Playa Las Tortugas

By Laurel Miller

(image courtesy, Playa Last Tortugas)

Going out on evening patrol to release some 200 endangered olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a Mexican beach holiday, but at Playa las Tortugas, it ranks right up there with the resort's more traditional pastime of taking marathon hammock snoozes. Located on an isolated stretch of the Pacific coastline, the resort is a two-hour drive north from Puerto Vallarta. Guests—who will be impressed by the lush, native gardens and the cluster of airy villas dotting this 22-acre working coconut plantation and eco-property—can hire an abuela to cook birria, a goat stew, for them. ROOM & BOARD: Four villas, festooned with Talavera tile and outfitted with rooftop palapas, sit among the slender palms.

OUT THE BACK DOOR: Help resident veterinarian Miguel Angel Floras Peregrina protect turtle eggs from predators.

DETAILS: Villas from $195 per person per night; 800-320-7769, www.playalastortugas.com

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