Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
by Pat Tyson and Mayté Rodríguez Cedillo
Whatever the raison d’être, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita Mexico is the ideal destination for anyone in search of an escape to a private slice of paradise, hence why we have selected it as an Amazing Destination! Opened on September 1, 1999, the resort is located within the 1,500-acre master-planned development; the property gives Four Seasons its first resort in Mexico and its second vacation ownership venture.
The property includes 141 guest rooms, called Casita Rooms, and 32 suites that range from Executive Suites with king-size bedroom, connecting bathroom, spacious sitting room, powder room, private bar and plunge pool to a number of larger suites according to guests’ needs. Furthermore, recognizing an increased trend across the luxury market in traveling with an entourage, the resort’s 9,150 square feet Coral Suite offers unparalleled privacy and exceptional amenities. Unique features include a fitness center, spa and private theater, among a large number of fabulous amenities. It also boasts its own drive-up entrance and parking as well as a Personal Host to assist guests throughout their stay.
“Entourage travel is a growing segment, not only among celebrities – of which we certainly get our share – but also among families and business groups,” says General Manager John O’Sullivan. “Those typically traveling with an entourage seek privacy, luxury and the finest experiences the resort has to offer. The location, design and amenities of Coral make the suite an ideal getaway for these guests.”
The spacious accommodations throughout are housed in quaint tile roofed Mexican-style casitas of one, two and three stories, furnished in the style of a luxurious Mexican home and fitted with modern conveniences. The buildings are low-rise, in keeping with the surrounding natural environment and architectural style of the coastal region. Guest rooms feature stunning, breathtaking ocean views of white-sand beaches and natural islands from private terraces or balconies, taking advantage of the resort’s setting along the “Mexican Riviera.”
For the golfing enthusiast, two Jack Nicklaus-designed champion golf courses with many ocean-side holes are exclusively available for guests. An optional par-3 will challenge the most avid golfer. This dramatic “19th hole” is located on the mainland; the green is on a natural island 199 yards offshore on a rock outcropping. The ocean-side clubhouse contains a pro shop as well as food and beverage facilities.
The second course features stunning lakes and water features, some meandering through multiple holes. The Bahia Golf Course offers undulating fairways and greens that will challenge a player’s short game. Located on peninsular jutting into the Pacific Ocean, Punta Mita offers a beautiful natural landscape, with a signature hole from which is displayed magnificent views of Bahia de Banderas.
“You would be hard-pressed to ask for a more beautiful backdrop for a golf course than Punta Mita,” remarked course designer Jack Nicklaus. “The Punta Mita Golf Courses provide all of the challenge and exhilaration that players demand of a world-class resort, combined with the pure magic of ocean views, varied landscapes, and a unique environment.” Five sets of tee boxes offer play from 5037-to-7014 yards, making the courses enjoyable for both beginners and seasoned golfers.
“Guests absolutely love the courses,” says Golf Director Phil Ferrari. “They’re a great driving course, with a good mix of par 3, 4 and 5s.” He adds that women especially enjoy the courses, with many commenting that they have shot their best game ever at Punta Mita.
Additional facilities include a tennis center nestled in a grove of palm trees with ten illuminated courts for night play. Five are hard-surface courts for a faster-paced game and the other five are sand-filled synthetic grass that afford a softer, slower pace. Complimentary ice-water, chilled towels, misters and hand towels are placed courtside.
Swimmers can enjoy the large, free-form Nuna Pool , which includes a whirlpool and two white-sand beaches. The Tamai (“star” in the Huichol Indian language) Pool complex is an adult-oriented setting consisting of two main pools, two plunge pools for cabana guests, an oversize Jacuzzi, a full bar and ten private cabanas. The Lazy River encircling the Oasis complex has a mild current, which enables guests to drift around on a variety of floating apparatus that includes inner tubes and noodles, as the current gently glides them along.
Located in the Riviera Nayarit region, a land rich in tradition and Indian heritage, the Apuane Spa was opened after extensive research was done on the traditions and cultures of the peoples who have inhabited this land for centuries. The name Apuane comes from the Huichol language, a word that describes a stream of water often used in healing and spiritual awakening rituals. Utilizing the unique talents of the experienced massage staff, together with the abundant local healing plants and minerals, an innovative menu was created to convey a sense of place in this distinctive setting.
