It's time to hit the beach
Ian Stalker
There’s no shortage of sun destinations that have used seaside natural attractions to make a beach-head in the international tourism trade.
And that’s hardly a surprise, given the number of people who love to bask in the sun with warm ocean water a stone’s throw away.
Marc Murphy
Riviera Nayarit Visitors & Conventions Bureau
The often-overused travel industry claim We Have Something for Everyone in fact rings true when it comes to beach options in the Riviera Nayarit.
Marc Murphy, director general of the Riviera Nayarit Visitors & Conventions Bureau, notes the Pacific coast state has a seemingly endless choice of beaches.
“Riviera Nayarit is one of Mexico’s most beautiful beach destinations, with 192 miles of pristine Pacific coastline,” he says. “Lined with an array of eclectic beach towns, each with its own vibrant culture and distinct personality, Riviera Nayarit has options for every type of traveller.
“Our beaches are certainly one of the main attractions of the destination, especially as there is such a variety of options to suit everyone’s taste and interest. In Sayulita, for example, the waves are ideal for surfers, while in Los Ayala the water is more tranquil, perfect for families. San Blas is another seaside destination that has Playa El Borrego’s, with two-mile golden-sand beaches and a superb area for bird watchers. Punta Mita, on the other hand, is an exclusive area that has six miles of virgin Pacific beaches.”
Murphy notes Riviera Nayarit beaches have received multiple certifications and recognitions. In 2018, Rincón de Guayabitos and Isla de Coral where added to the list of Certified Clean Beaches, which includes Palladium at Punta de Mita; Platanitos in San Blas; Chacala in Compostela; Los Muertos in Sayulita; Vallarta Norte II, Nuevo Vallarta Sur and Nuevo Vallarta Norte; and Bucerías in Banderas Bay. Additionally, Playa Nuevo Vallarta Norte, Laguna de Santa Maria del Oro, and Marina Riviera.
Nayarit and Marina San Blas have Blue-Flag Certifications, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education to beaches and marinas that meet quality, safety, education and environmental criteria.
Murphy says Riviera Nayarit’s allure goes beyond beaches.
“We position Riviera Nayarit as the Pacific Coast’s treasure destination that offers an incredible blend of pristine coastline, the wondrous Sierra Madre Mountains, the spectacular Banderas Bay and endless protected natural marvels,” he says. “It’s also home to resort town Nuevo Vallarta, historic village San Blas, exclusive celebrity haven Punta de Mita, ‘boho-chic’ surf mecca Sayulita and a variety of picturesque fishing villages. Aside from numerous beaches to visit, we offer so many more activities, from world-class golf courses and birdwatching to more adrenaline-filled adventures with zip line excursions, diving and surfing. We also have some beautifully protected landscapes to conserve our native flora and fauna; some highlight in-land experiences in the destination, including bird watching, whale watching and experiencing the turtle release programs.”
The destination has also built a following among those seeking upscale vacations, offering such hotel brands as Four Seasons, St. Regis, W, Conrad, and very soon Auberge and One&Only.
Murphy also praises the local culinary scene, spearheaded by gastronomy ambassador and celebrity chef Betty Vazquez, as another reason for travel to Riviera Nayarit.
Although this great wide world of our’s has many beach destinations, Murphy says his is always deserving of consideration for those trying to decide where to go for a beach vacation.
“Riviera Nayarit’s 30 beach settings are stunning, truly unique from anywhere else in the world,” he says. “One of the most popular options among visitors is Islas Marieta’s Playa Escondida or Hidden Beach, one of the most exclusive destinations — only 117 can visit this tranquil, insta-friendly location per day. Bucket-list travellers can also visit Novillero. With 50 miles of coastline it’s the longest beach in Mexico, second longest in Latin America, and sixth in the world. For true beach lovers, Riviera Nayarit provides the opportunity to visit so many beaches with completely distinctive personalities and settings.”
Lessner Gomez
Cuba Tourist Board
Lessner Gomez says that it’s no mystery as to why Cuba attracts large numbers of beach enthusiasts from afar.
Gomez, who oversees the Cuba Tourist Board’s Toronto office, says his homeland is ideally suited to host those who love soaking up rays on vacation.
“Cuba is known for its more than 300 natural beaches with warm waters and smooth powdery white sands, some of them among the best in the world and in the Caribbean (beaches like Varadero and Cayo Largo are usually at the top of international beach rankings),” he says. “The colour of the water at Cuban beaches is a stunning combination of blues and emerald greens and considering that Cuba has an average of 330 sunny days a year, there is no doubt that Cuba is a beach lover’s paradise. The sea surrounding Cuba is perfect for all kinds of water sports — scuba diving, fishing, etc.”
Particularly dazzling, he says, is Cayo Guillermo’s Playa Pilar, which he labels “one of the most spectacular beaches in the world, with its crystal-clear waters and one of the largest sand dunes in the Caribbean, almost 15 meters high.”
