Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, two neighbouring regions along Mexico’s Pacific Coast, are proving to be the Latin American hotspots of choice for international A-listers.
When the twin destinations offer year-round sun, fine white-sand beaches, cool Pacific surf, dolphins, tacos, tequila and sombreros, it’s easy to see why the rich and famous flock here year after year.
Mexico’s Pacific Coast has attracted Hollywood stars since the early 60s when Ava Gardner and Richard Burton filmed the iconic film “Night of the Iguana” in Puerto Vallarta. Burton’s love affair with Elizabeth Taylor soon emerged shortly after, and she joined the actors not to be parted with her lover. The couple both fell head over heels for the destination and considered it their second home, often revisiting the region during their later years.
Since then, many other multi-talented artists have been struck with the love bug for Banderas Bay:
· Rihanna
· Gwyneth Paltrow
· Ashton Kutcher
· Orlando Bloom
· Lady Gaga
Even the Kardashian clan has fallen in love with the coast as they repeatedly stay in Punta Mita, the favourite celebrity enclave with a beachfront village situated near Riviera Nayarit’s Banderas Bay.
Punta Mita is home to the Four Seasons Punta Mita, St. Regis Punta Mita and the adolescent W hotel Punta de Mita resort. Anti-gravity yoga, tequila tours, private butler services and a Huichol art-inspired WET Deck are just a small sample of their luxurious offerings. Fans of these hotels include Kate Hudson, Matt Bellamy, James Marsden and Kirsten Dunst.
Grease star, John Travolta chose to stay at Olas Atlas Suites in Puerto Vallarta (his favourite place for coffee), yet returned to Punta Mita in Riviera Nayarit to avoid the chasing paps, whilst talented beauty Eva Longoria stayed at Garza Blanca resort when she was last in the Puerto Vallarta neighbourhood for some holistic rejuvenation.
But Mexico’s Pacific Coast isn’t all about the glitz and glam. Its tiny fishing villages, sleepy surf towns, “finger-lickin’ good’” local food, tropical jungles and native wildlife make it a must-visit destination for more than the well-to-do.
