After all the strain the past couple of years placed on couples, surprisingly romantic escapes are as popular as ever. In fact, more travelers are making plans to get away with a partner in 2023. Those trips tend to be longer, too, with many of these long trips booked for luxury romance-focused vacations.
Whether travelers are sampling a new cuisine together or teaming up to navigate an unfamiliar city, a trip can help couples view their partnership in a fresh light.
No wonder, then, that hotels worldwide are rolling out the red carpet with options that go way beyond the cheesy — and messy — rose-petal spread.
What romantic couple can resist indulging in an over-the-top trip to Punta Mita, a 1,500-acre enclave nestled along a picturesque private peninsula in Mexico approximately an hour north of Puerto Vallarta. Surrounded by nine-and-a-half miles of coastline, it is the brightest jewel in the glistening crown of Banderas Bay.
The region, however, is not simply a playground to the stars. In recent years it has earned acclaim as among the ultimate in luxury locales for well-heeled travelers from across the globe seeking five-star service, surroundings, and sustenance.
The Grand Entrance
Before even touching on the adventure that awaits, a warning must be made about the resort community. For first-time visitors, be prepared…to be in awe.
After driving up the coast toward Punta Mita, a massive gate much like the one in Jurassic Park will appear as if from nowhere. Once through it, also very much like Jurassic Park, expect to be enveloped by a verdant green jungle on all sides. No matter the time of day, it will feel as if someone turned on mood lighting. This is because only select beams of sunlight can penetrate the towering tropical trees that go on for as far as the eye can see.
Approximately five minutes into the jungle tour, at the tip of the peninsula, there are signs for Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita and Naviva.
Four Seasons Punta Mita
The Four Seasons Punta Mita is spread over 52 glorious acres. Thanks to a recent multi-million renovation, expect nearly untouched casita-style guest rooms, private villas, beach homes and residences; a tequila-blending center; a free-form infinity-edge pool overlooking the ocean; a serpentine jungle-entrenched lazy river; and the award-winning Apuane Spa and Fitness Center. There are 10 total eateries on property, notably the oceanfront Bahia by celebrity chef Richard Sandoval, Asian-inspired Apuana, upscale Mexican hotspot Dos Catrinas, Mez open-air cocktail bar and agave spirit lounge, and The Rock, a private dining experience along the edge of a cliff.
Laser-focused on offering guests a secluded beachfront paradise to discover new passions, reconnect with one other, and harness the spirit of authentic Mexican culture and personalized service, there is a seemingly endless list of complimentary enhancements to any level of room, suite or villa booked. Among the gratis offerings directly on or just off property are kayak, bodyboard and fishing rentals; snorkeling tours; water aerobics; salsa dancing classes; kite making; Spanish classes; art classes for both children and adults; games; nature walks; cultural workshops; sea foraging demonstrations; guided ruins hikes; indigenous nature programs; stargazing and both tequila and Mexican chocolate – or xocolatl – tastings.
For those seeking something a little more intimate and exclusive, there are also a la carte enhancements. These specialty events and programs, ranging in cost from less than $100 to several thousand dollars will likely check off a few items on anyone’s bucket list. Among the most impressive experiences are: the daytrip via boat or private yacht to the hidden beach that is physically underground at the nearby Marietas Island; Sea Turtle Release, a seasonal program wherein guests assist newly hatch sea turtles made their way to the ocean, and Sea Foraging, which allows guests to wade in the ocean with resort chefs to collect seaweed, octopus and urchins that will be used in a private, chef’s dinner for the group later that night.
Naviva
Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort opened its doors in Punta Mita this past December. The nature retreat, which is the Four Season’s first adult-only tented resort in the Americas, features 15 luxury tents – each with boasts a private plunge pools, hammock, and ample indoor-outdoor space – nestled amid 48 forested acres overlooking the ocean. Every inch of the ambitious cliffside space offers highly individualized service and innovative design meant to bring guests closer to nature than they have likely ever been before.
Upon arrival, guests are whisked to their tents by way of a private bamboo bridge overlooking a deep forest ravine. Once settled in, expect a series of experiences tailored to the group’s desires ranging from breathwork, forest bathing and sound therapy to small-batch Mexican coffee tastings, cooking programs and cocktail-paired dining experiences.
Naviva guests also receive full access to the adjacent Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, including each of its ten restaurants and bars, two golf courses, three pools, two beaches and additional spa and fitness facilities.
Clubs and Marinas
Punta Mita resort, condo and resident guests also have round-the-clock transportation to the community’s private marina, through which sport fishing, whale watching, and private charters are available. The area is also home to several exclusive beach clubs in Pacifico Beach Club, Sufi Ocean Club, Kupuri Beach Club, Sea Breeze Beach Club, each of which boasts exclusive dining experiences. Each also features a combination of saltwater pools with daybeds and cabanas; outdoor showers; boutiques; bars; loungers; and even its own spa facilities.
Finally, for all the golfers visiting, there is Punta Mita Golf Club, which boasts two Jack Nicklaus-designed courses. For more information, visit PuntaMita.com.
