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A Perfect Week in Punta Mita

Category: Activities & Experiences | 11.5.2021

With origins from the Aztec word “Mictlan” which means “getaway to paradise”, Punta Mita is one of the most enchanted corners of the Mexican Riviera. The town was inhabited long before the Spanish settlers. It is a sacred region for the Pre-Columbian Huichol natives, descendants of the ancient Aztecs. The people of this tribe have kept alive the language, traditions and customs of their unique culture. Today, they create and sell intricate handcrafted works of art. What once was the country of fishermen, craftsmen and traders has developed into one of the most sophisticated and luxurious destination in the world.

Nestled within a 1,500-acre private peninsula situated in the Riviera Nayarit, just north of Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita boasts a lush, jungle setting with a hill overlooking the ocean, and idyllic sandy beaches and coves along its three sides. The Pacific literally opens before the visitor’s eyes and it is nearly impossible not to disconnect while observing the infinite ocean’s turquoise waters.  Even during peak seasons, the area is so tranquil and intimate that one can hear the soft melodies of indigenous birds blend with the relaxing echoes of crashing ocean waves. Here, you’ll find relaxation, adventure and countless ways to spend time outdoors. Oh and of course, oodles of luxury.

Natural beauty shines, with panoramic views in all directions. Jack Nicklaus 72-hole signature golf course is set on the northernmost point of Banderas Bay; here you can truly enjoy world class golfing in a spectacular setting. If you are up to it, Nicklaus’s Pacifico course features the famous “Tail of the Whale” hole—an optional part of the course that requires golfers to play their first shot from an onshore tee box to an island green located on a natural rock formation. If visiting during migration season, the course offers decent vantage points for whale watching between swings.

If golfing is not your cup of tea, rest assured activities abound in the area both on land and in the water. Enjoy a walk or bike ride on the Punta Mita scenic cycling paths or play a set or two in the world class tennis resort. Explore the charming nearby towns of Sayulita and San Francisco (also called San Pancho by the locals). Or spoil yourself with a massage in one of the fabulous spas Punta Mita has to offer.  For water activities, go swimming, jump on your paddle-board or take a surf lesson in one of the many high quality break point surf locations and reef breaks that provide amazing variety and a premier experience for beginners and pro surfers alike. You can also head out to sea to visit the nearby Marietas Islands and snorkel amid the colourful fish.

Must-Do & Can’t-Miss

  • Indulging in a spa treatment in a luxury wellness centre
  • Snorkeling in the Marietas Islands
  • A morning exploring el Mercado del Pueblo (Sayulita farmer’s market)
  • Golfing on Jack Nicklaus signature course
  • Taking a surf lesson on the turquoise waters
  • A day in San Sebastian, one of the “magical pueblos” in Mexico
  • Sun-bathing in charming San Pancho
  • Visiting a tequila factory
  • An afternoon at one of the four exclusive beach clubs
Day 1: Welcome to your Villa!

Your Local Host will greet you at the villa with regional favourites and delicacies for you to enjoy. He will go over your plans for the week and will then let you settle in your home away from home. Soak in the endless vistas, take a deep breath and start to unwind.

Day 2: Enjoy the beach!

After all, life on the water is what a vacation in Punta Mita is all about. Soak up the sun and let the sounds of the waves lull you as you take an afternoon siesta. Or, for more active types, we suggest a paddle-boarding lesson from the beach in Anclote. The wind and wave conditions make this the perfect spot to learn this exciting new sport.

Dinner at Carolina’s Restaurant at the St. Regis Resort

Considered the most recognized restaurant in the Bahia de Banderas Bay, Carolina counts among its accolades with the AAA Five Diamond Award. This intimate restaurant showcases the very best of modern Mexican cuisine using only the finest and freshest ingredients. Watch the sun set from the romantic outdoor terrace and let yourself be seduced by an array of aromas, flavors and textures paired with unique Mexican wines.

Day 3: Morning Yoga

Head to the beach in Punta Mita for a yoga lesson or alternatively have a private yoga session at the villa. Your Villa Specialist can help you arrange this prior to your arrival.  Then head to Venazù Restaurant at the Marriott for a colourful breakfast. Venazú synthesizes a modern indoor-outdoor design, an outdoor patio with sweeping views, and a festive vibe evocative of a Mexican town during a weeklong fiesta. Start by the live cooking station for eggs or get yourself a healthy shake from the smoothie bar.

Beach Day in San Pancho

If you’re into beach hopping, a visit to San Francisco (or San Pancho as it is known to locals) is in order.  Relax on the beach and then grab a drink in one of the little cafes that line San Pancho’s streets.

Day 4: A Day in San Sebastian

Step back in time with a visit to this small local town, one of Mexico’s 29 “magical pueblos.” With its charming cobblestone plaza, elegant buildings, an 18th century church dedicated to San Sebastián and a wealth of 18th century Haciendas, you’ll enjoy a privileged glimpse into colonial Mexico, untouched by time.

Visit small, locally run coffee and tequila factories, and enjoy lunch in a family-run restaurant before returning home.

Day 5: Snorkelling at Marietas Islands

Just inside Banderas Bay rests a group of small, volcanic islands known as the Marietas Islands. These islands offer crystal clear waters and unique wildlife – perfect for a leisurely afternoon of snorkeling.  Your Local Host will help you arrange a local panga boat to take you there for a few hours of sun, sea and maybe even a whale or two! The Marietas Island is definitely on the top list of things to do in Punta Mita.

Dinner at the Four Seasons Punta Mita

Tonight your Local Host has made a reservation at Aramara – a fine dining Japanese fusion restaurant offering the simplicity of contemporary Asian cuisine with the produce and seafood of the Pacific, fresh from the shores of Punta Mita and the neighbouring fishing village of Sayulita, near Puerto Vallarta.

Day 6: Day of Many Choices

Today we suggest you do what you came here to do – relax! Perhaps a round of golf is in order – your Local Host can help you book a tee time. If you enjoyed your paddle boarding lesson, why not give it another go? Or perhaps surfing is more your style – Punta Mita is world-renowned for its surf, and there are lessons and excursions available for all levels and ages.

In the afternoon, why not indulge in a luxury spa treatment from Remède Spa. The spa specializes in floatation therapy as well as a slew of customized treatments using ingredients native to the area like the Puebla Hot Stone massage and the Ocean Pearl Body Experience which uses crushed pearls to exfoliate skin. Take advantage of the spa’s rejuvenating water circuit for the ultimate euphoric experience.

Shellfish Dinner on the sand at seaside restaurant Mina

In the heart of Punta de Mita’s restaurant row, this seaside restaurant offers great cuisine with authentic Mexican flavour. Sit at a table in the sand and choose from a selection of fresh fish and seafood brought daily from local fishermen. Their traditional guacamole and salsa are made for you at the table and to your liking. They are accompanied by authentic homemade totopos.

Day 7: Market Visit and Cooking Lesson

A perfect week in Punta Mita would not be complete without taking a cooking class. Start the day by meeting with your local chef and planning your menu. Then head to the Sayulita Farmer’s Market, where you can choose your ingredients and enjoy this lively little town.  Back at your villa, prepare your courses and enjoy them as you go!

Day 8: Departure

Time to pack up and say “Adios” to your Local Host, the villa, and Mexico. Or perhaps “Hasta luego” as Punta de Mita is a place to which you’ll surely want to return

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