Adventure & Romance on a Magical Riviera Nayarit Honeymoon Gloria Romano-Barrera & Josue M. Barrera - Latina Style
go to original November 10, 2012

As far as honeymoon destinations go, Riviera Nayarit in Mexico has the fundamentals covered; spectacular ocean vistas, romantic resorts, beautiful appointed accommodations, extraordinary cuisine, and plenty of fun activities. A quick look beyond the expected and one can quickly realize the adventure, luxury, and the romance offered on the Riviera Nayarit.

Spanning 192 miles from the northern end of Banderas Bay, past historic San Blas, up to Playa Novilleros, Riviera Nayarit offers a broad spectrum of prospects for a getaway that will challenge the senses.

Enjoy a diverse landscape ranging from championship golf courses, deep cliffs and curving coast lines, scenic mountains, to dense jungle vegetation.

Smell and taste the fresh seafood and exotic fruit, such as the jacka fruit.

Experience adventures that will test your will, bravery, and your sea legs.

Relax on an ocean-side bed with the breeze rolling over your skin.

And, during the right time of the year, sit in the Jacuzzi on your hotel-room balcony and watch the migrating whales swim by.

Experiencing an Outdoor Adventure of Vallarta Adventures. Together after a rappel descent. Photo courtesy of Vallarta Adventures

Adventure

If looking for adventure, a great way to start is at the Tovara National Park with a sunrise motor boat ride through the intertwined roots of the mangrove-lined, crocodile-inhabited, salt-water canals in San Blas. The anticipation of seeing a crocodile swim beside the canoe may be a bit too frightening. Instead, it might help to focus on the vivid colors of the unique native and migratory birds to calm the experience. It’s a bonus when the guide can identify the bird calls and masterfully maneuver the winding canals; just hope they can also handle themselves when the crocodiles do appear.

The landscape of the region offers a great backdrop if you want a more exhilarating rush. Vallarta Adventures offers excursions for travelers to experience all that the local environment has to offer. One can scale the mountainside on the back of a burro only to make their way down through a series of hundred-foot zip lines over steep valleys, and rappel down rock walls alongside rushing cascades into freezing natural pools.

If that is too much excitement, perhaps a more passive experience is in order with wildlife of a different stripe. Challenge one of the six beautiful golf courses built at various skill levels to suit every visitor. Don’t get too relaxed; however. Your swing could be interrupted by the roar of the tiger. Not that Tiger, the LPGA tour course, El Tigre Golf & Country Club. El Tigre is also home to a Bengal breeding program, an exciting addition to a demanding course.

To cool off from the heat, venture out to Las Islas Marietas. A 30-minute boat ride off the tip of Punta Mita, this volcanic island nature reserve is surrounded by brilliant exotic fish, whales and even dolphins. Snorkel, scuba dive, or simply pull up to one of the pristine uninhabited beaches and soak in the sun.

Grand Palladium Hotel

Luxury

The luxuriousness of the services offered on the Riviera Nayarit matches the excitement. A cool, as opposed to a warm welcome, is necessary in this tropical climate. Be welcomed with jasmine-fragranced hand-towels, refreshing cocktails, and exceptional service.

Luxury spa enthusiasts are just as excited by the variety of facilities. The Tatewari Spa at Villa del Palmar Flamingos Beach Resort and the Villa La Estancia provides a more intimate spa experience designed in European-Mexican style.

From the elaborate and ornate resorts to the quaint family-owned operation, Riviera Nayarit will have choice accommodations to suit your needs and your budget. For a more rustic option and chance at enlightenment, escape to the Harama Retreat. Solo or with a group, the retreat center offers private yoga sessions nestled in the serenity of a secluded ocean-side resort.

A bountiful supply of delectable seafood fosters a unique, rich local cuisine. Starting with the flavors of the local indigenous population, los Huicholes, combined with the expertise of world–class chefs like Richard Sandoval, and Betty Vasquez, Riviera Nayarit can charm any foodie. The indigenous offer more than their flavors. They helped cultivate a unique art culture which realizes itself in the "indie", expatriate, surfing communities that hug the coastline.

Master Bedroom at Villa La Estancia

Romance

Watch the morning tide waves crash on the shore from your room, have lunch under a palapa with your feet dangling in the sand, walk with your love on the beach and finish by resting in a bed, nay, a hammock on the beach, romantic, right?

It does not end here, there is more beauty to mention, dine with a view of the sun setting into the Pacific, listen to Mariachis playing “Amor a la Antigua” as you head to your room.

After a long day, have a late night dip in your private Jacuzzi on the patio overlooking the ocean with some champagne and strawberries covered with chocolates.

As newlyweds, we experienced and enjoyed all of this at Riviera Nayarit, certainly one of the most romantic and spectacular places to visit in Mexico.

We recommend you continue your adventure by shopping, eating at gourmet restaurants, or even watch polo, a surprisingly luxury component of the destination.

If you are looking for a honeymoon destination or even consider marrying at Riviera Nayarit, you can have a civil marriage ceremony or a religious ceremony with a priest, minister or rabbi. Wedding planners in each of the hotels can help couples prepare the necessary documentation and if desired, obtain clergy from the appropriate religious denomination.
 
Romantic Places to Stay During your Honeymoon
• Villa La Estancia
• Four Seasons Punta Mita
• The Garza Canela Hotel
• The Royal Suite Punta de Mita by Palladium

Places to Visit (see videos here - see slideshows here)
• Punta de Mita
• Bucerías
• Sayulita
• San Blas
• La Cruz de Huanacaxtle