While Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico City receive the most attention south of the border, the Pacific state of Nayarit is quickly pushing its way to the front. They’ve invested heavily in tourism, and tourists flock to the area, with LGBTQ+ people in the vanguard.
The resorts and luxury hotels in Punta de Mita have become popular with the upscale set while smaller towns like Sayulita and San Francisco have drawn a more diverse and bohemian crowd of American ex-pats, surfers, and artists. Tiny pueblo mágicos like Jala have also surged in popularity as tourists swarm the area for the active volcano, gorgeous waterfalls, and authentic cuisine.
But where Nayarit truly shines is as a romantic getaway away from the usual gay tromping grounds. As I posted on Instagram, Nayarit is where the grownup gays go.
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On a recent trip, my partner and I split our time between two resorts in Punta de Mita and a small boutique hotel in Jala.
Delta is a newish all-inclusive resort in the area. If you’re traveling with a family, it’s got all the benefits – like feeding a group of people without paying separately for each meal and easily organizing time for the kiddos. But, like any all-inclusive, the food isn’t great, and the rooms are a little less swanky than some of the more adult-oriented spots. But there’s free ice cream, a great breakfast buffet, one of the best beaches in the area, and plenty of pools.
The W goes in the opposite direction. It’s more upscale and one of the most popular resorts in the area. Seriously, go on Instagram and search for Punta de Mita. More than half of the photos will come from the W because it’s so luxurious and photogenic. The rooms are large, the property is shaded and gives a jungle vibe, the spa’s hydro-therapy is well worth the money, and the property’s iconic blue-tiled walkway from the hotel to the ocean is the perfect spot for a selfie or posed photo (or to take in the view of the open water or pool below).
But be sure to leave the resorts to explore the area. We stopped in Sayulita for an afternoon to wander the streets and have cocktails and dinner.
Swing by the Sayulinda Hotel for the city’s best and most innovative drinks. The rooftop bar offers a stunning view of the ocean and town, perfect for imbibing their signature cocktails. They regularly offer takeovers from some of the best bars and mixologists in the country and you can sip them in the pool or the balcony.
Don Pedro’s, located on the beach, offers an extensive menu of classic Mexican dishes, upscale American fare, and cold beers. The restaurant is open to the weather, and a late dinner with the ocean breeze flowing over your table is romantic. If you’re ready to propose, the beach, a few steps away, offers the perfect backdrop at sunset.
But make time to swing through Jala. Stay at the Quinta Nukari Boutique Hotel and take a step back in time to a classic Mexican hacienda. The open-air courtyard, complete with a burbling fountain, rustic furniture, rooftop bar, and hidden pool, offers a perfect retreat after a day spent adventuring into the surrounding area.
Nearby Salto waterfall springs to life during the rainy season, and the active Ceboruco volcano is available for a picnic if you’re a thrill-seeker. (Don’t worry. It hasn’t erupted since 1875.) Nothing says “in life or death” as much as snacking on cheese and drinking wine next to a steam vent. The hotel can help set you up with everything you’ll need to live a little dangerously.
But no matter what you choose to do while you’re there, Nayarit is the perfect getaway for any queer couple that wants to relax, spend some private time together, and recharge the romance.
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