I like all the pieces about Mexico – the tradition, the meals, the folks. We have visited Tulum, Cancun, Mayakoba, Holobox, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Puerto Aventuras over time. We won’t get sufficient of the nice and cozy hospitality, alluring seashores, and great delicacies the nation affords.
One of many perks of residing in San Diego is its proximity to the various coastal cities of Mexico. On this memorable journey, we took a two-and-a-half-hour flight from San Diego on Alaska Airways to Puerto Vallarta. We then picked up our automobile rental from Enterprise after which made the simple forty-five-minute drive south to Punta de Mita simply in time to observe the solar paint the sky as she retreated for the day.
Beneath is what I think about an ideal five-night itinerary in Punta de Mita, verified by yours actually. We had a flawless steadiness of leisure and exploration and ate among the most delectable meals potential. Be happy to steal my journey plan to start creating your magical recollections. Additionally, earlier than I get began listed here are some necessary tricks to information you when touring to Punta de Mita:
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In the event you plan on leaving your resort, which you completely ought to, lease a automobile. Driving right here is secure and having a automobile makes all the pieces simpler.
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All payments have a ten% service cost included, and no further tipping is important.
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Most of the eating places under are positioned in high-security properties so carry ID always.
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Make dinner and tour reservations prematurely, issues do e book up right here.
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The sunsets in Punta de Minta are breathtaking, be sure to catch them each day.
The check-in course of on the Conrad Resort, the seashore city’s latest five-star resort, was fast and intensely welcoming. This luxurious lodge boasts each amenity you may ever dream of whereas on trip: tennis courts, pickle ball courts, a gymnasium, a spa, 4 eating places, an adult-only pool and likewise a number of household swimming pools (one with a water slide), each day yoga on the sand, beachside service… this place is the proper escape.
The rooms are spacious and most notably have expansive balconies with eye-catching views. Extra touches like artisanal welcome chocolate, aromatherapy linen sprays, limitless on-demand bottled water, and handmade crafts laid thoughtfully at turn-down service, all make the room an ideal retreat on the finish of an already wonderful day.
As soon as settled in, we headed to dinner at Codex, the lodge’s tremendous eating restaurant, on a complimentary chauffeured golf membership. This restaurant is extraordinarily well-rated and is acknowledged as one among Mexico‘s prime two hundred-fifty finest eating places. Upon coming into, we had been greeted by a workers member who requested our household to unite holding fingers as he blessed us by way of what appeared like an indigenous custom. I discovered this to be a really considerate strategy to welcome friends. Though we had been disillusioned by the chef’s gastronomic makes an attempt, we had been in awe of the gorgeous setup. There are tables on the sand, some even tucked into timber, all romantically lit by tiki torches. The kitchen hits it on the nail aesthetic-wise- the meals presentation is thoughtfully ready to ship a minimalistic magnificence that’s unattainable to miss. Nonetheless, general we ate our solely disappointing meal whereas in Mexico at Codex. Maybe the kitchen was having an “off day”.
professionals: hanging setting, polished service, well-made cocktails
cons: parts are small and intensely overpriced for what’s simply first rate meals
should order: we tasted six gadgets on the menu and the one one I may suggest is the soft-shelled crab
Watching the sunsets whereas vacationing in Punta de Mita must be a ritual in your trip planning, they are going to take your breath away.
Our first full day on the resort was devoted to planting ourselves on the property and enjoyable as a lot as potential. I recommend you do the identical when you get right here.
Breakfast at Arbol is the proper strategy to begin the day. The indoor buffet has an infinite unfold of cheeses, yogurts, breads, pastries, waffle stations, and an array of scorching meals and even a further out of doors buffet targeted on Mexican fare with a chilaquiles station, a manned quesadilla station, an eggs-your-way station, fruits galore, and native sweets. All of us left satiated.
