BLOUSE, HAT: Zara (Check out Ulla Johnson, Petersyn and Equipment for similar styles)/SHORTS: Nice Martin (sold out, more options from the brand here)/BELT, SANDALS: Maje (sandals are sold out, but Sam Edelman has a similar pair here)

What do remote locations in Mexico, exotic wildlife and Vogue all have in common? Cuixmala (my dream birthday destination this year)!

Not only has it been featured in Vogue (twice), most recently in the May 2018 issue (and many other notable publications), but it’s been a property – hotel – I’ve been dreaming of visiting ever since!

DRESS: Mara Hoffman/HEADBAND: (c/o) Scunci/HOOP EARRINGS: Shashi, more options here

Hit rewind. 

Once a private estate of British billionaire, Sir James Goldsmith, is now a grand, 13-room hotel (opened to the public just a few years ago) on the wild Pacific coast of Mexico. This 25,000-acre oceanfront castle is alsohome to freshwater crocodiles, jaguars, zebras and hundreds of species of birds while hosting the Reagans, Peter Lindenburg, Madonna, Heidi Klum, Beyonce and well… you know, that (amazing) crowd.

Even with many of its recognitions and constant stream of legendary guests… the heavenly hideaway still remains Mexico’s best kept secret.

Did I mention it was once ranked the best hotel in the world? #casual

CROP TOP: old, Ronny Kobo/SKIRT: Mara Hoffman/SANDALS: Target, similar style here too!

Pause and play.

My boyfriend and I absolutely love Mexico! There’s something about being able to travel together and experience this country’s warmhearted people, historic towns and variety of landscapes (mountains, beaches, valleys and more). It’s a special place that brings us closer every time. So naturally we had to go back for my birthday. Arriving was most definitely an O-M-G moment…

JUMPSUIT: Storets/HAT: Zara (0ld), more options here

CTRL + ALT + REPEAT.

After you lock eyes on the impressive staircase descending through lush foliage toward a salt water pool…you’ll want it to never end.

And hello, it’s remote! I’m saying wild, open spaces for all the abundance of wildlife. It was so surreal and freeing to witness the many exotic animals within the tropical grounds. From striped zebras to colorful birds…

DRESS: (c/o) Silvia Tcherassi (more from the designer here)

Also sprinkled with exotic flavors, you will have access to enjoy the freshest and finest ingredients sourced directly from Cuixmala’s organic farms; the meat is also from an organic cattle farm on Cuixmala’s sister property. It’s a total farm to table – table to soul experience here! Talk about an added bonus to have a variety of homemade, healthy and deliciously-inspired Mexican meals prepared throughout your entire stay.

BIKINI: Vitamin A Swimwear/SCRUNCHIE: (c/o) Scunci

A classic hit for all.

The magic of Cuixmala remains whatever you want it to be. It can be your very own private sanctuary, family-friendly vacation, romantic getaway or the perfect place for a celebration. Imagine horseback riding through the plantation, visits to the organic farms, experience sea turtle hatching, charter a sailboat then relax and end the day with a beach barbecue! The possibilities are endless. As secluded and private as it is, there is plenty to do with many reasons to return. Just continue to keep it secret, will you (wink, wink)?

TWO-PIECE SET: Kos Resort/EARRINGS: (c/o) Rebecca de Ravenel

Click the pink links to shop all my looks featured on this trip!

Xo, Stephanie