Page 144 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL EATING IBERIA

and inspirational ambience of Brignone's Careyes.
Over time, owners from some 42 nationalities suc-
cumbed to his vision.

I've been fascinated with Careyes for many
years. The 20,000-acre property edges one of the
most dramatic coastlines on the Pacific in an area
that'sremainedblessedlyfreeofdevelopment.After
a two-hour drive from the Puerto Vallarta airport I
was relieved to find a low-key, unobtrusive resort
backing five glossy swimming pools and a curving
beach.Multi-coloredcasitasfacedtheseafromahill-
side.Lavish,yetminimalist,vacationhomesdesigned
by famed architects, including Luis Barragán,
perched on cliffs above the Pacific.
Careyes dwellings take full advantage of their
sea views with open living areas under soaring pala-
pas beside free-form pools edging rocky points. I
toured a few outstanding examples, including
Brignone's home, called Mi Ojo (My Eye), with its
fearsome suspension bridge to a wild island. Tours
away from those five splendid pools led down dirt
roads etching coastal cliffs to a polo field in one area
and a turtle camp on the beach where thousands of
eggs were buried in guarded nests. I helped release
buckets full of baby turtles at sunset and cheered
them on their awkward trip to the sea.

Befitting his esoteric interests, Brignone has
commissioned art throughout the property, includ-
ing a giant gray cement bowl called La Copa on a hill
above the windswept Pacific. The installation, com-
missioned for Brignone's 80th birthday, is a striking
sight from the sea and land. A shaman performs
sound baths inside the bowl—I had to check it out.
The music from singing bowls, rain sticks and other

144 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE 2020