Riviera Nayarit, Mexico’s new vacation paradise!

Note: As part of ConnectHerMedia, I was invited to visit Riviera Nayarit and hosted by the Vistors and Convention Bureau, but all opinions are my own.

Riviera Nayarit :: Truly Paradise

If you enjoy traveling and visiting exotic lands you are going to love Riviera Nayarit as much as I do! Last month I had a chance to join a group of bloggers on a media trip to Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.

There’s so much to love about Riviera Nayarit. Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Western Sierra Madre Mountains this beautiful area awaits your visit! Riviera Nayarit, Mexico’s fabulous new vacation paradise!

Nayarit is a tropical wonder whose Pacific coastline stretches for almost 200 miles. Nayarit’s southern border unfolds just 10 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. Its northern border unfolds just 40 minutes west of the Tepic International Airport.

Marival All-Inclusive Resorts

We arrived from Los Angeles in about four hours and were greeted by Trafic Tours who took us to our resort. Let me tell you the Marival Resorts is where it is at when planning your next vacation! TIP: Ask your hotel to arrange pick-up from the airport. Be ready to have like 100 drivers want to take you to your destination! My recommendation is to make a beeline to the company or hotel assigned to pick you up. They will be holding a sign with either your name or hotel written on it.

Here are some places to stay and activities I would recommend to anyone looking to visit Riviera Nayarit.

Marival Resorts

Marival Resorts consist of three all-inclusive resorts: Marival Distinct Luxury Residences, Marival Armony Luxury Resort & Suites and Marival Emotions Resort & Suites. They offer activities, events and comfort for the entire family. Our group stayed at the Marival Distinct Luxury Residences which is a 4-diamond award-winning resort with a “Home Feeling”.

Upon arrival to the Marival Distinct, we were ushered back into the lounge, given warm hand-towels to wash our hands and handed a drink while they checked us in. I felt a bit like royalty and it was complete and utter luxury to be taken care of after the flight. Though our flight wasn’t too long, many people come from all over the world and the folks at Marival Distinct are waiting to take care of you.

They offer many options for couples, families, girls weekend away, etc. From villas, penthouses; some with private pools to spacious residences, the accommodations are luxurious and comfortable.

I shared a 1450 square foot residence that was as large as my town-home! The kitchen is stocked with utensils, plates, cups, coffee maker and beer and water in the refrigerator. Everything you need is available in the rooms and if you need anything they will bring it up immediately. Every night they turn down the beds for you and leave little sweets on your nightstand.

With two bedrooms, a pull-out sofa, a large family would be very comfortable there.

The bathrooms were quite luxurious and I’d love to duplicate that at my house! They put so much attention to details. Anytime we needed anything they were right there to help us out. TIP: Make sure to go to the bank before you leave and get dollar bills you can hand out as tips. Rule of Thumb tends to be $3-$5 per bag.

The cuisine offered at Marval Distinct is quite spectacular. From the Sky Lounge to the five a la carte gourmet restaurant, they cater to every palate.

During your stay be sure to have a drink from The Sky Lounge. The views are amazing and the food divine.

Vallarta Adventures

On our second day we took a real adventure driving RZR 4×4’s through the jungle. This is a great activity to do with older kids as it can get pretty bumpy. Imagine Disneyland’s ride “Radiator Springs Racers” times 1,000! But don’t worry, it is all very safe. I asked the tour guide if anyone had flipped the cars and he said they only ones who have are folks who tried to flip them.

I was game to drive and two pals trusted me enough to come along for the ride. We had an absolute blast and laughed the entire ride. I know my twelve year old would have loved this part of the trip and probably would have insisted on driving but only those with actual driving licenses (be sure to bring yours to show the guides) are allowed to drive.

Before we got in the vehicles we are given instructions, hard hats and an outline of where and what we were doing. It really was one of the best activities we did from our trip and I would really recommend checking these guys out as they really take care of you. The tour guides are really helpful and one even had his grandmother make us homemade vegetarian burritos which we all enjoyed during a break up on the hilltop. TIP: Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty (as in nothing white) and always wear the goggles.

Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico

After our jungle ride, we headed over to the quaint town of Sayulita. Sayulita is a village on Mexico’s Pacific coast backed by the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. It is a shoppers haven! Throughout the stores and local vendors will see gorgeous items made and sold by the locals.

There are a ton of photo opportunities took some photo’s along the main street and be sure to hop into a local pub to grab a drink. TIP: Their Michelada’s are amazing. Made of Mexican beer, lime juice, assorted sauces and spices, tomato juice and chili peppers, this is a must if you visit Mexico!

And be sure to pick up some of the local art. I love buying art from places I visit. It is a nice reminder of your adventures when you hang it back home.

Rent a Yacht

Vallarta Adventures then took us to La Cruz de Juanacaxtle where we jumped onto a yacht at the Marina Riviera Nayarit. This was perhaps the best part of the day and one I won’t soon forget. You are greeted by a rather entertaining crew who is ready to make sure everyone has a great time.

You have the option to enjoy sitting on a large raft, hang out on the boat, or go snorkeling or paddle boarding.

They took us out near some reefs so we could enjoy these activities free of other boats.

Around lunchtime, the crew prepared some bento boxes filled with delicious food. TIP: If you are prone to motion sickness be sure to bring some medicine just in case and lots of sunscreen.

It was a wonderful way to spend the day in Mexico and highly recommended you spend one day out of your vacation enjoying the sea.

Traveler’s Tips:

Bring loose-fitting outfits – preferably made of cotton. It gets humid there during the summer and you want clothes that will help keep you cool.

Bring some cash – I went to the bank ahead of time and got about 100 dollars in ones and fives to tip when it was appropriate. The bell hop, travel guides, etc., are more than happy to receive American dollars.

Bring mosquito repellent, motion sickness medicine, Aloe Vera in case you get too much sun, good sunscreen, and I highly recommend you ask your general doctor to prescribe travelers medicine (in case the food or water doesn’t sit well). I took a 1/3 of a tablet each day just to be on the safe side and didn’t have any issues. I don’t worry about the hotels so much as you will be out and about traveling into towns, etc., and it’s just best to play it safe.

To learn more about Marival Resorts go here

Stay tuned for PART TWO of Riviera Nayarit, Mexico’s fabulous new vacation paradise!

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