After the first part of our trip in Riviera Nayarit, a small group of Macaroni Kid publishers headed to San Blas & Punta de Mita to continue our adventure...
San Blas
Las Islitas
About two hours north of Nuevo Vallarta sits the town of San Blas. San Blas is more of a small town than a tourist or resort area. Restaurant Garza Blanca, an open-air eatery at Las Islas, served up delicious shrimp and smoked red snapper. We spent some time on the gorgeous beach and I reminded myself (ok, I reminded my friends, too) to stop and take in the surroundings and enjoy the moment. Frolicking in the waves... on a beach in Mexico...surrounded by blue skies and mountains isn't something you get to do every day!
We were also able to take in a little Mexican history as we visited La Contaduría, the ruins of an old Spanish fort and get a birds-eye view of San Blas from the mountain.
Hotel Garza Canela
Hotel Garza Canela, a 100% Mexican owned hotel in San Blas, is named after a small cinnamon colored heron. This charming family owned & operated hotel is quiet and relaxing. I can imagine my kids leisurely splashing around in the pool, playing in the playground or eating lunch in the courtyard.
El Delfin
Hotel Garza Canela's restaurant, El Delfin, is headed by Chef Betty Vazquez of Master Chef Mexico. The cuisine, plated by Betty's sisters, Diana and Doris, and their kitchen team, was outstanding. Betty's food is art: delicious and lovely. The ceviche with crisp apple chips was a standout. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
La Tovara National Park
Birds and turtles and crocodiles, oh my! I am a nature lover at heart, so the visit to La Tovara National Park was definitely a highlight of this trip. We set out just after dawn and took a boat ride along the national park's canals and marshes. My youngest loves "crocodile babies" so I was really excited when we saw a group of tiny baby crocodiles. Where there are crocodile babies, mama is nearby! We spotted more crocodiles, turtles, fish, herons and other birds as we drifted through the mangrove tunnels and past the floating wooden houses that were built for the set of the Mexican film “Cabeza de Vaca” We were able to get up close and personal with the crocs at Kiekari Crocodile Preserve after the boat ride.
Punta de Mita
W Punta de Mita
The W Punta de Mita is located in the luxury resort community of Los Veneros. Intricate carvings featuring sugar skulls and the phrase, "Vamos a la playa" (Let's go to the beach) greet you as you enter the amazingly decorated world of the W Punta de Mita. The walkway from the lobby is lined with thousands of carefully placed tile squares which are all part of the magnificent deck overlooking the pool and the ocean. The rooms are colorful & funky with mash-up images like Pancho Villa playing an electric guitar and Frida Kahlo with a skateboard. The vibe is young, fun and very posh.
During our visit we had a chance to experience some of the W's amazing restaurants.
- Chevycheria - At Chevy cheris a 1950's Chevy truck is transformed into a beachfront bar. The signature coconut drink and fresh ceviche were calling my name and the atmosphere was like something out of a 50's beach movie.
- Spice Market - Southeast Asian cuisine is served up family style in this trendy club-like restaurant. This is definitely one to save for an evening without the kids.
- Venazú - A bright cheery restaurant featuring Huichol decor. The breakfast buffet was fabulous with made to order omelets, fresh fruits, smoked salmon, a oatmeal bar with tons of toppings-- I'm sure my kids would go nuts for that-- and more options than anyone could eat in one sitting.
Although San Blas and Punta Mita were very different and distinct experiences, I am so happy to have been able to visit both and they were enriching additions to my stay in Riviera Nayarit. I hope to return with my family to do even more exploring.
Riviera Nayarit CVB hosted Macaroni Kid publishers for a two-day press trip. Accommodations and most meals and activities were complimentary. No other compensation was received in consideration of this article and all opinions are that of the writer.
