Gypset Travel ~ Gypsetgirl Goes to Sayulita Mexico

As I mentioned in my previous post, I was introduced to Sayulita, Mexico years ago through my father–one of the original Jersey Shore long boarders catching his first waves in the early 1960’s. I’ve always loved surfing there and soaking up the culture of what is normally a chill little town resting gently on the Pacific Ocean, about a 45 minute drive from Puerta Vallarta.

Coming out of such a cold long winter I was desperate to thaw my bones; and in my planning my recent trip there I didn’t take into consideration that it was the week before Easter, otherwise known in Mexico as “Holy Week.” The entire country has the week off from work to enjoy spending time with family and friends. Unbeknownst to me, it is also a mass exodus for the coast! It turned out to be an original vacation in many ways.

For example, instead of having my choice of waves to catch off the beach in town as I normally would, I was left patiently waiting my turn and avoiding a “drop-in” from a five-year old prodigy surfer (as seen below)!  🙂 So adorable–not to mention the marching band music on the beach complete with a tuba to cap it all off!

Due to the congestion on the beach and in the water in Sayulita, we hired an instructor to bring us to some nice breaks outside of  Punta Mita and to give us some surfing tips. We found our instructor, Edson, at Wildmex Surf & Adventure. I was so impressed by how organized and professional they are–far better than any of the other surf instruction companies we came across.

Edson took us to a gorgeous secret break about a 25 minute ride from Sayulita. The property, owned by a successful business man and surfer,  is minded by a security guard only allowing people carrying a surfboard to enter the trail down to the beach.

Sayulita is typical of any destination vacation spot, with no shortage of shopping. You can find the typical souvenirs– sarongs and beach bags; but a few stores really stood out to me for there gypset style and originality.

The first is Ula (more to come about these stores in upcoming posts), a quaint boutique on a corner a few blocks from the beach. Ula has a boho chic collection of home goods, jewelry and clothing.

Also on my radar is the shop called Corazón de Hafa, which is part of the Le Petit Hotel Hafa (more coming on this bohemian hotspot too ;)) This chic boutique offers plenty of unusual souvenirs created by local artisans, as well as some gorgeous pearl jewelry.

Down the road and closer to the beach is Esto Es Mexico, a colorful little shop where you can find candy colored beach bags and decorative home goods.

Then there is my favorite of all, the über bohemian boutique in Sayulita– Pacha Mama. Owned by the famed French Mignot sisters, Nathelie and Marie, Pacha Mama carries the latest boho chic tunics, handmade dresses and bags, as well as their trademark leather stringed South Pacific pearl jewelry.

It was a pleasure sampling the food from the area as well. Of course I ate guacamole, chips and salsa, and slow roasted pork until I was satiated (calories don”t count when you’re traveling….right? 😉 ) However, an unexpected surprise came when strolling through town. We came across a Jaka fruit stand. I had never tried it before and decided to take a chance. As I watched the yukamonger hack into this gorgeous cactus like fruit it reminded me of the challenge that goes into opening a pomegranate to gather the hard to reach fruit. As with the pomegranate, it is well worth the effort. The fruit is delicious– sugary sweet with a flowery scent that lingers in the air.

It was so nice submerging myself  in the culture that week and not being one of many Americans visiting….just the way I like it! I really enjoyed the warm embrace of the Mexican people while I was there during “Holy Week.” Ironically, it was very busy the Thursday and Friday before Easter, you would have thought it would be at its busiest over the weekend! I guess that, true to the Catholic culture, after the many cocktails drunk and toasts given during the holiday week, it was time to make the journey back to the waiting arms of the their families to celebrate Easter properly. Viva la Mexico!