Spring break doesn’t have to be all about binge drinking and passing out. Why not let the warm sun of a small Mexican beach town melt away the midterm stress?
I recently took a girls-trip down to a remote beach. We bonded and detoxed as I explored and documented my travels. I found that the beauty of traditional Mexican beaches is not just about the location, but also about the natives who welcome you.
So grab your sunblock and a couple of friends for a seven-hour trip south of the border to Puerto Peñasco at the edge of the Sonora desert. The coastal city offers a conglomeration of beachfront resorts that host a variety of tourist attractions like casinos, bars and gulf clubs.
Villa Alegria:
For the more exclusive individuals who truly want to elope, the luxury beachfront home Villa Alegria offers posh amenities.
Isolated by desert and beach sand, the almost island-like Villa Alegria pampers guests with an in-house maid and chef. The four room, five bathroom house includes a private pool, Jacuzzi, outdoor bar and grill and even comes equipped with it’s very own espresso maker.
The sliding glass doors blur the lines between indoors and outdoors and let in the salty Pacific breeze. A strict, windows-in-every-room policy provides breathtaking views of the turquoise waters.
Guests unwind in the Jacuzzi as they sip on a glass of wine or sangria. They can blast the surround sound with no fear of having a noise complaint.
Morning joggers can enjoy a four-mile stretch of private beach, while being accompanied only by the gorgeous sunrise and restless waves.
Three nights and four days in the exquisite villa will cost a group of ten about $1,800.
Playa Bonita:
When the adventurous gene kicks in, guests can drive 15 minutes to get into town.
Puerto Peñasco’s famous Playa Bonita is the public beach of choice where tourists and natives mingle.
Surfers and paddle boarders shoot through the lukewarm water as families ride the waves in huge banana boats as their giggles and squeaks fill the air on the way to the water.
Beachgoers can tan while enjoying a ripe mango or coconut that vendors prepare in front of them, seasoned with classics like chili power and lemon. Taste buds run wild with savory ceviche and fresh mariscos. Vendors also offer traditional carne asada tacos for those opposed to seafood.
El Malecon:
Party animals need not be wary; Puerto Peñasco also offers a street devoted to nightlife entertainment and bars. El Malecon is a mile-long beachfront street composed of a series of stores, bars and lounges.
This street crowds with tourists and natives every spring break season. It’s converted into a big tailgate fest, with people blasting music from their cars. Traditional norteño bands and mariachis scatter the street, covering a variety of songs.
Tourists can hop from one bar to another enjoying margaritas or Micheladas. Each bar has it’s own theme and music genre, ranging from Mexican rock to American Hip-Hop. Twenty-year-olds mix and mingle with forty-year-olds as they enjoy the discounted liquor.
During the day, the street is converted into an artisan market where tourists can shop for ceramics, ponchos and souvenirs. Performers dress in authentic Aztec and Apache regalia to entertain the passersby as they sing in their native tongues.
It’s the Ying and Yang of Puerto Peñasco.
