From luxury resorts and wellness experiences to Sayulita adventures, here’s why Visit Nayarit’s partnership with the Dallas Cowboys continues to grow. 

The crisp and oceanic salty scents of the Pacific, sounds of larger-size waves crashing up to five feet, and a tropical warmth coupled with the seaside breeze. These are just some of the perks of being within the natural beauty of Nayarit, Mexico. Located only 10 to 15 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, the area is known for rich, authentic Mexican culture, cuisine, and adventure.

The Dallas Cowboys franchise is now in its third year of partnership with Visit Nayarit – now practically a tradition that they hope to keep growing strong.

“We always look for partners who bring an authentic representation of the Cowboys values and their own values to the partnership,” said Stephanie Gaytan, Senior Manager of Corporate Partnership Sales with the Dallas Cowboys. “With Visit Nayarit, the shared values of excellence, providing unique and memorable experiences, and staying true to our heritage and culture, made the partnership a win-win scenario.” 

Where to Stay

A seaside view in the distance as you soak in your very own plunge pool outside your room can easily become a favorite part of a vacation at Conrad Punta de Mita. Easy beach access and comfortable amenities and beach towels laid out for your leisure make for a calm afternoon. The rooms are modern and spacious. We recommend the Beachfront Premiere Suite Plunge Pool King for a larger footprint space (around 2,500 square feet) including beachside views from every room in this suite along with your own outdoor shower space.

Quiet is a notable element at this resort. While busy, visiting in May or June offers a relaxed pace for individuals and families of all different walks of life. On any typical golden hour end-of-day, you may see everything from a young family playing with a beach ball in the pool during golden hour or a retired couple in an adjacent pool winding down their day.

Conrad Punta de Mita has a more secluded feel because it does sit on roughly two miles of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit beach.  Natural beauty and indigenous culture are prominent in the property, which first opened in September 2020. Design inspired from Huichol “Ojo de Dios” (Eye of the God) is notable at this resort, woven into architecture, décor, and artwork.

Wellness

A Mexican Temazcal (sweat lodge) at Conrad Punta de Mita is one of the area’s first. Guided by a Shaman, you can participate in a 90-minute ceremony that promotes healing and energy cleansing.

Massage nests are another unique wellness offering at this Hilton property. Book a massage service in an outdoor dome thatched room where you can enjoy the nearby ocean breeze and the shade of a canopy.

Dining

Seven onsite restaurants and bars offer an extensive collection of flavors at Conrad Punta de Mita, in addition to in-room dining options.

For breakfast, enjoy a full buffet complete with a chilaquiles and quesadilla station where a chef prepares your custom order.  Offering everything from flavorful eggs benedict to pan dulce pastries and an oatmeal bar, this assortment of food has you covered to get ready for a day of adventure.

For dinner, Codex, Mezquite, and Arbol offer exceptional oceanside views and delicious eats, including regional classics cooked over a live fire.

Trying the catch of the day at the various restaurants is a must. Also consider trying a private dining experience featuring a menu officially curated to your party.

Travel tip: The tacos at this resort are a must – shrimp, catch of the day, and pork belly tacos are all delightful with a tropical and authentic Mexican taste.

Agave Spirits Tasting

Book the onsite agave tasting experience and an expert will guide you through a tasting selected from over 200 bottles of tequila, mezcal, raicilla, and sotol. The history and unique flavor profile of each spirit will be discussed, along with details on the craft of agave-making.

Shopping in Sayulita

 A new personal favorite, Sayulita offers a chance to dive into Mexican culture. A bohemian surf town that’s vibrant and colorful like many Mexican touristy towns; however, for some reason, Sayulita just hits a little differently.

Vivid shops among cobblestone streets have you covered for all sorts of items and souvenirs. From unique handmade sandals and jewelry to authentic and one-of-a-kind artwork, you are sure to find memorable pieces to bring home.

Travel Tip: If you purchase a larger item (like a wooden hammock) it’s best to pack it in a box and check it with your luggage. Using a third-party vendor with the hotel for shipping will likely result in a $500+ quote and charge.

Cacao Making

Planeta Cacao is another great outside-of-the-resort stop to learn how to make chocolate from seed to table. Grown exclusively in tropical climates about 20 degrees from the Equator, cacao is not something you will see growing in the United States. Owner Laura Aguilar and her team, Leah and Neely, will show you how different forms of cacao are grown and then walk you through the process of roasting, cracking, and grinding chocolate into its perfect form. A newer attraction, Aguilar is a university professor who has focused her life on researching agriculture.

“She had a student and this student had the beautiful idea to create a chocolate garden because we love chocolate. They made this beautiful garden and planted the cacao trees nine years ago,” said Neely. “They wanted to let people know more about what’s behind a chocolate bar and the Mexican culture and how the cacao was really important for the indigenous culture that lived here in the past.”

After the class, you’ll have your very own (personally made) chocolate to take home with you. Options include sweetened chocolate or healthier 100% made dark chocolate.

Cooking Class at St Regis Punta Mita

A cooking class at St. Regis Punta Mita will arm you with knowledge to take back home and create some authentic Mexican cuisine or an appetizer. Chef Jorge Gonzales walked us through how to make salsa with a molcajete. Head Chef Hita Hernandez’s catch of the day was served oceanside afterward, along with a cool collection of cocktails and mocktails, including my choice of a coffee mudslide take on a pina colada (no alcohol). An organic pineapple tart (one of St Regis Punta Mita’s signature desserts) topped off the meal with a delicate buttery tart crust.

Horseback Riding at Rancho Michula Tours

Within Sayulita, jungle to oceanside horseback riding offers a unique experience. Choose from an hour-long or two-hour long guided ride. For a very strong-willed horse, opt to ride Lobo (which also means Wolf in Spanish). Lobo is known for grabbing a bite to eat (or an entire palm leaf) along the trail. He is stubborn, yet still gentile. One of the guides at Michula Tours is also from Dallas, which makes for a fun conversation.

Mi Chula tours also offers ATV riding, ziplining, and hiking tours of Monkey Mountain.

Overall

An easy, less-than-three hours non-stop flight away from both Dallas and Houston make Nayarit incredibly attainable and a delightful getaway year-round. The culture, heritage, and natural beauty make for an adventurous, yet relaxing getaway with beautiful coastline, rich food, and amazing, welcoming hospitality.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cover Photo Courtesy Conrad Punta de Mita.

Britni Rachal is a full-time marketer and a former television news producer with a life-long passion for written and visual storytelling. In her free time, she enjoys live country music, tennis, fitness, all things travel, and trying new restaurants with friends and family. In addition to journalism, she also has a love for shoes and coffee. Britni is a fifth generation Texan and a proud LSU Tiger. She currently lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.