Two stops in two seasons in Mexico’s Pacific Coast region!
I love Mexico: the food, the people, the beaches. It all agrees with me. But most of my exploration has been to the easy-to-get to Caribbean coast. Last year, I had the opportunity to explore Western Mexico, known as El Occidente, in two different seasons. In the late fall, I stayed solo in Puerto Vallarta, and in the summer my family and I visited Punta de Mita and road tripped to some of the nearby towns in Nayarit to take in the vibrant local culture and a laid-back vibe that was ideal for unplugging.
PUERTO VALLARTA
Puerto Vallarta has risen to become one of the most popular destinations in Mexico. Last November, I flew nonstop from Atlanta into Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport and took a 30-minute taxi to the Velas Vallarta. This all-inclusive resort is privately owned by the Velas family whose aim is to provide an authentic cultural experience that showcases local traditions, cuisine and warm, welcoming service. With 345 suites set among lush gardens, accommodations are spacious, and all rooms include a kitchen. Some on-property highlights during my stay included attending the Sunday night Mexican Fiesta Dinner complete with mariachis and an emcee, painting a Calavera skull in honor of the Day of the Dead holiday and doing morning yoga overlooking the ocean. Offsite, I strolled Puerto Vallarta’s picturesque boardwalk, that was clad in skeletal “catrina” sculptures, explored the bougainvillea-draped parks and courtyards, and shopped for artisanal goods to take home.
PUNTA DE MITA
About an hour’s drive west of Puerto Vallarta is Punta de Mita, a peninsula known for its five-star hotels and luxury real estate communities. The destination also has a charming downtown with boutiques and picturesque, upscale restaurants. My family and I made the trip to the area last July and settled into a suite at the Conrad that was steps from a 2-mile stretch of well-manicured beach. The room had a living room and patio with a small plunge pool where we watched the sun set on multiple nights. Everyone was grateful for the refreshing waters, as July in this part of Mexico is quite hot. We spent most of our days in the family pool, watching my big kids go down the slide and my toddler squeal in delight at the splash pad. The main activity pool was also a favorite hangout for its submersed loungers and infinity edge, where we perched overlooking the beach. We ordered most of our lunches— ceviche, tostadas, pizzas and sandwiches— from poolside Paleta but also loved the expansive Mexican breakfast buffet at Arbol. Our most memorable dinner was our last evening when we dined with our toes in the sand at Mezquite. While enjoying global dishes cooked over a live fire, we took in a stunning sunset and snapped more photos than I’ll ever know what to do with.
MORE STOPS ALONG THE WAY
Explore these nearby Nayarit surf towns, popular for their bohemian vibe and beautiful beaches.
Sayulita: A 30-minute drive from Punta de Mita, this spirited little stop offers cobblestone streets, bars and restaurants with live music and one-of-a-kind shops selling Mexican artisan products and chic beach fashions.
San Pancho: A little further up the coast is this charming town known for its chill, eco-conscious reputation. Grab an artisan pour-over coffee and stroll the picturesque streets taking in hip boutique hotels, quaint surf shops and fashion-forward retailers before relaxing on the beach with an agua de coco to watch surfers catch the powerful swell.
