Nov 10

Written by: chris
11/10/2009 

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

There is no more enjoyable broadcast location than on a tropical beach, scrunching your toes in the sand, with the temperature at 32C as you talk to your audience back in Canada where the temperature is just above freezing . I was visiting Riviera Nayarit, the new name for an ancient land that stretches for 300 Kms along the central Pacific coast of Mexico. Starting just 10 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta International Airport – it’s where the mountains of the Sierra Madre meet the Pacific Ocean, vacation glitz meets authentic charm, old meets new…..

Riviera Nayarit – Beaches

The beaches are what most vacationers come for and they stretch for much of the 300 kms coastline of Riviera Nayarit. I visited four, from South to North…. Nuevo Vallarta’s beach (top) runs for 5 kms through Flamingos and Bucerias and is where most of the major resorts are located. Punta de Mita’s beach (2nd) is smaller and more exclusive. Sayulita is a surfer’s haven with long breakers rolling in off the Pacific (3rd). And San Pancho (or San Francisco, as it appears on maps) is a funky, laid back beach stretching between two protective headlands (bottom). Beaches for all vacation types….

Riviera Nayarit – Activities

In my four days I barely scraped the surface of all there is to do here. I was entranced with the most personal dolphin encounter of my life (top) with Vallarta Adventures in Nuevo Vallarta. I was equally enthralled by an opportunity to bottle feed and play with 2-week old tiger cubs at El Tigre Golf Club (2nd) where adult tigers grace the course; they have a very successful captive breeding program here which is helping to broaden the gene mix of this endangered species. In Sayulita, Erik taught me how to surf, something I have long wanted to try (3rd). And the golf in Riviera Nayarit is remarkable – nowhere more so than at the famous “Tail of the Whale” hole at Punta Mita Golf Club’s Pacifico course, where the green is situated on an offshore islet in the Pacific Ocean which can be accessed via an amphibious vehicle (bottom). Have a look at www.VallartaAdventures.com for more ideas of activities in Riviera Nayarit such as their Marietas Islands Eco Discovery and their Canopy Adventure Park.

Riviera Nayarit - Crafts

There is a richness and a quality of arts and crafts available in Riviera Nayarit that I have seldom encountered elsewhere. This is largely due to the presence of four indigenous Mexican peoples who live in Nayarit – in particular the Huicholes, whose brightly coloured beaded figures and yarn paintings are unique souvenirs. Sayulita is a centre of Huichol art. Here I saw a Huichol artist at work (top) and interviewed Susana Valadez a dedicated Huichol anthropologist (2nd) who told me how The Huichol Center for Cultural Survival is helping to preserve this unique indigenous culture. Designs are eye catching (3rd) and several craft shops provide an excellent opportunity to buy examples (bottom).

Riviera Nayarit – Gastronomic Delights

An unexpected surprise for me was the variety of really excellent dining opportunities in this destination. My companionable hosts, Richard Zarkin and Silvia Duarte opened my eyes and my palate to some memorable meals. Amongst my favourites were the Café des Artistes (top) in Punta de Mita (their ceviche – citrus marinated seafood - is spectacular!); Don Pedro’s beachfront in Sayulita where I was treated to tequilas in the colours of the Mexican flag (2nd); La Perla del Mar in San Pancho where you can chill in a hammock and let your toes scrunch the sand on the beach as you eat the catch of the day (3rd); Marisco Tino’s La Laguna in Nuevo Vallarta where the shrimp are eaten whole (including the shells, heads and feelers!) and you can see turtles and crocs swimming by; and an honourable mention, though it is in Puerto Vallarta just south of Nayarit, to El Arrayan where I found myself tasting hibiscus and cactus and enjoying them in whole new ways! (4th).

Riviera Nayarit - Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta

I was hosted superbly by the Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta Resort, which is also where the Travel Show prize trip winners will be staying. It is the newest generation of All Inclusive resorts and I highly recommend it as a base for Riviera Nayarit vacations. The huge rooms have Jacuzzis on the balconies with views to the Pacific Ocean or the Sierra Madre mountains. A series of four pools lead down to the beach: the last is an infinity pool right on the beach itself. And the spa is an oasis of peace; their Tropical Escape Treatment was memorable – I emerged from an exfoliation smelling of mangos and coconut oil and with my skin silky smooth. I even watched a wedding at sunset.

Riviera Nayarit – The Experts

Finally, I warmly thank my guides and mentors from Riviera Nayarit CVB. Richard Zarkin and Silvia Duarte shared their knowledge and their passion for this very special destination with me: gracias amigos!