Your travel guide to west coast Mexico
Oh Mexico. Land of ridiculously good guac, tequila and tacos. And let me tell you they are the best we’ve ever tasted. But there is so much more to this place than just great food.
We travelled across the Pacific to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit on the west coast of Mexico to explore everything the regions have to offer. With direct flights from Gatwick Airport on the comfortable Thomson Dreamliner it’s easy to find a paradise rivalling that of the caribbean.
Here’s what we got up to when we managed to drag ourselves from the region’s sandy white beaches.
Where we stayed:
Now Amber - Puerto Vallarta
Now Amber is everything you could ever wish for in a hotel, set on the beach overlooking the sparkling Banderas Bay, along with all the onsite amenities you could ever desire. From a relaxing spa and pools looking out across the ocean, to restaurants that cater for all tastes, from authentic Mexican cuisine, to sushi and even Italian food.
Along with mariachi band performances while you dine, staying at Now Amber means you can experience the best of Mexico all in one place. If you do manage to pull yourself away from the hotel, bustling downtown is close by, where you can stroll along the beach or stop at one of the many restaurants and bars. But I mean, it’s not going to be easy, just look at this view!
Book now From $95 per person, per night based on double occupancy
W Hotel - Riviera Nayarit
W hotel further along the coast in Riviera Nayarit is an oasis of tropical plants and gorgeous open beach. We made our way to reception via golf buggy, which by the way is the only way i’m travelling around hotel resorts from now on and arrived through the jungle lined paths to check-in. In fact each accommodation is tucked away in exotic foliage, giving you your own private paradise.
A post shared by Charlotte Temple (@chartmp) on Apr 22, 2018 at 12:09pm PDT
If your sense of direction is better than mine you can even pick up one of the scooters around the hotel and ride back to your room. When you inevitably get lost and every palm tree path begins to look the same, you can scoot on down to reception where they already have a golf buggy waiting for you.
This hotel is prime Instagram territory, if not for it’s beach-side restaurants dining as the sun sets, then for the twinkling mosaic pier stretching over the pools toward the ocean.
Book now From $200 per room per night plus 29% tax
Hotel Cielo Rojo - San Pancho, Riviera Nayarit
Hotel Cielo Rojo gives you an authentic west coast experience. Located in the colourful beach town of San Francisco, known to the locals as San Pancho, the hotel stands alongside it’s colourful neighbours.
The hotel prides itself on it’s environmentally friendly attitude, while treating you to it’s naturally beautiful interiors. Organic breakfast is served each day in the courtyard.
Colourful San Pancho🍌🌈 #rivieranayarit
A post shared by Charlotte Temple (@chartmp) on Apr 22, 2018 at 9:24am PDT
Book now From $150 per night for 2 people
What we did:
Casitas Maraika (Beach Club) Puerto Vallarta
The best way to indulge your jet lag is to jump in a boat from the mainland and head over to the private beach of Casitas Maraika. This place is practically paradise, with it’s own bar and restaurant. Tacos and mojitos are on tap for you to chill away after your day of travelling.
Life’s a beach🏝 #puertovallarta
A post shared by Charlotte Temple (@chartmp) on Apr 16, 2018 at 8:42pm PDT
Swimming with dolphins - Opequimar, Puerto Vallarta
Only a dolphin breaking through the water a couple of meters from my dangling legs, can summon an unsolicited squeal of delight. Travelling out on a boat led by botanist Maru, was hands down one of the highlights of our trip. It does take time to find them but once you do you will wonder why anyone would opt to see dolphins performing in captivity. You can even go for a dip and swim alongside them.
A post shared by Charlotte Temple (@chartmp) on Apr 15, 2018 at 11:54am PDT
Bike and bites - Puerto Vallarta
Making the most of your time in a new place can be tricky if you stick to the tourist routes, so what better way to explore your new digs for the week than a tour via bicycle?
Ok you got me, a tiny amount of cycling and a huge helping of all the best local food and drink. What’s not to love? Make sure you stop by the Malecón and try the refreshing traditional Tuba drink.
Canopy River Bridge RZR Tour - Riviera Nayarit
Bicycle tour a little tame for you? Try taking in the mountainous landscape of Sierra Madre via RZR. We sped down jungle-lined trails, along paths parallel to the mountain edge and viewed the breathtaking scenery all before reaching the Jorullo Bridge - the longest suspension bridge in the world!
We turned a corner and the jungle revealed a beautiful hidden waterfall. We climbed the rocks and jumped in, before taking a well deserved post-adrenaline nap in the colourful hammocks tucked into the mountain.
Got that whole graceful thing down to a tee💦 #puertovallarta
A post shared by Charlotte Temple (@chartmp) on Apr 17, 2018 at 2:28pm PDT
Sayulita- Riviera Nayarit
While in Riviera Nayarit head down to colourful town of Sayulita. This is the perfect place to spend an afternoon in between beachtime, admiring the stunning wall murals and browsing the boutiques for souvenirs.
Where we ate:
La Letche – Puerto Vallarta
We learned La Letche is Spanish for ‘the milk’, and the whole of the downstairs dining room has been designed accordingly with matte white surfaces and chic monochrome details.
Explore upstairs and find the bar La Nata ‘the cream’ with a contrastingly black style. But that’s certainly not to say the food is without colour, just look at this dessert!
Chevycheria at W Hotel, Riviera Nayarit
If the 1950s Chevrolet converted bar wasn’t enough to convince you to stop by here then the guac definitely should be. We snacked on fresh fish tacos for lunch with a view to the ocean.
A post shared by W Punta de Mita (@wpuntademita) on Mar 28, 2017 at 9:02am PDT
This place also transforms into a restaurant in the evening so you can enjoy dinner as the sun sets.
Las Palmas - Riviera Nayarit
While staying in Riviera Nayarit, just a short walk from Hotel Cielo Rojo try Las Palmas for another glorious sunset supper (sunset dining boring you yet? Nope me neither). A little kinder on your Mexican Peso than some others, you can enjoy cocktails and classic Mexican food until late.
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