This Stunning Coastal Destination in Mexico Is the Perfect Romantic Getaway, According to a Top Travel Advisor

The western coast of Mexico — specifically Riviera Nayarit, a nearly 200-mile stretch of coastline — is known for its charming fishing villages, lush jungle, and friendly locals. Add in the area’s wide range of accommodations, activities, and natural wonders, and you’ve got the perfect romantic getaway. As a travel advisor who has been planning trips to Mexico for more than two decades, this is exactly what I recommend couples do in this part of the world. 

Explore the pueblos.

Meander around the small coastal pueblos, or towns, and allow time for spontaneous discovery. The once-sleepy town of Sayulita is now a buzzing, bohemian, surf destination whose cobbled streets are filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops. 

San Pancho, about a 15-minute drive north, offers a more laid-back vibe. Browse curated boutiques selling handcrafted art and clothing, then join locals on the beach to watch the sunset. In nearby El Anclote (Punta de Mita village), the restaurants are exceptional; I love La Rústica for wood-oven pizzas and pastas, Mina for fresh seafood, and Naef for the best ice cream in the region. The fishing village of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle has a great Sunday farmers market, open from November through April, located in the harbor, while Bucerías is an excellent spot for those seeking a family beach adventure. 

I also recommend exploring the Careyes community in Jalisco. Head to Playa Rosa for lunch or dinner and learn about the captivating history surrounding this enclave known for its arts and wildlife. Go for a sunset drink at Capacha Center lodge in Arroyo Seco, and in La Manzanilla or Barra de Navidad, you can get a sense of what life is like in a remote ranching and fishing village.  

Get out on the water. 

While in the Riviera Nayarit, renting a yacht for the day is a must. My team and I love arranging a dream experience for our guests, whether that’s hopping around beaches you can access by boat only, heading to favorite snorkel spots, or stopping for a scenic oceanfront lunch. If you’re visiting during the winer, keep an eye out for breaching humpback whales on their annual migration to the bay. Other animal sightings that are possible all year long include manta rays, dolphins, turtles, and various marine birds. Fishing gear is permitted while on a boat, and if there’s a catch, you can even have the chance to make fresh ceviche right on board.

Book an exclusive experience. 

When you travel to this part of Mexico, you can have a private dinner on the beach with a surprise serenade from a Mexican bolero trio, which specializes in a genre of music that originated in eastern Cuba; enjoy a tequila tasting in a hidden cave at Las Rosadas hotel; or get a table in the sand at local restaurants that don’t take reservations. And don’t miss the temazcal ceremony — a Mesoamerican sweat lodge ritual that purifies the mind and body with herbal steam — at One&Only Mandarina’s spa set in a volcanic rock garden.

Stay at a spectacular hotel.

The hotels here are just as magical as their surrounding environments, whether you’re looking for splendor or being just steps away from the ocean.

• On a recent trip to celebrate my wife’s 50th birthday, we loved Susurros del Corazón’s surfy vibe and proximity to amazing beaches, like Playa La Lancha.
• Imanta is ideal for romantic getaways. Ensconced in tropical nature, it’s one of the few remaining independently operated luxury boutique hotels in the area.
• At Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, the creative room design, which features indoor-outdoor living areas and private plunge pools, gives an elevated tree house feel in total and utter luxury. 
• Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo’s stark and bold architecture, along with its low-density blueprint, sets it apart from the other resorts on this list.
• The beach bungalow at Las Rosadas is steps away from the sparkling ocean, surrounded by a grove of palm trees. 

Enjoy your time in nature.  

Enjoying time together in nature’s grandeur can be as active or relaxing as you like. Explore Imanta’s lush jungle trails and pause for a picnic; share a sunset ritual at the swim-up bar in Susurros’ adults-only pool; go horseback riding on the sand with One&Only’s equestrian center; or whizz through dirt trails on an ATV adventure to Sayulita. 

Outside of hotel offerings, there’s an endless array of water sports to experience, including surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Plus, there are some great hikes, like reaching the top of Cerro del Mono mountain near Punta de Mita. A personal favorite activity of mine is taking part in sea turtle release programs at properties along the coast from June to September.  

Zachary Rabinor is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in Mexico trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Rabinor by contacting him at info@journeymexico.com.