BETWEEN PRISTINE BEACHES AND PACIFIC LUXURY
Some trips aren’t meant to be told — they’re meant to be felt. And this one, from the very first minute, spoke the language of calm, flavor, and sea breeze. Arriving in Bahía de Banderas felt like releasing a long-awaited pause. Without any stop other than the port of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, I set sail toward some of the purest beaches I’ve touched in years.
SAILING INTO THE UNKNOWN
The sea was calm, and the sun gentle. Cruising along Nayarit’s coastline felt like opening a blank page. Our destination: three hidden gems where nature still whispers softly. Palito Verde, with its secluded access and untouched sand; Las Cabezas, scattered with rocky formations; and La Lancha, known among surfers but equally perfect for floating quietly with mask and fins.
The water was crystal clear, ideal for unhurried snorkeling. Sometimes, I simply let myself drift with the current. There’s no better music for the soul than the sound of waves on an empty beach.
Tip: Bring your own snorkel gear and water shoes — these beaches have no services, and that’s exactly where their magic lies.
FROM SEA TO TABLE
FLAVORS OF PUNTA DE MITA
Hunger led me to La Rústica, in Punta de Mita. If this place knows something, it’s how to turn simplicity into something unforgettable. I ordered grilled octopus with garlic butter, a smoked marlin taco, and tuna ceviche with crispy tostadas. Every bite tasted of the sea, of fire, of perfect balance.
The open-air terrace invites you to stay longer than planned — mezcal in hand, watching the sun sink behind the palms.
Tip: Try their seafood pizzas if you’re with friends, and book ahead on weekends.
LUXURY THAT EMBRACES YOU
MARIVAL ARMONY
That evening, I arrived at my home for the next 24 hours: Marival Armony Luxury Resort & Spa, an adults-only retreat perched high above the coast, with direct views of the Marietas Islands. They gave me their best available suite: a spacious room with a jacuzzi facing the Pacific and a minibar filled with small luxuries.
Dinner was exquisite — a perfectly cooked steak with creamy shrimp pasta. The ambiance, soft lighting and ocean breeze, wrapped up a sublime day.
BREAKFAST TO THE RHYTHM OF THE OCEAN
I woke up early. Despite the comfort of the bed, the promise of the day called me before the sun reached its peak. At Blend, the resort’s ocean-view restaurant, I enjoyed green chilaquiles with cream, crispy bacon, eggs to order, and French toast — all served with a smile, under a terrace where the sea seemed endless.
THE ART OF STILLNESS
MÉLANGE SPA
After breakfast, I surrendered to a relaxing massage at Mélange World Spa, a sanctuary inspired by wellness traditions from around the world. I chose the Mexican treatment, with agave and deep-pressure techniques. I left lighter, as if something had melted away under wise hands and aromatic oils.
Tip: Book your massage when you check in — some treatments sell out quickly.
18 HOLES WITH A VIEW
LA HIGUERA GOLF COURSE
That afternoon, I traded my sarong for golf gloves. At La Higuera Golf Course, every hole opens up to a new landscape. Some stretch across mangroves; others gift you ocean views. You don’t need to be a pro to enjoy it — just patience and humor when your swing misbehaves.
Tip: Bring a hat, sunscreen, and reserve ahead. The weather is humid but pleasant in the late afternoon.
A FLAVORFUL FAREWELL
PARROTFISH JAPANESE FUSION
Before saying goodbye to this little odyssey, I returned to Punta de Mita to try a much-recommended spot: ParrotFish, a Japanese restaurant with Mexican soul. Fusion-style corn esquites, tamarind-glazed seared salmon, and sizzling beef on a hot stone — innovative, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
Tip: Ask for the chef’s specials — they often serve off-menu surprises.
CONCLUSION
A JOURNEY THAT BREATHES CALM
Not all trips are about photos — some are about pauses. This was one of them. A journey that began on calm waters, passed through authentic flavors, and ended with the contemplation of what truly matters: time, body, and earth. Bahía de Banderas taught me that true luxury isn’t about extravagance — it’s about care, authenticity, and connection.
By Charlie Travels
