Guayabitos and La Peñita, A Study in Contrast: These two neighboring oceanfront towns in Riviera Nayarit, 70 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, couldn’t be more dissimilar.

Verana, Serene and Secluded: A truly heroic feat to build, this primitive, chic haven on a remote jungle-clad mountain is an apt demonstration of imagination at its zenith.

Casa de Mita: The short drive north from Puerto Vallarta transports you from urban jungle to a unique property exuding innovative design features and secluded luxury.

San Pancho: A Little Slice of Paradise: Deserted powdery white beaches and a traditional small-town feel await you at San Francisco, affectionately known as San Pancho. Located in the state of Nayarit, about an hour north of Vallarta along Highway 200 — away from the high-energy experience of nearby Puerto Vallarta — this beautiful town invites rest and relaxation. Swim, surf, shop or simply do nothing, while getting relaxed and recharged. The average annual temperature is a pleasant 27°C (81°F). Rainy season stretches from June to October and is the hottest and most humid time of the year. From November to May, the air is a perfect temperature to enjoy being outdoors.

Mascota: A Treasure in the Sierra Madre: Driving on the upgraded Highway 90 from Vallarta toward Talpa and Guadalajara, Mascota might be viewed by some as a town to pass through on the way to somewhere else. However, this pueblo is a jewel waiting to be discovered by those who enjoy a traditional laidback Mexican experience.

San Sebastian del Oeste, A Mountain Renaissance: For decades, visitors braved hours of perilous travel along rutted dirt roads to reach the largely unspoiled paradise we call San Sebastián del Oeste, a former silver mining town. A landing strip suitable for small aircraft moderately increased exploration possibilities, but it wasn’t until the completion of a paved road connecting Puerto Vallarta with Talpa de Allende.

Best Way to Pamper Yourself: Mexico Boutique Hotels: There are many ways to honor that special someone in your life, but beyond the traditional gift ideas, why not surprise and amaze them with a once-in-a-lifetime experience they will cherish and talk about forever? Mexico Boutique Hotels is the guide to selecting upscale getaway destinations, which are maintained to the most stringent standards. Here are some local choices, guaranteed to impress.

El Tuito: Small-town Charm Just an Hour Away: With the advent of spectacular restaurants such as Le Kliff and outdoor activities such as those offered at Canopy Tours Los Veranos and the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens, an increasing number of visitors and locals are stretching their boundaries and exploring all the wonders our South Shore has to offer.

Surfing: For decades, surfers of all ages have flocked to Mexico’s Pacific coast, long considered to be a destination of choice, in order to benefit from its more than 1,500 miles of beaches, points and reefs. Well-known surf spots from the northern state of Sinaloa all the way down to Oaxaca are awaiting exploration year round.

Best Reason to Explore the Bay: New Docks: Let’s face it: Getting on or off a small motorboat (or panga, as we call them) without the use of a dock is not for the faint hearted, particularly on a windy day. And yet, we’ve seen people using them regularly to explore Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore.

Best New Road to Explore: Puerto Vallarta - Talpa Highway: Cutting through the Sierra Madre Mountains is no easy task, and driving through the new highway that connects Puerto Vallarta with Talpa is a true testament to the enormous engineering challenges that had to be overcome.

Best New Artistic Getaway: San Sebastian: The completion of the road to San Sebastian del Oeste immediately brought that picturesque mining town into view for local artists. Small planes bring daily visitors who tramp the cobblestone streets of the historic town, while others choose horses to explore the wooded hills, scene of those very silver mines and oh-so-many stories.

Majahuitas, Considered One of the Most Romantic Beaches in the World: Forbes Traveler named Majahuitas one of the most romantic beaches in the world. Forbes Traveler is a company used to guide and identify travel destinations.
2/21/07

Day in Sayulita: Sayulita is a day-tripper’s dream come true. It’s just what the quixotic traveler yearns for: a picturesque fishing village on a palm-fringed curve of sand with clean waters, lush jungles and incredible beaches to explore.

Hotelito Desconocido: In a world where pure simple pleasures like delicious tranquility and the enjoyment of thriving nature are at a premium, this unconventional eco-luxury hideaway less than two hours south of PV is a welcome breath of fresh air.