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low-key, it’s home to cultural centers, galleries, unique cafes,
traditional bakeries, and shops selling whimsical artwork. San
Francisco has attracted a flourishing U.S. expatriate population
focused on strengthening the community. Director of Entreamigos
Centro Comunitario Educativo Nicole Swedlow teaches children’s
classes right at her old kitchen table in the middle of the street.
Under her leadership, Entreamigos has evolved into a robust center,
offering hundreds of classes annually, and receiving thousands of
residents and visitors who contribute to its mission of improving
education, protecting the environment, and caring for the community.
Tucked away on a quiet side street, Hotel Cielo Rojo’s Bistro
Organico nods to local, organic ingredients. One of its drinks — a
surprising concoction of lime, coconut water, turmeric, and ginger
root, with an equally surprising, unprintable name — jumpstarts
taste buds, no matter the time of day. Catch the sunset while laz-
ing on the sand or sitting at a palapa-shaded table at Las Palmas
Restaurant & Bar.
FROM OLD TO NEW TO OLD
The small fishing village of San Blas captivates with an Old World
charm that’s authentic to the core. For an ethereal experience,
watch the sun set over the Fort of San Basilio (also known as
El Fuerte de la Contaduría), from where Father Junípero Serra
departed on his quest to found the California missions.
As a contrast of sorts, San Blas’ Hotel Garza Canela owns bragging
rights to one of Riviera Nayarit’s most celebrated eateries. El Delfin’s
chef Betty Vázquez, who serves as Nayarit’s gastronomic ambassador,
possesses the swagger of a Cordon Bleu graduate who has worked
with Juan Mari Arzak, the legendary avant-garde chef from Spain.
Known as the birthplace of the Aztec civilization, and nicknamed
the Venice of Mexico for its multitude of canals, nearby
Mexcaltitán
is accessible from La Batanga pier, just beyond Santiago Ixcuintla.
Motorboats and dugout canoesweave through islets, coves, mangroves,
and estuaries to reach this island city. Devoid of land transportation, it’s
a place where the sidewalks are reserved for drying shrimp. Savor these
delicacies and views of a lagoon on the east side at La Alberca, where
the menu of empanadas, ceviches, and
albóndigas
(shrimp meatballs)
is completely dedicated to these revered crustaceans.
n
Dawna L. Robertson is an award-winning writer who has covered topics
ranging from cultural events and CEOs to outrigger canoe paddling and
ecotourism adventures. Her work has appeared in USA Today, Global
Traveler, Honolulu Star Advertiser, Outside, and Successful Meetings.
AREA RESORTS
San Blas’ hilltop
Fort of San Basilio
harks back to
colonial days
when the Spanish
port bustled with
marine commerce.
Centered along the stretch where the Ameca River meets
Banderas Bay, Grand Luxxe Residence Club Nuevo
Vallarta offers spacious suites with a private pool and
balcony. Guests can enjoy on-site swimming pools with
concierge service and activities, fine dining restaurants
and bars, and a Nicklaus-designed golf course.
Located on beautiful Banderas Bay, Mayan Palace Nuevo
Vallarta offers accommodations with Mexican-style
furnishings and terraces. Suites feature a living area,
kitchen, and dining area. Guests can take a dip in the
giant swimming pools and play a round of golf at the
Nicklaus-designed Nayar Nuevo Vallarta course.
Situated in a prime beachfront location on Banderas
Bay, Paradise Village Beach Resort & Spa offers units
with views of the bay, the marina, and lush tropical
gardens. On-site amenities include a full-service health
spa, swimming pools with caves and waterslides, and
multiple dining experiences.
Enjoying a privileged beachfront position in the Nuevo
Vallarta resort area, Villa del Palmar-Flamingos offers
units that boast spectacular views of Banderas Bay, and
are equipped with the highest quality appliances. Golf,
fishing, and nearby Puerto Vallarta make this resort the
ideal place for an excellent vacation experience.
To view all of the Nuevo Vallarta resorts in Interval’s
network,
Accommodations at MY1 are available for purchase through the Getaway program, and generally will not be
available for exchange.
Tim Fleming/Alamy Stock Photo; Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau
RIGHT: Be sure to try the regional
dish pescado zarandeado, grilled
red snapper seasoned with
garlic, soy sauce, and chiles.
IntervalWorld.com
Better start saving those vacation days.
Choose2 gives you two ways to turn an
upcoming confirmed exchange into two
exchanges — without giving up another week
or any additional points!
With Choose2, you can:
n
Reserve a second unit at the same resort or
one nearby.
n
Turn a one-week vacation into a two-week
break by staying longer at the same resort,
visiting a different resort, or even traveling
to another destination.
Choose2 weeks are limited to select areas
and check-in dates.
Visit IntervalWorld.com today to see anticipated
destinations and availability, and to learn more
about this fantastic program!
2
Choose2: Because 2 is better than 1.
