Where are the best places to stay in Riviera Nayarit?
Riviera Nayarit is one of Mexico’s most idyllic tourist destinations and has been offering relaxation, fun and adventure to visitors for decades. Its diverse collection of towns, dotted along the coast, offer something for everybody. Situated on the breathtaking coast of the Mexican Pacific in the Bahia de Banderas - a region of stunning soft sanded beaches, wild jungles and a rich history intertwined with its local culture, arts and cuisine.
You may be looking to take advantage of the beautiful, world-renowned waves along the coast and absorb the laid-back pace of life in the surf town of San Pancho. You may then want to hop over to Sayulita to experience its vibrant nightlife and restaurant scene, with many travellers passing through, making it unmissable for backpackers.
For those couples looking for a romantic getaway, you can appreciate the beautiful resorts of Nuevo Vallarta and Punta Mita where you can lounge by the pool, play a round of golf, visit one of the many beach clubs or even take a trip to see some local wildlife. There is also a lot of fun for the family to enjoy in Bucerias and Guayabitos with its calm waves and soft sands with a variety of watersports and boat excursions available.
Sayulita is a world famous destination for travellers from all around the globe to experience its unique combination of surfing culture and nightlife, making it perfect for backpackers and young couples looking for that magical combination of relaxation and fun.
The town is one of Riviera Nayait’s “Pueblos Magicos”. An accolade earned because of its natural beauty, historical & cultural richness, and great hospitality. Sayulita’s worthiness of such a prestigious title becomes apparent immediately when walking its streets. Not to mention its stunning beach and perfect waves to surf the day away.
It also boasts arguably the best nightlife in the area with many excellent restaurants offering dining from around the world, along-side quality traditional Mexican cuisine. There are also many vibrant bars open into the early hours of the morning with regular DJs and some of the worlds finest tequila to choose from!
Nuevo Vallarta is the perfect spot for couples and families to relax in comfort in one of their many beach resorts which offer comfort and convenience, whilst still remaining a stone’s throw away from the city of Puerto Vallarta, as well as a variety of local restaurants and bars.
Located just south of Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta offers the same stunning beaches and water sport activities, without the hustle and bustle of the city. It is also famed for its marina which offers regular excursions to the nearby, bio-diverse, Marieta Island National Park. It is home to some extraordinary wildlife, including dolphins, turtles and humpback whales.
Nuevo Valarta and the surrounding area also has a number of quality, well-kept, golf courses. The lush idyllic green surroundings are the perfect way to unwind, but for those not wanting to tee off, there are some excellent massage and spa facilities available in Nuevo Vallarta.
Rincon de Guayabitos, or simply known locally as Guayabitos, is a beautiful little town with a relatively small amount of tourism compared to other locations in Riviera Nayarit and retains its natural, local, small pueblo charm. It is a great destination to bring the family as its waves are usually gentle, the beaches are not overcrowded and the nightlife has a relaxed nature.
The town has many quality restaurants, most of which are authentically Mexican and often take advantage of the vast array of produce the sea has to offer, with some of the tastiest and freshest seafood in Mexico. There are also regular street markets in the town which are frequented by the locals and have a real authentic feel.
Guayabitos also offers easy access to Coral Island. A small island off its coast with warm, clear, blue waters that are perfect for snorkelling and relaxing with the family.
The quiet, sleepy town of San Francisco, known locally as San Pancho, is located just 15 minutes drive away from the larger, busier, town of Sayulita and is undoubtedly one of the area's best kept secrets. The local, small town, beach vibe is perfect for backpackers and families alike.
San Pancho is well known for its picturesque beach - far quieter and less developed than other better-known beaches in the area. The free-spirited nature of the town makes it perfect for travellers seeking relaxation through yoga, holistic healing and meditation with a thriving community centre offering a range of classes.
The town has a thriving culinary and drinks scene and has a variety of options available. There is everything from the down-to-earth local staples of tacos, tamales and ceviche, sold out of food stands, to high-end modern Mexican cuisine washed down with local craft beers.
Nestled within a 1,500-acre private peninsula situated in the Riviera Nayarit, just north of Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita hosts a range of high end luxury hotel resorts, private villas and scenic condos. The area has recently seen investments from the likes of the Kardashians and Bill Gates and is a huge up and coming destination for luxury travel, perfect for that romantic getaway.
The peninsula boast two world class golf courses, a tennis centre with ten courts, and two infamous hotel brands - Four Seasons and St. Regis - which guarantees a top-tier experience. There are also a selection of high-end beach clubs to enjoy the private, untouched coastline and enjoy a romantic sunset dinner.
Punta Mita also offers a number of day excursions to the surrounding towns and secluded beaches and options for whale watching off the coast, if you felt like venturing out and exploring the area.
Bucerias is a small resort town located just outside of Puerto Vallarta which is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, gentle surf and its distinctive colourful hotel resorts which makes it the ideal destination for fun and relaxation with young children. There are a variety of watersports available, including sailing, kayaking, waterskiing and the gentle waves and shallow depth of the ocean are perfect for beginner surfers.
There are plenty of great activities for the family to enjoy together including the fun and informative botanical gardens with an awe-inspiring array of tropical plants and a local crocodile sanctuary, perfect for those interested in nature and wildlife conservation
Bucerias has a great food and bar scene with many beachfront restaurants serving delicious Mexican cuisine in a relaxed ambience, but if you wanted to sample some of Puerto Vallarta's city nightlife, it is only a taxi ride away.
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