Mexico and hipsters go together like guacamole and chips, with culture vultures flocking to Tulum and Cancun in their droves.

But the more adventurous fun-seekers will be intrigued by head to the Westside of the country to explore the Pacific coastal delights on offer. 
I flew overnight to Mexico City and then hopped on a breezy hour and a half transfer to picturesque Puerto Vallarta is a relaxing resort town, in Jalisco state.

Our first stop to escape the rat race and ‘be at one’ with nature was to head to the secluded Casitas Maraisas. This special hotel is nestled in a deserted beach with room huts built into the rainforest and can only be accessed by boat.  

We were picked up by friendly staff on a water taxi, from a small Pier Boca de Tomatlan. We were told that the water is “hangry for the full moon” but the choppy waves just added to the excitement to our imminent arrival in paradise. Porters helped to carry our bags as we walked past the beach clubs to a wooden tree house setting, laden with coves, hammocks and tables to plant your cocktail on. 

We were welcomed with local speciality passion fruit Margarita with raicilla, a herbal spirit originating from the agave plant. 
As we sipped on our exotic concoctions were able to absorb and breathe in the truly breathtaking views with a stunning vista over the bay.

The beautiful wooden suites are surrounded by trees and offer so much privacy so there is no need for doors or walls, merely curtains. Each of the 12 treehouses offers a veranda with a hammock, a spot I found ideal for reading and meditating. 

The stunning bed dangles from ropes, gently rocking you to sleep at night like a baby, protecting from the world, ensconced by a veil. I’ve never had such a peaceful night’s sleep and nothing compares to waking up to the gentle sound of waves crashing in the ocean. It was absolute bliss and the perfect start to the holiday. 

Even the toilet is peaceful, a simple basin under the stars, pebbles ceramic floor and, the piece de resistance, a shower which sees its water trickle from shell.

The fully stocked mini bar caters for your every need containing fizzy drinks, beers, chocolates, crisps, toothpaste and even condoms. Incredibly thoughtful. There’s also coffee making facilities and a drinking water tank so you don’t have to rely on buying bottled water. 

Breakfast is a tranquil affair by the ocean tucking into a fruit platter with granola and honey as you watch the waves lap up. 

At night the dwelling is lit up by sparkling fairy lights, and if you’re lucky enough to visit in June to August you’ll spot the beautiful fireflies at night.
Every Saturday there is a party with DJs on the beach and every six months there is an art and food festival, it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area. 

Next stop was to the boho town of Sayulita – a surf haven and hippy mecca. 
We stayed at the chic Don Bonita hipster chic boutique hotel, a short walk from the centre of town and away from the hustle bustle of the plaza. 

It’s minimal style was second to none with stunning Scandinavian, Mexican and French influences. I felt calmed by the white-wash walls, rattan lights, wooden frames and Mexican touches with art and beautifully painted surfboards mounted on the walls. 

The luscious beds are laden with embroidered pillows which make it difficult to get up once you rest your weary head, gently cooled by a ceiling fan.

The bathroom is a design work of art, with a huge square ceramic bath, which doubles as jacuzzi or hot tub should you find some willing guests, and shower and plentiful toiletries built into the wall.One of the best aspects of this hotel is that it’s adults only, so you won’t be bothered by noisy kids or horseplay in the pool.

Charming hostess Natalia introduced us to locally brewed beers delicious Cayaco and kindly bought to our rooms. Nature awoke me to the sound of a cockerel dutifully crowing announcing the morning.

There is beautiful pool to cool down in from the heat with some stylish loungers dotted around. Although it’s close to the beach, this provides the ideal haven to recuperate and relax. 

It was pleasantly quiet when we visited, but I imagine it will get busier once word gets out about its superior design edge. For our final stint we visited the centrally located Aurinko Bungalows, which were the swan song to the trip. 

With their bright terracotta walls, stunning Mexican art, luminous tiled walls and pebbled floors, they were the perfect nod to quintessential Mexican style. 

The apartments are airy and spacious giving you room to really breathe and relax. 

The open-air kitchen and living room offers a relaxing space, with a table, chairs and hammock, to cook, eat, entertain and sit and read. There is a fridge, oven and plenty of cooking utensils to create the perfect culinary spread. 

There are separate bedrooms with locks and an adjoining bathroom with a shower. Although simple and rustic, everything is clean and decorated to a high, traditional standard with real thought put into the authentic art adorning the walls. 

Logistically Aurinko Bungalows is a dream, just footsteps from the beach and central plaza, making it easy to nip to shops, head out to dinner or stumble back from the bars in the early hours.

There is a night guard patrolling the property around the clock making you feel safe in the knowledge that your belongings are being well looked after. 
The bright pool, studded with funky chairs and loungers, is quiet and offers a welcome sunspot away from the bustle of the beach. Fortunately it never seemed too busy so made it a pleasant alternative to read, swim or do some morning stretches. 

A real perk is that the Bungalows offer regular onsite yoga sessions in a roomy loft above the pool. 

I had an amazing 8.30am hour-long intimate Vinyasa flow class with a friendly American teacher for just 150 pesos (about £6). The proximity means it’s easy to make classes without eating too much into your beach /surfing time. 

The friendly staff can also help set up surf lessons on the beach at a discount. I had such a wonderful stay in Mexico, with the friendly locals, chilled atmosphere and sunny weather I was sad to leave, but I’ll definitely be back.

www.casitasmaraika.com
www.donbonito.com
www.aurinkobungalows.com