I like the whole lot about Mexico – the tradition, the meals, the individuals. We have visited Tulum, Cancun, Mayakoba, Holobox, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Puerto Aventuras through the years. We will not get sufficient of the nice and cozy hospitality, alluring seashores, and fantastic delicacies the nation gives.
One of many perks of residing in San Diego is its proximity to the numerous coastal cities of Mexico. On this memorable journey, we took a two-and-a-half-hour flight from San Diego on Alaska Airways to Puerto Vallarta. We then picked up our automobile rental from Enterprise after which made the straightforward forty-five-minute drive south to Punta de Mita simply in time to look at the solar paint the sky as she retreated for the day.
Beneath is what I contemplate an ideal five-night itinerary in Punta de Mita, verified by yours actually. We had a flawless steadiness of rest and exploration and ate among the most delectable meals attainable. Be happy to steal my journey plan to start creating your magical recollections. Additionally, earlier than I get began listed here are some vital tricks to information you when touring to Punta de Mita:
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If you happen to plan on leaving your resort, which you completely ought to, hire a automobile. Driving right here is secure and having a automobile makes the whole lot simpler.
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All payments have a ten% service cost included, and no further tipping is important.
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Lots of the eating places under are positioned in high-security properties so carry ID always.
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Make dinner and tour reservations upfront, issues do ebook up right here.
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The sunsets in Punta de Minta are breathtaking, be certain that to catch them every day.
The check-in course of on the Conrad Lodge, the seaside city’s latest five-star resort, was fast and intensely welcoming. This luxurious resort boasts each amenity you may ever dream of whereas on trip: tennis courts, pickle ball courts, a fitness center, a spa, 4 eating places, an adult-only pool and in addition a number of household swimming pools (one with a water slide), every day yoga on the sand, beachside service… this place is the right escape.
The rooms are spacious and most notably have expansive balconies with eye-catching views. Further touches like artisanal welcome chocolate, aromatherapy linen sprays, limitless on-demand bottled water, and handmade crafts laid thoughtfully at turn-down service, all make the room an ideal retreat on the finish of an already wonderful day.
As soon as settled in, we headed to dinner at Codex, the resort’s wonderful eating restaurant, on a complimentary chauffeured golf membership. This restaurant is extraordinarily well-rated and is acknowledged as one in all Mexico‘s prime two hundred-fifty finest eating places. Upon getting into, we have been greeted by a workers member who requested our household to unite holding arms as he blessed us by way of what appeared like an indigenous custom. I discovered this to be a really considerate strategy to welcome visitors. Though we have been disillusioned by the chef’s gastronomic makes an attempt, we have been in awe of the gorgeous setup. There are tables on the sand, some even tucked into timber, all romantically lit by tiki torches. The kitchen hits it on the nail aesthetic-wise- the meals presentation is thoughtfully ready to ship a minimalistic magnificence that’s unattainable to miss. Nonetheless, total we ate our solely disappointing meal whereas in Mexico at Codex. Maybe the kitchen was having an “off day”.
professionals: putting setting, polished service, well-made cocktails
cons: parts are small and intensely overpriced for what’s simply first rate meals
should order: we tasted six gadgets on the menu and the one one I may advocate is the soft-shelled crab
Watching the sunsets whereas vacationing in Punta de Mita must be a ritual in your trip planning, they are going to take your breath away.
Our first full day on the resort was devoted to planting ourselves on the property and enjoyable as a lot as attainable. I counsel you do the identical when you get right here.
Breakfast at Arbol is the right strategy to begin the day. The indoor buffet has an limitless unfold of cheeses, yogurts, breads, pastries, waffle stations, and an array of sizzling meals and even an extra outside buffet targeted on Mexican fare with a chilaquiles station, a manned quesadilla station, an eggs-your-way station, fruits galore, and native sweets. All of us left satiated.
