Even if you’ve never been to Punta de Mita, the name likely strikes a chord thanks to a long list of celebrities, including Tom Cruise, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Rihanna and Jessica Simpson, who have kept the Mexican hotspot in the tabloid headlines.
The lush peninsula, nested in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit where the Banderas Bay and the Pacific Ocean meet, is home to gated development Punta Mita. Behind the guarded entry is a tropical paradise of white-sand beaches and turquoise waters and the famed Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita.
It’s all about you
Soak-up-the-sun frolicking begins at the free-form infinity-edge pool with striking views of the Pacific Ocean, where you’ll spot dolphins and humpback whales during their seasonal migration. Or you can lounge at the adult-oriented pool complex featuring a main pool and a plunge pool which boasts 10 private cabanas and a full bar with a lavish bites menu that includes sushi and caviar.
The amenity-rich retreat prides itself on fulfilling your every request. Cool off with a frozen piña colada without ever getting out of the water courtesy of a drink-fetching pool butler. Need to clear your sunglasses of sand and water while you lounge? Merely hand over your shades to a sunglass-polishing attendant.
Enjoy frolicking at the free-form infinity-edge pool with striking views of the Pacific Ocean.
There’s never a dull moment with an assortment of classes and lessons including scuba diving, windsurfing, salsa dancing, stand-up paddle boarding and more. Sign up for tequila class and learn how to distinguish tequila from mescal.
Hit the links
The Pacifico Golf Course offers world-class play designed by Jack Nicklaus. Spread over 200 acres of rolling hills and flowering landscapes, eight holes border either the Pacific Ocean or Banderas Bay, offering picturesque ocean views.
Take your golf game to a new level with the optional Hole 3B. Dubbed “the Tail of the Whale,” the unique par-three, 19th hole is one of only a handful of natural island greens in the world. Tee off from a natural rock outcropping with a green designed in the shape of a whale's tail and an oceanside tee on the beach situated 199 yards off the coast.
Take your best shot as you aim for the putting green set on a natural offshore island. Get a lift to the green in an amphibious golf cart.
Weather proof
And when the weather doesn’t cooperate, seek refuge at the state-of-the-art fitness facility with yoga classes and the latest cardio and weight-training equipment. Better yet, head to the on-property spa where you can indulge in a facial, manicure, pedicure and signature Punta Mita massage which incorporates agave tequila (lathered on your back, stomach and feet) and traditional Mexican healing techniques.
Family time
The ultra luxe resort caters to well-heeled singles and family units alike. Inner tube or noodle along to the mild current of the Lazy River, the third pool option, which encircles an all-family building with 23 rooms and suites.
Kids will also enjoy nature trails, an outdoor playground with a jungle gym and a 2,400-square-foot game room with PlayStation consoles, Wii, Xbox 360, Guitar Hero and the like. The options are bountiful with a card table, ping-pong, air hockey and foosball tables.
Hey big spender
The expansive property features 143 rooms and 30 suites situated on 26 acres. Most suites have plunge pools, some oceanfront suites are set atop cliffs, and other rooms open directly onto the beach. Mexican-style casitas are richly designed with beach-inspired décor, a flat screen TV and a spacious bathroom (two-basin vanity, glass-enclosed shower and deep soaking tub).
Hospitality is topnotch starting with your arrival when you are served a welcoming tray with chips, guacamole, salsa and make-your-own margarita ingredients (salt, lime, tequila, orange liquor, a martini shaker, ice and a margarita glass).
Of course, having your every whim answered in these luxe surroundings doesn’t come cheap. Be ready to break out your wallet with room rates ranging from $545-$1,175 for a double and $1,685-$16,000 for a suite during high season. During low season, rates hover around $375 to $925 for a double and $1,025 to $8,750 for a suite.
Getting there
The largest nearby airport is Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), an hour’s drive from Punta de Mita. United Airlines flies direct to PVR from George Bush Intercontinental Airport, while AeroMexico makes one stop in Mexico City. Southwest Airlines begins service to Puerto Vallarta this October, with flights already on sale. With no stops, the total flight time is just under three hours.
Barely time to catch a flick before starting your trip in Mexican paradise.
(Marcy de Luna’s trip to Mexico was hosted by the Mexico Tourism Bureau.)
Take your golf game to a new level at the optional Hole 3B, dubbed the “Tail of the Whale."
The summer season at Waco Surf begins May 10.
Photo courtesy of Waco Surf
W Austin features a 1,798-square-foot penthouse suite, the largest in the city.
Photo courtesy of W Austin
The new winery will host cooking classes to pair with its Cabernet wines.
Photo courtesy of Charleston Taylor Estate Winery