Music

‘Mexico’s Pacific Treasure’ lives up to its name

March 1, 2013

By Kathryn Kates

The Riviera Nayarit known as “Mexico’s Pacific Treasure” surely lives up to its nickname. Just 10 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, the breathtaking Riviera Nayarit lies between the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Western Sierra Madre Mountains.

Riviera Nayarit boasts of lush mountains, inviting sandy beaches and pristine waters with sunshine 90 per cent of the year – perfect for golfers who can play one of their many first-class courses.

It’s not just tourists who migrate to the Riviera Nayarit’s spectacular Banderas Bay. Humpback whales come every winter to give birth. Catch this natural occurrence with a Whale Photo Safari from Vallarta Adventures. The company uses inflatable, high-speed boats that are comfy for the passengers and safe for the whales. Vallarta Adventures has a light aircraft to find whales and radio their location to the boats. Then guides and guests share in the fun of spotting these beautiful sea creatures.

Vallarta Adventures offers a plethora of nature-inspired activities from its marinas in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta, including scuba diving, swimming with dolphins, luxury sailing and sea safari (speed-boating), horseback riding, snorkelling, swimming and kayaking.

The Riviera Nayarit’s quaint seaside towns burst with cultural and are rich in history. Must-see places include the Marina La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, where some rather large yachts decorate the scenery, and the tiny fishing village of Bucerias close to the many resorts of Nuevo Vallarta. Affordable souvenirs are on offer in the small shops dotting the cobblestone streets.

Sayulita is a bohemian art colony that is internationally known for its amazing surfing. Art galleries and handicraft and jewelry stores are plentiful. Mexico’s Huichol Indians display their colourful art in the town’s plaza. Galeria Tanana makes it easy to bring home a taste by retailing Huichol art and jewelry. Money from sales raises funds for the non-profit Huichol Center for Cultural Survival and Traditional Arts.

This vacation paradise offers a variety of accommodations, including many all-inclusive resort options. Riviera Nayarit’s only all-inclusive AAA Five-Diamond property is the Mexican-owned Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. The ultra-luxurious resort has 267 modern, spacious ocean-view suites with high-end amenities, a spa to die for; a beach that beckons you; a three-level infinity pool with varying temperatures; a kids club; a fitness area and an amphitheatre. There is also nightly entertainment. The service is in a class of its own. The resort’s staff makes you feel as if you are the only one who matters – something we should all have the pleasure of experiencing at least once in our lifetime, if we’re so lucky.

Forbes magazine calls the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit one of the 10 Coolest All-Inclusive Resorts and that by no means is an exaggeration.

The Grand Palladium is an expansive, all-inclusive rustic resort nestled in hilly terrain, with many of the suites overlooking one of the most amazing ocean views one can imagine. The resort is popular with families and has its own zoo, kids club and, for mom and dad, a brand-new spa. Adjoining the Grand Palladium is the Royal Suites, a couples-only resort that offers its guest the quiet charm and access to all the goings-on at the Grand Palladium.

Hip and friendly is the best way to describe the new all-inclusive AAA Four-Diamond, Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta. Catering to “cool cats” of all ages with a relaxed atmosphere and softer music than their sister properties, Vegas and Punta Cana, think of Riviera Nayarit’s version as “hard rock light.”

This super-chic hotel, decked out in rockin’ memorabilia, has 348 stylish guestrooms, a British-influenced lounge with a pool table, two pools, a kids club, a fitness centre with equipment galore, and the Rock Spa, where guests can enjoy esthetic and salon services, including The One massage – four massage techniques rolled into one relaxing 80-minute treatment.

It’s a lively place with lots of activities around the pool and great entertainment that takes you into the night.

Kosher meals from Mexico City are available with advance booking at an extra cost. For those interested in getting married at the resort, a rabbi can be booked through the Hard Rock Hotel.

The Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta offers its guests free Wi-Fi throughout the property and complimentary long distance throughout Mexico, the continental United States and Canada – so gloating about the great weather to folks freezing back at home costs nothing.

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