Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Want to holiday like a celebrity? Mexico's West Coast is fast-becoming THE destination for the stars. From actors to super models, find out where the recent flock of A-listers have been holidaying this summer.
Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta, two stunningly diverse and picturesque regions on Mexico's Pacific Coast, have been host to a number of well-known celebrities over the past few months, solidifying their reputation as preferential destinations for the show biz world.
With a choice of exclusively luxurious resorts, stunning postcard-perfect landscapes and an endless list of adrenaline-fuelled activities to do – it's no wonder Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are becoming known as the playground for the rich and famous. And with the romantic backdrop of pristine sandy shores contrasted against rugged mountains, it's only a natural choice for destination weddings and honeymoons too.
Over the course of the year both regions have seen countless big-name stars arrive and relax in style, including:
The Jonas Brothers
Joe Jonas of Jonas Brothers fame caused a stir in Sayulita and Punta Mita the first weekend in April when he attended the wedding of his friends Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo. The world famous pop star published images on his Twitter and Instagram accounts on the 5th and 6th of April, where he showed off the beaches of Sayulita and himself on a burro. He also posted a photo of his friends Nick Lachey y Vanessa Minnillo, who were married in Punta Mita. The young star took the time to have his picture taken with a few very fortunate fans who didn’t waste any time posting their pictures with the singer.
Alessandra Ambrosio
In May, Brazilian super model Alessandra Ambrosio, previously the face of Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren, visited the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita and enjoyed a relaxing family getaway with her two children on the 'Glamour Peninsula.'
KIMYE
In July, newlyweds Kim Kardashian and Kanye West enjoyed their second honeymoon in the exclusive resort of Punta Mita, Riviera Nayarit. No stranger to Instagram, Kim posted several photos of herself sunbathing by the pool at her close friend Joe Francis' exclusive villa, Casa Aramara. Her love for this little slice of paradise has now extended to virtual reality, as her Kardashian-themed gaming app now includes a 'Party in Punta Mita' themed version.
Bella Thorne
American teen Disney star Bella Thorne was also seen on holiday in the region this summer, spending the Fourth of July holiday weekend at the Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta and relaxing on the beaches of Nuevo Vallarta in the Riviera Nayarit. Ms. Thorne went ATV riding, boating and snorkeling with her gorgeous boyfriend Tristan Klier, giving beachgoers plenty of eye candy!
Jessica Simpson
Singer/actress Jessica Simpson followed Kim and Kanye's footsteps in July, choosing Riviera Nayarit as the destination for her honeymoon with husband, former pro football player, Eric Johnson, following their July 5 nuptials at the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, Calif. The pair stayed in a presidential suite at the Four Seasons Punta Mita, spending their time drinking cocktails and taking in the breathtaking views hand in hand. The gorgeous locale was enough for the couple, who, according to a source, didn't even visit the spa.
Hollywood is no stranger to Puerto Vallarta. In fact, it was the famous romance on the set of the 1960s classic, The Night of the Iguana that transformed the sleepy Pacific fishing village into a magnet for celebrities from around the world. The tinsel town press followed Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor to Vallarta, and an international destination was born.
Vanessa Williams
Before heading to New York for her return to Broadway with The Trip to Bountiful, actress, singer and model, Vanessa Williams experienced her own trip to abundance at Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa, where she and her boyfriend spent a romantic Valentine's Day within the exotic setting of the Sierra Madre Mountains.
Eva Longoria
Puerto Vallarta welcomed Desperate Housewives actress Eva Longoria in April, as she celebrated her 39th birthday in style at the Garza Blanca Resort's grand penthouse suite. With a large group of friends she spent her time reclining on the beach and toasting her celebrations by the pool.
Joe Manganiello
Best known for his role in the HBO hit True Blood, Manganiello has become a regular in Puerto Vallarta, taking great pleasure in hiking and exploring the local fauna in the jungle, kayaking to the famous Los Arcos natural formation, practicing paddle board, snorkeling, and taking Mexican cooking lessons from local chefs. Manganiello's most recent visit included an exclusive photo shoot for People Magazine after being named 2014's Sexiest Bachelor by the US-celebrity news publication.
Chris Tucker
Rush Hour star Chris Tucker enjoyed a family holiday in the area, staying at Puerto Vallarta's Casa Velas Resort. While there, Chris and his family partook in a range of water sports and on land adventures, making the most of the luscious, tropical surroundings.
This region of the Mexican Riviera is favored for its exotic climate, adherence to tradition, and luxurious amenities, such as world-class spas and golf courses. So it comes as no surprise that so many celebrities can't resist the allure of this true 'Heart of Mexico.'