As travel has ground to a halt, minds are wondering to exotic locations and holiday hotspots are top-of-mind. Located in the UNESCO-recognised Marietas Islands National Park in Mexico's Riviera Nayarit is the ultimate bucket-list destination, a hidden beach formed by volcanic activity and accessed only via swimming through a tunnel.

Three facts about Marietas Islands' 'hidden beach':

1) There is only one way to get to there

The first step is to hop on a charter boat or book a tour out to Marietas Islands National Park, a 45-minute ride from Punta Mita, in the south of Riviera Nayarit. Once there, visitors are asked to jump off the boat and swim close to the entrance. The beach is hidden underground and is only accessible by swimming through a tunnel. Its transparent waters and coral reefs are ideal for diving and snorkeling.

2) Luxury within reach of only a few

Exclusivity is guaranteed. Access to the “hidden beach” is restricted to 117 people per day and a time slot of 20 minutes, which means visitors will need a prior reservation, especially during the UK winter months (Mexico's summer).

3) Visitors won´t be “alone”

Marietas Islands are a wildlife sanctuary, home to many endangered bird species as well as rare coral reefs. The fauna that we can find in this paradise is made up of turtles, barber butterflies, humpback parrots or steel swallows, various species of fish, dolphins and humpback whales. Among these species, the peculiar blue-footed booby stands out, which we can only find in two parts of the planet: Marietas Islands and the Galapagos Islands.

Getting to Riviera Nayarit:
TUI operates direct flights to Puerto Vallarta International Airport, Riviera Nayarit's main airport of entry from Manchester and London Gatwick. Daily connections are also available with Aeromexico from London Heathrow via Mexico City airport. Check cancellation policy and T&Cs ahead of booking.

For more information, visit www.RivieraNayarit.com, or follow Riviera Nayarit on Facebook, Riviera Nayarit on Twitter or @Riviera_Nayarit on Instagram.

For more information on Riviera Nayarit as a travel destination or press trip opportunities, please email rivieranayarit@wearelotus.co.uk. 

About Riviera Nayarit
Renowned for its eclectic charm, luxurious hospitality and authentic appeal, Riviera Nayarit has earned global recognition as the Pacific Coast's treasure destination. Situated within Mexican state Nayarit, the region offers 192 miles of pristine Pacific coastline, the wondrous Sierra Madre Mountains, the spectacular Banderas Bay and endless protected natural marvels. Riviera Nayarit is home to resort town Nuevo Vallarta, historic village San Blas, exclusive celebrity haven Punta de Mita, “boho-chic” surf mecca Sayulita and a variety of picturesque fishing villages. Activities include from world-class golf courses, zip lining, diving and surfing to bird watching, whale watching and turtle release programs. Accommodations range from luxury branded resort destinations and family-friendly all-inclusive to intimate boutique properties and everything in between. A further testament to the destination's hospitality offerings, Riviera Nayarit boasts four AAA Five Diamond hotels, 11 AAA Four Diamond hotels and 13 AAA Three Diamond hotels. Rounding out the destination's allure, superior quality international gastronomy awaits including a AAA Five Diamond restaurant, six AAA Four Diamond restaurants and 26 AAA Three Diamond restaurants. Riviera Nayarit is just 10 minutes north of Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR).