In the past, the islands were employed for military tests.
The sunday edition of the Reforma Newspaper devotes two very complete report-guides to get to know two strategic points for enjoying life in the Nayaritan lands. Don't miss the article LAS MARIETAS: WHEN THE BOMB EXPLODED
The following that we reproduce in their totality are a pair of detailed invitations made by the prestigious daily to enjoy life in the Nayarit Riviera.
1.- OF MYSTICAL ATTRACTION
Nayarit, Mexico (November 24th, 2013).- The jungle lights up. It dawns. In the Observatory, a warm wind brushes the stone walls of Imanta, the exclusive resort and renowned secret of Riviera Nayarit.
The isolation, between the jungle and the sea, has made the Riviera into a new favorite destination of presidents (Peña Nieto has vacationed here with his family), celebrities, honeymooners, golf and bird sightseeing fans.
From the oriel there is an overview of part of the 105 acres that conform Imanta, only three years old at the skirts of the Cerro del Mono.
The hotel features 13 keys and the layout of each room is determined by the topography. In the outside, the ceilings are covered with vegetation that seems to melt with the jungle and in its discreet interior the bone color dominates, teak furniture, Huichole accents and reminiscences of southeast Asia.
No tree was cut down during the construction, led by the architect Bob Shemwell, specialist in sustainable philosophy projects: the stone, a type of granite extracted here and renamed as Imanta, constitutes the walls of its 10 suites and two mansions. Enormous rocks are now bathroom vats and some cuts are superb tables.
The footpaths that lead from the pool to the boutique or from the bar to the rooms leave clear that it is about an accommodation planned for a few: travelers that value nature or hikers for whom luxury is to find the strategic place to reconnect with textures, aromas and flavors, no only through the landscape but the kitchen of the chef Olivier Debois.
Golf carts come and go from the beach. There, a restaurant on the sand invites to eat the fish of the day and other ingredients of the kitchen garden.
At several meters, taking refuge in between the palms, hides the new treasure of Imanta: a type of tree house for adults, isolated, whose construction of pine receives the full breeze of the Pacific. Those who lodge here have a particular chef at their service, a chauffeur and a butler.
There is no more music than the breaking of the waves or the vibrations of the waterfall that nourishes the private pool of the mansion. From far away, a part of the peninsula where Punta Mita nests can be seen.
Without warning dusk arrives. And the jungle glows.
Experiences in the Riviera…
Swim in the crystalline waters of a pool and relaxing in a jacuzzi fed by a natural waterfall.
Welcome the day from the Observatory, in front of the sea and the jungle. In the area there is a swimming pool and cots inviting to read. At nights it transforms into the most romantic place where cocktails and tapas are served.
Spend the afternoon in an isolated beach of soft sand.
At the beach shore, or in the privacy of the room, receive a therapeutic massage, Thai or one of hot stones with coconut, honey and almond exfoliation.
Try Tukipa cuisine, where Olivier Debois emphasizes the Mexicanism in the dishes, but especially in using local products of excellence and giving them the best possible treatment.
Rent the entire hotel for an intimate wedding, birthday, family stay, yoga, culinary or entrepreneurial retreat. Imanta has a capacity for 28 to 32 people and the nightly cost is of approximately 25 thousand dollars, with the service of 80 people. ***
How to get here
The International Airport of Puerto Vallarta is the nearest one to Imanta, situated in Riviera Nayarit. To get here there are direct flights or with a layover from Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. From the aerial terminal the resort offers transportation for its guests, or they can rent a car. The commute lasts around 40 minutes.
2.- THE MARIETAS : WHEN THE BOMB EXPLODED
Nayarit, Mexico (November 24, 2013).- Of when these islands were used by the Mexican army to test bombs only the memory remains. And some holes in the rocks.
At the beginning of the 20th century, airplanes overflew the uninhabited terrain and used it like a shooting field.
