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Par or pamper?

Vallarta Nayarit

An array of spa treatments are offered at area resorts.

If you're the traveling type who seeks out places where you'll be pampered, save up some serious dough to stay in Vallarta Nayarit.

The Ameca River separates the states of Nayarit, to the north, from Jalisco, to the south and the "Old Town" of Puerto Vallarta. Vallarta Nayarit is north of Vallarta and is closer to the airport - just 10 minutes.

Vallarta Nayarit stretches north from Los Jarretaderas to Lo de Marcos. Small towns dot the coast between the two: Nuevo Vallarta, Flamingos, Bucerias, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Punta de Mita, Litibu, Sayulitas and San Francisco.

In late March, cruise ships docked for the inauguration of Vallarta Nayarit's port, marking a new era for the region.

Water sports such as sailing, fishing, snorkel and scuba diving, surfing and kayaking are all part of the beach scene around Bahia de Banderas. However, two other choices rank at the top of the turista list: spa treatments and golf.

High-end pampering is the rule at the all-inclusive Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort. The luxurious five-diamond rated hotel even offers a special package for new divorceés: a body treatment, massage, facial, manicure/pedicure and hydrotherapy ritual topped off with a consultation with a jeweler for a wedding ring makeover. The price tag is high for single occupancy ($879 per night), but drops to $537 per night, double occupancy. For info, call 1 (877) 398-2784 or visit www.grandvelas.com.

There are other less expensive spas in the area. According to the Vallarta Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.vallarta-mexico.com), the relaxation rituals are so vital to the economy, travelers seeking specific spa treatments are urged to contact the bureau for the most current information (e-mail cvb@vallarta-mexico.com).

Golfing is the other popular activity in Vallarta Nayarit. In 1978, the Flamingos Golf Club, a public course, opened and has since been joined by six other courses, including some designed by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf and Robert von Hagge. At the CVB Web site, golfers can check course layouts to plan where they'll play, including:

The Four Seasons course on Punta de Mita boasts eight holes seaside, with the third hole an island located in the rushing waters of the Pacific Ocean.

At El Tigre Club de Golf, designer von Hagge challengers players at the sixth hole, a 185-yard par-3 which plays over water to an island green.

The Vista Vallarta Golf Club offers two championship courses with views of the Sierra Madre Mountains and Bahia de Banderas.