Susurros del Corazón: A Tropical Haven On Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit

Staggered around a secluded white sand enclave in the Riviera Nayarit, Susurros del Corazón is one of three Auberge Resorts properties on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. The Bahia de Banderas is characterised by large hotels, and whilst Susurros del Corazon is no exception, the hotel feels intimate and inspires guests to soak up the culture and wilderness of the surrounding area.

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Hotel Review: Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection, Riviera Nayarit

STAY

There’s a distinctly contemporary feel to Susurros del Corazón, which translates as ‘whispers of the heart’ – in ode to the hotel’s position between the Western Sierra Madre Mountains and the ocean. Accommodation options vary from regular guestrooms to one and two-bedroom suites, as well as some large villas geared at families or groups seeking extra privacy – many with their own private pools. 

There are currently 59 rooms and suites as well as 30 villas, although plans are in place to expand the property. Much of the accommodation is positioned in a crescent moon around the layered swimming pool, with views shielded discreetly by coconut palms. 

Envisioned by Texas-based hospitality designer Paul Duesing, the interiors blend concrete effect tiles with rough stone feature walls, while hanging art crafted from driftwood, and local textiles add a pop of colour. The combination of raw materials and paired-back style speaks of modern organic beach chic, while floor to ceiling windows drench the spaces in natural light. Rooms give way to large terraces fitted with oversize sofas, the perfect spot to retreat to in the heat of the day. Watching the sky fade from indigo to lilac at sunrise from bed as brightly-coloured birds flit through the foliage is a treat. 

Elsewhere on the property you’ll find a spacious and very well-equipped gym with a dedicated Pilates and yoga studio – and the tiered pool set up gives adults a chance to retreat to cosy cabanas beside a swim-up bar, out of sight from the children’s pool.

DO

Surfing is a focus here, and wave hunters can pick up a board at the beach shack and get their fix right in front of the hotel. There’s a private boat too, for those looking to surf like a local at secluded beaches with consistent breaks. If catching waves isn’t on your agenda, you can take to the sea on a boat trip instead, whether that’s seeking out the humpback whales that frequent these waters between December and April, snorkelling in South Bay or exploring the nearby Islas Marietas Marine Reserve with its striking rock formations and nutrient-rich waters. 

Once a month, a unique Roots of Raicilla ceremony takes place at the hotel, giving foodies a chance to immerse themselves in local cuisine and join a masterclass in the agave spirit raicilla, led by the female founders of local brand La Reina. Guests are also encouraged to get out and explore the local area; the colourful towns of Sayulita, San Pancho and Puerto Vallarta are all reachable with an easy drive from the resort. Children can join Los Morritos kids’ club, which offers a considered array of activities with a marked connection to local heritage, including salsa classes and folk-art workshops. Don’t miss ONDA spa and its hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room, and a holistic approach to wellness with immersive therapies. The hotel has a schedule of complimentary wellness-geared activities including sound baths, cooking classes, HIIT sessions and pool fitness.

EAT

Susurros del Corazón’s dining menus puts local front and centre, with a clear focus on Mexican-inspired dishes, cooked with simple ingredients sourced from nearby farms and markets. Lunch spot Acapulco has a good variety of salads, tacos, burgers and sushi on the menu, served poolside on your sun lounger or in one of the shady cabanas. The accompanying cocktail list is beautifully curated, with options such as a ginger picante with mezcal and jalapeno, or pistachio infused rum with pineapple and vanilla syrup.

The hotel’s two main restaurants sit side-by-side on the beachfront catching a delicious breeze. Casamilpa is the more formal of the two, serving breakfast a la carte alongside cinnamon-infused hot chocolates and freshly-baked muffins. Elevated dishes are served at dinnertime, and our favourites included juicy rib-eye with chimichurri and grilled garden vegetables. 

La Boquita is a more relaxed affair with sharing bites and all sorts of tacos made with fresh, flavoursome ingredients for lunch and dinner. For those with a penchant for dining with their feet in the sand, the Savor the Sunset beach dining experience rotates daily between sushi, Mediterranean-inspired grill and a seafood soiree. You can also choose from health-conscious dining options in the spa.

THE FINAL WORD

Whilst you might be cocooned in luxury at Susurros del Corazón, there’s a palpable connection to the surrounding area that offers a refreshing twist on resort life. And there’s wilderness to be found here too – reclining on a bean bag beneath the twisted branches of a mimosa tree on the sand as the ocean ripples in shades of gold is a tonic for the soul.

BOOK

Rates from £822 not including breakfast. aubergeresorts.com

Lauren Ho was working in Mexico when this review was conducted.