After a full meal, we plopped on the grownup pool and stayed there all day. There wasn’t any motive to depart once we have been spoiled with the sound of ambient music taking part in, the crashing of close by waves, a sizzling tub, a swim-up bar, and even a ceviche cart that pulled as much as our seats for an on-demand contemporary snack.
Though peeling ourselves away from the pool was no straightforward job, it was time for lunch at Mesquite. Consuming right here was properly well worth the effort of getting into the vertical world once more. Each chew was sensational- the substances have been of the utmost high quality and the seasoning in every dish was merely good.
professionals: seaside eating with a improbable menu, dishes completely ready
should order: tuna tostada, chips and guacamole, lobster roll, and the wagyu surprise bowl (grilled and sliced wagyu, carrots, black bean cream, queso ranchero)
After a meal like this, a stroll alongside the coast was so as. Strolling with our ft within the water introduced thrilling adventures like recognizing a close-by estuary with a nesting crocodile and an area worker warning observers to remain away (yikes!). There have been additionally unmonitored jewellery stands and artifical huts, all amidst the picturesque backdrop of the mountains and sea. Not like most resort cities, this stretch of sand is usually untouched and undeveloped.
After a luxuriously lazy day, and a bit of late-afternoon nap, we bought ourselves collectively for a powerful dinner at Carolina, the one AAA 5 Diamond Award eating expertise in Punta de Mita, positioned in the St. Regis Lodge Punta de Mita. The restaurant supplies a Mexican culinary journey by way of a four-course, six-course, and ten-course tasting menu; we opted for the six-course expertise, which proved to be one of the crucial unforgettable meals. Every plate arrived with meticulous consideration to element in its presentation, artworks delivered all through the meal. Nonetheless, it was the ensuing flavors created by the mix of the freshest parts, distinctive Mexican seasonings, and the incorporation of substances from each sea and land, together with a steadiness of each uncooked and masterfully grilled dishes, that make Carolina worthy of a spot on everybody’s bucket checklist.
professionals: a six-course meal was well-paced and accomplished in simply two hours, the kitchen is versatile with a desk deciding on completely different tasting menus, constantly excellent dishes
should order: the six-course tasting menu brilliantly highlighted the chef’s vary of expertise: ceviche kampachi over fried seaweed, beef jerky filled with avocado mousse, plantain croquette with oaxacan cheese on prime of a chili sauce and cheese emulsion, lobster tartar with yuzu and fermented conch, grilled lubina, dried age rib eye with date relish and caramelized onion, and a chilate impressed dessert with cacao, rice and uncooked sugar
In fact, be certain that to tuck the solar to sleep…
Right now was spent with explorations and adventures. I extremely advocate taking a full day to discover the close by coastal cities of Sayulita and San Pancho, each are only a fast drive from Punta de Mita.
Start your day with an off-the-cuff breakfast at Casa Paraiso Restaurante Bar in Sayulita. This open-aired roof-top restaurant is a part of a well-kept hostel. The meals is contemporary, cheap, and comes with fresh-squeezed orange juice and a espresso or espresso drink of your selection.
After breakfast, head to Rancho Mi Chaparrita for an unbelievable horseback driving tour by way of a lush jungle that results in a spectacular secluded seaside. No driving expertise is required, though reservations are so be certain that to ebook upfront. This tour is a spotlight of our journey. I will always remember the scene earlier than me when the jungle immediately opened up onto the ocean. This expertise is as near paradise that you’re going to ever get.
Following our magical horseback journey alongside the coast we parked our automobile and walked the colourful streets of Sayulita. You will simply be aware why so many expats have made this metropolis their residence. There are limitless eating places, bars, and outlets all lining closely trafficked slender roads. The vibe on this hidden gem is laid again though you may discover some high-end, luxurious retail outlets dispersed all through. The seaside was packed with individuals – apparently most of them have been locals. You’ll be able to simply spend three nights right here however strolling the streets for a day gives you a style of this charming surf city.
