There might be no finer or more deservedly renowned luxury hospitality brand than the Four Seasons. The Toronto-based company founded in 1961 now has incredibly gorgeous properties all over the world, each one a unique expression of its ethos. Unlike some brands that seem to slap their name on anything if the price is right, the Four Seasons marque is a guarantee of unsurpassed quality, service and savior faire. We’ve visited several Four Seasons properties over the years and have loved all of them, but one of our favorites is the posh Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, the epitome of laid-back luxury on one of the most picturesque beaches in Mexico in Riviera Nyarit. The gold standard by which all other Mexican beach resorts are measured, the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is situated in a private enclave just 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, but a world away in terms of exclusivity and exacting standards.
The five-star oceanfront retreat is set on 400 acres known for its incredible surf, fine white sand, lush jungle and manicured grounds. With only 177 casita-style guest rooms and suites the intimate feeling of a luxurious private oasis abounds. And guests get to enjoy three alfresco restaurants with ocean views, a bar with over 200 types of tequila, a lavish spa and two world-class golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus. Most recently the property’s top luxury suites, signature Apuane Spa and adults-only Tamai Pool were the subject of a multimillion-dollar renovation which has further cemented its place as Mexico’s premier luxury beach resort. The reimagined and expanded Sol and Luna Suites feature Mexican-inspired décor, rambling private terraces, private infinity pools and multiple luxurious indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Doubling in size with an expanded footprint of nearly 7,000 square feet, the Sol Suite, starting at $9,000-per-night, features five ocean-front bedrooms and is set upon a private clifftop with endless ocean views. The four-bedroom Luna Suite, from $7,000-per-night, offers over 5,000 square feet of living space, panoramic ocean views from virtually every room and a new private infinity pool. The resort commissioned Kollin Altomare Architects and interior designer Anderson Miller to lead the spa project, which took its inspiration from the culture of the region’s native Huichol Indians and the natural beauty of Punta Mita. The reimagined spa offers 13 expanded treatment rooms, including two new treatment rooms and a private Apuane Suite.
At the revamped adults-only Tamai pool, designed by Victor Jimenez of Studio 365, guests have enormous yet intimate spaces for sunbathing and lounging, furnished with sunbeds, hammocks, hanging chairs and palm-roofed palapas, all crafted with natural materials and fabrics sourced from an exclusive collection created for the Museum of Mexico. Seven new cabanas offer the ultimate in poolside privacy with sterling service from friendly attendants schooled in the Four Seasons’ impeccable style. A restaurant and pool bar offers both cocktails and small plates. It’s the perfect foil to the resort’s famed main pool with an infinity edge overlooking the ocean, a bustling bar and views that are the envy of every property owner in Punta Mita.
“Infused with the heart and soul of Punta Mita, our reimagined spa and redesigned luxury suites along with our additional resort enhancements all serve a singular purpose – to provide our guests with soulful spaces and experiences that will envelop them in the magic of our oceanfront address,” says John O’Sullivan, General Manager, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. “Inspired by our picturesque white sand beaches, the turquoise waters of the Bay of Banderas, and the colorful culture and energy of the native Huichol people, the new Apuane Spa will serve as both a sanctuary of relaxation and a refuge for total rejuvenation.”
When not soaking up the sun dining and cocktailing are choice pursuits at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. The three main restaurants include Aramara, Bahía by Richard Sandoval and Ketsi. Amara combines the best of contemporary Asian cuisine blended with a taste of Mexico, enhanced by the area’s plentiful produce and seafood from the Pacific. Bahia is an ocean-to-table beachfront grill and restaurant with an airy contemporary design, set amongst giant manzanilla trees on the Resort’s Las Cuevas beach. Chef Sandoval offers a unique interpretation of coastal Latin cuisine using ingredients from around the world. Specialties include fresh seafood and prime cuts of beef, pork and chicken cooked on a wood fired grill and seasoned with delectable Latin marinades, sauces and spice blends.
Fine cocktails are to be found in any of the resort’s bars and restaurants, but one of the most enchanting experiences in Mexico is at the Four Seasons’ unassuming bar known as the Shack. Located in a thatch-roofed palapa right on the beach, there are hanging day beds and floating lounge pods with breathtaking views of Banderas Bay. Signature cocktails include the Machete, a smoky Mezcal drink infused with watermelon and chilies and the Cielo Rojo, a refreshing combination of Riviera Nayarit’s sangrita mixed with the resort’s exclusive Cora beer. Kumai oysters and coconut fish ceviche are the perfect accompaniments if your feeling peckish. And at night there are glowing fire pits to gather around and watch the sunset or gaze at the stars.
The stunning, spacious and suites offer everything you could ever want in beachside accommodations. Plasma-screen televisions, DVD and CD players, computer/fax connections, two-line telephones and high-speed Internet access add to the enjoyment of the deservedly famous Four Seasons beds and spacious bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, separate glass-enclosed showers, two-basin vanities and more. Punta Mita also offers a wide variety of amazing activities should you ever wish to leave the comforts of your room, including excursions to the nearby Marietas Islands, home to 90-plus species of aquatic and sub-aquatic birds. Our only caveat: plan ahead, because the resort fills up quickly, especially in the high season. And once you get there you’ll immediately see why.
