La Joya — moved by water and rest

Seen from out at sea, high atop a rugged mountain in Sayulita, La Joya stands as an intimate yet revelatory haven offering a rare privilege: a sense of inner peace.

I believe the most inspiring places often have a tricky route to reach them. The road leading up to La Joya is like many in Sayulita: a narrow, cobblestone street that winds through the mountains, offering only occasional glimpses of blue. But arrival here speaks with clear purpose — it honors rest.

The art of rest is truly mastered only in the right surroundings. Restful spaces allow us to slow down and simply be. Beyond being a temporary escape, this boutique hotel becomes a state of being — an experience that gently returns us to nature and uncomplicated pleasures: a long nap, the hum of the ocean, a quiet stretch session, or an exquisite meal. Perhaps the art of rest is not so different from the act of letting go.

One late February afternoon, with a familiar warmth in the air, I spoke with Christina Gooding about the intention behind building La Joya.

For Christina and John, the founders of La Joya, this place is the sum of over eight years of travel, cultural encounters, building, and design. Subtle hues of sand, earthy tones, lush vegetation, and sweeping ocean views express the wisdom and raw tranquility of nature — qualities that any place meant for relaxation must embody.

Before discovering this land, Christina and John had envisioned a much smaller, more “low-key” project in a slightly different setting. Small surf towns have always held a constant presence in their lives, but their direction changed when this opportunity emerged. “We had been going to Yelapa (south of Puerto Vallarta) for some retreats, and we really loved our experience there. That was kind of where the idea came from.”

Intended to be a temporary home for slow travelers in search of ease, rest, and a little bit of adventure, La Joya’s design goes far beyond aesthetics. The space is thoughtfully crafted to foster well-being, balance, and relaxation — with a red cedar sauna, cold plunge, jacuzzi, saltwater pool, open-air palapa massage room, and the exquisite Tekuamana Restaurant and Bar, which sources fresh, organic ingredients.

Seamlessly, the hotel has become a tropical nucleus for wellness retreats. “We wanted a place where people could recharge and reconnect — with themselves, with nature, and with the rhythms of their surroundings.”

Nature itself became the project’s blueprint. Christina and John prioritized caring for the land, altering as little as possible, and planting thousands of native species to create full immersion in the environment. Every room, wall, and corner at La Joya reflects a harmonious blend of jungle and Mexican craftsmanship.

Since humidity and salt air pose major construction challenges, finding the right materials was a long, inspiring process. “Lots of decisions. We worked with an architect, but all the interior design choices were John and myself. That meant a lot of groundwork and hunting — we didn’t have the contacts, we didn’t know the places. It took years of looking for what we wanted. We were committed to using only materials from Mexico, so it was a process.”

My own amazement? La Joya’s warm embrace of light. Sunlight, trees, and terracotta hues set the tone for the hotel’s polished, sustainable beauty. From the plant life to each interior detail, every element is designed to evoke grounded calm.

Materials like palm, sustainable tiles by Tata Mosaicos, bamboo, and teca wood narrate La Joya’s story. One part of that story is told through food. With Lucca and Chef Jorge Miramontes at the helm, Tekuamana Restaurant and Bar has become one of Sayulita’s culinary highlights. “To be able to work with someone who can make things so creative, fun, and delicious is a real gift.”

I still talk about a few savory moments: that unforgettable shrimp ceviche, the unthinkable French toast the morning after my birthday, and those long conversations over glassy Negronis at sunset.

A Day at La Joya
by Christina Gooding

If I were a guest, I’d love to start my day by looking out from the balcony. Each room has a beautiful view of the ocean — being able to get up, stretch, and take it all in. Then I’d come down to the restaurant for coffee or tea and breakfast. Each meal has something unique to offer.

Lounging by the pool is definitely one of the most relaxing, peaceful parts of the hotel. I’d get a massage in the massage palapa, then head down to the beach for a walk.

If people want to leave the hotel, there are always plenty of walks to take — or they can hop in a golf cart and explore Sayulita and the jungle nearby.

But I’d definitely return for sunset and dinner. I think it’s one of the best places in the area for a meal, a drink, and to take in the sunset. That would be my perfect day.

Photos by: Isai Rosas

Words by: Jossie Ayón

Special thanks: Christina, John, and La Joya.