Destination Spotlight: Punta Mita, Mexico

By CSB Travel Active, Adventure, Beach & Sun, Family, International Travel, Ultra-Luxe International Travel, Mexico, North America Travel

Destination Spotlight: Punta Mita, Nayarit, Mexico

Punta Mita is a private peninsula north of Puerto Vallarta. It’s home to some of the most luxurious hotel brands, including Four Seasons and St. Regis. With plenty to see, do, eat, and drink, this under-the-radar locale is ideal for travelers yearning for a Mexican getaway without the fuss of Cancun or the airs of Cabo.

When to Go

November to early June tends to be the best time to visit, with travelers escaping cold temperatures and spending their spring breaks. Punta Mita gets its fair share of rain during the summer, so heat and humidity are constant. On the flip side, Mother Nature is at her best in the summer: the area gets incredibly lush and green. Animal lovers would be wise to go September to March, as they’ll get a first-row seat to the sea turtle releases.

Getting There

Traveling to Punta Mita is a breeze: with nonstop or one-stop flights from most major US cities, you can land in Puerto Vallarta (Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport/airport code PVR) in as few as 2.5 hours. Most high-end resorts are 25-35 miles from the airport.

Where to Stay

As mentioned, the area is ripe with five-star options. Our picks are Imanta Resorts Punta de Mita, Conrad Punta de Mita, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, and The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort. All are stellar properties with fantastic service. They differ wildly in feel: some are lush and give a jungle vibe; others are much more manicured and resort-style. Similarly, some are better suited for families while others are more appropriate for adults. Regardless of your choice, we recommend spending three nights to get the full experience. Continue reading to find the best match for you!

Imanta Resorts Punta de Mita

Imanta is a luxurious boutique property nestled between the Cerro del Mono Mountain and the expansive Pacific Ocean. With only 10 suites and two larger Casonas, it is the height of exclusivity. Boasting two pools, a gym and two restaurants, this Relais & Châteaux property harmoniously blends opulence and nature. Clients who are unpretentious, adventurous, and seeking authentic experiences will enjoy Imanta the most. Spend your days hiking, horseback riding, paddle boarding, kayaking, or golfing. It’s also ideal for spa aficionados: the outdoor oasis is one of the most unique in the world.

Conrad Punta de Mita

This new property is known for its modern design and Mexican touches. There is a substantial meeting space fitting for larger gatherings and conferences. There are many room categories ranging from rooms with plunge pools to two-bedroom suites with full kitchens. This resort has it all: four restaurants, several bars, a tequila-tasting room, a spa, fitness center, tennis and sports court, teen game room and kids club (not to mention various pools, both adults-only and family-friendly). Conrad is a great option for multigenerational families: it’s a fresh property that offers wonderful amenities without breaking the bank.

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

The Four Seasons Punta Mita is an expansive but low-density resort. It offers beautiful gardens in a relaxing setting. It’s well-suited for families: the lazy river, kids club, and The Counter area for teens ages 13-19 make this a great family resort. That being said, this Four Seasons is also an excellent host for couples’ getaways and groups of adults. Tennis enthusiasts will love the 10 courts onsite. Golfers will love playing the Pacifico Golf Course. Hole 3B, “Tail of the Whale,” is one of a kind and accessible only by amphibious golf carts! The food at the three restaurants is exquisite and service impeccable – you can’t go wrong here!

The famous "Tail of the Whale" hole 3B at Pacifico Golf Course — The famous “Tail of the Whale” hole 3B at Pacifico Golf Course

The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort

This resort is typical of the St. Regis brand: luxurious and elegant, with world-class service and views. Couples will love the intimate yet spacious accommodations, not only because most of the 120 rooms and suites have an outdoor shower or tub, but also because of the adults-only pool and private cabanas. However, families will also enjoy this opulent property: the kids club, two signature golf courses, tennis courts, three infinity-edge pools, Remède Spa, and delectable international cuisine are sure to be a hit with everyone!

What to Do

The hotels listed above all offer tons of onsite activities. Lounge by the water or get your heart rate up with sunrise yoga or a morning hike. All have spectacular (and well-sanitized) spas; all but Imanta have kids clubs guaranteed to keep the younger ones occupied. You can certainly keep busy and not set foot outside the resort.

If you’re looking to go off property, we recommend a day trip to Islas Marieta, a Mexican national park reachable by boat or ferry. A group of uninhabitable islands, this park offers unrivaled snorkeling and kayaking. Additionally, archeology buffs can visit Careyeros Hill, an ancient ridgetop archaeological site dated back to 800 AD. Lastly, the charming village of Sayulita is a short 30-minute drive away. Shop ‘til you drop as you stroll along the street markets, tuck in a locally sourced meal, or hang out on the beach and watch the surfers.