All that strolling made us hungry for lunch, and Kahlo was a beautiful selection. It is no shock that this Mexican restaurant is so well-reviewed. Simply trying on the photos of our meal right here makes me crave one other go to The substances are so contemporary, and the mix of the high-quality elements of every dish results in ecstatic flavors.
professionals: there are designated servers who take simply your drink orders – cocktails are taken very severely and the kitchen makes one of many spiciest sizzling sauces that I’ve ever tasted
should order: the tuna tostadas blended with sriracha sauce and peanuts are otherworldly
In any case that scrumptious meals, one other stroll was so as. This time, we drove to San Pancho (aka San Francisco) to absorb the native tradition. San Pancho is a slightly small city but this tropical nugget of a metropolis is filled with shade and appeal. As of now, it stays neglected by many vacationers however I’ve little question it can quickly be a well-liked vacation spot website.
All that solar and meals caught up with me and I indulged in a nap earlier than dinner (this can be a trip in any case!). Earlier than leaving the resort property for our final meal of the day, we paid homage to the solar. The sunsets in Punta de Mita are breathtaking.
Dinner at Dos Catrinas at The 4 Seasons proved one other wonderful selection. The restaurant is an open-aired, fashionable spot in an expansive, trendy setting. The meals and drinks are spot on. The kitchen offers Mexican delicacies a bit of aptitude with distinctive touches like a selfmade BBQ sauce on grilled corn.
professionals: positioned on a beautiful property, a churros stand awaits in entrance of the restaurant for a candy post-dinner deal with, a bustling ambiance
should order: the signature beef talyuda dish, so good
We began our day with one other pleasant breakfast on the resort, altering the surroundings a bit with a pleasant desk within the foyer. One of many issues I particularly love concerning the Conrad Punta de Mita is all of the nooks you may cover in.
The grownup pool was crowded at this time so we splurged on a cabana which spoiled us with probably the most secluded, decadent day in privateness with nobody round to evaluate our persistent horizontal positioning. Along with your cabana rental, you may get a complimentary gentle, wholesome snack, and a cooler filled with water, juices, and sodas. However what makes the cabanas at The Conrad particularly worthy is their well-shaded seclusion. I may have spent the night time right here.
As my readers know, I like to eat, and meals is the one factor that may get me off my poolside lounge chair. We love the meals at Mezquite and opted for one more lunch right here having fun with the ocean view with our ft within the sand. The spotlight of at this time’s meal was the San Pancho sandwich with grilled fish, guajillo chile-lime mayo, and coleslaw.
After lunch, we strolled again to the pool. Consuming, enjoyable, consuming, enjoyable… my manner of shamelessly perfecting laziness. Oh how a lot I wanted this getaway.
My every day late afternoon naps have been in all probability probably the most permissive present to myself in a protracted whereas together with watching the solar shut out the day each night. These have been necessary treats I gave myself, including to my final trip tempo.
The meals in Punta de Mita is sort of excellent, and each time we thought we discovered our favourite restaurant, the subsequent was even higher. Hector’s Kitchen is ready in one of the crucial enticing settings you may come throughout. Seating is beneath a romantically dimmed palapa that comes with wooden and water parts all through the decor. The temper created right here is elegant and tropical and the meals is improbable.
professionals: when you’ve had sufficient Mexican delicacies, the culinary workforce creatively prepares dishes from many areas
cons: exhausting to seek out, it’s really behind the Kupuri Seaside Membership; additionally the property is closely secured so give your self an additional jiffy to get by way of safety
should order: the roasted beet salad was so beautiful that we ordered a second serving to (hummus, blended greens, quinoa, caramelized sunflower seeds, grain mustard French dressing, edamame, and feta cheese); the truffled candy potato tortellini over a broccoli puree with madeira discount and caramelized pecans; braised shortribs with mushroom risotto and port sauce
Though I totally loved my every day dose of chilaquiles every morning, on day 5 I made a decision to stay to contemporary juice, yogurt, cheese, and a personalized omelet on the omelet station to start out my time without work proper and lightweight. All this consuming has lastly caught up with me!
