Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, with its traditional Mexican architecture and gold-sand beaches bordered by jungle-covered mountains, is the second-most-visited resort in Mexico (trailing only Cancún). The original town center of Vallarta maintains a small-town charm despite boasting sophisticated hotels, great restaurants, a thriving arts community, active nightlife, and a growing variety of ecotourism attractions.

Daytrips—or nocturnal excursions—to Vallarta easy to arrange from Ayia, where we recommend a driver to better navigate the challenging parking in the town center—and leave you free to enjoy a tequila or two! The trip takes about an hour into town, due more to traffic than distance. Our Concierge will share with you our favorite picks in town for dining, nightlife or shopping.

For additional information please visit http://www.virtualvallarta.com

Sayulita

Sayulita is perhaps most renowned for surfing—from beginning lessons to tournaments; on any given day you’ll witness an army of perfect-swell-seeking surfers offshore from the main beach. But you may just as easily encounter a Huichol Indian family that has come down from the Sierra to sell their wares.

But recently, visitors and locals who find that the Puerto Vallarta area has become too “cosmopolitan” have started to flock here, in search of the simple charms of beach life. The major travel press noticed this trend, and popularized this place to a tipping point in 2007. You’ll now find more real estate offices than surf shops, more fine jewelry stores than juice bars, but Sayulita is still gently holding on to her charms.

An easygoing attitude still seems to permeate the air in this beach town, despite the niceties popping up all over among the inexpensive Mexican food stands, and handmade, hippie-style- shops. It’s quickly becoming gentrified with new cafes, sleek boutiques, aromatherapy-infused spas, and a nightlife spicy enough for even the most jaded of partiers.

This eclectic mix of the cool, the unusual, and the authentic Mexican makes Sayulita a uniquely special place. And, it’s just a 15-minute taxi ride from Ayia Punta Mita, which our concierge can easily arrange.