Casa Karma

Since it opened in 2013, Casa Karma Boutique Resort has created a perfect blend of modern amenities and local charm. The beautiful property offers most of the things guests look for in an upscale resort experience, but on a much smaller scale that makes the whole property feel intimate, secluded, and simply special. With only eight suites and an adult-only policy, the boutique resort is a relaxing oasis for couples seeking romance or solo travelers who want some peace and quiet, while still having easy access to lively Puerto Vallarta.

Touches of personal service are everywhere, from the welcome cocktails and snacks, to the flowers put in the rooms with personal notes for each guest, to the small local handicrafts left as gifts on the beds each day. Vibrant tiles, local textiles, and colorful original artwork (all by the same artists) on display throughout the property create an air of authentic local charm. Soothing ponds are dotted among the suites on the various floors. Walking the painted labyrinth as waves crash and pelicans dive into the ocean can be an almost spiritual experience. The breathtaking sunset views, visible from almost everywhere on the property, complete the experience. Casa Karma is an ideal choice for guests seeking peace and relaxation. 

Tucked along the rocky shores of the Pacific Ocean on Conchas Chinas Beach, Casa Karma enjoys a sense of seclusion, while still offering guests relatively easy access to all the Puerto Vallarta’s top attractions. Set just south of the city center, it’s a six-minute drive from popular Playa Los Muertos and the restaurants and nightlife of Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romantica. The landmark Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church and the lively oceanfront Malecon, a pedestrian boardwalk full of artwork, shops, and food vendors, can both be reached by car in about 10 minutes. Driving to the south for about 10 minutes brings travelers to Los Arcos, a national park with scenic rock formations that are popular for snorkeling. Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport is a half-hour drive away. 

Named after various flowers and plants, each of Casa Karma’s eight polished suites is individually decorated, incorporating original artwork, local textiles, and colorful tile work that create an undeniable air of local charm. Air-conditioning, ceiling fans, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges with free bottled water come standard. Luxurious Egyptian cotton linens, comfortable mattresses, soft, fluffy towels, and cotton robes leave guests feeling pampered. Large closets include safes. Nightly turndown service is included, and each day the staff leaves small gifts of local handicrafts on the beds for guests to keep as souvenirs.

All of the suites feature sitting areas, but because each suite is different, the individual features vary from room to room. Some suites include four-poster beds, statues, hand-blown chandeliers, or hand-painted walls. Many of the suites include furnished balconies with views of the ocean and the sunset. The posh, two-story penthouse suite comes with a separate living room, two ocean-view terraces, a private outdoor pool, and panoramic views of the surrounding land and the city in the distance. 

The bathrooms are particularly noteworthy, both for their size and their charm. Colorful, artistic bottles of Casa Kahlo toiletries are arranged on large marble countertops that feature sinks and hairdryers. Vibrantly colored tile work lines large, curved showers with deep tubs and brass fixtures.

While the property may be small, there’s no shortage of features that make for a relaxing stay. Guests are greeted with welcome drinks and snacks from The Bar at Casa Karma, a colorful, open-air eatery that’s open to the public and offers daily specials and stunning sunset views. There’s even a private table tucked away above the beach. The bar offers a limited, but delicious, menu of Mexican dishes and tasty cocktails. Room service is offered for a fee. Continental breakfast, served at poolside tables, is free, as is morning coffee service delivered to the rooms (on request).

Beside the bar is a small, beautiful infinity pool with a colorful tiled hot tub, both perfectly positioned for sunset viewing. Tucked down below is a tiny, secluded beach area, accessed via stairs from the hotel. Flanked on both sides by rocks, the waters can be rough but offer decent snorkeling. For guests who prefer to stay dry in the shade, there’s a lovely lounge with a large flat-screen TV and plush couches. A cabinet full of books and games is on hand to provide entertainment.

The grounds at Casa Karma are spectacular. A beautiful event lawn features a lovely fountain. The centerpiece, though, is the tranquil, painted labyrinth set below swaying palm trees, overlooking the ocean. The feature adds an almost spiritual quality to the property, and the hotel’s owner can reportedly be seen walking it daily.

Other free amenities include Wi-Fi throughout the property, parking, and laundry service on request. There’s no spa or fitness center at the hotel.