I really like all the things about Mexico – the tradition, the meals, the individuals. We have visited Tulum, Cancun, Mayakoba, Holobox, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Puerto Aventuras over time. We will not get sufficient of the nice and cozy hospitality, alluring seashores, and great delicacies the nation presents.
One of many perks of dwelling in San Diego is its proximity to the various 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 automotive rental from Enterprise after which made the straightforward forty-five-minute drive south to Punta de Mita simply in time to observe the solar paint the sky as she retreated for the day.
Under is what I take into account an ideal five-night itinerary in Punta de Mita, verified by yours really. We had a flawless steadiness of rest and exploration and ate a number of 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 necessary tricks to information you when touring to Punta de Mita:
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Should you plan on leaving your resort, which you completely ought to, hire a automotive. Driving right here is protected and having a automotive makes all the things 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 guide up right here.
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The sunsets in Punta de Minta are breathtaking, be certain to catch them each day.
The check-in course of on the Conrad Lodge, the seashore city’s latest five-star resort, was fast and very welcoming. This luxurious lodge boasts each amenity you possibly can ever dream of whereas on trip: tennis courts, pickle ball courts, a fitness center, a spa, 4 eating places, an adult-only pool and likewise a number of household swimming pools (one with a water slide), each 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. Extra 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 superb day.
As soon as settled in, we headed to dinner at Codex, the lodge’s wonderful eating restaurant, on a complimentary chauffeured golf membership. This restaurant is extraordinarily well-rated and is acknowledged as one in every of Mexico‘s high two hundred-fifty greatest eating places. Upon getting into, we had 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 approach to welcome friends. Though we had been upset by the chef’s gastronomic makes an attempt, we had 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 inconceivable to miss. Nevertheless, total we ate our solely disappointing meal whereas in Mexico at Codex. Maybe the kitchen was having an “off day”.
professionals: placing setting, polished service, well-made cocktails
cons: parts are small and very overpriced for what’s simply first rate meals
should order: we tasted six objects on the menu and the one one I might 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 approach to begin the day. The indoor buffet has an infinite unfold of cheeses, yogurts, breads, pastries, waffle stations, and an array of sizzling meals and even a further out of doors buffet centered 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 cause to go away once we had 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 recent snack.
Though peeling ourselves away from the pool was no simple process, it was time for lunch at Mesquite. Consuming right here was nicely definitely worth the effort of getting into the vertical world once more. Each chew was sensational- the substances had been of the utmost high quality and the seasoning in every dish was merely excellent.
professionals: seaside eating with a incredible menu, dishes completely ready
should order: tuna tostada, chips and guacamole, lobster roll, and the wagyu marvel 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 a neighborhood 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 generally untouched and undeveloped.
After a luxuriously lazy day, and a little bit late-afternoon nap, we received ourselves collectively for an impressive 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 some of the unforgettable meals. Every plate arrived with meticulous consideration to element in its presentation, artworks delivered all through the meal. Nevertheless, it was the ensuing flavors created by the mixture 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 record.
professionals: a six-course meal was well-paced and accomplished in simply two hours, the kitchen is versatile with a desk choosing completely different tasting menus, persistently 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 high 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 to tuck the solar to sleep…
As we speak 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 recent, 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 using tour via a lush jungle that results in a spectacular secluded seashore. No using expertise is required, though reservations are so be certain to guide upfront. This tour is a spotlight of our journey. I will always remember the scene earlier than me when the jungle instantly opened up onto the ocean. This expertise is as near paradise that you will ever get.
