It seems like all the Dutch people have massively left for Mexico, mainly to Tulum. Tulum is located on the Atlantic Ocean near Cancun and is a beautiful, but also quite touristy destination. I just spent a week there, but I certainly wouldn't travel there again, as this place is not authentic enough for me. Therefore, I will share my favorite spot in Mexico with you. To be honest: I hesitated for a moment, but I will reveal the location anyway. On the other side of the country, on the Pacific Ocean, lies a small colorful Mexican surf village called Sayulita, full of locals and also tourists, but without Dutch people. Here you really taste the authentic Mexico, low-key, not a super hype, but everything you want during a vacation. In any case, I have fallen head over heels in love with this place and was quite sad when I had to leave again.

Sayulita cannot be reached directly from the Netherlands. Therefore, you first fly to Mexico City and then take the flight (of an hour and a half) to Puerto Vallarta. From Puerto Vallarta, it is about an hour's drive to Sayulita. Sayulita is bursting with surfers, cheerful colorful bars, and many cozy boutique hotels and hostels full of young travelers who are backpacking. Most tourists who come here are from Canada and have been coming here for years. We stayed at Hotelito Los Sueños, a cozy boutique hotel that serves the best vegetarian Mexican breakfast every morning. Definitely a recommendation.

It is the perfect place to take surf lessons and to completely relax. The beaches here are very different from those on the Tulum side. Here, there is much more greenery around the beaches, allowing for beautiful hikes and access to deserted beaches. Every day and evening is a party here; you only need to take three steps outside your hotel and you can already hear music. Not loud techno like in Tulum, but delightful Mexican music. I love it. Additionally, in the few restaurants that are here, they serve the most delicious fresh fish, with the specialty in every place being shrimp in a mango marinade with coconut rice. Unbelievably delicious. There are exactly two clubs in the village, so on weekends, you literally run into everyone. Plenty to experience. Are you planning to go to Mexico soon? Then definitely don't skip Sayulita; it's worth the extra travel time. And be sure to add Mexico City to your itinerary.