Lush green jungle, surf-perfect waves and Huichol culture offer guests a laid back escape.
THE LOCATION W Punta de Mita is located in on Banderas Bay,in Nayarit Mexico. The airport located in Puerto Vallarta is approximately 45 minutes drive from the hotel.
THE ROOM Striking turquoise walls inside the spectacular jungle escape room are set-off by geometric tile floor and large windows that invite the outdoors in. Mexican embroidered pillows, handmade baskets and bright wicker chairs accent the modern space with pops of colour, while the wall mural and surfboard headboard add an artistic, bohemian edge. Special touches like the glass-enclosed rainforest shower and freestanding soaking bathtub reinforce the tropical feel, as does morning coffee enjoyed on the polished wood balcony listening to the birds within the lush atmosphere.
THE SPA Enveloped by jungle greenery including guardian fig trees and other flora, while surrounded by the sound of flowing water from a fountain, the 4 000 square foot AWAY Spa is designed to immediately calms the senses. Masseuse Elsie uses fragrant mint body butter for a 60 minute fuel massage — a relaxing and invigorating treatment.
THE VIBE A mix of native Huichol art and bohemian surf culture is effortlessly blended throughout the property: WAVE Surf Shop offers guests lessons; a giant, colourful Day of the Dead figure stands near the lobby; and the showstopping mosaic walkways and natural wood equally contribute to an inviting, unpretentious, celebratory mood.
DINING: A TASTE OF PARADISE
Chevycheria
A thatched roof beach bar with a 1950s Chevrolet 3800 truck as the anchor-piece is where gourmands go to enjoy chefs preparing various Latin American-styles of ceviche. From Peruvian and Yucatan specialties to Punta de Mita’s coconut and spice-infused catch-of-the-day, it is an idyllic spot to watch the waves while munching on fresh fare.
Spice Market
Expect South-east Asian street food elevated by acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten in a luxurious space, with mirrored ceilings that sparkle at night. Order the grilled chicken satay with coconut peanut sauce, and the shrimp steamed bun with slaw, and for dessert the toasted coconut cake with pandan is fragrant and delicious.
MESA1
Located at the centre of a spring-fed lake, this private dining setting with an enormous parota tree trunk table is breathtaking. For dinner, the seven course tasting menu includes a colourful beet salad with burrata, indulgent lobster risotto, and grilled sea bass, and ends with a refreshing raspberry sorbet, all savoured as the sun slowly sets.
EXPLORE RIVIERA NAYARIT
Sayulita
Stop for authentic, delicious street tacos at El Itacate (try the camarones, or shrimp) in this small village that sits on the Pacific coast. Artisanal shops sell Huichol artwork, and the strong waves are the envy of surfers.
San Pancho/ San Francisco
Against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre Mountains, this tiny, sleepy beach town, offers tasty food at the many mainstreet restaurants. After a meal, shop for souvenirs, or take a walk along the beach. rivieranayarit.com
Want more travel? This original article first appeared in the Summer 2018 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
Don’t Forget to Follow City Style and Living on Social Channels: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest
