The western coast of Mexico — particularly Riviera Nayarit, a virtually 200-mile stretch of shoreline — is understood for its charming fishing villages, lush jungle, and pleasant locals. Add within the space’s wide selection of lodging, actions, and pure wonders, and also you’ve received the proper 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 stuffed with 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 seashore to look at the sundown. In close by El Anclote (Punta de Mita village), the eating places are distinctive; I like La Rústica for wood-oven pizzas and pastas, Mina for recent seafood, and Naef for the very best ice cream within the area. The fishing village of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle has an important Sunday farmers market, open from November by April, situated within the harbor, whereas Bucerías is a great spot for these searching for a household seashore journey.
I additionally suggest exploring the Careyes neighborhood in Jalisco. Head to Playa Rosa for lunch or dinner and study in regards to the charming historical past surrounding this enclave identified 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 like arranging a dream expertise for our friends, 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. For those who’re visiting through the winer, hold an eye fixed out for breaching humpback whales on their annual migration to the bay. Different animal sightings which might be attainable all 12 months lengthy embrace manta rays, dolphins, turtles, and varied marine birds. Fishing gear is permitted whereas on a ship, and if there’s a catch, you’ll be able to even have the prospect to make recent ceviche proper on board.
E book an unique expertise.
If you journey to this a part of Mexico, you’ll be able to have a personal dinner on the seashore with a shock serenade from a Mexican bolero trio, which focuses on a style of music that originated in japanese Cuba; take pleasure in a tequila tasting in a hidden cave at Las Rosadas lodge; 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 lodge.
The inns listed here are simply as magical as their surrounding environments, whether or not you’re in search of splendor or being simply steps away from the ocean.
- On a current journey to have a good time my spouse’s fiftieth birthday, we liked Susurros del Corazón’s surfy vibe and proximity to wonderful seashores, like Playa La Lancha.
- Imanta is good for romantic getaways. Ensconced in tropical nature, it is one of many few remaining independently operated luxurious boutique inns within the space.
- At Naviva, a 4 Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, the artistic room design, which options indoor-outdoor dwelling areas and personal plunge swimming pools, offers an elevated tree home really feel in whole 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 seashore bungalow at Las Rosadas is steps away from the glowing ocean, surrounded by a grove of palm timber.
Get pleasure from your time in nature.
Having fun with time collectively in nature’s grandeur may be as lively or enjoyable 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.
Exterior of lodge 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 participating in sea turtle launch packages at properties alongside the coast from June to September.
Zachary Rabinor is a member of Journey + Leisure’s A-Listing and focuses on Mexico journeys. You’ll be able to create a tailored itinerary with Rabinor by contacting him at [email protected].