach and is near a lake, offers a slew of water sports, including surfing, kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding, Mullen said, calling the area an “eco-wonderspot.” Other activities include horseback riding, yoga, volleyball and tennis. The resort also operates a free shuttle to and from Puerto Escondido, a 15-minute drive.

In addition, the property offers cultural immersion programs, such as Spanish-language classes and volunteer opportunities; the Vivo Foundation sponsors a baby sea turtle release program and helps local orphanages and schools, among other activities.

One of the biggest draws is that the resort offers an authentic, active, cultural experience away from the more popular Mexican tourist areas, according to Mullen. “‘Vivo’ means “alive,” he said, adding that the resort is “a place where you can be happier, healthier and more connected.”

Nightly rates start at about $165 for a two-bedroom suite (its most popular accommodation) in upcoming high season.