After breakfast, we met our guides at Riviera Mita Excursions for a non-public boat tour of The Marieta Islands, a bunch of uninhabited islands with a lot surrounding wildlife they’re referred to as “the Galapagos of Mexico”. We noticed wild dolphins, blue-footed booby birds, brown-footed booby birds, and tons of brightly coloured fish whereas snorkeling. Highlights of the tour have been a go to to a surprising anonymous island encircled by aqua waters adopted by a swim to the well-known Hidden Seaside. This seaside is well-protected with coastal guards on website making certain that no multiple hundred sixteen guests can attend every day. Accessing Hidden Seaside requires you to swim roughly 200 ft into the hidden gem. Think about a seaside in the course of a cave with an enormous opening obtrusive on the solar and sky – this can be a good instance of nature’s unmatched artworks. Be aware that the islands are solely accessible Wednesdays – Sundays so plan accordingly.
After a three-hour spectacular tour, you may certainly get hungry so head over only a few ft away out of your tour assembly website to La Pescadora for a beautiful lunch with gorgeous views. Our waiter served us with contagious enthusiasm, expressing pleasure in pouring a beneficiant portion of tequila into my margarita in entrance of me. We loved our whole expertise right here very a lot.
professionals: ocean views, improbable service, contemporary meals, and the very best chips we have had in Mexico
should order: the guacamole which is made table-side, the chips and salsa, and the hamburger which was rated superior to american-made ones by my boys!
I used to be trying ahead to exploring the city of Punta de Mita after lunch. Nonetheless, we discovered the small, primary strip on Avenida el Anclote unimpressive. I do not even have any photos to share with you – that is how uninspired I used to be by this neighborhood. After your journey to the Marieta Islands and lunch at La Pescadora I counsel returning to your resort to take pleasure in the remainder of your day.
Alas, I loved one final nap understanding it could be my final one till our subsequent trip. I gave myself an additional thirty minutes of snooze time as a result of I may.
Dinner at Venazu within the W Lodge was a fantastic option to wrap up our journey over an excellent tasty meal. Of all of the properties we checked out, this one caught our eye probably the most. The property’s dramatic, trendy aesthetics and compelling decor made us fantasize a couple of return go to quickly. The night time we dined at Venazu a buffet dinner was supplied. I usually don’t take pleasure in buffets, particularly for dinner, however this one is noteworthy. Every part is made on the spot- fish grilled proper earlier than your eyes- and the assortment of Mexican meals was grande.
professionals: spectacular setting, well-curated buffet with no traces
cons: there are two “venazus” within the space, our gps took us to the flawed one so be certain that to enter “w resort” in your navigation to get to the appropriate location; resort provides a ten% surcharge along with the service cost, to “cowl again of the home”- that is greater than the states cost!
should order: the whole lot was improbable however do not miss the brioche bread topped with frijoles, a bizarrely unbelievable mixture; the selfmade horchata
A five-night streak of watching the sundown does wonders for the soul…
I skipped breakfast at this time to maximise our final day on trip. I opted for a yoga class on the seaside as a substitute, adopted by a poolside studying of my buddy’s inspirational ebook, loaded with helpful recommendations on make extra time in your day to deal with the issues and folks you actually need to consider and get rid of the duties that lavatory you down. Then I labored on this weblog submit as I basked within the solar. I am pleased with myself for savoring every second earlier than heading residence.
And… one final meal in Mexico to shut out an epic getaway. This time we tried Paleta, Conrad’s poolside eating choice. We loved nibbling on nachos and I savored every chew of my Senor Poke Bowl loaded with rice, cucumbers, tuna, oranges, and a aspect of sesame oil to prime it off.
Reserving lodges by way of an AMEX platinum card all the time comes with perks – like a 4:00 pm try permitting you to take full benefit of your final day on the resort.
All good issues should come to an finish, and sadly it was time to say goodbye. Mexico, as soon as once more, you handled us very properly. What a visit! Adios for now, however we’ll be again actual quickly!
