Mexican Warmth Plus Swiss Precision: Inside Mexico’s Sayulinda Hotel
by Marsha Mowers
Canada remains an important driver of visitation to Mexico, more than 2 million of us visited last year. And while the beaches of the Caribbean side are as popular as ever, recent overall industry trends show travellers are looking for more authentic experiences, particularly among the Gen Z group.
Here’s a resort advisors will want to have on their radar; the Sayulinda Hotel. Located just steps away from the beach in the bohemian surftown of Sayulita, Mexico, the 51 room boutique hotel has a rooftop bar called El Bar del Patron, which is one of Shaker Awards’ Top 4 Best Hotel Bars in Mexico and is full of instagram-worthy spots.
The guest mix reflects the destination’s international appeal. Roughly 60% of visitors come from Canada and the United States, while the remaining 40% are domestic travellers from across Mexico. The hotel typically attracts guests between 30 and 60 years old, drawn by the property’s boutique feel and upscale touches.
Travel Market Report Canada visited the hotel last week as part of a post tour following the 31st annual Gala Riviera Nayarit conference.
The property is also a family project; GM Pedro Fernandez del Valle’s father built the hotel and his mother designed the interiors. After spending eight years in the United States and studying hospitality in Switzerland, del Valle returned to Mexico following the pandemic to pursue his passion for hospitality along the Pacific coast.
“There’s something magical about this bay,” del Valle told us. “Having lived in different places around the world, I always knew I wanted to come back.”
Del Valle combines his early inspiration he had growing up in the town, with formal training, bringing together what he describes as “Mexican warmth with Swiss precision.” His hospitality philosophy blends authentic service and local culture with strong operational discipline learned during his master’s studies in Switzerland.
He describes the hotel as a “hippie-chic retreat.” The concept reflects Sayulita itself—a laid-back surf town known for barefoot beachgoers, creative energy and a strong connection to nature.
Del Valle is also passionate about showcasing regional traditions. In addition to managing the hotel, he co-founded a local spirits brand with his brother eight years ago.
AYCYA Raicilla, is a traditional agave spirit native to the region around Puerto Vallarta and the Sierra Madre mountains. Often compared to tequila or mezcal, raicilla has its own distinct heritage and flavour profile and forms the basis for many of El Bar del Patron’s cocktails, helping introduce visitors to a lesser-known part of Mexico’s culinary culture.
“For us, it was a way to share where we’re from with the world,” he says. “Food and drink are one of the easiest ways for people to connect.”
Del Valle is keen to strengthen partnerships with the travel trade, particularly in Canada. Because the hotel is not currently listed on major GDS systems, bookings from travel advisors are typically handled directly through the property’s sales team. Advisors can request preferred rates or commissionable bookings through the hotel’s sales director, and the property welcomes group stays, buyouts and weddings.
Beyond operations, del Valle has also focused on building a welcoming culture within the hotel and the local community. The property has completed inclusivity training through Queer Destinations and actively supports local Pride initiatives. Pedro says the goal isn’t to treat anyone differently, but rather to ensure every guest and employee feels equally respected.
“It’s about making sure everyone feels welcome here,” he says. “At the end of the day, we’re all people.”
For more information, advisors are asked to reach out to:
Pedro Fernandez del Valle
General manager Sayulinda Hotel
+1 714 679 5774
Pedro.fernandez@sayulindahotel.com
Ana Tiznado
Director of Sales
Ana.tiznado@sayulindahotel.com
+52 56 5147 5749
