For years, the coast north of Punta Mita has felt like Mexico's frontier. Imagine jungled ridges plunging into the Pacific, estuaries alive with herons and crocodiles and fishing boats resting on palapa-lined beaches.
But accessing this part of Nayarit has always required patience. Historically, travelers would fly into Puerto Vallarta's international airport and then make the two-hour drive north, which could take much longer depending on traffic.
Things are a little different this year. With new airlift through the expanded Tepic Airport and upgraded highway connections, along with the launch of the Riviera Nayarit Express shuttle, it's becoming far easier to reach this part of Mexico.
But the story for travel advisors lies in what's on the ground: protected natural parks, uncrowded seaside towns and some of the most ambitious luxury projects in the Americas.
Siari, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve will be located within the Nauka community in Nayarit. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Siari, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
San Blas: History and ecology
Advisors looking to pair cultural depth with ecological immersion will find San Blas a standout. One of the busiest ports in the 18th century in what was then known as New Spain, the town is now notable for its mangrove-lined waterways and some of Mexico's best birding. La Tovara National Park shelters hundreds of species, while Isla Isabel National Park draws divers and snorkelers.
San Blas is also one of the gateways to the Islas Marias archipelago, a one-time penal colony that is now an ecological center. Because of the islands' distance from the mainland (roughly 60 miles), they have endemic flora and fauna and are often referred to as the Galapagos of Mexico. Some of the endemic creatures visitors may encounter there are the Tres Marias cottontail rabbit, the Tres Marias raccoon and the Tres Marias hummingbird.
The largest island, Maria Madre, is open for tourism through designated tour operators that put together all-inclusive packages that include accommodations, meals and guides.
South of San Blas, Rincon de Guayabitos offers one of the Riviera Nayarit's most accessible family getaways.
The wide bay is shallow and calm, typically drawing Canadian snowbirds and domestic families. Travelers will find a mix of midrange hotels, condo rentals and hotels with all-inclusive packages, making it a strong value option compared with Puerto Vallarta.
During the day, visitors can join whale-watching tours, make daytrips to the village of Los Ayala and snorkel around the small Isla del Coral.
The Rosewood Mandarina is the newest hotel to open in the Mandarina development in Nayarit. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Rosewood Mandarina
A new chapter in luxury
One of the most significant projects shaping the northern coast is Nauka, a master-planned residential community that integrates luxury living with the environment. Within Nauka, the Siari, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is set to open in December.
Advisors can expect 89 rooms and 35 branded residences tucked within an intimate property that is sandwiched between 3 miles of coastline and a surrounding jungle. The Ritz-Carlton Reserve will be the anchoring luxury resort within this private residential community. Guests will have many leisure options to choose from, including golf courses, wellness facilities, restaurants and beach clubs.
Farther south, Mandarina has quickly become one of Mexico's defining luxury developments, with the impressive One&Only Mandarina and Rosewood Mandarina.
Luis Duran, CEO of RLH Properties (the developer behind Mandarina as well as Mayakoba on the Riviera Maya), said the vision isn't even complete. He offered a preview of the next phases of Mandarina, which include an 18-hole championship golf course, Rosewood-branded residences and a third luxury hotel adjacent to the Rosewood Mandarina, which he said will be affiliated with a major international luxury brand.