Punta de Mita, Mexico | W Punta de Mita

Puerto Vallarta may be the vacation destination I've visited more than any other in my lifetime. I love the people, the culture, and the natural beauty of the ocean and mountains equally. Yet in late 2017 I visited Punta de Mita for the first time and think this tiny town approximately 45 minutes north of PV will make an appearance on my itinerary every time I visit Puerto Vallarta, whether it's for a long weekend add-on or simply as the sole destination. With few resorts in the town, the feeling of tranquility and relative isolation make for a completely relaxing experience. Of course, the W Hotels brand ensures that luxury and service factor heavily into the equation. Because of the remote location and lack of a kids' pool or water park, you're not likely to see any children at all. On my visit over several days, I never saw (or heard) a single one.

I've stayed at dozens of W Hotels over the years, but I think W Punta de Mita surpasses all others (so far) in its incorporation of local culture and customs into a high-design concept from the public areas to the guest rooms. many with ocean and/or lagoon views. Mexican icons, including Frida Kahlo and Emiliano Zapata, can be found on artwork doing things like surfing or skateboarding. Traditional papel picado makes an appearance via dramatic room partitions in the lobby. And a Huichol-style mosaic runs all the way from the entrance, through the lobby, living room, bar and outside until it ends on a catwalk above the pool. Artistic surprises, in fact, pop up around every corner of this property. W truly stands for WOW here. ​-Steven Lindsey
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wpuntademita.com

5 Reasons to Visit W Punta de Mita

Surfing
¡Hang diez! Surfers love this part of the Pacific in Mexico because of the great waves, which are surprisingly different from Puerto Vallarta's. Even if you don't know how to surf, you're in luck because W Punta de Mita has a surf instructor on staff who's not just patient, but really good at teaching anyone how to get up on a board. Even if it's just for a quick photo op.

Oceanfront Cabanas
​​I love to be close to the ocean, but not necessarily in it. Rather than having someone build a tent of umbrellas around me for maximum shade, it's always fab when a property has oceanfront cabanas for rental. These, however, go a few steps beyond most with private bathrooms, televisions, cozy furnishings and on-demand food and beverage service.

Away Spa
I've never had a bad massage. Sure, some are way better than others, but even a not-so-great one still feels wonderful. Fear not, the therapists here are top-notch and provide a variety of spa treatments, including a locally inspired massage with agave butter, as well plus facials, body exfoliation and detoxing body masques. The tranquil wet area with multiple pools of varying temperatures is worth hanging out in for at least an hour or two after your service.

Wet Deck
​Hop in the pool and stare at the ocean—or flag down a server for margaritas and tacos. The spacious pool with lounge chairs and cabanas lining either side makes for a lovely place to cool off without having to dodge waves. Or worry about sharks. (Because that's all I ever think about when I'm in the ocean)

Unique Dining Options
​Too often, hotels put little effort into their dining options. Or so it seems to the frequent traveler. But this resort does things right, whether it's the quirky Chevycheria (a 1950s Chevrolet pickup turned into a ceviche bar), Asian food at New York City import Spice Market, or an intimate dinner for two or a small group of up to 18 people for a seven-course tasting menu—from a gorgeous wood table on a platform in the center of the property's spring-fed lake. ¡Provecho!