Presented in partnership with Marriott International
Last year we traveled to and fell in love with the little-known paradise of Punta Mita, Mexico, which left us dreaming of the day we return. As devotees of the year-round balmy climate, breathtaking beaches, and vibrant culture of Mexico, this private peninsula in the Riviera Nayarit, just north of Puerto Vallarta, immediately captured our heart and will yours.
Fast becoming a new secret hotspot, this private paradise is located in a luxury residential and hotel resort community, surrounded by lush tropical fauna and some of the best surfing, scuba diving, paddle-boarding, and whale watching on earth. Punta Mita is also a short, scenic 15-minute boat ride to the spellbinding natural wonder that is Islas Marietas National Park. A group of must-see-to-be-believed uninhabited islands formed by volcano eruptions, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set with a backdrop of crystal-clear turquoise waters, stunning coral reefs, and the Instagram-worthy Hidden Beach, a sandy cavern that is so breathtakingly romantic it’s been dubbed Lover’s Beach.
We stayed at the idyllic luxury oceanfront hideaway The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, but a magical experience also awaits at W Punta de Mita. These stunning properties are part of the Marriott International portfolio, who have over 60 upscale resort experiences in 14 destinations across the Caribbean and Latin America and as a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can take advantage of the Marriott Bonvoy rewards platform to enjoy exclusive access to Marriott International curated experiences, coveted locations, culinary sensations, and top-class resort amenities.
Until our next trip, we invite you to take a tropical journey with us and discover all that Punta Mita has to offer.
CHILL LIKE A LOCAL
Playa El Anclote – This beautiful beach at the private Punta Mita complex, home of St. Regis Resort, is a local favorite for sun, sand, and surfing.
Marietas Islands – Discover the beauty of these hidden islands off the coast of Nayarit.
Whale Watching – The waters off Punta Mita are filled with migrating Humpback whales December through April each year. While it’s possible to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures from shore, it’s hard to beat the experience of seeing them up close and personal from your own private boat.
Canopy Tours – The lush jungle canopies surrounding Punta Mita are home to some of the world’s rarest, most beautiful birds, mammals, and reptiles. As you move between a series of platforms suspended 90 feet over the forest floor, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view this extraordinary wilderness community from an exhilarating perspective.
Scuba Diving – Located at the convergence of the Bay of Banderas, the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, Punta Mita is one of Mexico’s top diving destinations. From the pristine underground landscapes of the protected Marietas Islands Marine Reserve to the submerged caves, reefs and rock formations of El Morro and Los Anegados, divers of all levels can explore some of the most breathtaking dive sites in the world..
Marietas Eco-Discovery – Just offshore, in the azure waters of Banderas Bay, the Marietas Islands are a collection of secret uninhabited islands formed by volcanic eruptions. Designated as a protected National Park in 2005, the islands’ stunning rock formations, caverns, and beaches provide sanctuary for a range of exotic wildlife and marine ecosystems. Book a tour to discover their unspoiled postcard-worthy beauty as you spend the day kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving the vibrant coral reefs.
AWAY Spa (at the W Punta de Mita) – Tucked away in the jungle on the first floor, this nature-inspired spa is more like a tranquil forest refuge with a blissful menu of pampering treatments.
LOCAL EATS
The restaurant scene at St. Regis Punta Mita is so good, you’ll barely want to leave the resort compound, but if you do want to venture out and experience the local fare, try these culinary favorites.
Teresas Tacos – This cute, locally run food truck style haunt receives rave reviews for their authentic Mexican street food. +52 322 278 4304
El Pirata – Just off the beach in Punta Mita this laidback eatery serves delicious pizza to rival New York’s finest.. +52 311 243 8204
*El Pirata looks forward to welcoming guests soon
Restaurant La Cabana – Unforgettable waterfront dining with delicious fresh-caught seafood and a selection of local delicacies. +52 322 188 2333
Hector’s Kitchen – This contemporary hotspot is beloved for its authentic Mexican fare. +52 322 888 3388
*Hector’s Kitchen is currently open every Friday from 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Lobster Paradise – One of the most spectacular views in the area. Head here for a romantic dinner of fresh-caught lobster washed down with a crisp Pinot Grigio overlooking the Pacific Ocean. +52 329 291 6296
STAY
The St. Regis Resort is an intimate, romantic, oceanfront hideaway where breathtaking beaches, nature, and art entwine. You’ll be greeted on arrival with a signature margarita before being taken to your casita-style room, adorned with Mexican motifs and artworks. All of the 120 rooms come with a private terrace, soaker tub, and expansive balcony where you can enjoy your freshly made coffee – delivered by your own personal butler – each morning while lapping up the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Spend the day wandering the 22 acres of lush greenery, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying bites and cocktails by any of the three infinity pools. Make sure you book a treatment at the hotel’s onsite Remède Spa, a sanctuary of relaxation gardens (try an outdoor massage), plunge pools. Sports enthusiasts can partake in a round at the two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses or have a hit at the tennis center nestled in a palm grove. And when it comes to dining you’ll be spoilt for choice without ever having to set foot off the resort.
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort is our first choice when we’re looking for a relaxing escape, but if you’re looking for something a bit more modern, we recommend staying at W Punta de Mita.
