Sayulita Señorita

Say me, say you, Sayulita! That’s the way it should be. Naturally! Right next door to Punta de Mita lies this vibrant, colourful beach town — I’ve been told it’s very similar to Tulum, but with waves. All roads lead from the steep hills down to the sea — cobblestone streets line the zocalo (town square), lined with brightly coloured buildings and murals. Bunting strung from roofs lines the streets down to the beach, giving the place a festive air and stirring up excited anticipation. So come with me, let’s take a stroll in Sayulita!

It’s all very well being holed up in a luxury resort, but I’m African and will always crave a little colour, chaos, busy streets and a dash of mayhem. We hopped on the resort shuttle bus and headed into town for a little loco moco adventure.

The day was perfect; I would’ve loved to hop off at the outskirts of town, but I was with a clutch of Canadians, and the driver knew he had precious cargo on board, so I’d have to chomp at the bit and get off in the town square, where everybody else disembarked. 

Here, colours are fruity and richly described, like pomegranate, watermelon, pineapple, mint, lemon, blood orange and mango, or magenta to describe the palette. All my senses are awakened as I smell, taste, feel and am immersed in the vibrant, sunny, jewelled kaleidoscope of hues. As I scroll through my photographs, my hands itch to grab a brush and paint my (small) hacienda walls orange, cerise and turquoise, an exotic explosion of colour. In less sophisticated countries, I have always found that colour enhances their uniqueness. It’s spectacular and refreshing. Sterility in all its forms evaporates effortlessly. 

Enjoy delicious, affordable meals at the many taquerias, explore galleries featuring locally made art, and shop for stylish clothing and jewellery. The beachfront is packed with restaurants, surf shacks, and bars; we relaxed on the sand. Street vendors sell trinkets and curiosities, and haggling is part of the fun. Patience pays off for a good deal.

Shucked oysters are fresh and plentiful. Watch firsthand as freshly made fajitas and tacos are prepared, and enjoy sugary-sweet homemade sweeties and ice on the beach while the children buy helium balloons. Here, everyone has their story to tell, which opens minds and changes perspectives and prejudices.

I indulged and dipped into my pocket for a pretty plate; ceramics are plentiful, beautiful, colourful, and so iconic of Mexico. I'm keeping the vintage earrings I bought for a special occasion, and the lovely colourful cotton throws will be the first items packed when we move into our Honey Badger and set off on our adventures. My female portraiture gallery has a new face: a lovely Frida Kahlo who scowls down at me daily; I’ll continue to wink at her in passing. I had a good time and received fabulous gifts to remind me of my visit to Sayulita, but I regret not pulling out all the stops despite my weight woes; the embroidery is magnificent, and the table runner I adored would’ve been perfect. I’ll have to make do with a photograph. Pity.

Although the waves aren’t as exciting as at some places I’ve visited, hot-headed surfers hooked on the sport flock to the beach and get stuck into the action. I can’t blame them; the water is warm and refreshing, and being in the company of similar-minded beach babes has a certain charm.

Sayulita ticks all the boxes for me. It’s a destination I could return to, as it reminds me of my escapades in Maputo, Mumbai and the markets of Hanoi. I want to book a little Airbnb apartment there; I think the town comes alive at night when the eateries, bars, and salsa halls open their doors. Something to investigate, I dare say. 

P.S I couldn't make rational choices when it came to my photographs; I loved them all.  Please indulge me; note you're not obliged to look at them all!