Beach tourism traditionally has been all-important to Cuban tourism but Gomez insists the country offers much more. “We have been trying to change that image because Cuba has so much more to offer. If you think that Cuba is all about beaches and mojitos think again! There are plenty sites in Cuba to explore beyond the beaches. Cuba boasts 11 World Heritage Sites, nine national parks, the greatest collection of colonial architecture in the Caribbean, a fascinating history and a rich cultural life that, combined with the incomparable charm of the Cuban people, provide the perfect backdrop for a fun-filled vacation.”
Paul Strachan
Bahamas Tourist Office Toronto
Tropic of Cancer Beach on the Bahamian island of Exuma gets the nod from Paul Strachan when he’s asked to identify his preferred beach.
And that’s significant recognition, given that Strachan — who heads the Bahamas Tourist Office Toronto — is clearly familiar with beaches in his homeland, partly because of the nature of his work and partly because of his explorations.
The Bahamas’ many beaches are extremely important to the destination’s tourist trade and understandably so, he states.
“We have some of the world’s most beautiful powdery white, pink and beige sand beaches which can even be seen from outer space,” Strachan continues. “Our beaches are one of the main reasons people from around the globe visit our country.”
Meanwhile, Strachan acknowledges that the physical nature of the Bahamas makes it unlikely that he’ll ever set foot on all the beaches in his homeland.
“There are approximately 700 islands in The Bahamas and I’m a self-proclaimed ‘beach connoisseur,’ so I wouldn’t be able to guess how many beaches I’ve seen,” he reports. “It would be well into the low hundreds. As much as I’d like to, I’d probably never be able to see them all.”
Abdalah Castillo
Dominican Republic Tourism Board
Abdalah Castillo is supremely confident that his homeland will never run out of beaches to offer vacationers and rightly so.
Castillo, director of the Dominican Republic Tourism Board’s Toronto office, reports the Dominican Republic has more than 600 kms of beaches, fewer than 15% of which have been developed.
“The Dominican Republic has so much more to offer than our beaches, such as historic sites, ecological tourism, M.I.C.E., and medical tourism,” he says. “That said, of course, we have the most beautiful beaches in the world.
“The waterfront at Samana will take your breath away. The combination of the crystal-clear water, the pristine beaches and the lush green surroundings makes Samana the ideal exclusive destination for a romantic escape. Punta Cana Bayahibe/La Romana is better suited for a family vacation. Water parks abound and there are many child-friendly excursions, including swimming with dolphins! If you want a vacation that includes a variety of extreme adventure excursions like the Damajaqua Waterfalls and a relaxing family-friendly environment, choose Puerto Plata.”
The tourist board views the Dominican Republic as a multi-faceted tourist destination, but is well aware that its long coast serves its tourism well.
“We promote the Dominican Republic as a destination that will satisfy the desires of every type of tourist,” Castillo says. “Admittedly, our beaches are undeniably the top attraction!”
Sally Mikhail
GM Tours
The Sphinx is facing some increasing competition when it comes to attracting the interest of those vacationing in Egypt.
Sally Mikhail of GM Tours — which sends people to Egypt — notes reminders of the Pharaonic age remain Egypt’s most famous draw but adds its Mediterranean and Red Sea beaches have built a huge international following.
“Beaches in Egypt still have untouched natural beauty, stunning geological formations and amazing underwater worlds of magnificent colourful coral reefs,” she says. Crystal-clear waters and the vast sandy beaches attract tourists and sun seekers from all over the world. Sharm El Sheikh, Hurgada, Dahab and Neuibea are a few of the popular names. But there are a few less-travelled beaches away from the hustle and bustle of the popular Red Sea resorts and that are known for natural beauty, like Taba, Marsa Alam, and Marsa Matrouh, where you will enjoy a hotspot for diving and snorkelling, astonishingly turquoise water for swimming and exploration or climbing up the cliffs for an amazing view.”
Mikhail says there’s no reason why tourists can’t visit archeological sites and take in some beach time on the same Egyptian vacation.
“Egypt is famous for its ancient civilization that evokes images of the Pyramids, the Sphinx and mummies but in the late seventies and early eighties popular Red Sea resorts were popping up like mushrooms, attracting European sun seekers in droves,” Mikhail says. “In recent years and just before the pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, the number of beach-goers in Egypt topped 11 million visitors. Many of the resort beach towns strung out across the long swath of Egypt’s Red Sea coastline are within day-trip distance of the temples and tombs of Luxor, making them the perfect visit for both worlds. Often overlooked and overshadowed by typical Egyptian history, Alexandria has not only some fabulous history top side but you can dive around submerged historic sites too.”
Luis Villaseñor
Puerto Vallarta’s Tourism Board
Luis Villasenor says area topography makes Puerto Vallarta a great choice for beach-lovers.
Villasenor, director of Puerto Vallarta’s tourist board, says being on a bay gives his destination a helping hand when it comes to competing for tourists looking for a beach holiday.
“Puerto Vallarta is an excellent choice for idyllic beaches lovers,” he says. “The city is located in the Bay of Banderas (one of the largest and deepest in the world, with more than 100 kilometers of beaches). The horseshoe-shaped bay, known for its calm and deep waters rich in marine life, is one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Banderas Bays shelters numerous diverse ecosystems, including tropical lagoons, rainforest, mangroves, pristine beaches, reefs, waterfalls and spectacular mountains, making it a prime ecotourism destination.
