Playa Viva
Juluchuca | Mexico

Set on a pristine beach in Juluchuca, Mexico, Playa Viva is a B Corp-certified eco-retreat where 20 oceanfront rooms

A Regenerative Haven on Mexico’s Pacific Coast

Stretching along a mile of pristine private beach in Juluchuca, Mexico, where the Pacific Ocean’s waves sing and the Sierra Madre Mountains cradle a vibrant ecosystem, Playa Viva emerges as a regenerative eco-retreat that redefines luxury. Spanning 200 acres of coastal forest, estuary, and nature reserve, this B Corp-certified sanctuary, founded by David Leventhal, weaves permaculture farming, turtle conservation, and community empowerment into an unforgettable experience. With 20 oceanfront rooms, including award-winning bamboo treehouses, Playa Viva invites guests to immerse in nature, savor farm-fresh cuisine, and contribute to a legacy of environmental and social restoration.

A Vision for Regeneration

Playa Viva’s story began in 2006, when David Leventhal, inspired by a passion for sustainable living, acquired a degraded plot of land once scarred by slash-and-burn agriculture and cattle ranching. Between 2006 and 2008, Leventhal and his team crafted a master plan rooted in permaculture, transforming the site into a regenerative haven. Opening in 2008, Playa Viva became the founding hotel of Regenerative Travel, setting a global standard for eco-conscious hospitality. Awarded a B Corp score of 110 in 2023, the highest for any hotel worldwide, it operates 100% off-grid with solar power, well water, and a commitment to restoring the land and uplifting the Juluchuca community. The name “Playa Viva,” meaning “living beach,” reflects its mission: to foster abundance where ecosystems and human values thrive.

A Thriving Ecosystem

Regeneration is Playa Viva’s heartbeat. Its permaculture farm grows nutrient-dense crops, coconuts, mangos, cashews, tamarind, tomatoes, lettuces, and cactus, using organic methods to restore soil health. The farm team, guided by principles of biodiversity, integrates forest-raised animals and composting to create a closed-loop system. The 200-acre reserve, encompassing an estuary, coastal forest, and mangrove ecosystem, teems with wildlife, from hummingbirds to sea turtles. The onsite La Tortuga Viva sanctuary, run by 14 local volunteers, has released over 450,000 baby turtles since 2010, protecting endangered Olive Ridley, Green, and Leatherback species. Guests can join nightly turtle releases during peak season (June to October), witnessing nature’s miracles firsthand.

Sustainability permeates every detail. Solar panels power the resort, solar thermal systems heat water, and grey- and black-water management recycles resources. Playa Viva bans single-use plastics, using reusable bottles and biodegradable products. The Regenerative Trust, a 2% fee on guest bills, funds community projects like watershed restoration, education, and sustainable fisheries through the nonprofit ReSiMar. This holistic approach, praised by guests and recognized by awards like the FITUR Madrid Tourism Excellence Award, ensures the land and its people flourish together.

Eco-Luxury in Nature’s Embrace

Playa Viva’s 20 accommodations, designed with local materials and bamboo architecture, blend seamlessly into the landscape. The iconic treehouses, Mother Manta, Wing, Dune Manta, New Jet, and Original Jet feature open-air designs with king beds, day beds, and private bathrooms, sleeping up to four with breathtaking ocean views. EcoCasitas, like the King and Queen models, offer privacy with shuttered doors and copper tubs, while the Infinity Casita, the resort’s first air-conditioned option, evokes a manta ray’s flow with 120 square meters of space. Deluxe Suites and Two-Bedroom Suites cater to families, and the Tower Room, perched above the common area, boasts a deck with sun loungers and panoramic vistas.

The open-air aesthetic, with mosquito nets and fans, embraces nature, though guests are advised to prepare for humidity and occasional wildlife like bats or scorpions. Common areas, including a palapa-shaded lounge and beachfront yoga deck, foster connection, while the boutique sells artisanal goods from local makers. Guests praise the “laidback luxury” but note the lack of in-room Wi-Fi (available in common areas), TVs, or air conditioning in most rooms, making it ideal for those seeking a digital detox. The all-inclusive experience, covering meals, non-alcoholic drinks, yoga, and property tours, ensures a seamless immersion in paradise.

A Farm-to-Table Feast

Playa Viva’s farm-to-table dining is a cornerstone of its regenerative ethos, delivering fresh, organic meals that reflect the land’s bounty and local flavors. The open-air restaurant, set against the Pacific’s roar, serves breakfasts of homemade granola, fresh eggs, and tropical fruits, with lunches and dinners featuring dishes like ceviche, grilled fish, or vegetable-forward plates from the farm’s harvest. Chefs accommodate diverse diets, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, and low-sugar, with creativity and care, earning rave reviews for “delicious, healthy, and creative” cuisine. Simple meals for children are a thoughtful touch, appreciated by families.

Dining is communal, fostering connections among guests, though some critique buffet-style service or occasional wait times. The bar offers basil margaritas and local beverages, with non-alcoholic options like hibiscus tea. Guests can join farm tours to harvest ingredients or learn about permaculture, deepening their appreciation for the food’s journey from soil to plate. The resort’s commitment to local sourcing supports Juluchuca’s farmers and artisans, creating a ripple effect of economic empowerment.

Experiences That Transform

Playa Viva is a gateway to mindful exploration. Daily beachside yoga, led by skilled instructors, sets a serene tone, while massages and holistic treatments in the spa palapa nurture body and soul. Volunteer at La Tortuga Viva to patrol beaches or release baby turtles, or join permaculture workshops with the farm manager to explore regenerative techniques. Excursions include ATV tours to coffee and chocolate growers in the Sierra Mountains, birdwatching in the estuary’s wetlands, or horseback rides along the shore (though limited horses may mean more beach time). Surfing lessons, cultural visits to Juluchuca, or trips to archaeological sites like the onsite Aztec ruins offer adventure, all led by local operators who share Playa Viva’s values.

The resort’s remote setting, down a dirt road 40 minutes from Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa Airport, enhances its tranquility, though guests should expect open-air living with natural elements like bugs or humidity. Reviews highlight the staff’s warmth, with stories of exceptional care, like securing a doctor for a guest’s emergency on Christmas Eve. Some critiques note high costs or inconsistent service, but most describe Playa Viva as “enchanting” and “magical,” a place where nature and community leave lasting impressions.

A Legacy of Impact

David Leventhal and his team envision Playa Viva as a catalyst for global regenerative tourism. As the founding member of Regenerative Travel, the resort promotes biodiversity, clean energy, and meaningful community engagement. Its ReSiMar nonprofit drives watershed restoration across five pillars: education, sustainable fisheries, water health, conservation, and permaculture. The Regenerative Trust funds local health, education, and economic programs, creating opportunities for Juluchuca’s residents. By sharing their model through impact reports and guest experiences, Playa Viva inspires travelers to adopt regenerative practices in their own lives, leaving a living legacy of abundance.