The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort. Credit: The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
There is a lot to love about Punta Mita, the private community nestled into Mexico’s lush Riviera Nayarit.
A short 45-minute ride from Puerto Vallarta International Airport and 30 minutes away from the nightlife of nearby Sayulita, the mini peninsula is surrounded by 9.5 miles of Pacific coast and boasts luxe residences, two Jack Nicklaus golf courses, a tennis club and fitness center, four beach clubs, a dozen restaurants, annual events like a four-day all-immersive surf camp and a couple of hotels —including one of our favorites, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort.
With an infinity pool overlooking a waterfall that’s surrounded by palm trees and the Pacific Ocean, the Instagram-worthy open-air lobby seemingly causes all stress to melt away. The Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star resort is like paradise.
Ten years after the luxury hotel’s grand opening, here are five reasons why we still can’t get enough of it.
Sea Breeze. Credit:The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
The Gorgeous Grounds
The St. Regis Punta Mita sits on 22 acres of pristine jungle and oceanfront terrain. There are 33 casitas housing 89 rooms, 26 suites, three villas and one presidential villa. It’s a large hotel, but everything is spread out and surrounded by gorgeous landscaping, winding pathways and three pools, creating an air of seclusion.
On a recent stay, the resort was at capacity, yet it felt empty. You could walk around at any time of day, and the property didn’t feel overly crowded.
The accommodating staff ensures that you are welcomed, whether pulling up a lounge chair at the beach club or checking into a treatment at the spa. If you happen to get lost while navigating the extensive grounds, hail down an employee in a golf cart, and he will guide you to the exercise rooms, adult pool or bar.
Butler Service at the Beach. Credit: The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
Two Words: Butler Service
There’s a reason this Five-Star stay was named to Forbes Travel Guide’s 2018 Verified List of the world’s most luxurious hotels. The expertly trained Punta Mita team provides you with anything and everything you may need.
Think of the butler as your personal concierge — want a cappuccino delivered to your room daily at 10 a.m.? Interested in going deep-sea spearfishing? Need a reservation for dinner in town? Text your butler (upon check in, the butler receives your phone number and becomes available around the clock), and he or she will make sure the coffee arrives daily, the boat is rented and that reservation gets made.
Plus, the butlers are incredibly efficient packers and will fill your suitcase for you, so when it comes time to leave, you can bask in that extra hour at the beach with your book.
It’s Vegan-Friendly
Although Mexican cuisine isn’t traditionally dairy- or meat-free, The St. Regis Punta Mita’s executive chef Manuel Peruyero has recently launched a plant-based menu.
Head to Sea Breeze, one of the hotel’s seven distinct dining destinations, to experience the vegan offerings. Those with special dietary needs can look forward to delicious and beautiful presentations of mushroom tamales, watermelon ceviche and more.
Mita Mary Bistro Boat. Credit: The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
Mita Mary Bistro Boat
You’ll find some of the best fish tacos at Mita Mary, the St. Regis’ taco shack on the beach — or more accurately, a makeshift boat (that doubles as a bar) on the sand.
As you walk up to the small tables nestled underneath a massive tree, the intoxicating scent of the fresh catches hitting the grill fills the air. But beyond fish, there are more than 10 different types of tacos (from shrimp to avocados) on the menu. You’ll find traditional staples like ceviche, quesadillas, tostadas and flame-roasted seafood, too. Come hungry because you’ll want to sample an assortment of Mary’s sensational cuisine.
All of the fish is grilled and comes in a small handmade corn tortilla with crisp red cabbage, carrot slaw and tangy chipotle aioli. Mita Mary is so good you may want to have lunch there every day of your stay.
A Junior Suite. Credit: The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
The Relaxing Rooms
While you most likely won’t be spending too much time in the room, it’s nice to know that a sumptuous setting awaits you. The oversized bathrooms have separate tubs and showers — each unit even has a private outdoor rainforest shower.
Walk-in closets and entryways make the rooms feel spacious and homey, while a secluded patio or terrace helps you take advantage of those warm ocean breezes.
