There’s something about Mexico. Maybe it’s the sun, surf and perfect weather — 28C daily with a slight sea breeze — or maybe it’s the fish tacos and bottomless margaritas. But after only one day on the beach in Sayulita, all of my snow-bound Calgary troubles and kid-shuttling stress melted away like a bowl of helado on the beach.
Stress-free in Punta Mita.
It helped that we left the children in Canada; the better to shift gears and get into the groove of our palm-studded Shangri-La. I’ll be writing about Sayulita and Punta Mita, two beach resorts along the Riviera Nayarit (north of Puerto Vallarta), for an upcoming issue of up! magazine. Here are five snapshots of why you should get the heck outta Cowtown and make a beeline for paradise now.
1. The Sunsets
When was the last time you watched a sunset like this? (They are even better in person!)
Yes, Calgary sometimes has nice sunsets. But not dusks where the whole sky turns orange, pink, purple and finally fades to indigo atop an endless ocean horizon fringed with palm trees. Add in a margarita aguachile from the Four Seasons Punta Mita and you’ve got one heck of a sundowner!
2. The Surf
The break at Punta Mita, above, is awesome, and all levels of surfers flock to Sayulita for its consistent waves and cool vibe.
I am not a surfer, but I love watching surfers — and those that populate the beaches at Sayulita and Punta Mita know how to rip it! The waves aren’t too big either; they’re perfect for the rest of us to splash around in. There are other water sports galore — we went stand-up paddle boarding, sea kayaking, snorkelling, boom-netting and sailing (below). Blake even rented a surf board for an hour and caught three waves. Nice!
3. The Sailing
I highly recommend booking a day trip to the Marietas Islands.
We joined friends from Calgary on a catamaran trip to the Marietas Islands with Ally Cat Sailing Adventures. Though we motored out to the nature preserve in the morning, we sailed back to the marina in the afternoon. Getting out on the water with friends, dance tunes and Coronitas (mini Coronas) is a great way to spend the day.
4. The Swimming
A pool with a view. Those two white guys sat in there all morning. #gringosunburn
Who wouldn’t spend all day in the water in a swimming pool that looked this this? Granted, the infinity pool at the Four Seasons Punta Mita doesn’t have a swim-up bar, but still. Water tempts you everywhere along the Riviera Nayarit, what with the balmy weather, hypnotizing waves and shimmering infinity-pool perfection. The only downside is the constant reapplication of sunscreen.
5. The Sauce
A margarita at sunset.
It’s a matter of debate when in Sayulita and Punta Mita: quench your thirst with a beer, or with a margarita? Since the humid air is so fully loaded with moisture, drinking water is entirely out of the question. Can you guess which drink I ordered?
Drink - Play - Love 