Whether you’re planning to splurge or save, an ultimate tropical holiday is yours to have and to hold at Mexico’s dream beach retreats.
By: Karen GardinerRiviera Nayarit
On the Pacific coast, visitors flock to Riviera Nayarit for its abundant marine life, luxe resorts and low-key beach towns, but it still offers a less-crowded alternative to other Mexican beach destinations.
Splurge:
Where to Stay: For serious indulgence, book a luxury one-bedroom suite at the 120-room St. Regis Punta Mita, and enjoy beach views from your private hot tub. Double down on the pampering at the Remède Spa with an Ocean Pearl Body Indulgence treatment, which features crushed pearl as an exfoliant. Room rates start at $560 a night.
Photo courtesy of the St. Regis Punta Mita
What to Do: The concierge can arrange a tour to the nearby Marietas Islands, one of Mexico’s most important wildlife sanctuaries, teeming with diverse marine and bird life, including whales, dolphins and indigenous birds such as blue-footed boobies. Don’t miss Hidden Beach, also known as Playa del Amor, which can only be accessed by swimming through a tunnel.
Where to Eat: The peerless Pacific views from the terrace at the Carolina at the St. Regis Punta Mita are matched by the contemporary Mexican cuisine featuring fresh, local ingredients.
Save:
Where to Stay: The all-inclusive Iberostar Playa Mita has 452 sun-filled rooms with balconies or walk-outs to the beach. or you can relax by the two pools — one with a swim-up bar — on the 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course or at the serene spa. All-inclusive room rates start at $90 per person.
Photo courtesy of Ibertostar Hotels & Resorts
What to Do: Thirty minutes from the resort, visit the laid-back surf town of Sayulita for a pleasant day strolling around art galleries and relaxing on the beach with a cerveza in hand.
Where to Eat: While in Sayulita, visit the oceanfront Don Pedro’s Restaurant & Bar, a local institution, and dine on Mediterranean-style dishes under a two-story thatched palapa.