After a full meal, we plopped on the grownup pool and stayed there all day. There wasn’t any motive to depart once we had been spoiled with the sound of ambient music enjoying, the crashing of close by waves, a scorching tub, a swim-up bar, and even a ceviche cart that pulled as much as our seats for an on-demand contemporary snack.
Though peeling ourselves away from the pool was no simple activity, it was time for lunch at Mesquite. Consuming right here was properly well worth the effort of coming into the vertical world once more. Each chunk was sensational- the components had been of the utmost high quality and the seasoning in every dish was merely good.
professionals: seaside eating with a implausible menu, dishes completely ready
should order: tuna tostada, chips and guacamole, lobster roll, and the wagyu marvel bowl (grilled and sliced wagyu, carrots, black bean cream, queso ranchero)
After a meal like this, a stroll alongside the coast was so as. Strolling with our ft within the water introduced thrilling adventures like recognizing a close-by estuary with a nesting crocodile and an area worker warning observers to remain away (yikes!). There have been additionally unmonitored jewellery stands and artifical huts, all amidst the picturesque backdrop of the mountains and sea. In contrast to most resort cities, this stretch of sand is generally untouched and undeveloped.
After a luxuriously lazy day, and just a little late-afternoon nap, we bought ourselves collectively for an impressive dinner at Carolina, the one AAA 5 Diamond Award eating expertise in Punta de Mita, positioned in the St. Regis Resort Punta de Mita. The restaurant supplies a Mexican culinary journey by way of a four-course, six-course, and ten-course tasting menu; we opted for the six-course expertise, which proved to be one of the vital unforgettable meals. Every plate arrived with meticulous consideration to element in its presentation, artworks delivered all through the meal. Nonetheless, it was the ensuing flavors created by the mix of the freshest components, distinctive Mexican seasonings, and the incorporation of components from each sea and land, together with a steadiness of each uncooked and masterfully grilled dishes, that make Carolina worthy of a spot on everybody’s bucket checklist.
professionals: a six-course meal was well-paced and accomplished in simply two hours, the kitchen is versatile with a desk deciding on completely different tasting menus, constantly excellent dishes
should order: the six-course tasting menu brilliantly highlighted the chef’s vary of expertise: ceviche kampachi over fried seaweed, beef jerky full of avocado mousse, plantain croquette with oaxacan cheese on prime of a chili sauce and cheese emulsion, lobster tartar with yuzu and fermented conch, grilled lubina, dried age rib eye with date relish and caramelized onion, and a chilate impressed dessert with cacao, rice and uncooked sugar
After all, be sure to tuck the solar to sleep…
As we speak was spent with explorations and adventures. I extremely suggest taking a full day to discover the close by coastal cities of Sayulita and San Pancho, each are only a fast drive from Punta de Mita.
Start your day with an off-the-cuff breakfast at Casa Paraiso Restaurante Bar in Sayulita. This open-aired roof-top restaurant is a part of a well-kept hostel. The meals is contemporary, cheap, and comes with fresh-squeezed orange juice and a espresso or espresso drink of your alternative.
After breakfast, head to Rancho Mi Chaparrita for an unbelievable horseback driving tour via a lush jungle that results in a spectacular secluded seashore. No driving expertise is required, though reservations are so be sure to e book prematurely. This tour is a spotlight of our journey. I am going to always remember the scene earlier than me when the jungle out of the blue opened up onto the ocean. This expertise is as near paradise that you will ever get.
Following our magical horseback trip alongside the coast we parked our automobile and walked the colourful streets of Sayulita. You may simply word why so many expats have made this metropolis their dwelling. There are infinite eating places, bars, and retailers all lining closely trafficked slim roads. The vibe on this hidden gem is laid again though you will discover some high-end, luxurious retail retailers dispersed all through. The seashore was packed with folks – apparently most of them had been locals. You may simply spend three nights right here however strolling the streets for a day will provide you with a style of this charming surf city.
