Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita: A One-Stop Shop for Your Dream Mexico Vacation

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The travel trifecta: A vacation where your needs are anticipated (and creatively exceeded), cultural immersion is seamlessly built in and everyone in the group is guaranteed a great time.

You’re basking on a beachfront chaise, mesmerized by your straw umbrella as it flutters in the breeze against a cloudless sky. You can still taste the complimentary pineapple ice pop offered earlier by your beach butler. And as you reach for your sunglasses, you think to yourself that it can’t get much better than this.

But then the man they call Dr. Sunglasses, wearing a white coat and a stethoscope slung around his neck, magically appears beside you. “May I clean your sunglasses, señora?” And somehow, it does.

No doubt it’s this level of personalized attention that’s contributed to the longevity of Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, inarguably the grande dame of this posh, private resort and residential development on Mexico’s Bahía de Banderas.

Another secret of its success: a palpable sense of place. From the moment you spy giant iguanas skittering across the road that winds through the Edenic, 52-acre property, there’s no doubt you’re in Mexico. And the hotel incorporates local art, craft and culture at every turn. A bar draped with festive pom-poms has pride of place in the ocean-view lobby. Traditional beaded sculptures by the indigenous Huichol people appear frequently in restaurants and other public spaces. And in rooms, woven-yarn ojo de Dios talismans function as “do not disturb” signs, while placing a Mexican “worry doll” on your bed signals to the housekeeper to please refresh your linens.

The hillside resort’s cluster of low-rise casitas, suites and villas has offered vacationers a casa away from home for a quarter century. And its staff—more than 20 of whom have worked here since day one—have watched a generation of young guests grow up, eventually returning with their own children.

Indeed, catering to families is one more thing the hotel does exceedingly well. While other resorts may build a playroom, make a children’s menu and call it a day, Four Seasons offers Kids for All Seasons, a robust, complimentary program with an air-conditioned clubhouse and outdoor play area, plus activities such as luchador mask making, tie-dye classes, nature walks and beach games. For teens, there’s The Container, a cluster of shipping containers housing two virtual reality areas, video game consoles and an 85-inch TV, as well as table games like billiards and air hockey. Add amenities including children’s robes and a dedicated menu of touchless treatments at Apuane Spa, and it’s easy to see why families love it here.

Escape to the adults-only Tamai pool for some grown-up time.

But grown-ups are by no means an afterthought. There are adults-only areas such as Tamai, a tranquil sanctuary with its own restaurant and pair of pools, and romantic spots like the secluded Manzanillas Beach and The Rock, a grassy, ocean’s-edge vantage point that after dark becomes the ultimate stargazing spot. The resort is so spread out and there’s so much to occupy young guests that you might not see them much—a sure sign that they’re having as much fun as you are.

The Room

Among the resort’s casitas, suites and villas, three room types stand out. If dips with a sea view are your kind of thing, the Oceanfront Plunge Pool Casitas are a no-brainer. One-bedroom Oceanfront Plunge Pool Suites offer less privacy but have direct beach access and plenty of space, with two full bathrooms. Larger families should consider the Two-Bedroom Family Casitas, which sleep five adults, or three adults and three kids. Closest to the lazy river, they feature handsome bunk beds that are a big hit with the littles. (There are only three of this room type, so book early to avoid disappointment.)

No matter which room you choose, expect soothing blue, beige and dark chocolate tones; wood-paneled walls hung with local art; and a sleek, backlit glass minibar that may tempt you to splurge on that bar of Mexican chocolate.

The Features

Los Mitos’ organic mezcal is produced exclusively for the resort.

Don’t miss: The two-hour tequila appreciation class. During this entertaining primer on the agave-based spirit, led by cultural concierge Enrique Martínez, you’ll customize your own blend to take home. The resort keeps a record of your recipe and will ship another anywhere in the world if (when!) you deplete your stash.

Standout features: The imposing, sensuously curved bronze sculptures that punctuate the resort’s gardens, all but one made by Mexican artists.

Can’t stop thinking about: How refreshing The Rock—a ruby-red cocktail made with vodka, rosé and jamaica (an infusion made from a local variety of hibiscus)—tastes when sipped on breezy Manzanillas Beach, with a view of its eponymous promontory as the backdrop.

The Vibe

Hit the swim-up bar in the lazy river and sip a handcrafted cocktail without ever leaving the water.

What are people drinking? Los Mitos’ organic mezcal is produced exclusively for the resort, and is best paired with any of 10 house-made salts, which are perked up with ingredients including coffee and chile.

The perfect spot for your social media post: The Rock, a grassy promontory between Cuevas and Manzanillas beaches, is the spot for romantic private dinners. By day, however, it serves as the perfect selfie backdrop, with the Pacific breaking over the reef behind you.

The family-friendly amenity that’s really for the parents: The lazy river, which features a pool bar with margaritas.

The souvenir from the gift shop you’re bringing home: The boutique’s expertly edited inventory of mostly Mexican-made clothing (including whisper-thin tie-dye shawls from Pankeka) makes it among the best resort gift shops we’ve encountered. 

Bring your: Dog. The complimentary Paws for All Seasons program includes dog beds, gourmet food, and pet-sitting and dog-walking services for pooches under 30 pounds.

The Rock—a ruby-red cocktail made with vodka, rosé and jamaica—is best enjoyed by the beach.

Fast Facts

• Number of rooms: 177
• Number of pools: 4
• Fitness center? Yes
• Spa? Yes
• Salon? Yes
• Number of bars/restaurants: 6 bars, 6 restaurants
• 24-hour room service? Yes
• Childcare and kids club? Yes