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A WEEKEND IN | CABANA TRAVEL | WORLD OF CABANA
Set between the Sierra Madre mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Riviera Nayarit is one of Mexico’s most captivating escapes. A rare mix of surf-town charm, rainforest, and ancient spiritual heritage, it offers travelers a journey through nature, culture, and time.
BY FRANCESCA MAPELLI | CABANA TRAVEL | 15 JANUARY 2026
Just north of Puerto Vallarta, the region of Riviera Nayarit is home to several coastal gems, like the bohemian surf town of Sayulita, and sacred archaeological sites that still hum with the spirit of ancient gods. To journey through Riviera Nayarit is to experience Mexico at its most elemental—wild, soulful, and timeless. From mangrove lagoons to volcanic peaks, a trip to this region offers both adventure and serenity.
What to See and Do
Sayulita & San Pancho: Surf, Style, and Spirit just 15 minutes south of Mandarina, Sayulita captures the spirit of Mexico’s Pacific coast. Known for its surf and free-spirited energy, this seaside town bursts with color and creativity — cobblestone streets lined with boutiques, craft stalls, and cozy cafés serving local fare. Nearby, San Pancho (San Francisco) offers a slower rhythm, where artists and chefs coexist in harmony.
Altavista — The Sacred Stones of Nayarit: A short journey inland brings you to Altavista, in the municipality of Compostela. Here, 56 ancient petroglyphs lie carved into volcanic rock—silent witnesses to centuries of devotion. The site remains sacred to the Huichol people, who still visit to leave offerings and perform rituals. Guides share the legend that these stones connect the underworld, the earth, and the heavens.
La Tovara National Park: The Park is a mangrove labyrinth home to nearly 250 species of birds, including the Roseate Spoonbill, Great Blue Heron, and the tiny, iridescent Bumblebee Hummingbird. It’s one of the most important bird habitats on the Pacific coast, a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Jalisco: The town of Tequila, birthplace of Mexico’s most iconic spirit, surrounded by endless fields of blue agave. Along the way, stop at the Ceboruco Volcano, marking the border between Nayarit and Jalisco, a natural monument rising over a landscape of silver-green agave fields.
Mascota, Talpa de Allende, or San Sebastián del Oeste: These places offer glimpses of Mexico’s colonial soul: cobblestone streets, faded haciendas, and centuries-old chapels that whisper stories of devotion and endurance. Each town feels suspended in time, holding the essence of Mexico’s enduring grace.
Where to Eat
La Ola Rica: La Ola Rica is a long-standing, beloved restaurant located in the nearby bohemian town of San Pancho. It offers a diverse menu that blends traditional Mexican dishes with international flavors and fresh seafood. Diners can enjoy the vibrant, artistic atmosphere, often complemented by live music in the evenings. It is well-regarded for its unique items, like specialty pizzas and refreshing margaritas.
La Rustica: La Rustica is a renowned, trendy Italian trattoria in the heart of town of Sayulita. It is celebrated for its rustic Italian cuisine, especially its gourmet, wood-fired pizzas and fresh pastas. The ambiance is lively, modern, and open-air, making it a perfect spot for a casual yet refined dinner. They also offer a sophisticated bar menu with creative cocktails and a solid wine selection.
Carao: Nestled into One&Only Mandarina and suspended on the cliffside with stunning views, Carao is the signature restaurant by chef Enrique Olvera, reimagining traditional Mexican cuisine with the experimental techniques. Each dish tells a story of origin and earth, best enjoyed with the Pacific shimmering below.
Vista Guayabitos: Located 20 mins north from Mandarina, Vista Guayabitos is a special spot, offering panoramic views and homestyle regional cooking.
Jetty Beach Club: A vibrant, relaxed beachfront haven, Jetty Beach Club offers a lively atmosphere right on the swimmable waters of the Pacific Coast. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood and the catch of the day in a stylish, open-air setting. It’s the perfect spot to sip a cocktail and spend the day enjoying the sun and sea. As the sun goes down, savour Asian-inspired dishes, including handmade gyozas and fluffy bao buns.
Where to Stay
One&Only Mandarina: Perched dramatically among rainforest canopies and cliffs that plunge into the sea on a lush stretch of Pacific coastline, One&Only Mandarina’s tree houses and villas blend seamlessly into nature. Guests rise to birdsong, wander through the jungle and enjoy golden sunsets over the ocean at the end of the day.
The fluid, open architecture feels deeply connected to its surroundings, while every moment at One&Only Mandarina feels both considered and elemental: morning yoga on a wooden deck suspended in the trees, horseback rides through mango groves or quiet evenings on your terrace watching the light fade across the bay.
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Cabana Magazine N24
Covers by Morris & Co.
This issue will transport you across countries and continents where craft and culture converge. Evocative travel portfolios reveal Japan's elegant restraint, Peru's sacred churches ablaze with color, and striking architecture in a fading Addis Ababa. Inspiring minds from the late Giorgio Armani to Nikolai von Bismarck spark curiosity, while exclusive homes—from the dazzling Burghley House in England and an Anglo-Italian dream in Milan, to a Dionysian retreat in Patmos and a historic Pennsylvania farmhouse—become portals that recall, evoke and transport.
