With Journey Mexico’s main office and a majority of our staff living near Nayarit, we may be a bit biased about how much we love the Vallarta-Nayarit coast! In 2015, we reported a profusion of growth with new hotels, attractions, and flights and we’re happy to report that the momentum continues. Below are some highlights of the latest happening in Nayarit:
SUNNY SUMMERS
The local state tourism board has launched a summer campaign, “Sunny Summer”, to push summer travel to the coast. The campaign allows tourists to take advantage of the destination with special benefits such deep discounts on hotel stays, resort credits, complimentary tours, unlimited golf, and kids stay free promotions. Almost all the hotels in Riviera Nayarit are participating, including the Four Seasons, St. Regis, and Hotel W Punta Mita.
BEST BEACHES IN THE WORLD
There’s no doubt that some of the world’s most beautiful beaches can be found in Mexico, and among them are both Sayulita and Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach) at  Islas Marietas. Both were recognized this year as some the top beaches in the country and even the world by The Guardian, USA Today, and Travel + Leisure.
ISLA MARIETAS’ PLAYA ESCONDIDA CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
An icon of the Riviera Nayarit and following its recognition in the press, Playa Escondida located in Isla Marietas closed on April 21 for restoration and maintenance. This decision was made because of the high traffic to the area which started to cause a negative impact on the coral populations and the beach at Playa del Amor. In order to restore and protect the site, various measures are being taken such as beach and sea bed cleanup, coral reef restoration, and ongoing surveillance and monitoring. The site is closed temporarily while these efforts are taking place and is expected to possibly open later this year.
GREEN INCIATIVES – CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
The Riviera Nayarit is poised as a leader in sustainability and caring for their coastlines and environment. It recently obtained the first certification as a Clean Tourism Destination for Nuevo Vallarta and last year La Cruz de Huanacaxtle’s Marina Riviera Nayarit received the first Blue Flag Award ever given to a marina, among other environmental acknowledgments.
Part of these recognitions are thanks to  groups of volunteers that often gather along the coast of Nayarit to take part in an ongoing effort to cleanup the beaches, rivers, islands and ravines. The Riviera Nayarit Beach Cleanup Network started just two years ago and in that time have already collected 14,000 large trash bags filled with waste! The environmental and cultural project is supported by the local tourism board and they are always looking for volunteers, if interested.
W PUNTA MITA OPENS
The Starwood Hotels & Resorts, W Punta de Mita, officially opened this June, welcoming guests to their 120-villa luxury retreat. Joining other luxury brands Four Seasons and the St. Regis in Punta Mita, the W hotel is reflective with the brand’s chic, contemporary construction and caters to guests with a unique mix of cutting-edge ideas in fashion, music, entertainment, design, and technology. The W Punta Mita features their signature Whatever/Whenever service and W Signature Beds along with a 4,000sq ft spa, W lounge, WET outdoor pool deck, and restaurants.
BETTER FLIGHT CONNECTIVITY
Southwest Airlines announced their submission for a new international flight from Los Angeles to the PVR Airport to begin by the end of the year. Should the proposal be approved, the new nonstop flight will be daily and year round beginning in November 2016. The resounding success of the Denver, Houston, and Orange County flights inaugurated in 2015 are what prompted Southwest to continue to expand.
ONE&ONLY MANDARINA BREAKS GROUND
One&Only announced in April their plans for a new luxury resort, One&Only Mandarina in the Riviera Nayarit, and by May broke ground for development. The renowned hotel brand is projected to open their new Mexico location at the end of 2018 and represents an investment of $110 million USD. The One&Only Mandarina is expected to compete with the most luxurious hotels in the world, with 125 villas set in over 30 hectares. To read more details, click here.
READY TO VISITÂ RIVIERA NAYARIT?
If you’re interested in traveling to Nayarit, browse our sample itineraries below or  contact Journey Mexico today.
Blissful Escape to Punta Mita – Enjoy the ultimate romantic vacation on the Pacific Coast spending time in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, and Punta Mita.
Spend your days drenched in luxury, indulging in chocolate covered strawberries and special candlelight dinner perched on cliffsides, exploring romantic hidden coves, and relaxing at the beach.
Mexico’s Central Highlands and Pacific Coast – Discover some of Mexico’s most culturally rich states, including its capital, and immerse yourself in mariachi, folklore, colonial cities and tequila before heading to the beaches of Punta de Mita for some rest and relax time. After exploring Mexico City, Guanajuato, Guadalajara, and Tequila, you will end on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, where you can enjoy nights chasing down all the fun available in the area or simply taking in the vistas on the Riviera Nayarit.
