If you’ve survived the #PolarVortex + the #IceStorm, you’re probably thinking to yourself, “Why didn’t I book a trip to somewhere hot??? Gah!”
Well my friends, there’s still LOTS of time left to escape the cold and I suggest that you get thee on an airplane and book yourself into a luxurious beach getaway at The Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita, Mexico. I was lucky to visit this past November and it IS glorious. I dub this the #MargaritaVortex – where maxi dresses and flip-flops still live on.
Getting There – Direct flights to Gustavo Diaz Ordaz airport in Puerto Vallarta are available from San Diego and Los Angeles with Alaska Airlines. Frequency increases during high season in the winter months.
From Canada, look for flights via Air Canada or WestJet. When I arrived, an air-conditioned SUV fully loaded with cold scented towels and bottled water transported me 45 minutes away to the lovely town of Punta Mita. Just make sure to arrange ground transport ahead of time.
Upon arrival, I was greeted with more cold towels, an icy fruit smoothie and a mango margarita – hellooooo heaven! After a long journey, I was able to sit down in the lounge, enjoy a cocktail and be checked in by the staff while overlooking the ocean. Not a bad start!
The hotel features 141 guestrooms, each with a balcony or terrace and 32 suites that feature a private plunge pool to cool off after lounging in the hot Mexican sun. My room was styled like a luxurious Mexican beach house with lots of local decor touches and a calming colour palette of crisp whites and cool turquoise. The humidity can get quite high, so there is a dehumidifier in each room to keep things comfortable along with central air.
The BEST welcome gift of them all – a DIY margarita station + fresh fruit in my room.
Pool Life – If your vacation goal is to lie next to the ocean and not move, then you’ll want to park yourself next to the infinity edge pool and soothe your soul with striking views of the Pacific Ocean. Too hot? Pool attendants swing by on the regular with ice towels, cooling facial spray and snacks. Make sure to keep on the lookout for the all-natural organic snow cone cart with flavours like coconut, guava, tamarind and hibiscus.
Make the drinks come to you. Remember the not moving part? The drink cart rolls around every once in awhile and the bartender brings the bar to your lounge chair. No – this is not a dream! He or she will mix up anything from margaritas, Caipirinhas or mojitos – there’s no menu, just ask for whatever you want. If you’re in the pool and your drink is empty, have the amphibious Nuna Pool server jump on in and deliver it to you.
The Lazy River – When things got a bit TOO hot, I took a whirl around the resort’s lazy river. The pool is mostly shaded and it is a great place to cool off in the middle of the afternoon.
For those traveling with children, the resort’s Kids for All Seasons is a day camp hosted free-of-charge by the resort with a variety of indoor/outdoor activities for the kiddos. You’ll never hear, “I’m bored” again. It’s an amazing value when you think of the cost of what camp actually costs or the price of a week-long baby-sitter.
I was interested in learning more about tequila and the resort was able to arrange some time with Tequila Master, Alfredo Sanchez to go over the different types of tequila and cocktail recipes served at the hotel. My set-up at Tequila School included rosemary scented sugar with fresh pineapple and lime. I was able to mix my own drink, learn how to properly shake a cocktail mixer and watch others do the same.
One of the most memorable family-style meals during my trip was at Bahia. This beachfront restaurant by Richard Sandoval is named for the Spanish word for “bay,” and features views of the Bay of Banderas. A large grill at the heart of the open kitchen cooks up fresh fish, shrimp, ribs and steak with house made marinades. Our group also went crazy for the fried calamari and the macaroni & cheese side. It’s the perfect place for a nice light, grilled meal. But as you can tell from my pictures above – we went the more indulgent route.
My absolute favourite restaurant at the resort had to be Aramara – serving contemporary Asian fusion cuisine. We ordered the new-style sashimi for a taste of some of the freshest fish on the planet. For something a little more unique, we ordered the Hot Rock which you use to cook thinly sliced steak tableside.
Save room for souffle! Our group shared a trio of sweet and airy soufflés and a bento box of desserts. It was all enjoyed with some smooth tequila while we were serenaded under the stars by a live band playing traditional Mexican music. Perfection.
The breakfast buffet at Ketsí Restaurant and Bar was the perfect place to start my day. This casual, open-air restaurant with gorgeous ocean views featured a smoothie bar, mini breakfast sandwiches, omelet station, Huevos Rancheros cooked to order and Waffle Wednesday! Check out my red berry + wine waffle with white chocolate chips (above, right).
Get on a Yacht! – For those looking for a more ‘enhanced’ boating experience – the Four Seasons Punta Mita has its own luxury yacht available for charter. Cruise along the Pacific waves with 10 of your friends in this sleek 55-foot ‘suite on a boat’ with three staterooms and three bathrooms! Each six-hour charter comes catered with snacks and Four Seasons crew members so you can expect the same level of impeccable service on the seas. A sunset charter is also available after 5 pm.
Where to Bring Your Entourage – The Four Seasons Punta Mita is home to the most expensive suite in Mexico at $20,000/night. It’s where you park yourself and your entourage while enjoying 24-hour butler service inside the Coral Suite. A favourite among celebrities and dignitaries, this beach house features its own gym, spa, a full kitchen, screening room and private infinity pool. We’re sure we could find something to entertain ourselves with inside this 9,150 square-foot mansion suite.
Golf it Out – Even if you’re not a golfer, you will be in awe of the resort’s Jack Nicklaus-designed Pacifico golf course. Hole 3B “the Tail of the Whale” is the world’s only natural island green and requires a specially-designed amphibious golf cart to drive from the tee to the green on the island.
If your brain is asking for more luxury + more Mexico, do check out the Four Seasons Punta Mita. It’s ranked as one of the top 2 resorts in Mexico by Travel + Leisure magazine (2012) and named one of the “World’s Best Places to Stay” by Conde Nast Traveler (2013). It’s the perfect place for a romantic getaway, but also a fun place for kids and you rarely run into such a great hybird.
Looking for more? Check out my previous posts on my sashimi + ceviche lesson at the Catch of the Day and my Tequila Massage at Apuane Spa at the Four Seasons Punta Mita.
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Bahia de Banderas Nayarit, 63734, Mexico
52 (329) 291-6000 52 (329) 291-6060
Disclaimer: My visit to The Four Seasons Punta Mita was graciously hosted by the resort, however the opinions expressed in this post remain my own.
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