For three weeks this winter, I escaped the brutal cold and snow of New York City and headed south of the border to the Riviera Nayarit region of Mexico.  Just north of Puerto Vallarta lies this pocket of sleepy villages that offer beautiful beaches, surfing for all levels, and all sorts of culinary delights.

I made the mistake of renting a house in Sayulita online (and paying in advance – a real “no-no”) and when I showed up, it was nothing like the website had shown.  The “house” was really an apartment and located on the busiest street in town on a crowded beach.  After a stressful back and forth with the owners, I managed to get a portion of my money back.  There was a part of me that was ready to pack my bags, defeated, and head back to New York, but a friend recommended that I drive 20 minutes to Punta Mita, and check in at the Four Seasons. 

I’m currently working on a novel and part of the story line is set in Mexico, so this was a research trip and an opportunity to further explore Mexican cuisine, one of my favorites. 

Here are some of my trip highlights:

  
Beautiful view from the bar at the Four Seasons,
Punta Mita
 
 
  The Four Seasons
 
   
 

After my house debacle, I checked into the Four Seasons (which I should have done in the first place) and was treated to the most incredible hotel experience ever.  I've stayed in many fancy hotels all over the world, but this one takes the cake.  Comfortable, stunning views, fabulous food, and the most accommodating staff.  I was so lucky to spend three weeks at this incredible resort and I am definitely planning to go back!

   
 

The local fishermen pull their boats right up onto the sand with the day’s catch and Chef Jorge Gonzalez hand selects which fish he will be cooking that night in the hotel’s restaurants, Aramara and Bahia.  Chef Jorge made me a special ceviche one day with a parrot fish, sliced paper thin, and quickly marinated in lime juice, habaneros, and purple onions.  Paired with a glass of white wine from Mexico’s Baja region, my feet in the sand and gazing at the Pacific, it was one of my all-time greatest dining experiences.

  
The chef with his catch of the day
   
  I spent a few hours each day lounging in one of the day beds on the beach, typing away on my computer.  Work just didn’t seem like work when I was looking at this view!
 
   
   
 

 

 Burrito Revolucion
On the main drag in Sayulita, this little burrito hut serves up the biggest, baddest, bestest burritos. It was always packed and at first I thought it was a tourist destination….
and then I tried it.
   
   
 
My favorite sweet treat at the choco banana

Choco Banana
This is “the spot” mornings in Sayulita. People gather for coffee and breakfast and plan their surf adventures for the day. Me? I preferred going in the afternoon for a cool treat - their signature dish - a chocolate covered frozen banana coated in coconut flakes.

 

El Corral
I spent many sunsets at this beachfront spot drinking margaritas. I loved the fried whole snapper served with bean quesadillas and pico de gallo.
 
   
   
  Comida Birria y Tacos
  This stand in Punta Mita was my hang. I loved going to see Rosa for breakfast or lunch. She made the most incredible huevos con chorizo, served with beans and rice, for breakfast. I loved her chicken abondigas (meatballs in broth) and birria (a spicy braised goat), with a tall glass of horchata or guava juice.
 
  Rosa, my favorite Mexican cook
 

 
 
 
  Huevos con chorizo by Rosa Horchata
   
 
Hard at work writing my book - at the Four Seasons
   
  The area boasts great waves, for both beginners and experts alike.  I managed to catch a few of the smaller ones!  During my trip there were some pretty big swells of 15 to 20 feet, so I watched in awe from the beach as the advanced surfers charged the heavy waves.
   
 
  Surfer catches a wave at Paradiso
   
 
  Time to Surf!!!! Taking a break from my busy schedule!