ARMONY IN PARADISE: DISCOVERING THE RIVIERA NAYARIT

There are places where you arrive and immediately understand why people keep coming back. Riviera Nayarit, Mexico’s nearly 320-kilometre stretch of Pacific coastline just north of Puerto Vallarta, is one of them. Located in the state of Nayarit, the region combines long beaches, lush jungle, dramatic sunsets and a distinctly laid-back Pacific atmosphere.

I was invited to discover Riviera Nayarit by the Canadian-owned Marival Resort family, which operates three all-inclusive beach resorts in the region and Punta de Mita. During our trip, we experienced both Marival Distinct Luxury Residences & World Spa and Armony Marival Resort & Spa Punta de Mita – MGallery Collection.

While both properties have their own personality, this story is about Armony — a resort that quickly became my favourite resort of the trip. Let me show you why …

PACIFIC DREAMING

Located in Punta de Mita, Armony Marival Resort & Spa sits directly on the Pacific, surrounded by tropical greenery and overlooking Banderas Bay. Part of the MGallery Collection, the resort combines an all-inclusive concept with a more sophisticated, boutique-style atmosphere, with multiple pools, restaurants, a private beach, gym and an extensive spa and wellness offering.

But before getting into all of that, let me talk about the view.

My room was beautiful, but it was the balcony view that really got me. Looking across the pool towards the ocean, it was particularly spectacular at sunset. And because everything is included, there was no need to think about where to go for a drink. A glass of wine, a beer or a cocktail from the bar and fridge in the room, and I could simply sit back and watch the Pacific change colour.

The infinity pool was another great spot for sunset watching. It has a swim-up bar, so you can quite literally grab a cocktail without leaving the water and enjoy some of the most incredible colours imaginable as the sun goes down.

Or head down to the beach and join all the couples for a romantic moment when the sun disappears “into the water.”

BREAKFAST WITH A VIEW

During our stay, we were shown around the entire resort, from the different pools and private beach to the gym and the rather spectacular spa. But if I am being completely honest, there was one place I didn’t need anyone to show me twice: the breakfast area.

Set in an open-air space overlooking the resort and the Pacific, it is one of those places where you could easily spend far too much time. I wake up early… so I did.

The buffet was enormous, with an impressive choice of fresh fruit, pastries, Mexican specialities, hot dishes and pretty much everything else you could possibly want in the morning. It was, without question, one of the best resort breakfasts I have experienced in a long time — and one I genuinely miss.

Especially the omelette lady.

I became a regular at her station, and I have to say, that woman is a magician. Watching her effortlessly turn whatever I asked for into the perfect omelette became part of my morning routine. I honestly think I would go back to Armony for the breakfast alone — and yes, I absolutely went back the next morning. And the morning after that.

DINNER, MEXICAN STYLE — AND OMAKASE

Because this was an organized trip, we had the opportunity to experience the resort’s restaurants: Essence, Parrot Fish and Divum.

Both Essence and Divum offered some great dining experiences, but my favourite was undoubtedly Parrot Fish, where we enjoyed a fantastic Omakase experience with a creative Japanese-inspired menu.

For an all-inclusive property, the variety was impressive… and it clearly showed when checking the scale. Ouch. 😉

SUN, SEA & SAILING

Although we were supposed to head to the Islas Marietas and its famous Playa del Amor, Hurricane Polo was possibly approaching the area, so we had to change course. Instead, our captain took us to Isla Tortuga, where we snorkelled, swam and eventually made our way to a remote beach. Another amazing experience — cocktails were flowing, the crew had some seriously tasty food prepared, and the Pacific provided the perfect backdrop.

Oh, and don’t let an overcast sky fool you… the sun is definitely out! I found that out the hard way later. #Sunburn #Aloe #FerrariRed

FROM ICE BATH TO WATSU THERAPY

Then came the wellness portion of the trip — and one experience I was perhaps slightly less enthusiastic about: the Ice Bath Challenge.

It was cold.

Really cold.

Cold enough that, for a moment, I seriously questioned why I had agreed to do this. But after getting over the initial shock and surviving the experience, I have to admit there was something incredibly invigorating about it.

Fortunately, the next experience was considerably more relaxing.

We were introduced to Watsu, a form of aquatic bodywork performed in warm water, where the therapist supports the body while gently moving it through a series of stretches, flowing movements and massage techniques. Being almost weightless in the water makes the whole experience deeply calming.

And then came what was probably my favourite wellness experience of the entire trip: a floating sound-healing session.

I was floating on the water with an eye mask completely blocking out the light, while the sound of singing bowls, gongs, chimes and other resonant instruments surrounded me.

There was nothing to see. Nothing to do. Nowhere to go.

Just floating and listening.

It sounds simple, but the effect was remarkable. My mind, which is normally running in about 15 different directions at once, actually switched off.

This was truly one of the most outstanding experiences I have had so far.

MORE THAN A RESORT

One of the things I particularly liked about Armony is its location. It feels so very secluded and provides that sense of escape, yet it is remarkably easy to get to — approximately 40 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport. At times, I felt as if I was in Bali, or even Costa Rica.

And when you feel like exploring, there is plenty around you.

Sayulita, also included in our itinerary, is roughly the same distance away and is absolutely worth a visit. The colourful town has a completely different energy, with its surf culture, boutiques, restaurants, cafés and lively streets. It is the kind of place where you can spend a few hours wandering around without any particular plan.

That combination is one of Riviera Nayarit’s great strengths. You can spend the morning exploring somewhere like Sayulita, return to the resort, jump into the infinity pool and finish the day with a cocktail while watching the sun disappear into the Pacific.

Not a bad way to spend a day.

I WILL BE BACK

What stayed with me most about Armony wasn’t any single feature, however. It was the combination of everything: the beautiful setting, the Pacific views, the pools, the food, the spa, the incredible sunsets and, perhaps most importantly, the people.

The staff were genuinely friendly and welcoming throughout our stay, and there was a relaxed warmth to the resort that made it very easy to feel at home.

And then there are the little things I remember: sitting in the pool with a drink as the sky turned orange and pink, that first sip of coffee at breakfast while looking out over the ocean, trying to decide what to put into yet another omelette, and floating in complete darkness listening to the sound of a gong.

Those are the moments that make a trip memorable.

Riviera Nayarit certainly gave me plenty of reasons to return. But Armony gave me something even better — a place I genuinely didn’t want to leave.

I can’t wait to head back.