Casitas Maraika Hotel & Beach Club

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Casitas Maraika Hotel & Beach Club is located on Playa del Caballo, a stretch of coastline in Banderas Bay, Jalisco, accessible only by boat from Puerto Vallarta. The property combines accommodations in rustic tropical-style cabins, a restaurant, a bar, hammocks, and Balinese beds on a beach with no direct road access, which completely defines the type of visit: more tranquil, more secluded, with a clientele that considers the boat trip an integral part of the experience.

The Playa del Caballo area, near Las Animas and Quimixto, is part of the circuit of beaches accessible only by sea from Puerto Vallarta. Casitas Maraika combines a boutique hotel with a beach club for outside visitors, without the scale or pretension of the large resorts in Puerto Vallarta's hotel zone.

Access by boat: part of the experience

The boat trip from Puerto Vallarta to Playa del Caballo takes between twenty and forty minutes, depending on the departure point. This access completely shapes the visit: it's not something you can just drop in on a whim or pass through, but rather requires a prior reservation and some logistical planning. The Casitas Maraika team can provide information on available departure points. The boat trip itself is worthwhile as part of the day's itinerary.

Beach, hammocks and Balinese beds

Playa del Caballo boasts light-colored sand and the waters of Banderas Bay, offering excellent swimming conditions on calm days. Because it's not accessible by road, the beach maintains a low occupancy level even during peak season, which is its main advantage over the beaches in downtown Puerto Vallarta. The hammocks and Balinese beds face the sea and the surrounding tropical vegetation of Jalisco. Table service on the beach is available for visitors with reservations.

Restaurant and bar in the Pacific

Casitas Maraika's culinary offerings feature ingredients from the Mexican Pacific coast*: fresh fish and seafood, ceviches, shrimp tacos, aguachiles, and dishes from the local cuisine of Jalisco and Nayarit. The menu is simple and straightforward, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Cocktails are the most popular choice at the bar on sunny days.

Boutique hotel with cabins

Casitas Maraika combines a beach club with accommodations in rustic tropical-style cabins nestled within the vegetation. This duality defines the space's capacity policy: external visitors access the property with prior reservations, and availability may be subject to hotel occupancy. Advance booking is necessary for day visitors, especially during the peak season from December to April.

When to go and who it's suitable for

Casitas Maraika is perfect for travelers visiting Puerto Vallarta who want to experience the quieter, more secluded side of Banderas Bay, away from the hustle and bustle of large hotel complexes. The dry season, from December to April, is the most favorable time, with stable weather and calmer waters in the bay. It's ideal for couples, small groups, and families who appreciate tranquility and the natural surroundings. This isn't a place for those seeking entertainment or a DJ-filled club experience; it's a secluded beach club with genuine character.