Following our magical horseback journey alongside the coast we parked our automotive and walked the colourful streets of Sayulita. You will simply notice why so many expats have made this metropolis their house. There are infinite eating places, bars, and outlets all lining closely trafficked slim roads. The vibe on this hidden gem is laid again though you will discover some high-end, luxurious retail outlets dispersed all through. The seashore was packed with individuals – curiously most of them had been locals. You possibly can simply spend three nights right here however strolling the streets for a day offers 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 wanting on the footage of our meal right here makes me crave one other go to The substances are so recent, and the mixture 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 significantly 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 somewhat small city but this tropical nugget of a metropolis is filled with coloration and appeal. As of now, it stays neglected by many vacationers however I’ve little doubt it’ll 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 spite of everything!). Earlier than leaving the lodge 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 glorious selection. The restaurant is an open-aired, trendy spot in an expansive, fashionable setting. The meals and drinks are spot on. The kitchen offers Mexican delicacies a little bit aptitude with distinctive touches like a home made BBQ sauce on grilled corn.
professionals: positioned on a stunning 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 lodge, altering the atmosphere a bit with a pleasant desk within the foyer. One of many issues I particularly love in regards to the Conrad Punta de Mita is all of the nooks you possibly can disguise in.
The grownup pool was crowded at present so we splurged on a cabana which spoiled us with probably the most secluded, decadent day in privateness with nobody round to guage our continual horizontal positioning. Along with your cabana rental, you will get a complimentary mild, 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 might 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 present’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 means of shamelessly perfecting laziness. Oh how a lot I wanted this getaway.
My each day late afternoon naps had been in all probability probably the most permissive present to myself in an extended whereas together with watching the solar shut out the day each night. These had 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 following was even higher. Hector’s Kitchen is about in some of the engaging settings you will come throughout. Seating is underneath 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 incredible.
professionals: if you happen to’ve had sufficient Mexican delicacies, the culinary workforce creatively prepares dishes from many areas
cons: arduous to search out, it’s really behind the Kupuri Seaside Membership; additionally the property is closely secured so give your self an additional jiffy to get via 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 completely loved my each day dose of chilaquiles every morning, on day 5 I made a decision to stay to recent 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 personal boat tour of The Marieta Islands, a gaggle of uninhabited islands with a lot surrounding wildlife they’re generally known 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 had been a go to to a shocking anonymous island encircled by aqua waters adopted by a swim to the well-known Hidden Seaside. This seashore is well-protected with coastal guards on website guaranteeing that no a couple of hundred sixteen guests can attend every day. Accessing Hidden Seaside requires you to swim roughly 2 hundred ft into the hidden gem. Think about a seashore in the course of a cave with an enormous opening obtrusive on the solar and sky – this can be a excellent instance of nature’s unmatched artworks. Observe that the islands are solely accessible Wednesdays – Sundays so plan accordingly.
After a three-hour spectacular tour, you will certainly get hungry so head over just some ft away out of your tour assembly website to La Pescadora for a stunning 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 total expertise right here very a lot.
professionals: ocean views, incredible service, recent meals, and the perfect 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 wanting ahead to exploring the city of Punta de Mita after lunch. Nevertheless, we discovered the small, predominant strip on Avenida el Anclote unimpressive. I do not even have any footage 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 lodge to take pleasure in the remainder of your day.
Alas, I loved one final nap realizing it will be my final one till our subsequent trip. I gave myself an additional thirty minutes of snooze time as a result of I might.
Dinner at Venazu within the W Lodge was an important 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, fashionable aesthetics and compelling decor made us fantasize a few return go to quickly. The night time we dined at Venazu a buffet dinner was provided. I usually don’t take pleasure in buffets, particularly for dinner, however this one is noteworthy. Every little thing 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 incorrect one so be certain to enter “w lodge” in your navigation to get to the appropriate location; lodge provides a ten% surcharge along with the service cost, to “cowl again of the home”- that is greater than the states cost!
should order: all the things was incredible however do not miss the brioche bread topped with frijoles, a bizarrely unbelievable mixture; the home made horchata
A five-night streak of watching the sundown does wonders for the soul…
I skipped breakfast at present to maximise our final day on trip. I opted for a yoga class on the seashore as a substitute, adopted by a poolside studying of my pal’s inspirational guide, loaded with helpful tips about make extra time in your day to deal with the issues and folks you actually wish to consider and remove the duties that lavatory you down. Then I labored on this weblog put up as I basked within the solar. I am happy with myself for savoring every second earlier than heading house.
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 high it off.
Reserving motels via an AMEX platinum card at all times comes with perks – like a 4:00 pm take a look at 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 nicely. What a visit! Adios for now, however we’ll be again actual quickly!