“Some of the beaches at the northern area are Flamingos, Las Glorias, Playa de Oro and Camarones. The most popular is Los Muertos Beach, it draws locals, traveling sun-seekers, and adventurers alike.
“If you’re looking for a more relaxed and isolated atmosphere, there are other beaches located at Puerto Vallarta’s southern area that can only be reached by sea — water taxis or “pangas” departing from Boca de Tomatlán. Most of these beaches possess similar characteristics, such as moderate swell, a tropical island appearance and they’re surrounded by mountains and an abundant flora. Among the most known and visited are Colomitos (a hidden jewel), Caballo, Las Ánimas, Caletas, Yelapa (a hippie-chic town), Quimixto and Pizota.
“Puerto Vallarta is an excellent option for Canadians, because nature is everywhere; it perfectly matches the Sierra Madre Mountains with the Pacific Ocean. There are many refreshing rivers and creeks, warm weather with 300 sunny days a year. It’s a perfect choice to hike through jungle to hidden waterfalls.”
Villasenor says beaches are a very important part of a visit to Puerto Vallarta but it is more than “a sun and beach destination,” adding besides a long stretch of sunny, picturesque beaches, Puerto Vallarta’s authentic Mexican flavour proves a big draw for most North American visitors. “Puerto Vallarta, since its inception, has been a destination full of history, art and culture. Gastronomy requires a special mention, food aficionados will find a vibrant restaurant scene with talented chefs preparing creative dishes that range from traditional and regional Mexican cuisine to contemporary Mexican and a wide variety of international fare as well as modern fusion cuisine. “Furthermore, the hospitality is a very important part of the city´s DNA. We are a beach destination in an ocean of adventures.
“We have more than 50 open-air activities, some of them are very unique: swimming with dolphins in the wild, The Botanical Garden (voted fifth place spot among all botanical gardens in North America), the longest suspension bridge in the world at 470 meters in length and 150 meters in height, swimming with horses, scuba diving, turtle releases, golf, wellness, street food tours, art walks or you can try Superman, one of Mexico’s longest and fastest zip lines.”
Villaseñor again cites geography when suggesting why he believes Canadians seeking a beach vacation should choose his destination.
“Puerto Vallarta is pleasant for our Canadian friends (authentic nature lovers), this destination combines three important characteristics that will fascinate you: mountains, jungle and beaches,” he states. “Hike through the tropical forest, viewing exotic flora and fauna, discovering amazing spots full of bird sounds and fresh air, and then arriving at a sublime beach. Imagine all that with a friendly Mexican atmosphere. Have a relaxing journey at an isolated small cove or enjoy the day at an exclusive beach club, it’s up to you to find your own paradise. It’s important to mention that most of Puerto Vallarta beaches are quiet and and swimmable.
“More than enjoying a paradise, our visitors have the chance to discover the real Mexico, full of colours, flavours, music, joy and traditions. You may know that Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco, cradle of mariachi, tequila and ‘Charros’ culture. Those who have the opportunity to visit us will discover that Puerto Vallarta means living Mexico’s traditions with the Pacific Ocean in front of you, the mountains behind you and with a margarita in your hand watching an unforgettable sunset.”
Haven Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa
Of course, beaches don’t have to be all play and no work, with the Haven Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa demonstrating that.
The adults-only, all-inclusive, oceanfront resort — which is fully open — is catering to vacationers seeking a luxurious beach getaway. Because the safety of guests, staff and community remain a “top priority, Haven has put in place strict safety guidelines and health protocols,” the resort says.
“From the pandemic to the most recent Delta hurricane that passed through the Cancun area, this has not been an easy year for any of us. We are fortunate that the resort did not have any structural damages, outside of broken glass and downed foliage. Clean-up and repairs are already well underway, leaving our guest experiences unaffected,” Florian Connert, senior director director of sales & marketing for Haven Resorts & Spas said recently.
To commemorate the grand reopening, travellers can enjoy rates up to 50% off, including the exclusive Serenity Club suites with private, oceanfront, swim-out pools. Haven Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa is also offering guests packages that enable them to choose between a stay revolving entirely around relaxation or one that includes getting some work done at the edge of the Caribbean Sea.
“Back to the Beach” Package at Haven Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa
Perfect for couples looking to reconnect and rejuvenate, Haven’s “Back to the Beach” package offers a 2-for-1 deal where your better half stays for free. To qualify, travel must be completed by Jan. 2.
“Our Resort, Your Office” Package at Haven Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa
Designed for remote workers, “Our Resort, Your Office” package invites digital nomads to bring their laptops and work from the beach with a view. Enjoy up to 50% off rates when travel is completed by Jan. 2
“Book Now, Beach Later” Package at Haven Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa
For the traveler that wants to take advantage of opening rates, but isn’t ready to travel just yet, this package allows guests to book their stay now for travel in 2021 and still enjoy rates discounted up to 45% off.
The packages can be booked at: https://www.havenresorts.com/specialoffers.html.
