March Madness

This month, I am on a diet… which means no alcohol. So, I think I will cancel the newsletter!

Dieting is actually pretty miserable, especially when you live in a place where everybody else is on Vacation and off THEIR diets. Luckily, this month is so incredibly busy that I hardly have time to eat and drink – let alone think about the misery of limited eating and drinking.

Casa-de-Mita-upper-deck-view-to-ocean
Casa de Mita Boutique Hotel and Restaurant

I’m titling this newsletter “March Madness”. Why? Well, with the Spring Break coinciding with Easter and the Mexican Semana Santa, the area will be experiencing a huge influx of tourists. The Easter/Semana Santa holiday falls early this year – which means the high season will come to a premature end. It seems as if the whole world is trying to get in as much fun, sun and family time as possible before the end of the month. What better place to do this than in sunny Mexico!

Semana Santa/Pascua in Mexico is a two-week celebration – and undoubtedly the most important holiday of the year. Semana Santa begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. Then Pascua starts on Easter Sunday and continues until the following Saturday.

Although north-of-the-border traditions of such as Easter bunnies and chocolate eggs are beginning to take hold in Mexico, more traditional foods such as sweet treats or candies made with fruits and coconut are still very popular. And, of course, the holiday heralds the arrival of the ice cream season! “Raspados” – or snow cones – are made daily with local fruits and fresh dairy – they are flavourful, tasty and almost healthy! You absolutely must try one!

Speaking of things flavourful and tasty, this month we take you to the Hotel Casa de Mita Restaurant on nearby Careyeros Beach. A visit to this magnificent boutique hotel and restaurant is, to me, like taking a trip to my home-away-from-home.

Margarita With Fancy Hat
Savor a delicious Margarita – a great way to beat the heat!

Another popular activity enjoyed by Mexicans at this time is the sipping of tequila. Of course, the majority don’t wait for Semana Santa to indulge in the national libation… but what better time to sit by the beach on vacation and get “happy”?

If you would like to understand what it is that makes this agave extract so tantalizing, perhaps you should take a trip to the source and see for yourselves. Our wonderful concierge, Patricia can arrange a full itinerary with private tequila tastings, factory visits, restaurant recommendations, transportation and luxury accommodations.

For my recipe of the month, we have the delicious margarita we always serve as a welcome to all of our guests. Imagine… that tangy, sweet, salty, quintessentially Mexican cocktail could be in your hand on one of our beautiful beaches if you book now for your next vacation.

Hmm, I think I may have just found the perfect diet solution… SALUD!

Miguel Neves de Carvalho

Bon vivant, gastronome and all-around great guy – Miguel Neves de Carvalho brings you the best of what Punta Mita and the surrounding area have to offer. His passions include polo, horse riding, rugby, cigars and most recently … golf.

Miguel lives in Punta Mita with his youngest son, his fiancée, Lisa, and his two dogs “Tanqueray” and “Tonica”.

He started Punta Mita-Rentals in 2012.

Subscribe to our newsletter for delicious recipes and timely updates about his little corner of paradise.

 

Photography by Kemi Vernon. See more of her work at www.kemivernonphotography.com