A word about “all-inclusive” vacationing
Many people thumb their noses at the idea of doing an all-inclusive resort vacation. You miss opportunities to taste the fine cuisine in town and to go exploring the area. I’ve never really bought into that philosophy. And I think there are times for each type of holiday plan. We wanted to pay upfront and not think too much about where we could (or could not) afford to eat dinner.
Now, there are all-inclusives and there are all-inclusives. There’s one for every budget in Nuevo Vallarta, and whether you want to spend $1,500 for a week or $5,000, I’m sure you’ll find one to suit your needs.
The Marival Residences is definitely on the upper end; the sister resort down the road (where the beach is, incidentally) is essentially the economy model. We opted to live in the lap of luxury and went for a penthouse suite.
Our suite is built as two levels. On the first level (actually the top floor of the hotel) are our rooms: living room, dining room, kitchen, enormous bedroom and two full baths. The entire front wall of the living room opens to a large terrace overlooking the grounds and the Pacific Ocean. Upstairs, we have a full rooftop terrace with a spectacular, view of all that surrounds us—and our own private splash pool. This is a place we certainly could stay in all week, never emerge except for meals (not even to go to the beach) and have an amazing, restful holiday. (And the wireless broadband keeps us connected very nicely, thank you!)
Planning not to plan
And for the first two days of our vacation, that’s pretty much
what we have done. My sleep-deprived husband slept for the better part of a day and a half; I sat on the terrace and wrote. You may think that’s a pretty lame way to start a holiday (wasteful even), but this is why we booked 10 days instead of seven! It’s all part of a plan. Today is Sunday, and we’re both rested and ready for a week of vacationing. Cool, huh?
There is a lot to do in this part of Mexico: it’s whale-watching season; the Sierra Madre Mountains surround us. There is much history here, as well as native culture. How much we decide to do is still undecided. I want to whale watch. I always want to whale watch. I’ve chased those magnificent humpbacks in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Alaska. But here is where they winter, mate, and calve, so the experience might be different. Besides, I have a new camera that seems made for watching whales (and any other wildlife we may encounter). Something for later in the week, perhaps.
Article comments
1 - Rick Helberg
Guayabitos, on the Riviera Nayarit an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, is a delightful and tranquil resort destination. [Edited]
The beach at Guayabitos, on Jaltemba Bay, is perfect for swimming. The waves are small and gentle and there are no issues with currents. Jaltemba Bay is called the "largest swimming pool in the world."
Other activities include hiking, horseback riding, fishing, boat tours to Chacala and other villages, bicycling, tennis, and only a short distance to play golf.
Dining out is delightful, with some of the best restaurants to serve you. You'll find everything from excellent continental cuisine to the best Mexican food you'll ever have.
Prices for lodging and dining out are very reasonable, and guests from the USA and Canada are amazed at how far their dollars, or pesos, go.
There's every reason to visit the Riviera Nayarit, and Guayabitos is at the top of the list.