San Blas in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico Offers Unique Cultural Experience Kelley Scarsbrook - O Canada
go to original January 8, 2014

Ruins of the Nuestra Señora del Rosario Temple. Photo: Kelley Scarsbrook

Nestled along the coast line of Riviera Nayarit, Mexico lies San Blas, a small but picturesque fishing town steeped in tradition. It’s where the heart and soul of Mexico resides, and where culture, beauty and way of life come together to welcome travellers from all over the world.

From the airport in Puerto Vallarta, there is bus provided twice a day to San Blas (early in the morning and early afternoon). It’s about a three-hour ride, but provides an opportunity for visitors to take in the beauty of the country side. We opted to take a rental car to the town, which allowed us to make stops along the way.

The charm and hospitality couldn’t be more evident than in the family-run Hotel Garza Canela, an iconic hotel that has stood the test of time. For the past 36 years, Betty Vasquez and her family have run the hotel, welcoming visitors both into their resort, and into their family.

Our family was welcomed with open arms when we arrived by Betty, her mother Dora, and her sisters, Josefina, Doris, Diana and brother Hector. Once inside, we met with the Hotel’s official greeter, Morusa, a 12-year old dachshund, who is also dubbed the princess of the manor. She takes her role quite seriously as she walks along with guests, waiting patiently for their attention and admiration.

What I was most looking forward to was the food at El Delfin, the restaurant located at the hotel. Betty studied at Le Cordon Bleu School in Paris and has also appeared on Iron Chef America in 2013, during the International Iron Chef Competition held in Toronto.

After a leisurely swim in the beautiful outdoor pool, the children were anxious to sit down for dinner. As every parent knows sometimes children can be picky eaters, however, I needn’t have worried, as the children were provided with fresh fish (caught that day) lightly battered with a homemade tartar sauce. My son asked for a second helping after he cleaned his plate.

During our stay, we were treated to such creations as Ceviche con curry (fresh fish marinated with curry and mint), sopes with oyster (little corn tortillas with oysters and pickled veggies) and chicken breast stuffed with shrimp with bell pepper mole with pineapple salad. The desserts were an absolute treat and included fresh ginger ice cream and flan with apple compote (apples fresh from the family’s own orchard).

One particular evening, I watched as Betty moved about her restaurant, hugging guests and welcoming them back. It is evident that the hotel has become a home away from home, where guests return year after year to be remembered and embraced.

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