Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are the Mexican west coast’s hidden gems

WATCHING a baby turtle, just hours old, make its desperate journey into the sea was something I thought I would only ever see on a David Attenborough documentary.

Yet hours after touching down in Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s west coast, I was the one releasing an olive ridley sea turtle into the wild, observing it flapping its tiny flippers into the waves as the sun set.

Some 50,000 of the creatures have been released from the Marriott’s conservation hatchery this year alone.

But there were even more critters I would come face to face with during my week-long getaway.

For years, Mexico’s east coast, with the sandy beaches of the Mayan Riviera and party towns of Cancun and Tulum, have been hot spots for British travellers.

But 1,500 miles away, on the country’s west coast, picturesque Puerto Vallarta and neighbouring Riviera Nayarit offer a more relaxing alternative.

With personal concierges, sea views from every room, three fine dining restaurants and a gigantic pool overlooking the beach, it was the ideal place to relax.

In the rooms there is even free tequila, wine and more snacks than you can imagine. Perfect.

The Hilton offers a slightly more affordable experience, with some of the most impressive views at sunset from its rooftop bar, complete with another infinity pool. Well, why not?

For a more secluded stay, there is the back-to-basics Casitas Maraika — with its beautiful wooden buildings that are guaranteed to have the Instagram likes pouring in — or the boutique W Hotel with its divine Spice Market restaurant.

And of course, millions of tourists flock to Mexico each year for the food alone, which far exceeds the hybrid tex-mex the British are used to.

I had a go at making a traditional meal, with the help of chef Julio Cesar at Restaurant Gaby’s, which offers very affordable cooking lessons and serves some of the biggest margaritas in town.

There are plenty of opportunities to try incredible street food (but watch out, traveller’s tummy is real).

You can experience Hollywood Glamour at Casa Kimberley, the lavish home given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton

Or sample a touch of Hollywood glamour at Casa Kimberly, situated in the lavish home given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton for her 32nd birthday.

Puerto Vallarta’s incredible views, beautiful beaches, picturesque streets, perfect climate and luxurious accommodation makes this an absolute no-brainer for a return trip.

Apart from anything else, the lashings of tequila and mountains of guacamole and chips will have me coming back.