There is an art to throwing the perfect BBQ. And the resort destinations of Mexico make it rather easy, with desert, jungle and panoramic ocean views serving as the perfect backdrop. Below you’ll find a mix of inspiration and recommendations, from incredible entertaining spaces to culinary stylings, to help make your next BBQ an affair to remember.
INSPIRING VENUES – Punta Mita – A private, oceanfront villa in the exclusive La Punta Estates enclave at Punta Mita, Casa Koko offers a spectacular setting for everything from a large-scale gathering to an intimate family affair. The nine-bedroom villa features an incredible palapa dining terrace, infinity-edged pool and private beachfront lounge. The villa, which sleeps 22 guests and is available for $12,000 per night, comes complete with concierge, private chef and a wait staff for the ultimate BBQ soirée.
Riviera Nayarit – Situated along the north side of Banderas Bay, Aura Arena Blanca is an expansive condominium with a host of amenities for a seaside BBQ event, including three infinity pools, spacious terraces and a private white-sand beach—a range of venues for residents to choose from, based on the size of the affair.
Cabo San Lucas – Casa Alegria in Punta Ballena offers two perfect BBQ terraces, one a dining palapa nestled along the infinity-edged pool and the other situated on the lower level. If the evening gets too steamy or cool, depending on the season, indoor amenities include a cinema and pool room.
San Jose del Cabo – Located within the private Querencia community, Casa Salida del Sol offers far-reaching views of the Sea of Cortez, Punta Gorda and the city lights of San Jose. The expansive outdoor living space features a shaded dining and BBQ terrace, infinity pool, spa and putting green, ample space and offerings to entertain guests all evening long.
THE CUISINE – Beachside BBQs south of the border are all about the fresh seafood, such as this Riviera Nayarit favorite Pescado Zarandeado, or seasoned grilled fish, served up Boca de Tomate style, named for the famed beach renowned for its wildlife. Grilled shrimp, fish tacos and lobster are ideal menu additions, whether smothered in lime-cilantro sauce or avocado salsa. Sometimes manning the grill is best left to the experts, such as Chef Gerardo Sandoval, the acclaimed Puerto Vallarta chef who can cater events large and small, whether a casual poolside gathering or a more elaborate event.
THE ENTERTAINMENT – Yes, you can choose the playlist for your BBQ event, or you can leave the entertainment to the professionals. Bringing in a DJ, like the W Punta de Mita does for its Saturday Bubbles & Beats parties, will keep guests dancing all night long. When in Cabo, the resident DJ at Club Omnia Los Cabos, DJ MAX, always keeps the party going and is available for private parties and events.
THE COCKTAILS – We hate to state the obvious, but you can never go wrong when serving fresh margaritas. Mixing the perfect margarita is a required skill if Mexico is home, or home away from home, and it’s all about the perfect tequila, the chilled glass and the fresh lime. Of course, there’s always the piña colada, an absolute classic that originated in Puerto Rico and remains a staple at any beachfront destination. Go with fresh pineapple to mix it just right.
