Richard Gere’s Shocking New Gig: Billionaire Turtle Whisperer

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Costalegre, a 200-mile stretch along the Pacific coastline between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo in Mexico, remains one of the few untamed areas left. You won’t find towering mega-resorts, bustling spring-break beach clubs, or tall condominiums here. Instead, you’ll see sandpipers skimming the waves, green sea turtles creating moonlit nests, and occasionally, Richard Gere taking a leisurely walk on the shoreline.

Xala is a sprawling 3,000-acre development that blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings due to its low population density. Founded by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo Santa Cruz and backed by Gere and a team of environmentally conscious billionaires, Xala is revolutionizing the concept of luxury in an eco-friendly manner. Instead of traditional features like golf courses and gated estates, it offers unique attractions such as turtle sanctuaries and organic mango orchards.

In this version, I have attempted to maintain the original meaning while using different words and sentence structures for a more natural and easy-to-read flow.

As a gamer, I could’ve imagined a game developer having the freedom to create thousands of levels in this game world – but instead, they’ve chosen to construct only 93 unique experiences. The upcoming resort within this game space, set to debut in 2027, will feature 51 individual pool villas and 42 branded residences. The remaining expanse? It’s safeguarded as sandy dunes, a few premium rancho lots starting at $6.5 million (with 42 of the 75 already snapped up), and an ingenious wave break system designed not to erase the beach but to restore it, preserving its natural charm.

As a nature enthusiast myself, I’d say, “Let nature take center stage!” It seems that as we delve deeper into our quest for untouched riches, the truth becomes increasingly clear: Conservation isn’t just a noble pursuit; it’s a smart investment.

About seven years back, Gere began taking part in the project – only after conducting thorough research first. He interacted with locals, questioned experts on environmental matters, and ensured that the endeavor not only safeguarded the coastline but also stimulated the growth of neighboring farming and shrimping communities.

Delve into Sierra a Mar (Ridge to Reef), the conservation nonprofit that Ger co-established alongside marine conservationist Stefanie Brendl. This venture began as an on-ground investigation and has since expanded into a comprehensive coastal strategy spanning 62 miles of mountains, mangroves, and lagoons. With Ger leading the charge, Sierra a Mar now collaborates with adjacent landowners to forge one of the most ambitious ecotourism partnerships in Latin America.

According to Brendl, making corrections on overdeveloped land is infinitely more challenging than getting things right from the start. However, this task demands foresight and courage.

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Brendl argues that fixing issues on excessively developed land is much harder compared to doing it correctly initially. But this requires vision and bravery.

As I eagerly follow the developments of the Xala ranch lots, it seems the list of potential buyers is straight out of a prestigious Forbes magazine. Santa Cruz shared that a staggering seven billionaires have already expressed interest. Interestingly enough, many are tech tycoons from California who seek authentic experiences rather than traditional country club resorts. They yearn for something genuine.

They’ll definitely understand it, along with a touch of the extraordinary – similar to an exclusive high-speed surfing spot created using a man-made reef made from 3,000 truckloads of rocks from a local quarry. It also features a preserved wetland habitat for 150 different bird species and no golf carts around, plus a striking lighthouse designed by Mexican artist Gonzalo Lebrija that serves as a venue for outdoor movies and spiritual ceremonies.

However, the true strength lies in community revitalization. The Xala Foundation, established in 2020 under the leadership of community development expert Cecilia Paredes along with Santa Cruz and partners Juan Bremer and Jeronimo Bremer, offers a variety of programs such as entrepreneurship education for local women, an organic school garden inspired by Alice Waters, and more. One notable project, Descúbrete (“Discover Yourself”), assists both adults and students in boosting self-confidence and discovering their passions. As Paredes explains, “Our role is to stimulate the inherent ability of our communities to regenerate themselves.

To date, the discussion about social impact appears to be bearing fruitful outcomes. Approximately half of the local community has benefited directly and favorably from the project. An innovative water solution has been established using a newly discovered aquifer and constant irrigation system, catering to 232 local households. Farmers now have the opportunity to cultivate more profitable crops in successive rotations. Moreover, shrimp yields from a nearby lagoon, previously on the verge of extinction, have significantly increased due to eco-friendly methods championed by Sierra a Mar.

Additionally, there’s Xala Farms, an upcoming 200-acre organic farm that houses over 50 diverse crop species in its seed bank and aspires to achieve complete culinary self-reliance. As Santa Cruz puts it, “Owners can immerse themselves in the experience by picking their own produce directly, or opt for delivery service instead.

Green sea turtles play a crucial role in this narrative. A government-managed turtle sanctuary on Xala’s shore significantly increases their survival rate by five times, and it provides better security, improved staff accommodations, and an educational center, all thanks to Xala’s backing. From August until March, visitors and homeowners can participate in releasing hatchlings into the sea during sunset, occasionally numbering in the thousands.

In the end, perhaps what truly attracts people isn’t the turtles, the waves, or even the famous faces. Instead, it could be the sense that something new is being constructed while preserving the invaluable charm of this land.

In Brendl’s own words: “Visualize a world where you have access to pure water and fresh air, surrounded by content and friendly communities who don’t resent you for destroying their environment. This, I believe, is the ultimate luxury.

In April 2025, this article can be found in the digital edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine dedicated to Sustainability. To read the entire issue, click here.

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2025-04-22 16:29