The Punta Mita Massage was the first treatment developed. Tequila, a fermentation of the Maguey or Agave plant, is considered a national symbol of Mexico, known for its healing and magical powers, and considered a cure-all by many. It is often said, “What tequila does not cure, it will help you forget!” It is blended with “salvia” or sage, indigenous to the area and used in healing rituals of the Huichol Indians who once live in the Punta Mita area. Both antiseptic and antibacterial, Tequila and Sage Oil are considered good for cleansing, detoxifying and curing skin infections.
For children, a professionally supervised program called “Kids for All Seasons” is available on a complimentary basis with indoor and outdoor activities, plus a play yard. The Nunutzi Games Room offers activities and games for all ages, especially teenagers.
Water Sports include surfing lessons, coral reef snorkeling, sailing, deep-sea fishing, scuba-diving excursions, and non-motorized water vehicles. And for guests who may want to “get away from it all,” a luxurious, three-story private yacht is available to resort guests for day excursions or sunset cruises.
The pristine white-sand beaches have cabanas and chaise lounges. The beach service centers provide water sports equipment for various activities, such as coral reef snorkeling. So that guests may take advantage of the many pleasures to be found on The pristine white-sand beaches have cabanas and chaise lounges. The beach service centers provide water sports equipment for various activities, such as coral reef snorkeling. So that guests may take advantage of the many pleasures to be found on Mexico’s West Coast, the Resort will arrange deep-sea fishing and scuba-diving excursions, as well as seasonal whale watching.
The Four Seasons Punta Mita also provides superior facilities for gala banquets, private receptions, conferences and meetings of varying size, as well as outdoor functions at several delightfully landscaped locations on the property. The 2,600-square-foot ballroom is adaptable for staging and audiovisual presentations.
Discriminating diners will experience the authentic flavor of Pacific Mexico at the resort’s restaurants, with excellent grilled local seafood, the freshest of ingredients, and food presentations inspired by the beauty of the ocean view. Aramara, the signature restaurant, is open for dinner only, serves Asian Contemporary Cuisine, and imparts an elegantly understated décor surrounded by terrace seating outdoors. Here, guests may enjoy cocktails and live entertainment under the stars while gazing out over the enchanting ocean. From December through March the terrace provides excellent views for whale-watching.
At the more casual open-air Ketsi Restaurant and Bar, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. Shaded by a traditional thatched Palapa roof. A beachfront experience not to be missed, the Bahia Beach Grill (named for the Spanish word “bay”) enjoys a prime location nestled among giant Manzanilla trees, right on La Cuevas beach on the Bay of Banderas. Open for dinner, the grill offers a relaxed atmosphere with a sleek contemporary design- a casual elegant spot with a lively atmosphere.
In a quaint, patio setting overlooking the ocean, the Nuna Bar specializes in ceviche – a dish of fresh marinated seafood in citric juice – that provides a light meal. Open for breakfast and lunch the Tail of the Whale is located at the Golf Club House. A perfect place for a cocktail after a round of golf.
Punta Mita’s rich past, present and future are celebrated at the Cultural Concierge. In a relaxed setting, with sweeping ocean views and a large terrace, guests are encouraged to unwind and enjoy the cultural, environmental and historic Treasures of the Resort and the Bahia de Banderas region.
As the Punta Mita Resort was developed, special care was taken to respect and blend into the most environmentally rich and sensitive areas of the region, preserving and protecting the local flora and fauna. A tour around the property brings guests into touch with a vibrant landscape, featuring an exquisite collection of art and sculptures displayed around the Resort. “Mexican Style” is an interesting and fun activity, where you will discover the history and folklore behind the attractive items that are for sale in the Four Seasons boutiques.
The Resort is a 45-minute drive northwest of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. A meet-and-greet service at the airport is available to provide transportation for the scenic ride along the Mexican coastal peninsula for an extra price per person- roundtrip. Guests may enjoy daily visits to Puerto Vallarta via the Hotel’s service- also for an additional price per person.
For information and reservations contact us
USA: 1 (800) 332-3442
MX: 01 (800) 290-3776 or the resort directly at 1 52 329-291-6019
by email at reservations.pun@fourseasons.com / fourseasons.com/puntima