The western coast of Mexico — particularly Riviera Nayarit, a virtually 200-mile stretch of shoreline — is thought for its charming fishing villages, lush jungle, and pleasant locals. Add within the space’s big selection of lodging, actions, and pure wonders, and also you’ve obtained the right romantic getaway. As a journey advisor who has been planning journeys to Mexico for greater than 20 years, that is precisely what I like to recommend {couples} do on this a part of the world.
Discover the pueblos.
Meander across the small coastal pueblos, or cities, and permit time for spontaneous discovery. The once-sleepy city of Sayulita is now a buzzing, bohemian, surf vacation spot whose cobbled streets are full of cafes, bars, eating places, and outlets.
San Pancho, a few 15-minute drive north, provides a extra laid-back vibe. Browse curated boutiques promoting handcrafted artwork and clothes, then be a part of locals on the seaside to look at the sundown. In close by El Anclote (Punta de Mita village), the eating places are distinctive; I really like La Rústica for wood-oven pizzas and pastas, Mina for recent seafood, and Naef for one of the best ice cream within the area. The fishing village of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle has an incredible Sunday farmers market, open from November by April, situated within the harbor, whereas Bucerías is a great spot for these looking for a household seaside journey.
I additionally suggest exploring the Careyes group in Jalisco. Head to Playa Rosa for lunch or dinner and study in regards to the fascinating historical past surrounding this enclave recognized for its arts and wildlife. Go for a sundown drink at Capacha Heart lodge in Arroyo Seco, and in La Manzanilla or Barra de Navidad, you may get a way of what life is like in a distant ranching and fishing village.
Get out on the water.
Whereas within the Riviera Nayarit, renting a yacht for the day is a should. My workforce and I really like arranging a dream expertise for our company, whether or not that’s hopping round seashores you’ll be able to entry by boat solely, heading to favourite snorkel spots, or stopping for a scenic oceanfront lunch. When you’re visiting through the winer, preserve an eye fixed out for breaching humpback whales on their annual migration to the bay. Different animal sightings which can be doable all 12 months lengthy embody manta rays, dolphins, turtles, and numerous marine birds. Fishing gear is permitted whereas on a ship, and if there’s a catch, you’ll be able to even have the possibility to make recent ceviche proper on board.
Guide an unique expertise.
Whenever you journey to this a part of Mexico, you’ll be able to have a personal dinner on the seaside with a shock serenade from a Mexican bolero trio, which makes a speciality of a style of music that originated in japanese Cuba; get pleasure from a tequila tasting in a hidden cave at Las Rosadas resort; or get a desk within the sand at native eating places that don’t take reservations. And don’t miss the temazcal ceremony — a Mesoamerican sweat lodge ritual that purifies the thoughts and physique with natural steam — at One&Solely Mandarina’s spa set in a volcanic rock backyard.
Keep at a spectacular resort.
The accommodations listed here are simply as magical as their surrounding environments, whether or not you’re on the lookout for splendor or being simply steps away from the ocean.
- On a current journey to rejoice my spouse’s fiftieth birthday, we cherished Susurros del Corazón’s surfy vibe and proximity to superb seashores, like Playa La Lancha.
- Imanta is right for romantic getaways. Ensconced in tropical nature, it is one of many few remaining independently operated luxurious boutique accommodations within the space.
- At Naviva, a 4 Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, the artistic room design, which options indoor-outdoor residing areas and personal plunge swimming pools, provides an elevated tree home really feel in complete and utter luxurious.
- 4 Seasons Resort Tamarindo’s stark and daring structure, together with its low-density blueprint, units it other than the opposite resorts on this listing.
- The seaside bungalow at Las Rosadas is steps away from the glowing ocean, surrounded by a grove of palm bushes.
Get pleasure from your time in nature.
Having fun with time collectively in nature’s grandeur might be as energetic or stress-free as you want. Discover Imanta’s lush jungle trails and pause for a picnic; share a sundown ritual on the swim-up bar in Susurros’ adults-only pool; go horseback using on the sand with One&Solely’s equestrian middle; or whizz by filth trails on an ATV journey to Sayulita.
Outdoors of resort choices, there’s an infinite array of water sports activities to expertise, together with browsing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Plus, there are some nice hikes, like reaching the highest of Cerro del Mono mountain close to Punta de Mita. A private favourite exercise of mine is collaborating in sea turtle launch packages at properties alongside the coast from June to September.
Zachary Rabinor is a member of Journey + Leisure’s A-Record and makes a speciality of Mexico journeys. You may create a tailored itinerary with Rabinor by contacting him at information@journeymexico.com.