The story told by Pepe Villaseñor, guide of Punta Mita Expeditions, company that specializes in routes which include diving, snorkeling, kayak and lately stand up paddle, which consists on rowing on foot on a surf board.
Many decades had to pass before the pristine character of the zone could return.
Today, designated as a National Park, the Marietas are a natural protected area, Biósfera Reservation of the UNESCO and sanctuary for the marine birds.
The archipelago is one of the attractions that wakes up the most curiosity among travelers that arrive to the zone.
The travel begins in the beach El Anclote, where the islands can be seen from far away. From this beach, arriving in a boat takes around 10 minutes. On the way, Pepe awakens interest on the place.
At present it is forbidden to disembark on them and much less fish. Moreover, the anchor cannot be used, to avoid damage to the coral. One can neither bring back a souvenir, not even a piece of rock.
That today the islands are conserved in such a careful form is partly due to the intervention of the explorer Jacques Cousteau, who was fascinated by the place when he followed hunchback whales. Exemplars of this species can seen in these waters from December to March, when they come to give birth and reproduce.
The hidden beach, known as Playa del Amor and that appears in many photographs, is a gift that nature reserves for the days of low tide. One can get there by swimming. Sometimes one cannot, says Pepe, but it is good that they let them rest, as there are days in which more than 200 people arrive.
The Marietas concentrates the greatest diversity of reef fish in Banderas Bay. The show starred by damselfish, rainbow fish, winged and yellow pargos, parakeets, or manta rays swimming between the coral reef, is sufficient motive to adjust the visor and lose the fear to swim in the open sea.
The underwater beauty of the zone equates with the one of the surface. Dozens of birds take over the rocky formations, many of them dyed of white from the guano, and in the nooks of its caves: pelicans, blue legged bobo birds, brown bobo birds and laughing seagulls, among 70 other varieties of migratory and continental species.
After swimming, the group switches the snorkel and the fins for long boards and an oar. The whimsical shapes of the islands frame those who try - without hesitation - to stand. After several involuntary dips, everyone is on top of the boards, rowing side by side each other.
Pepe has to call those who have moved away a bit. Like children, they reluctantly go back, knowing that the tour is coming to an end.
Normally the travelers go to conquer the islands, but in the Marietas, without remedy norresistance, the contrary happens.
Practical guide
HOW TO ARRIVE
Our experience
We fly from Mexico City to Puerto Vallarta with Interjet. From the airport we move in car to the village of Punta of Mita, roughly situated 40 minutes away.
Other options
Aeroméxico flies to Puerto Vallarta from Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Interjet flies with a layover from Monterrey; Volaris does it direct from Mexico City and with a layover from Monterrey. From Guadalajara, Punta de Mita is located at around three hours and a half car ride.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Our experience
We are lodged in Cinco Hotel, a group of apartments of three rooms in front of the beach El Anclote, in the village of Punta de Mita. From 589 pesos* per night, plus taxes.
Other options
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort and Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita are two key complexes in the Punta Mita development.
WHERE TO EAT
Our experience
We dined Temazcal Shrimp and seasoned salmon, some of the creations of the chef Thierry Blouet in Café des Artistes del Mar, situated in front of the beach in Punta de Mita.
Other options
Carolina, the restaurant of The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, specializes in fish and seafoods, like lobster of the Caribbean
WHAT TO TAKE
For the tour to the islands carry your camera or telephone equipped with a case so that you can submerge them in the water. Carry a waterproof bag to protect your electronic devices and wallet during the tour.
WHO TO HIRE
Punta Mita Expeditions proposes tours for reduced groups guided by experts. The tours go out from its offices located in Punta de Mita, at a few steps from Cinco Hotel, or from the beach of the St. Regis.
MORE INFORMATION
www.rivieranayarit.com.mx
cincopuntamita.com
www.cafedesartistesdelmar.com
www.puntamitaexpeditions.com
[readon1 url="http://www.nnc.mx/portada/1385315020.php"]Source: Vallarta Opina Translated by Rene Tripp[/readon1]