This past Valentine’s Day has left us in a haze of love, thanks to all the couples who walked along the beach hand in hand, camped under the stars, enjoyed an adventure tour together or simply gazed at one of our unforgettable sunsets.
There’s no getting around the fact, though, that love has plenty of legends here in Vallarta-Nayarit, like the sad story of the Loca at the San Blas pier, or the famous love story of Elizabeth Taylor in Puerto Vallarta. Here are some ideas on creating your own love story around the Bay of Banderas.
10.- The Playa del Beso in Los Ayala
Its actual name is Friederas, but many know it as the Playa del Beso, or the Kissing Beach. It’s a hidden beach, gorgeous and very private. You arrive by skiff or walking with your loved one down a mountain path parallel to the shoreline. Actually, right where the waves break there’s a cave you can access (with care) and find another secret romantic niche.
9.- Bucerías’ Kissing Lane
This narrow lane in the heart of Bucerías has painted murals and an arch with that reads Paseo del Beso—but it wasn’t like that 20 years ago, when it was a simple walkway between the downtown area and the residential zone, perfect for stolen kisses. That’s how it got its name and now it’s a must-see for couples in love.
8.- Sunset cruises around the Bay
The sunsets in Vallarta-Nayarit are among the most beautiful in the world, which is why one of the most romantic activities is taking a cruise around the bay, with a glass of wine in one hand and a chocolate-covered strawberry in the other, watching the sky awash with color as the sun goes down.
7.- Luxury beach weddings
A beach wedding is the dream of just about every couple, and nearly every hotel in the the area offers their own version of the ideal ceremony. There’s no doubt you’ll find the perfect place to say “I do” in style.
6.- Photo sessions at La Escollera in Nuevo Vallarta
One of the most gorgeous backgrounds for a romantic photo session, whether it’s for a wedding, just to celebrate your coupledom or for your honeymoon, La Escollera at the Marina Nuevo Vallarta is it. It has been a favorite of couples seeking to capture their love on camera for years.
5.- Unforgettable honeymoons
As with weddings, the options for an unforgettable honeymoon in one of the area hotels are plentiful. The best part is the hotels themselves put together amazing “honeymoon packages” such as the Harmony offer by the Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta. Inspired by Colin Cowie, this one includes world-class amenities fit for rock royalty.
4.- Relaxing couples’ massages
Another topic with multiple options is the couples’ massage, as there are dozens of high-end spas in the area, each one with its own unique service.
3.- Playa del Amor tours at the Islas Marietas Tour
There are many stories swirling around the Islas Marietas, one of them about a forbidden love, but today it doesn’t matter much whether your love is forbidden or approved: any couple can tour the Playa del Amor, swimming together through the cave to access it. You can also paddleboard to the outer islands or dive underwater to see the colorful fish and coral reefs.
2.- Romantic moonlight dinners
There are dozens of spots along the coast that are perfect for a private couples’ dinner, so it’s a little hard to pick just one place. However, La Roca at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is a knockout. This natural attraction is made even better when they set up a private dinner by the water’s edge, with a view of the sunset while the stars wait their turn to shine.
1.- Proposals by the sea
In closing and, again, somewhat difficult to choose, we have the endless options for a beachfront marriage proposal. In this case, we let ourselves be influenced by a celebrity, Christina Aguilera, who received her engagement ring at Imanta’s Observatory, the only place in the destination where you can request complete and utter privacy for this special moment. By the way, it also has a small Jacuzzi available as well as other amenities, should they be required.
Originally published by Riviera Nayarit Tourism Board Edited by PVDN.