EAT
Mita Mary Boat Bar & Bistro
For fresh seafood with unbeatable ocean views, this is the spot. Mita Mary Boat Bar & Bistro is a resort favorite where you can go barefoot in the sand as you indulge in some of the best fish tacos you’ll ever taste. Mita Mary Boat Bar & Bistro is open for lunch and dinner. Reservations: +52 329 291 5800
*Mita Mary Bar & Bistro looks forward to welcoming guests soon
Sea Breeze Restaurant & Bar
Our go-to restaurant every morning, the Sea Breeze’s breakfast buffet has a delicious selection of international and local cuisine. We also tried it for dinner and can attest that the jalapeno and miso catch of the day (seabass) empanadas are everything. Reservations: +52 329 291 5955
Oyster Bar
The world is quite literally your oyster at The Oyster & Champagne Bar where apart from fresh oysters and exclusive champagnes, you can also tuck into home-rolled sushi. Reservations: +52 329 291 5800
*Oyster Bar looks forward to welcoming guests soon
Altamira Cantina Gourmet
The standout moment we had at Altamira was ordering the tacos al pastor. Let’s just say we were nowhere near prepared for what was about to come out. As the table on wheels got closer to us, we were able to see the absolute deliciousness that we were about to get ourselves into. Pork cooked with distinctive Mexican spices and flavors was skewered on a slow-turning spit, and the smell of freshly grilled pineapple made our mouths water. The tacos al pastor is cooked tableside, and it a full experience adorned with fun additions to make your taco completely custom. Reservations: +52 329 291 5950
*Altamira Cantina Gourmet looks forward to welcoming guests soon
Carolina
End your trip with an unforgettable meal at the upscale Carolina, which has been honored with the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award and where we were bestowed with the incredible honor of meeting head chef, Miguel Soltero, who graciously walked us through the inspirations behind his culinary sensations. His whimsical, curated, elevated Mexican-inspired menu was created from the favorite dishes of his and his team’s childhoods and could easily rival any of the world’s best Michelin Star restaurants. We were treated to this 4-course tasting menu designed to delight every palette.
We took part in the 4-course tasting menu that was made up of the following spectacular dishes:
Kale Salad
Tatemada leaves | Caesar dressing | Dehydrated tuna eggs
Mextlapique
Catch of the Day totomoxtle style | Beans | Tomato consommé
Suckling Pig
Pumpkin flower sauce | Marinated carrots with bitter orange | Salty tortilla
Corn Gordita
Totomoxtle ice cream | Sugar palm gordita | Mascarpone cream| Jocoque
We also opted in for the 4-course wine pairing (because… of course), and it certainly did not disappoint. Reservations: +52 329 291 5957
*Carolina looks forward to welcoming guests soon
DO
Remède Spa
*Remède Spa looks forward to welcoming guests soon
Indulging in a little pampering at the Remède Spa at The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort was another highlight of our experience. An expansive indoor/outdoor sanctuary with nine private treatment rooms and relaxation gardens, there’s also a sauna, steam room, plunge pools, fitness center, salon, jacuzzi, and extensive treatment menu that features heavenly massages, body scrubs, and sound baths.
We had the blissful experience of trying two of Remède Spa signature treatments, the 90-minute Sound Massage and 90-minute Green Nourishing Luffa.
90 Mins Sound Massage
The sound massage is not a traditional massage, but a millenary healing technique that uses Tibetan singing bowls to balance the body’s energy. Originally used by Buddhist lamas or gurus, it’s based on the principle of resonance in which an intense vibration is transmitted into another of less intensity, eliminating dissonant frequencies and balancing each cell of the body to foster the body’s perfect harmony.
90 Mins Green Nourishing Luffa
This delectable body scrub and massage starts with your body being brushed by luffas infused with spirulina and hydrating elixirs, before a full body massage with pure organic olive, borage, coconut, and sweet almond oils.
Punta Mita Jack Nicklaus Golf Course
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort proudly features 36 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature golf. Set on 380 acres of peninsula, enjoy the clubhouse, golf shop, and clubhouse restaurant. The golf center also offers golf lessons, rentals, a driving range, putting green, and golf program available for juniors.
Guacamole Class
Master the perfect guac with a chef-led class on the beach where in a traditional molcajete, you’ll combine fresh avocados, local tomatoes, cilantro, onions, and jalapeños to make and taste their famed Mexican staple.
Champagne Sabering Ritual
This ceremonial sunset champagne tasting is a tradition first started by John Jacob Astor IV when he founded the first St. Regis Hotel in New York, circa 1904. Guests gather at sunset every Friday at approximately 6:00 pm during the winter season and 7:00 pm during the summer season to sip champagne and toast the transition from day to night. Salud!
Bloody Mary’s
In 1934, Fernand Petiot became a bartender at The St. Regis New York Hotel, bringing with him the “Bloody Mary,” a vodka and tomato juice drink he started making in Paris. It was in the St. Regis King Cole bar that Petiot perfected his original formula, adding salt, pepper, lemon, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce to create the drink that is beloved today. Following Fernand Petiot’s tradition, every St. Regis in the world has created their signature Bloody Mary by adding a special hint, so The St. Regis Punta Mita created the “Mita Mary” prepared with white tequila instead, and other local ingredients.
Tea Ritual
For the Astors, Mrs. Caroline Astor in particular, afternoon tea was a hallowed tradition and the opportunity to host intimate gatherings with her closest associates – a dignified prelude to her more noteworthy social events. Today, afternoon tea remains a treasured fixture of the St. Regis experience.
*Tribe Tip: If you are visiting Punta in the summer months, ask for the tea to be poured over ice for a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up.
