The Mexican Destination Perfect for Travel After the Pandemic

Challenging some of the most popular towns like Cancun, Sayulita is fast emerging as the trendiest place in Mexico. The laid-back atmosphere and abundance of surfing beaches have made this a place Americans enjoy exploring in winter. Sayulita has a number of new hotels close by and excellent boutique shops too. This is one place to visit before it gets too popular!

Situated in the northern tip of the Bay of Banderas, Punta Mita is a center of historical significance for the Huichol people. You can see off the colder months at the Spring Festival, which can trace its roots back to ancient times, and stay at some of the luxury resorts in the area. This is a great spot for fine dining and celeb spotting, as you might see a Kardashian in the wild here.

San Blas has a little bit of everything on offer. Portside you can find remnants of Spanish forts and other colonial buildings, with tourists also coming for the excellent restaurants. La Tovara National Park is close by, and includes a vast mangrove forest with an abundance of wildlife.

This small resort in the state of Nayarit has some of the best beaches on the Riviera. It’s not as well known, or even as developed, as some of the other places on our guide, but is worth seeking out if you want a relaxing trip away from crowds. The quaint hotels and small shops all add to the charm of Rincón de Guayabitos.

We go back to the Bay of Banderas for our final tip, but the Marietas Islands are unlike anywhere else. Regular boat tours will take you out to this wildlife sanctuary where diving and snorkeling are incredibly rewarding experiences. If you ask the right people, you might even end up on the Playa del Amor – better known as the fabled Hidden Beach.

Focusing on superior experiences and fine luxury, this spectacular hotel has 325 rooms in an exclusive community setting. Various dining options promise a series of culinary adventures from intimate dinners to lunch on the seafront terraces. Be sure to check out the wellness experiences on offer as well, most of which incorporate elements of the surrounding outdoor areas.

Woven into the coastal rainforest of Nayarit, One&Only Mandarina is a new resort that has a limited number of villas and private homes on offer. Mandarina is emerging as a popular destination itself, and if you’re looking for adventure experiences this is the place to head to.

A great option for a family getaway, the first thing that will strike you about the Dreams resort here is the lush greenery of the surrounding area. This resort serves as a great all-rounder, with a number of options if you’re traveling alone, on a romantic getaway as a couple of just relaxing with your family.

Convenience and luxury combine at this Secrets resort which is found within walking distance of el Malecón boardwalk. You’ll be centrally located in a popular beach area, but also able to escape crowds in a safe and secure hotel which has unlimited activities running throughout the day. We recommend this one for the ultimate stress-free stay in the area.

Close to the Marietas Islands, St Regis Punta Mita is an unashamedly luxury option with an outstanding reputation for pampering its guests. There’s plenty to discover nearby, but you’ll struggle to drag yourself away from the resort which has professional level golf courses and phenomenal spa options.

Punta Mita draws in the intrepid traveler, thanks to its sandy beaches and quiet reputation as a fishing village. It’s also where you’ll find great accommodation options, including this Four Seasons hotel. Here you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best snorkeling, swimming and diving opportunities off the Pacific coast.