All that strolling made us hungry for lunch, and Kahlo was a beautiful alternative. It is no shock that this Mexican restaurant is so well-reviewed. Simply trying on the photos of our meal right here makes me crave one other go to The components are so contemporary, and the mix of the high-quality elements of every dish results in ecstatic flavors.
professionals: there are designated servers who take simply your drink orders – cocktails are taken very significantly and the kitchen makes one of many spiciest scorching sauces that I’ve ever tasted
should order: the tuna tostadas combined with sriracha sauce and peanuts are otherworldly
In any case that scrumptious meals, one other stroll was so as. This time, we drove to San Pancho (aka San Francisco) to take in the native tradition. San Pancho is a relatively small city but this tropical nugget of a metropolis is full of shade and appeal. As of now, it stays missed by many vacationers however I’ve little question it should quickly be a well-liked vacation spot website.
All that solar and meals caught up with me and I indulged in a nap earlier than dinner (it is a trip in any case!). Earlier than leaving the lodge property for our final meal of the day, we paid homage to the solar. The sunsets in Punta de Mita are breathtaking.
Dinner at Dos Catrinas at The 4 Seasons proved one other wonderful alternative. The restaurant is an open-aired, trendy spot in an expansive, trendy setting. The meals and drinks are spot on. The kitchen offers Mexican delicacies just a little aptitude with distinctive touches like a home made BBQ sauce on grilled corn.
professionals: positioned on a beautiful property, a churros stand awaits in entrance of the restaurant for a candy post-dinner deal with, a bustling environment
should order: the signature beef talyuda dish, so good
We began our day with one other pleasant breakfast on the lodge, altering the surroundings a bit with a pleasant desk within the foyer. One of many issues I particularly love concerning the Conrad Punta de Mita is all of the nooks you may conceal in.
The grownup pool was crowded immediately so we splurged on a cabana which spoiled us with probably the most secluded, decadent day in privateness with nobody round to evaluate our continual horizontal positioning. Together with your cabana rental, you will get a complimentary gentle, wholesome snack, and a cooler full of water, juices, and sodas. However what makes the cabanas at The Conrad particularly worthy is their well-shaded seclusion. I may have spent the night time right here.
As my readers know, I like to eat, and meals is the one factor that can get me off my poolside lounge chair. We love the meals at Mezquite and opted for an additional lunch right here having fun with the ocean view with our ft within the sand. The spotlight of immediately’s meal was the San Pancho sandwich with grilled fish, guajillo chile-lime mayo, and coleslaw.
After lunch, we strolled again to the pool. Consuming, enjoyable, consuming, enjoyable… my means of shamelessly perfecting laziness. Oh how a lot I wanted this getaway.
My each day late afternoon naps had been in all probability probably the most permissive reward to myself in a protracted whereas together with watching the solar shut out the day each night. These had been obligatory treats I gave myself, including to my final trip tempo.
The meals in Punta de Mita is kind of excellent, and each time we thought we discovered our favourite restaurant, the following was even higher. Hector’s Kitchen is ready in one of the vital enticing settings you will come throughout. Seating is beneath a romantically dimmed palapa that comes with wooden and water components all through the decor. The temper created right here is elegant and tropical and the meals is implausible.
professionals: if you happen to’ve had sufficient Mexican delicacies, the culinary group creatively prepares dishes from many areas
cons: laborious to seek out, it’s really behind the Kupuri Seashore Membership; additionally the property is closely secured so give your self an additional jiffy to get via safety
should order: the roasted beet salad was so beautiful that we ordered a second serving to (hummus, combined greens, quinoa, caramelized sunflower seeds, grain mustard French dressing, edamame, and feta cheese); the truffled candy potato tortellini over a broccoli puree with madeira discount and caramelized pecans; braised shortribs with mushroom risotto and port sauce
Though I totally loved my each day dose of chilaquiles every morning, on day 5 I made a decision to stay to contemporary juice, yogurt, cheese, and a custom-made omelet on the omelet station to start out my time without work proper and lightweight. All this consuming has lastly caught up with me!
