Puerto Vallarta – For decades, the rocky beaches of the Riviera Nayarit, located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, remained overshadowed by their sandy counterparts further south in the bustling tourist hub of Puerto Vallarta. However, recent developments are turning the tide, establishing Riviera Nayarit as a thriving luxury travel destination that pioneers a unique model of sustainable development.
Stretching 200 miles along the Pacific coastline, from the historic port of San Blas to the meeting point of the Rio Ameca and Banderas Bay at Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit has begun to attract renowned names in the hospitality industry, including Auberge, One & Only, and the Four Seasons. The region boasts picturesque Mexican towns, lush jungles, and easy accessibility from the United States’ West Coast, Texas, and the Mountain West.
One key attraction of Riviera Nayarit is its favorable climate, which offers milder and less humid conditions compared to the Caribbean side of Mexico, along with calmer waters suitable for swimming and water activities.
What sets this destination apart is the move towards low-density tourism, particularly among high-end resorts. In 2022, Auberge’s Susurros del Corazón property opened in Punta de Mita, featuring only 59 rooms and suites and 30 villas, offering an intimate and friendly atmosphere. Similarly, Naviva, an adult-only property by the Four Seasons, focuses on seclusion with free-standing tented rooms and scaled-down amenities in a natural setting.
The One & Only Mandarina, situated an hour north of Punta de Mita, offers 105 free-standing villas and treehouses, enveloped by the jungle, providing a sense of tranquility and privacy.
These properties represent just the beginning, as upcoming openings include Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, Montage, and Belmond, all contributing to the region’s growth while emphasizing sustainable development.
Juan Enrique Suarez del Real Tostado, Nayarit’s Minister of Tourism, emphasizes the importance of responsible growth, avoiding unsustainable structures. The aim is to maintain control, establish rules, and provide comprehensive training to preserve the community and the destination.
South of Riviera Nayarit, the Costalegre shoreline follows an even more limited development model, with untouched beaches becoming exclusive travel destinations. The Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, which opened in November 2022, sets an example by preserving 98% of its 3,000-acre nature preserve.
Throughout the region, the focus is on minimizing environmental impact and giving back to the community. Naviva generates its energy from solar panels and produces fresh water from the air using solar collectors. In terms of cuisine, Susurros del Corazón serves dishes rooted in the region’s Indigenous Huichol cuisine, sourced from local fishermen and the on-property garden.
Additionally, both Susurros del Corazón and Naviva offer a less formal model of luxury hospitality, fostering a friendly and personalized experience for guests.
These hotels aim to redefine the concept of a five-star property in Mexico, emphasizing cultural immersion and culinary exploration. They encourage guests to explore the region’s Indigenous culture and unique flavors, going beyond the typical offerings of margaritas and guacamole.
Riviera Nayarit’s stunning landscape, similar to Bali’s, features lush jungles, rocky beaches perfect for surfing, and a diverse range of wildlife. The region’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty is evident in its protected areas, hiking trails, and sustainable practices.
Whale-watching is a popular activity in the Bay of Banderas, where humpback whales and dolphins are abundant during the winter months. The Islas Marietas marine preserve offers world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities, showcasing remarkable rock formations and diverse seabird colonies.
Unlike some other Mexican tourist destinations, Riviera Nayarit maintains its authenticity, with charming towns like Sayulita, known as the surfing capital of the region. Sayulita’s status as a “pueblo magico” adds to its allure, and upcoming developments like Belmond’s Milaroca promise to enhance the area’s charm.
While accessibility through Puerto Vallarta remains convenient, Riviera Nayarit anticipates an upgraded airport in Tepic, Riviera Nayarit Airport, to receive international flights in the near future. This improved infrastructure will further boost the region’s appeal to travelers.
Riviera Nayarit’s approach to sustainable development, cultural preservation, and responsible tourism signifies a delicate balance between growth and community well-being, setting it apart as a unique and evolving luxury travel destination on Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Puerto Vallarta - For decades, the rocky beaches of the Riviera Nayarit, located on Mexico's Pacific coast, remained overshadowed by their sandy counterparts further south in the bustling tourist hub of Puerto Vallarta. However, recent developments are turning the tide, establishing Riviera Nayarit as a thriving luxury travel destination that pioneers a unique model of sustainable development.
