Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Less than an hour from Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita somehow blends opulence, outrageous hospitality offerings, culinary creativity, outdoor adventure and a laidback vibe with ease. This 1,500-acre enclave, hidden behind a massive gate, is like nothing you’ve seen or experienced before. Beyond its gates, there are multimillion-dollar villas and luxury residences along the Pacific Ocean; rental homes and condos right on the beach; five tropical beach clubs including a new surf club; two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses; and a full-service marina. And then there is the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita.
One of only two resorts within the idyllic community, the Forbes Five-Star Award winner is set on 52 acres, and it uses every inch of said land in epic fashion. The standard accommodations, referred to as casitas, offer nearly 700 feet of space, most with fully unobstructed ocean views or full garden views angled to maximize one’s enjoyment of sunset. And it only gets better from there, starting with the plunge pool suites. Available as a one- or two-bedroom option, expect 1,625 to nearly 2,300-square-feet of indulgent, unabashed extravagance including floor-to-ceiling glass doors in each room allowing for the indoors to become the outdoors at the flick of a wrist. They also offer oceanfront residences and villas as well as full beach homes.
The indoor-outdoor dining spaces are just a lavish, especially the Asian-inspired Aramara; put-your-feet-in-the-sand seafood heaven Bahia by Richard Sandoval; and Mexican masterpiece Dos Catrinas. Each are just steps from both the main pool – a free-form infinity-edge design overlooking the ocean with sprawling deck and cabana space – and the beach, where you will find mini tree houses, cabanas, swings, beach chairs, loungers and even games. Just a golf cart ride or walk from that pool are both the serpentine jungle-entrenched lazy river and Apuane Spa, which uses ancient indigenous ingredients and methods to calm one’s mind, body and soul.
On property, there is also a seemingly endless list of complimentary and fee-based activities from which to choose, including kayak, body board and fishing rentals; snorkeling tours; tequila blending; water aerobics; salsa dancing classes; kite making; Spanish classes; art classes for both children and adults; games; nature walks; cultural workshops; sea foraging demonstrations; guided ruins hikes; indigenous nature programs; stargazing and Mexican chocolate tastings.