Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Mexico / Juluchuca / Playa Viva
Playa Viva
Juluchuca, Mexico · Independent · Grand Luxury
A regenerative resort in Guerrero built on an active Aztec archaeological site — the pre-Columbian community of Xolochiuhyan, documented in Aztec tribute records — where three identified mounds remain on the 200-acre property. Guests can participate in nightly sea turtle patrols at the on-site La Tortuga Viva sanctuary, which has operated since the resort's founding.
- 20 rooms
- Opened 2009
- Neighborhood: Playa Icacos
- Rooms from 1,292 sq ft (120 m²)
About Playa Viva
- Opened in 2009 on 200 acres of Guerrero's Pacific coast, founded by David Leventhal as a fully off-grid retreat running on 100% solar power.
- Achieved a B Corp score of 110, cited as the highest of any hotel in the world.
- Its on-site La Tortuga Viva turtle sanctuary, founded in 2010, has released hundreds of thousands of baby sea turtles.
- Won two AHEAD Americas awards in 2022 for landscaping and outdoor spaces, and for lodges, cabins and tented camps.
- Entry-level rooms start at 1,292 sq ft (120 m²).
History
Playa Viva opened in 2009 on some 200 acres of Pacific coastline near Juluchuca in the Mexican state of Guerrero. Founded by David Leventhal, it was conceived as a fully off-grid, regenerative retreat, running on 100% solar power with just 20 ocean-facing rooms.
The property is celebrated for its sustainability credentials — earning a B Corp score of 110, cited as the highest of any hotel — and for its palm-canopy treehouses and the on-site La Tortuga Viva turtle sanctuary, founded in 2010, which has released hundreds of thousands of baby sea turtles.
The setting
38 km from Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport.
Experiences
- Yoga, meditation and movement retreats — Yoga, aerial fitness, breathwork, dance, writing and art retreats and workshops at the resort, several with visiting teachers.
- Regenerative Resort stewardship and community engagement — Guests can engage with the Juluchuca community in its education, health and economic development initiatives; volunteers are also supported.
- Cooking classes and permaculture farm tour — Chef-led cooking classes celebrating Mexican cuisine and a tour of the on-site permaculture farm, during the Finding Thyme retreat.
- Excursions booked through Playa Viva — Off-site excursions that guests can book through the hotel during retreat downtime.
- Beach and palapa downtime — Oceanfront relaxation under beach palapas, pool time and beach napping during retreats.
- Coconut candy and salt tasting — Locally made coconut candies and artisanal salt sold under the Sal Viva brand, traditionally sold at roadside stands in the area.
Amenities
- Spa
- Pool
- Yoga
- Private beach
- Water sports
Awards
- MICHELIN Two Keys (2026)
- AHEAD Americas Landscaping & Outdoor Spaces (2022)
- AHEAD Americas Lodges, Cabins & Tented Camps (2022)
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