After breakfast, we met our guides at Riviera Mita Excursions for a personal boat tour of The Marieta Islands, a gaggle of uninhabited islands with a lot surrounding wildlife they’re often known as “the Galapagos of Mexico”. We noticed wild dolphins, blue-footed booby birds, brown-footed booby birds, and tons of brightly coloured fish whereas snorkeling. Highlights of the tour had been a go to to a shocking anonymous island encircled by aqua waters adopted by a swim to the well-known Hidden Seashore. This seashore is well-protected with coastal guards on website making certain that no multiple hundred sixteen guests can attend every day. Accessing Hidden Seashore requires you to swim roughly 200 ft into the hidden gem. Think about a seashore in the course of a cave with an enormous opening obvious on the solar and sky – it is a good instance of nature’s unmatched artworks. Notice that the islands are solely accessible Wednesdays – Sundays so plan accordingly.
After a three-hour spectacular tour, you will absolutely get hungry so head over only a few ft away out of your tour assembly website to La Pescadora for a beautiful lunch with gorgeous views. Our waiter served us with contagious enthusiasm, expressing pleasure in pouring a beneficiant portion of tequila into my margarita in entrance of me. We loved our whole expertise right here very a lot.
professionals: ocean views, implausible service, contemporary meals, and the most effective chips we have had in Mexico
should order: the guacamole which is made table-side, the chips and salsa, and the hamburger which was rated superior to american-made ones by my boys!
I used to be trying ahead to exploring the city of Punta de Mita after lunch. Nonetheless, we discovered the small, principal strip on Avenida el Anclote unimpressive. I do not even have any photos to share with you – that is how uninspired I used to be by this neighborhood. After your journey to the Marieta Islands and lunch at La Pescadora I recommend returning to your lodge to take pleasure in the remainder of your day.
Alas, I loved one final nap realizing it might be my final one till our subsequent trip. I gave myself an additional thirty minutes of snooze time as a result of I may.
Dinner at Venazu within the W Resort was an awesome option to wrap up our journey over an excellent tasty meal. Of all of the properties we checked out, this one caught our eye probably the most. The property’s dramatic, trendy aesthetics and compelling decor made us fantasize a few return go to quickly. The night time we dined at Venazu a buffet dinner was provided. I usually don’t take pleasure in buffets, particularly for dinner, however this one is noteworthy. The whole lot is made on the spot- fish grilled proper earlier than your eyes- and the assortment of Mexican meals was grande.
professionals: spectacular setting, well-curated buffet with no traces
cons: there are two “venazus” within the space, our gps took us to the mistaken one so be sure to enter “w lodge” in your navigation to get to the appropriate location; lodge provides a ten% surcharge along with the service cost, to “cowl again of the home”- that is greater than the states cost!
should order: all the pieces was implausible however do not miss the brioche bread topped with frijoles, a bizarrely unbelievable mixture; the home made horchata
A five-night streak of watching the sundown does wonders for the soul…
I skipped breakfast immediately to maximise our final day on trip. I opted for a yoga class on the seashore as a substitute, adopted by a poolside studying of my buddy’s inspirational e book, loaded with helpful tips about the way to make extra time in your day to concentrate on the issues and folks you actually wish to consider and the way to get rid of the duties that bathroom you down. Then I labored on this weblog submit as I basked within the solar. I am happy with myself for savoring every second earlier than heading dwelling.
And… one final meal in Mexico to shut out an epic getaway. This time we tried Paleta, Conrad’s poolside eating possibility. We loved nibbling on nachos and I savored every chunk of my Senor Poke Bowl loaded with rice, cucumbers, tuna, oranges, and a aspect of sesame oil to prime it off.
Reserving resorts via an AMEX platinum card all the time comes with perks – like a 4:00 pm take a look at permitting you to take full benefit of your final day on the resort.
All good issues should come to an finish, and sadly it was time to say goodbye. Mexico, as soon as once more, you handled us very properly. What a visit! Adios for now, however we’ll be again actual quickly!