Punta Mita: Luxe Getaway in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit
Punta Mita: Luxe Getaway in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit
A guide curated by Stephanie Ramirez
Guest curated by Stephanie Ramirez, @stephhrmz
The elevator pitch: Punta Mita is a 1,500-acre spear shaped peninsula located just 10 miles north of Puerto Vallarta. After experiencing its white sandy beaches, tropical landscape and world-class cuisine, you’ll be counting the days for your return to the serene Mexican hideaway on the Pacific. Punta Mita is the perfect splurge vacation with family, friends or your significant other!
When to go: The weather is beautiful year-round in the Riviera Nayarit. The ideal visiting months are from April - June to enjoy pleasant weather and avoid the winter high tourist season.
Where to stay: For groups of 4+, renting a condo or villa is the way to go! These typically will include a housekeeper and a golf cart for getting around. Some of the best options are found on Punta de Mita Rentals. If you’re leaning towards a resort during your stay, you can’t go wrong with the Four Seasons (consistently ranked as one of the best hotels in all of Mexico) or the St. Regis.
How to get around: Golf carts will do the job just fine, even for getting to dinner outside or rent a car
TRIP OVERVIEW: A Luxe getaway in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit
What this is: an adventurous yet relaxing getaway
What this isn’t: a hot spot that’s over crowded with kids
Day 1: Island Hopping
Breakfast a la carte at your rental of choice!
Explore Marieta’s Island
Lunch at Teresa’s Tacos
Stroll around town!
Dinner at Tuna Blanca
Day 2: Beach Bum
Breakfast at Dos Catrinas
Relax at Kupuri Beach Club
Lunch at Mita Mary
Hit the spa at the St. Regis!
Dinner at Sufi
Day 3: Staying Active in Punta Mita
Breakfast at El Cafecito de Mita
Pick a tee-time at the Golf Club House!
Lunch at Tail of the Whale
Walk around the residential community!
Dinner at Mina
THE DETAILED GUIDE
Day 1: Island Hopping!
Breakfast A La Carte
Breakfast in Punta Mita
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Cozy and delicious. Kickoff your Mexican holiday with traditional chilaquiles or huevos rancheros right in your rental home. Your housekeeper will whip those up as you get settled in and get ready for a day of activity. There’s usually a breakfast menu to select from and you’ll have to cover the cost of groceries (worth it). After all, what’s better than a homemade meal?
Marieta’s Island
Punta Mita by sea!
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Remote and unique. Imagine an uninhabited island with a crater formation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, cool, right? You’ll want to head out early right after breakfast to the small marina in the town of Punta Mita to secure the best deals with Punta Mita Expeditions, on this excursion. Multiple small boats run from Wednesday - Sunday). The typical tour runs 3 hours long where you’ll also visit Playa La Nopalera and snorkel in its crystalline waters. On your way there and back you’ll also likely witness a pod of humpback whales!
Teresa’s Tacos
Lunch in Punta Mita
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Authentic and laid-back. You’ll be ready for a few street tacos after your return from Marieta’s Island. Indulge with the locals and don’t hesitate to snag a beer from a convenience store on your way there, it's BYOB.
Stroll through town!
Stroll through Punta Mita!
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Casual and fun. Before heading back to get ready for dinner, take a stroll around town and check out all the one-of-a-kind shops. This is the perfect time to snag a new cool artisan-made hat or cover-up to wear the next few days.
Tuna Blanca
Dinner in Punta Mita
map | reserve | site | @tunablancamita
Award-winning and traditional. Arguably the best restaurant in Punta Mita; Tuna Blanca’s fresh seafood and excellent service will not disappoint. Make your reservation in advance and around sunset to enjoy a picturesque view as you dine.
Day 2: Beach Bum
Dos Catrinas
Breakfast in Punta Mita
map | reserve | site | @fourseasonsmita
Stylish and contemporary. Located at the Four Seasons, take your golf cart over to start your day with a variety of options: from brioche french toast to enfrijoladas (chicken stuff tortilla with toppings). Wrap up your morning by overlooking the Pacific coast and sipping on Mexican coffee. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a whale jumping off in the distance.
Kupuri Beach Club
Time for the beach!
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Relaxing and idyllic. Tan, sip on a mezcalita, take a dip in the pool, swim in the ocean, repeat. Pack your favorite book or a backgammon board to complete the perfect afternoon.
Mita Mary
Lunch in Punta Mita
map | reserve | site | @stregispuntamita
Tropical and casual. Head west on the peninsula for lunch at Mita Mary, located at the St. Regis, for some of the most flavorful ceviche in Punta Mita. Pair that with a cocktail or two while you soak in yet again another stunning view.
Spa at the St. Regis!
Time to relax!
map | site |@stregispuntamita
Rejuvenating and modern. Post lunch, remain at the St. Regis and indulge yourself in a massage or facial at their spa, Remède. This will be the cherry on top to the ideal day of maximum relaxation and serenity.
Sufi
Dinner in Punta Mita
map | call |@restaurantsufi
Gourmet and elegant. Enjoy dinner at Sufi and experience the chef’s take on “Mexiterranean” cuisine, a balanced fusion of Mexican meets Mediterranean. Pro tip: call to reserve dinner time 1hr - 45min before sunset to save ample time to capture cotton-candy skied photos on the pier.
Day 3: Staying Active in Punta Mita
El Cafecito de Mita
Breakfast in Punta Mita
map | site | @cafecito_de_mita
Chill and vibrant. You can opt to stay home for another mouth-watering homemade breakfast but if you’d like to venture out for your last breaky, El Cafecito de Mita is your spot. This oceanfront cafe has the best avocado toast and smoothies to kick-off your day.
Golf Time
Active and entertaining. Golfers cannot leave Punta Mita without some tee-time at either of the Jack Nicklaus designed courses, Bahia and Pacifico. Enjoy jaw-dropping views and challenge yourself by playing hole 3B, or “Tail of the Whale”, the world’s only natural island golf green, located on Pacifico’s coure. New golfers can opt for classes, but if golf isn’t your cup of tea, head over to the beach to shred some waves. El Surf Club offers various sites for surfers of all levels, and if you’re new to it, lessons are available too!
Tail of the Whale
Lunch in Punta Mita
map | reserve | site | @fspuntamita
Scenic and delicious. Staying on theme, this restaurant is named after the famous “Tail of the Whale”. Sit back, wind down and order some chicken fajitas or ceviche after an afternoon packed with activity. Pair that with a margarita, you won’t regret it.
Explore the Town
Walk around residential community in Punta Mita!
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Peaceful and green. Give your golf cart a break and take a stroll around the residential community to soak in the lush greenery that makes Punta Mita so special. You’ll encounter some runners and bikers along your route, maybe even some furry little animals!
Mina
Dinner in Punta Mita
map | reserve | site | @minarestaurante
5-star and flavorful. Wrap up your Mexican getaway with none other than Mexican cuisine for your last dinner. Head over to town and enjoy the best fish tacos with handmade tortillas you’ve ever had. The fantastic dishes, ambiance, and attentive service is what makes Mina a special and authentic dining experience. They only take reservations over the phone!
What didn’t make the list?
A couple of additions!
Surf at Playa La Lancha
Stop by NAEF for delicious French food
Go whale watching in Banderas Bay
If you love CITY, you’ll also love
Rosarito. Jaunt coming soon!
Nearby places to visit
Sayulita. A quick 30 minutes car ride away. Jaunt coming soon!