A deep love of Mexico
My husband and I have always loved Mexico: the culture, the food, the language, and the amazing destinations both urban and tropical. We studied abroad and lived in Mexico City and have traveled together to Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, Cabo, Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. This summer with our kids at sleep-away camp, we ventured to Mexico for a truly luxurious kid-free getaway.
When mentioning our plans to friends, the response was “Well, the only place you really need is the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita.” And, indeed, our stay was incredible and just what we needed.
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Where is Punta Mita?
Located on the coast of the Western Mexico state of Nayarit, Punta Mita is just north of Puerto Vallarta on the Bahía de Banderas, a bay on the Pacific Coast. Puerto Vallarta International Airport is the closest airport to Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, just a 50-minute drive away. We boarded one of the many nonstop flights from LA and were met at the airport by Four Seasons staff. They led us to our arranged Four Seasons car transfer, a roomy white Suburban with leather seats.
We entered a beautiful open lobby facing the ocean and afternoon sun. At our arrival, they greeted us with a fresh mango and hibiscus beverage (with optional tequila) and cold towels. The front desk agent provides hotel guests with a weekly schedule and resort map (with QR codes and WhatsApp contact information). Additionally, they asked if they could assist with our dinner reservations. A nice touch, which left us with truly nothing to worry about, or plan, moving forward.
Stunning Accommodations
We rode a golf cart to our building and our Ocean Front Casita (in building 300 to be precise). Golf carts are a phone call away for your convenience. However, most rooms are within walking distance to anywhere in the resort. All rooms at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita face the Pacific (and the setting sun) and I will say that our room was spectacular. And booking though Luxe Recess means you are in the highest priorty group for an upgrade! (Learn more about Luxe Recess hotel perks as a Four Seasons Preferred Partner).
These ocean-front casitas consist of a bedroom with a king-sized bed and a living room containing an additional pull-out double. These casitas can easily sleep a family of four. Tall ceilings and neutral decor set a tranquil ambiance, while two, full marble bathrooms provide ample space for even a one-room booking. Standard rooms in this category also include a large patio with a dining table, lounge chairs, and private plunge pools.
A tray laid out with instructions for how to mix and shake welcome margaritas greeted us in our room. It came complete with tequila, triple sec, lime juice, salt and limes. We brought our drinks outside to sip while looking across our own private pool and our beautiful ocean view. It felt like we did not even have to leave our room to enjoy this vacation!
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita also offers stand-alone accommodations. This includes Beach Homes, which are beautiful free-standing residences with four to five bedrooms. The largest of which offers a stunning 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. The Sol Oceanfront Villa and the Cielo Oceanfront Villa similarly offer privacy and private pools. The Ocean Villas category boasts Pacific cliffside stand-alone homes (with a guest golf cart thrown in for good measure).
Activities at the Resort
But we did venture out to explore and loved discovering everything that Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita had to offer. There are two beaches; the first, Cuevas Beach, is more family-centered with a large trampoline set out in the ocean. There is a lifeguard station, volleyball net, boogie boards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and soccer nets to use. The beach is very sandy and the water is warm and swimmable (unlike many beaches in Cabo). There are modest waves, though, so some swimming skills are still required. Manzanillas Beach has a more adult vibe and is separated from Cuevas Beach by a rocky cliff outcropping called The Rock. This spot is amazing for sunset pictures and is available for a private dinner/event reservation.
The Nuna Pool sits in a prime location atop a cliff, overlooking the area between the two beaches. Nestled in greenery, the adults-only Tamai pool creates a private and serene jungle experience. There’s also a lazy river pool located near the Kids for All Seasons. This kids club caters to ages 5-12, while an area called The Container is reserved for kids 13-19. Additionally, a family game room (with video games and air hockey) is located near Bahía restaurant.
Our typical schedule included waking up and eating room service breakfast on our patio and watching for pelicans and iguanas. We would then make our way to Manzanillas Beach to swim and read. Helpful staff offer cool towels and fresh fruit popsicles in the morning and icees in the afternoon. In addition, the ice cream cart brings children running poolside at 3:00 PM. I would be remiss not to mention the delicious fish and avocado tacos ordered for lunch. Also, the drink called Agua Selva made from fresh cucumber and coconut juice. Both are perfect to enjoy on a hot day.
Surf Lessons
Manzanillas Beach hosts surf lessons, and it’s a great place for beginners and intermediate surfers. After a short on-land period teaching the basics, the instructor took my husband right out on a longboard. The water is warm (and the waves mild enough) for easy paddling out to catch a wave right to shore. And, as one more bonus, the surf instructor was thorough, patient, and a lot of fun.
One morning, my husband tried agua forza, a core class, held in a main pool, while balancing on a foam board. Additional complimentary daily activities include yoga, a nature walk, hiking, spinning, golf (with two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses), tennis courts, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, and scuba diving. The Hakari Cultural Center also hosts numerous activities where you can learn about and experience local art, culture, and cuisine.
Don’t Miss the Resort Spa
We visited the spa for honestly one of the best massages that we have ever had. I had the Tranquility Swedish massage and my husband tried the Punta Mita Tequila Stone treatment. Afterwards, we both felt so refreshed! The spa at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita also has a fitness center/health club, men’s and women’s hot, deep soaking tubs, and a steam room and sauna to truly unwind.
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita Restaurants & Bars
The food on site was fantastic. We are pescatarian and vegetarian and found that the menu featured a great selection for all dietary needs and was very tasty. We ate at all three restaurants serving dinner. They include Dos Catrinas for contemporary Mexican food, Aramara for Asian food, and Bahía for grilled meats and fresh seafood. A special shoutout to the chef at Bahía. He came out to introduce himself at this stunning open-air restaurant and recommended which special rub or sauce would be best on the catch of the day.
Also, the sommelier who recommended the perfect wine pairing. It was whispered that this restaurant lures many for dinner who are staying at the nearby St. Regis Punta Mita Resort. We enjoyed breakfast on our patio every day before indulging in lunch at the beach.
In all, there are five restaurants and 14 bars at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. Every bar offers a different atmosphere, some specializing in different spirits. Our favorite bars included Mez Bar for Mezcal and live music, The Bar at Bahía for gin and sunset views on swinging chairs, and The Shack for rum, hookah, and bonfires on the beach.
We visited in August, which is low season given the heat and chance of storms. However, we found it so serene and without any weather issues. Staff told us they become fully sold out around the winter holidays, Valentine’s Day, and the spring break period. So book early if you are looking to travel around those peak season times.
Adding to Our Great Appreciation of Mexico
During our romantic couples getaway, we often thought about how much fun our kids would have had at this resort. However, as adults seeking a peaceful retreat, we had an ideal time. I found this to be special about Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. You can really cater your experience to meet all your vacation dreams! The resort is beautiful, the staff and service exceptional, and Mexico continues to have our hearts. We plan to return a second time (and likely a third!) in the years to come.
LET LUXE RECESS VIP YOUR Punta Mita
We booked the Luxe Recess exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner rates, so we enjoyed a lovely welcome amenity in addition to early check in, a $100 resort credit, and credit for two breakfasts daily through room service if we felt like sleeping in. Honestly, why would you book by yourself and leave money on the table?