A Luxurious Escape in Punta de Mita, Mexico

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It was during a motorcycle trip around Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit that we first stumbled upon the sleepy fishing village of Punta de Mita. Though celebrities like Orlando Bloom and Demi Moore have vacationed on the beach’s white sandy shores, relatively few are aware of Punta de Mita’s sparkling cerulean water, accessible seclusion, and rich natural wonders.

Our initial visit was just long enough to grab a pineapple juice and go for a brief walk along the water, but we set a goal to come back for a longer, more luxurious stay. And we’re so glad we did—this second excellent escape to Punta de Mita proved to be the highlight of two months traveling both Mexico’s Pacific and Caribbean coastlines.

PHOTO: Enjoying a pineapple juice on the beach.

There are a handful of indulgent accommodation options available at Punta de Mita, but none of them shine quite like Casa de Mita. Casa de Mita is an elegant, all-inclusive beachfront villa with only eight rooms, each uniquely decorated with hand-painted Mexican tiles and custom-carved furniture from various artisan regions around the country.

PHOTO: Unique decorations at Casa de Mita.

From the outside the hotel is unassuming, but inside no detail has been left unaccounted for. We stayed in the penthouse junior suite, which was not only ultra-comfortable but also exuded a sheer sense of style. The beddings, the towels, and the robes were divine.

The minifridge was equipped with top-notch beverages, including beer and wine, restocked each day. The oversized ceilings and en-suite sitting area ensured the room felt open and spacious. But while all these details were appreciated, it was the private, ocean-facing terrace and balcony that left the most lasting impression.

PHOTO: Ocean-facing terrace at sunset.

All-inclusives have a reputation for serving sub-par quality food and beverages, but at Casa de Mita you will only find top-shelf alcohols and gourmet dining. Here the menu features fresh and local ingredients, like daily-caught lobster and unique twists on authentic Mexican fare. The margaritas and tequila tasting lounge are popular with all the guests, though we also enjoyed the fine wine and a cocktail or two from the swim-up oceanfront pool.

PHOTO: Swim-up Bar.

If you can tear yourself away from the luxury amenities at Casa de Mita, you’ll find a wealth of attractions in the surrounding area. Between December and March of each year you can join a small boating expedition to go humpback whale watching.

The giant but gentle creatures allow the small boats to get quite close to them; at one point during our journey we had a mother, father and baby humpback choosing to swim alongside us, getting so close we could have reached out to touch them.

 

PHOTO: Humpback whales.

Near to where you’ll typically see the humpback whales, you’ll also find the Marietta Islands. This group of small, uninhabited islands feature amazing cave and rock formations (the result of military testing by the Mexican government in the early 1900s). In between snorkeling through the crystal clear water and exploring the hidden coves, keep an eye out for the rare Blue-footed Booby, typically only found in the Galapagos Islands but also found here.

For a final memorable animal encounter, take a brief trip up the road to the charming town of San Pancho. This Mexican village is worth a visit for so many reasons, but particularly for the Turtle Rescue Center where you can join volunteers as they release baby sea turtles into the ocean at sunset.

PHOTO: Baby turtles heading toward the ocean.

If you’re an avid surfer (like Dan) then you’ll appreciate Punta de Mita’s strategic location next to two popular surfing destinations. While the waves at Punta de Mita are best suited for body boarders, in 15 minutes you can arrive at legendary El Anclote, the road to which is located from Punta de Mita. Here there is one large wave perfect for beginner surfers, along with plenty of places to rent a board or grab a bite to eat on the beach.

If you prefer a more rigorous surf session, there are a slew of other great surf spots in the surrounding area, most available primarily via boat from El Anclote. Alternatively, head to Sayulita, an increasingly touristic hippy beach that hosts regular surf competitions; on a calm day it is the perfect place to try stand-up paddle boarding.

PHOTO: Surfing in Punta de Mita.

Finally, golfers will be happy to know that there are several award-winning golf courses just a hop away from the beach at Punta de Mita, including courses designed by Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus. In particular the Pacifico Course at Four Seasons Punta Mita has been rated the #1 golf resort in Latin America, and features the only natural island green in the world.

If you’re in need of a luxurious escape but still crave a one-of-a-kind destination with plenty of unique adventures at your fingertips, then look no farther than Punta de Mita, Mexico. We recommend going now while this secluded piece of paradise is still a hidden gem.