Where?

Sayulita, Mexico

Why now?

A gathering place for an international creative crowd, Sayulita
is a fishing village turned hippie haven set between the Sierra
Madre Occidental mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Beyond being a
recluse for designers seeking inspiration, the beaches are renowned
for their waves, drawing surfers from Bondi to Santa
Monica.

The people you’ll meet in Sayulita are really the reason for
making the trip (though the lush palm trees and fiery sunsets
certainly don’t get old) thanks to their contagious
barefoot-all-day attitude. The town’s chilled-out blend of artsy
and beachy residents also make the ideal companions for dancing the
night away at Zen Garden‘s beachside bar
before heading straight to sunrise yoga in the sand.

Don’t miss

Take a day trip to the nearby Islas Marietas to spot dolphins
and humpback whale. For marine life explorations closer to your
hotel, make an evening trip to the Campamento Tortuguero Sayulita
nature reserve. As a part of their educational and volunteer
offerings, you’ll have the chance to help release newly hatched sea
turtles into the ocean.

For another environmental challenge, be sure to go on one of
Sayulita’s jungle hikes. Winding through untouched forest areas
that are home to macaws and jaguars, the four-hour trek up Monkey
Mountain – to be tackled with a guide – is the toughest around,
though certainly the most rewarding, with striking views of the
bays and beaches below.

When to go

When the winter blues are getting you
down. January
to March
is when you’ll want to be dancing at sunset with your new
novelist/interior decorator friends by your side.

Most likely to bump into

Soul-searching Aussie surfers who are up for adventure.

Essentials to bring with you

A one-piece swimsuit that won’t fly off while you’re learning
how to catch a wave.

How to get there

Fly into Puerta Vallarta and head to Sayulita on the hour-long,
one-dollar bus. To get there in 40 minutes but pay $40, cabs are
available between both locations.