A small fishing village next to Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is a popular destination among professional and amateur surfers. Guests staying at one of the luxury villas in Mexico need only take a short drive north to enjoy the gently rolling waves along the western Nayarit Coast. During the summer, local surfers flock to the town's main beach to hang ten in the warm waters. Along with surf lessons, you can also charter a boat for a scuba diving adventure a few hundred yards beyond the break or book a hiking tour in the lush surrounding rainforests.

The instructors at Lunazul Surf School are veterans of Sayulita's beaches and provide insider tips for catching the perfect ride. This family-owned business has hundreds of boards to choose from and guarantee that you will catch a wave during your first lesson, whether they are one or three feet high. During the initial land-based instructional session, teachers will explain proper surfing etiquette and give a general idea of the currents in the area. Families staying in luxury rentals can book a group lesson so that every member gets a chance to glide through the warm Mexican water.

A perfect way to wake up after a relaxing night at a Puerto Vallarta villa is to get your heart pumping on a hike or mountain biking excursion through the jungles in Sayulita. Wild Mex Wilderness is a one-stop shop for families and adventurous couples looking to customize their trip through the rainforest, whether they want to take the time to photograph the lush greenery or careen through the challenging trails. For a kid-friendly trip, you may want to book the Malpaiso Beach tour, which features gentle paths and safe, car-free dirt roads.

After an exhilarating day of surfing, hiking and mountain biking, travelers staying in luxury vacation rentals can take a short walk from the beach to Sayulita's town center, which has a handful of locally owned restaurants and cafes. With homemade tortillas and fresh mango salsa, the eats at Sayulita Fish Taco are a staple among locals. The restaurant is also a great spot for a nightcap, as the tequila menu boasts hundreds of different kinds of Mexican libations and margaritas. With a glass in hand, you can walk back to the beach where live musicians often play well into the evening.