The Punta Mita, Mexico, peninsula features Nicklaus-designed golf, world-class hospitality via the St. Regis and Four Seasons, and over a dozen residential communities three hours from Los Angeles
Does the winter-to-spring transition have you longing for a perfect beach getaway complete with five-star resorts, fine dining, and world-class golf along with surf, spas, and an endless variety of beach and sea activities? All of this and more can be found in Punta Mita,
Mexico, a three-hour flight from Los Angeles.
Punta Mita, 30 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, is situated on a private and gate-guarded 1,500-acre peninsula on the southwest point of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, surrounded by white sand beaches and picturesque ocean views. Beyond the area’s natural beauty, Punta Mita is home to a pair of exclusive beachfront resorts – The St. Regis and Four Seasons. As one would expect with such prestigious hotel brands, both properties offer top-tier service, amenities, and luxury.
St. Regis Punta Mita, the brand’s first property in Latin America, features 120 exquisitely appointed guest rooms and suites, three world-class restaurants, three infinity pools with private cabana service, a state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis courts, and the renowned 10,000-square-foot, Remède Spa. The setting is intimate, comfortable, and contemporary, while the presence of a personal butler service adds to the all-out luxury experience. Upon arrival, a butler greets the guest and familiarizes him with the property, personalizing his suite room to the desired comfort level prior to his unpacking. Day and night butlers are always just a text away, serving as personal assistants attending to every need for the entirety of your stay.
Image courtesy of Four Seasons.
The Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is recognized as one of the world’s finest resorts by both Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure. This luxurious destination, just down the coast, is nestled above magnificent white-sand beaches and features 139 guest rooms and 38 suites with a laid-back, comfortable feel. All guest rooms take full advantage of the Mexican Riviera surroundings — most rooms offer sprawling ocean views while some suites come complete with their own private pools.
Image courtesy of Punta Mita Resort.
The resort has distinctive dining options, ranging from margarita and taco snack staples to the refined beachfront Bahia Grill, with a menu highlighting fresh seafood caught just off the resort’s property. In addition to noteworthy culinary options, the resort is home to private white-sand beaches, an award-winning spa, and a plethora of beach, sea, and outdoor activities.
Image courtesy of Four Seasons.
Teeing Off
After everything is situated and unpacked at either resort, it is time to hit the links. Punta Mita Club de Golf features two 18-hole championships Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses that (based on my experience as a lifelong golfer) have the most scenic layouts in Mexico.
The Pacifico and Bahia courses, meanwhile, are part of a private membership club which welcomes St. Regis and Four Seasons guests as well as residents of private villas and homes on the Punta Mita Peninsula. Thanks to the opening of the courses, Punta Mita quickly transformed from a luxury destination with golf to a world-class golfing destination. The Pacifico golf course sprawls across 200 acres of lush, rolling fairways with breathtaking views everywhere you look. The 7,014-yard, par-72 course has eight holes directly bordering the Pacific Ocean and Banderas Bay, which could easily be a distraction in the midst of your round. The signature par-3 3rd hole, named “The Tail of the Whale,” features a one-of-a-kind island green sitting in the middle of the ocean. The tee box is set on the mainland almost 200 yards away, offering a great challenge with an even greater view.
Image courtesy of Punta Mita Club de Golf.
When commenting on the first of his two Punta Mita courses, Jack Nicklaus noted that the “Pacifico Course provides all of the challenge and exhilaration that players expect at a world-class resort, with the sheer magic of ocean views, varied landscapes, and a unique environment.”
The Bahia Course, formally opened for play in November 2009, was added to the Punta Mita peninsula after Pacifico. The par-72 course stretches out 7,030 yards and is adorned with lush Bermuda fairway; immense tropical landscaping cradles the 18 holes weaving through Punta Mita’s beautiful residential communities.
A sure-fire favorite hole on Bahia is the unforgettable 462-yard, par-4, 15th hole, with its seemingly endless views of Banderas Bay and the Puerto Vallarta skyline. With an undulated fairway and a challenging green that is well guarded by bunkers, this lengthy hole offers a unique challenge.
Making Punta Mita Home
With so much to offer, Punta Mita is an ideal destination for property ownership. DINE, the owner, and developer of Punta Mita is Mexico’s premier real estate developer with commercial, residential, and master-planned communities throughout Mexico. DINE has flourished, bringing the 1,500-acre peninsula to life thanks to a wide variety of properties spread out among the breathtaking white-sand beaches, golf courses, and tropical mountains. The Punta Mita master plan includes 14 individual communities appointed with condos, villas, and homesites for custom-built estates. The many housing options ensure there will be something for every type of prospective property owner.
Image courtesy Las Terraza.
Property ownership and membership provide access to exclusive golf, tennis, gym, dining, beaches, and water sports activities. Additionally, there is a residential concierge service that handles airport pickup and drops off, car rental, grocery shopping, restaurant reservations, catering, babysitting, tee times, and evening entertainment. The property management service team focuses on protecting, maintaining, and preserving each home with the highest level of attention to detail. In addition to what’s already built, the Punta Mita slate continues to grow, with the Kupuri Beach Club as the newest development to open. This magnificent beach club offers members and guests an additional location to gather and enjoy the gorgeous views of Litibu Bay.
Image courtesy Lagos del Mar.
The exclusive Four Seasons Private Villas have been one of the most exciting and well-received residential projects in Punta Mita. Spacious and luxurious, the villas are situated on a premier hillside location overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Bay of Banderas. Each four or five bedroom villa boasts sweeping Pacific Ocean views, a spacious covered terrace, a private infinity pool, and access to the refined services and amenities of the Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita.
Set alongside the 18th hole of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Bahia Course are 42 stunning private residences offering sprawling ocean and golf course views. These contemporary Mexican-style condominium homes are comprised of seven residences per building, with two per level. Each building has its own separate facilities including a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a barbecue area. In addition to these two premier residential communities in Punta Mita, there are another dozen – each offering uniqueness and variety with regard to size, style, and comfort.