Riviera Nayarit Emerges as a Sustainable 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.

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.

Follow Us On Google News | Get Our Newsletter



Trending News on PVDN

  • puerto-vallarta-rainfall-hurricane-flossie-july-2025Puerto Vallarta braces for torrential rains as Hurricane Flossie gains strength Puerto Vallarta faces a high risk of flooding as Hurricane Flossie intensifies in the Pacific. Torrential rains and overwhelmed drainage systems pose major challenges for the city. Puerto Vallarta, a city wedged between the Sierra Madre mountains and the Pacific Ocean, is no stranger to dramatic weather shifts—but this summer, the skies are testing the…
  • raw-sewage-playa-los-muertos-puerto-vallartaMore Raw Sewage Dumping at Playa Los Muertos Appear to Come From Local Hotel Business owners in Puerto Vallarta are demanding action after raw sewage was discovered leaking onto Playa Los Muertos, raising public health and tourism concerns. A raw sewage leak at Playa Los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta has sparked outrage among local tourist service providers and business owners, who say the contamination is driving away visitors and…
  • hurricane-flossie-strengthens-july-1-2025Hurricane Flossie will bring tropical storm conditions to parts of Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco Hurricane Flossie intensifies off Mexico's Pacific coast with winds near 90 mph. Heavy rain, flooding, and tropical storm conditions expected in parts of Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco. Hurricane Flossie continued to intensify early Tuesday morning as it moved west-northwestward off the coast of southwestern Mexico, prompting tropical storm warnings and watches across multiple states.…
  • tropical-storm-flossie-hurricane-mexico-pacific-coastTropical Storm Flossie to Strengthen into Hurricane as It Tracks Along Mexico’s Pacific Coast Tropical Storm Flossie is expected to become a Category 2 hurricane by July 2 as it moves parallel to Mexico’s Pacific coast, bringing dangerous rainfall, wind, and surf. Tropical Storm Flossie is on the verge of forming from Tropical Depression Six-E and is forecast to strengthen rapidly into a hurricane as it parallels Mexico’s southwestern…
  • tropical-storm-flossie-strengthens-mexico-june-2025Tropical Storm Flossie Strengthens Off Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Could Become Hurricane by Tuesday Tropical Storm Flossie gains strength off southwestern Mexico, with hurricane status possible by Tuesday. Storm warnings issued from Punta San Telmo to Playa Perula. Tropical Storm Flossie continues to gain strength off Mexico’s Pacific coastline, prompting tropical storm warnings and watches across several southwestern states. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Flossie is expected…
  • oregon-murder-fugitive-extradited-puerto-vallartaFugitive Wanted for 2008 Oregon Homicide Captured in Puerto Vallarta and Extradited to U.S. Jesús Rodríguez Borrayo, a fugitive for 17 years, was extradited from Mexico to Oregon for his role in a 2008 drive-by shooting that left one dead. He was located in Puerto Vallarta. A man wanted for murder and other violent crimes in the United States for nearly two decades has been extradited after being found…
  • tropical-storm-flossie-mexico-coast-rain-surf-alertCabo Corrientes under tropical storm watch as Flossie expected to Bring Heavy Rain and Dangerous Surf to Southwestern Mexico Tropical Storm Flossie is forecast to strengthen and may impact Mexico's southwest coast from Zihuatanejo to Cabo Corrientes with heavy rain, flooding, and hazardous surf early this week. Tropical Storm Flossie is expected to deliver heavy rains, gusty winds, and dangerous surf conditions to Mexico’s southwestern coast in the coming days, prompting authorities to issue…
  • cabo-corrientes-warning-canceled-hurricane-flossieCabo Corrientes Spared as Hurricane Flossie Warning Lifted, But Pacific Coast Still at Risk Cabo Corrientes no longer under tropical storm watch as Hurricane Flossie nears Mexico's Pacific coast, with dangerous winds and heavy rains threatening Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco. The tropical storm watch for Cabo Corrientes was officially canceled Tuesday, offering a measure of relief for the scenic coastal town as Hurricane Flossie continues to churn off Mexico’s…
  • cancun-2025-sargassum-beaches-and-activitiesSargassum won’t ruin your Cancun vacation, there are plenty of clean beaches and tourist activities As the 2025 sargassum season continues through September, visitors to Cancun can still enjoy clear beaches like Playa Delfines and Playa Caracol. As the 2025 sargassum season intensifies across Quintana Roo, tourists are finding it more difficult to enjoy the region’s iconic white-sand beaches without encountering the unsightly brown seaweed. While the influx of sargassum…
  • cancun-beach-cleanup-sargassumMassive Beach Cleanup to Combat Sargassum in Cancun After a week of the Cancun’s tourism department denying sargassum existed and insisting media photos were fakes, over 600 public servants and volunteers joined the first simultaneous beach cleanup. In a bold step toward environmental preservation and tourism sustainability, Cancun's Municipal President Ana Paty Peralta led the city’s first simultaneous beach cleanup effort this week.…
Scroll to Top