BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER

I confess. Hawaii has long been my go-to for tropical breezes and sandy beaches. Mexico – for no particular reason – had never found a spot on my radar. After a recent visit to Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, I realize I’ve missed out. The flight (direct from Oakland to Puerto Vallarta) is shorter than that to Hawaii. The Mexican culture is inspiring. The food is authentic – as is the tequila. The Four Seasons brand of stellar service has never presented itself so completely. And, the same sun that rises and sets upon the equivalent latitudinal lines as Hawaii seems to shine and set more brilliantly. 

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita Lobby

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is situated within the ‘Crown Jewel’ of the Riviera Nayarit on a spear-shaped peninsula at the northern tip of Banderas Bay. Punta Mita is nestled between the majestic Sierra Madre mountain range and nine miles of pristine beach fronting the turquoise waters of the Pacific. It’s a mere 40-minute drive from the Puerto Vallarta airport, but the luxurious and private community might as well be a world away. The area features seductive natural beauty with a laid-back vibe, expansive white sand beaches, lush tropical flora, and historical significance that defines sense-of-place. 

Here are the additional ways in which Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita won me over.

Sunsets: The Punta Mita sun sparkles and shimmers on the Banderas Bay and Pacific Ocean waters before setting each evening in a theatrical splash of color. Breathtaking hues of orange, pink, and purple serve to create Punta Mita’s most lauded evening event. Guests flock to the beach and varied overlooks, cocktails in hand, to view ‘the show.’ A cinema-like, two row lineup of rattan chairs, located at the beachfront Shack Bar, are perfectly poised to catch the celestial action. The vast infinity pool that seemingly spills into its ocean overlook is also a prime viewing spot.

Expansive White Sand Beaches: You know those ads and commercials that portray a singular couple walking hand-in-hand on a beach, and there is not another person in sight? While the image is pure fantasy in most cases, at Punta Mita, it’s a reality. On several occasions, I was the only soul leaving footprint impressions upon the arc of pristine, white sand. Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is home to two glorious beaches, one of which features three infinitely Insta-worthy beachfront hanging ‘lounge pods’ that dangle cliffside.

Authentic Cuisine: While the consistent poolside and beachfront offerings of fresh fruit, smoothies, fresh squeezed lemonade, and other treats might keep you satiated, restaurant options include the newly renovated Dos Catrinas where traditional Mexican cuisine pays homage to varied culinary regions: Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Puebla. Aramara serves contemporary Asian cuisine with a touch of Mexican influence. (Don’t miss the Hot Rock marinated New York Strip – thin slices of prime beef seared tabletop on just that – a hot rock.) The adults-only Tamai Pool features an adjacent sushi bar, and the al fresco Bahia fronts the resort’s Cuevas Beach. And what is a trip to Mexico without tequila? Make your own blend during a two-hour workshop where Cultural Concierge Enrique Alejos teaches how to identify, analyze, and understand the aromas and tastes of different tequilas. You’ll then create your own bespoke blend, bottle it in a custom vitrine, and register it in the logbook. It’s then yours to take home - the ultimate Punta Mita souvenir.

Activities Galore: Hiking, surf lessons, paddle boarding, snorkeling, yoga, aqua aerobics, salsa dance classes, golf, tennis, and more are offered. The resort daily prints out its full menu of activities. Kids love the Lazy River, a meandering pool that flows slowly, upon which its decks feature kid-sized chaise lounges. Adults can find quiet refuge at the luxurious Tamai Pool. Head to the beach at 11:30am daily to watch local fisherman deliver the ‘catch of the day,’ then place your lunch or dinner order directly with the resort’s executive chef who is there to accept and survey the bounty. Seeking some pure rest and relaxation? Make an appointment at the serene and sumptuous spa where services are personalized to address guest needs. Finally, if visiting in the late fall, you can help hatching sea turtles find their way from sand to sea – an event as soul-warming as a Punta Mita sunset.

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita Spa

Photos: Punta Mita Resort