3 Reasons to Vacation In Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

As if we need three reasons to enjoy Mexico—yet we’ve partnered with leading family travel blogger Erin Bender of Travel With Bender, who recently convinced us that Riviera Nayarit was the best place to be this winter. 

Everybody loves Puerto Vallarta. It’s the buzzing West Coast holiday hotspot that needs no introduction. But hold the phone—there is a new Mexican destination on the rise.

North of Puerto Vallarta is Riviera Nayarit, home to a spectacular coastline stretching 200 miles along the Pacific Ocean. And if the beaches aren’t enough to convince you, here are three reasons why you should make it your next vacation getaway.

It’s Mexico

Need I say more? Mexico is known as a great value tourist destination with cheap beer and incredible food.

Puerto Vallarta is a mere three-hour nonstop flight from Los Angeles, and Riviera Nayarit is less than 20 minutes north of the airport.

You’ll find street tacos for less than US$1, cocktails for less than US$3, and beach access is totally free.

Another aspect of Mexico you’ll admire is the iguanas. They might even convince you that dragons are real!

Wander through surrounding areas like Sayulita for shopping or fine wine tasting. Try your hand at surfboard lessons in San Francisco (not to be confused with the Californian city) or just whittle your time away on the incredible sandy beaches.

2. All-Inclusive Resorts

One of the benefits of holidaying in Mexico is effortless access to luxurious all-inclusive resorts, many of which cater to families. Marival Residences Luxury Resort includes 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-bedroom accommodation options, so there is plenty of room for the whole family. This resort pampers families with its “Family Emotion” package, which includes free gifts, family photo shoots, and welcome baskets. Plus, you don’t need to pack the entire house because they have everything you need from strollers to baby food.

Onsite food is exceptionally delicious, plus as an all-inclusive property, all drinks are included all day. Which means while the kids are playing in the kids’ club, you can stretch out by the pool or beach with cocktail in hand.

You’ll also find mariachi shows and free nanny services, and some resorts even offer world-class spas. The Melange World Spa gives you a choice of nine different spa experiences located in rooms themed from around the world. Try Italy for a bath in a barrel filled with wine while drinking a nice glass of red. Heavenly!

3. The Islands

What’s better than Riviera Nayarit’s 200 miles of coastline? A snorkeling tour of Islas Marietas, location of the famous Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor) at the mouth of Banderas Bay. You can grab a fast boat out to the islands to discover their natural beauty on a snorkeling tour. The islands are uninhabited and protected.

No hunting or fishing means snorkeling around the island includes an abundance of colorful marine life. And spot the rare blue-footed boobies! If you are lucky, from December to March you may even catch sight of grey and humpback whales coming down from Alaska to give birth.

Your boat will zip in and out of the volcanic carved caves, and the guide will highlight the wildlife and take you for a swim in the warm sapphire water—all with the complete support of the local government, who recently outlawed visitors setting foot on the islands to help maintain their rugged diversity.

As winter rapidly approaches and you’re dreaming of escape, lock in that quick flight to Puerto Vallarta and head north to Riviera Nayarit for sun, food, and plenty of poolside cocktails.

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