Experience Riviera Nayarit Mexico

From the moment we arrived at Riviera Nayarit, we knew we were in a special place. Through the window of the plane, we didn’t expect the beauty of the lush green tree topped mountains tucked up against a vast blue ocean. My son and I were so excited as the plane’s descent meant we were that much closer to an adventure of a lifetime.

We were invited to experience the west coast of Mexico with a group of Gen Z teenagers and their guardians. During the trip, we were to experience the beauty of Riviera Nayarit and the surrounding areas and we couldn’t be more excited.

Once the plane landed weaved through the crowded airport to find our designated tour guides awaiting our arrival with smiling faces and much appreciate beverages. As we approached the Riviera Nayarit resort, we eagerly caught a glimpse of where we would call home for the next 5 days. As we stepped outside, there were welcoming staff buzzing around to assist us with our luggage while spoiling us with beverages, cool towels and welcome bags with treats inside. We were in awe of the gorgeous opened lobby area that revealed a peak of the many pools that seemed to bleed into the ocean front.

Opening the door to our room was like entering a spa. The room was beautifully decorated with natural earth tones, white spreads with white robes and slippers. There were white sheer curtains that barely contained the beautiful view from our balcony. From the 10th floor we were able to see the many pools and the beautiful ocean front that was partially surrounded by the mountains on both sides in the distance. I can honestly say this was the most beautiful view I have ever seen from a room. We did not want to leave in that moment, but knew we had an adventure awaiting us. 

We joined our GenZ group and we were taken to our first excursion at Fiesta En El Rancho for a fiesta and rodeo. The place was bursting with beautiful colors, music, and the smell of authentic cuisine. There was an energy that surrounded us that was welcoming and inviting and our group could not wait to experience it all! Mechanical bull rides, donkey riding relays, a horse show, dance contests, delicious Mexican buffet, and a band full of dancers and singers were just a sample of what filled the air of the Fiesta En El Rancho! Watching our kids laughing and participating in the many events was priceless! The night was incredible and just when you thought it couldn’t get much better, the sky was lit with a firework show that mimicked our 4th of July!

The morning breakfast buffet contained anything you could imagine for breakfast and then some. The display of the many homemade items was well thought out and the view of the pools which included an infinity pool that stretched out toward the beach, making you feel like you were on the ocean, but with the amenities of the resort. Yoga and Zumba classes could be heard in the distance for those who were willing to participate.

Our group returned to Fiesta En El Rancho for a fun filled day of “ATVing” and zip lining.  The ATV trail brought us through winding trails along fields of farm land and the local town. While exploring, we were able to grab a glimpse of the beach that ran adjacent to the trail. After an amazing lunch, we road to the local mountain for our zip line excursion. The view was breathtaking as you were able to see the beach in the distance in between the mountains.

The group returned to Riviera Nayarit Resort for an amazing dinner and view of the soft lights which illuminated the pools and beach. Music and bands filled the air of the resort each night and any type of beverage was always being offered by the friendly staff.

The following day, the group enjoyed a quick breakfast at the resort and later arrived at the Punta Mita Expeditions to board the tour boat for a day of whale watching, paddle boarding and exploring a small island while the parents were able to relax and enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view. Along the ride, it was as if the whales knew we were there and decided to perform for our group as they surfaced numerous times to reveal their magical show. 

The final full day included a day full of surfing, site seeing, shopping and restaurants. The kids were thrilled to receive instruction on how to surf. They couldn’t wait to show what they learned in the ocean as instructors guided them as they rode the waves into the shore.

As we prepared for our plane ride back to the states, we did not want the adventure to end. The time spent in Riviera Nayarit was the best trip we had ever been on with top notch hospitality. I highly recommend this trip for all ages. My son and I will remember this beautiful place forever and hope we can come back and bring the rest of our family! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this trip and to experience Riviera Nayarit, Mexico!

By Ryan and Karen Paynter

About Ryan:

Ryan is a young actor who has been acting since elementary school when he first auditioned for community theatre. He was later asked to film a pilot and immediately fell in love with film. As he transitioned into film, he was able to portray many characters that enabled him to be a part of a story which dealt with some serious subject matter. Some of the roles included such topics as bullying, discrimination, teen pregnancy, child trafficking, drug/alcohol abuse, and domestic violence. He loved the fact that he could be a part of topics which could touch so many people and be able to do what he loved at the same time. Acting is Ryan’s passion and he hopes to continue to educate, influence, and tell people’s stories along the way. Visit Ryan here.

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