Meagan Drillinger
The Riviera Nayarit is already a major player in the world of travel, drawing more than 7 million tourists annually to its beaches and coastal towns. With more than 14,000 hotel rooms and 100 miles of coastline, the region has long been a favorite for those seeking sun, sand and sophistication. But as we look toward 2025, the Riviera Nayarit is set to redefine luxury travel with a series of exciting developments that promise to make this already top destination even more in demand.
New resort openings
Next year, the Riviera Nayarit will welcome a wave of high-end resorts that will elevate the region's status as a premier luxury destination.
In early 2025, the Rosewood Mandarina will make its anticipated debut. The all-suite property will feature 134 accommodations, including three specialty suites and two standalone villas with views of the beach and mountain ranges. Each accommodation will have an individual plunge pool and outdoor terraces. Activities and amenities include everything from surfing and horseback riding to polo matches. Culinary experiences include a Japanese specialty restaurant and a sunset cliff bar, as well as more informal beachfront options overlooking the ocean. Guests can relax across four pools, a fitness center and a signature Asaya Spa with 10 treatment rooms.
Next year will also see the opening of the Belmond Milaroca overlooking a mile-long stretch of beachfront. The resort will feature 57 guestrooms including from junior suites, one-bedroom suites, jungle suites and 12 three-bedroom villas. Many rooms will have private plunge pools. The 105-acre retreat will have six dining venues, a wellness center and four outdoor swimming pools.
Originally slated for Q4 2024, Ritz-Carlton Reserve will be opening 39 private residences and a resort to the northern Riviera Nayarit coastline next year. The developments will be spread over two oceanfront cliffs within the 800-acre private Nauka Nayarit private club community. The resort will have 90 rooms and include multiple dining options, a beach club, pools, a spa, a fitness center and a library. Residents will have access to exclusive amenities, like a marina and yacht club, 18-hole Tom Fazio golf course, meditation glass house, observatory and a private beachfront with a beach club and restaurants.
And as if next year wasn't already packed with excitement, 2026 will see the arrival of two more luxury icons: the Montage Punta Mita and the Pendry Punta Mita. Both resorts, which will be within the private Punta Mita master-planned community, will have spas, restaurants, Jack Nicklaus golf courses and beach clubs. The Montage Punta Mita will have 140 rooms, while the Pendry Punta Mita will have 115 guestrooms.
Infrastructure boost
A key highlight for the Riviera Nayarit is the $250 million investment in the Tepic Airport, rebranded as the Riviera Nayarit Airport and slated for completion in 2025. This major upgrade will significantly expand the airport's capacity, enabling it to serve up to 4 million passengers annually.
In addition to a revamped airport, a new highway, which is just shy of completion, will shorten the drive time between Tepic and the Riviera Nayarit to just an hour and 15 minutes, down from a nearly three-hour journey.