The seafood-based cuisine, relaxed vibe, extraordinary resorts, beaches, boutique shopping and breathtaking natural beauty all make the Riviera Nayarit worth a visit. The region, located just north of Puerto Vallarta along Mexico’s Pacific coast, offers mostly year-round sunshine, but the best time to go if you’re looking for a relaxing and less-expensive getaway is the slower season in the fall. However, if you want action and don’t mind laying down the cash, visit during the high season, which starts in December and runs through spring. —Niki Hope
sleep. With three large pools and a vast and open beach seating area, St. Regis Punta Mita is routinely one of the highest-rated resorts in the region. The resort maintains the iconic St. Regis legacy of exceptional service—including private butlers—but with a heavy dash of Mexican warmth. The gorgeously manicured resort with palm trees and constant blooms is set on a west-facing beach with pink-stained sunsets. Don’t miss a visit to the Remède Spa at the St. Regis—a 10,000-square-foot Mecca of relaxation with offerings that include a body oil ceremony massage—a restorative aromatherapy treatment so relaxing that, after, you might not be up for anything more than a rest by the pool (perfect, because that’s the ideal activity at St. Regis). stregispuntamita.com
shop. Sayulita, just north of Punta Mita, was once a sleepy town of locals and free-spirited expats. Today, it’s one of the busiest tourist towns in all of Mexico, in large part because it’s a Bohemian buyer’s paradise. Other stops worth a visit include Sayulita Sol Jewelry, Pachamama Sayulita, Revolucion del Sueno, art galleries, tequila specialty stores, street vendors and more. sayulita.com
do. Take a whale tour with Punta Mita Expeditions that brings you close enough to almost get hit by the Mexican Pacific Ocean water spewing out of the humpbacks’ blowholes. From about mid-December to the end of March, during mating season, whales remain in the Bay of Banderas. Punta Mita Expeditions takes guests on three-hour boat tours that offer a chance to get up close and see the majestic 50-tonne mammals in their natural habitat. It also offers visits to the Marietas Islands—a group of small uninhabited isles a few miles off the coast of the state of Nayarit. The islands have recently been closed to the general public due to conservation efforts, but select groups are allowed to visit. Other expeditions include SUP and surf adventures, snorkeling and scuba diving or watching playful dolphins in their natural habitat. puntamitaexpeditions.com
visit. San Pancho, also known as San Francisco, is a quaint surf town up the road from Sayulita, with an uncrowded, golden beach beautiful enough to have wooed Cirque du Soleil creator Gilles Ste-Croix to buy a home in the area. Quiet cobblestone streets and an array of owner-run eateries make this Boho beach town the perfect day trip to experience the true cultural heart of Nayarit—without the crowds. rivieranayarit.com
eat. Even if you don’t stay at St. Regis Punta Mita, be sure to visit Mita Mary Boat Bistro at the resort for a memorable meal of exceptionally delicate grilled fish, shrimp or lobster tacos, which includes a vinegary habañero salsa that’s good enough to drink. Other fish faves include the tuna ceviche, seafood tostadas and a family-sized platter overflowing with grilled lobster, scallops and the catch of the day, all served up from a casual dining area situated right on the beach. Wash dinner down with fresh mint and cucumber margaritas while feeling the warm sand between your toes and watching the sun slowly set in paradise. stregispuntamita.com
Photos courtesy of St. Regis Punta Mita, Punta Mita Expeditions and Niki Hope.
share:
Be the first to comment