Barefoot Luxury – Conrad Punta Mita
Our family has enjoyed getting to know Punta Mita, Mexico with yearly visits spanning over 12 years. It is located in the Riviera Nayarit, 45 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta airport. JetBlue runs direct flights from JFK!
What was once a small fishing village with large expanses of white sand beaches, known only by surfers, has become a high-end resort community that boasts several luxury brand hotels. There are also a wide variety of beautiful condos and villas on this peninsula, and everything overlooks the surrounding Pacific Ocean. The Mexican government is recognized for a grand plan, where they are allotting certain areas along its coastline for development and currently – Punta Mita is the focus. The good news for those of us who enjoy a quiet beach vacation is that it appears the endeavor is to build resorts that are tranquil and influenced by the natural environment in which they are surrounded. This is not going to turn into spring break in Ft. Lauderdale!
On this trip, we were delighted to explore our surroundings with a visit to the Conrad Punta Mita. It is a stunning resort in the Litibu private development, which has incorporated an 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman. The Conrad sits on a quiet, natural, two-mile beach. The design team has melded a contemporary, clean look with the beautiful natural landscape that reflects the history and cultural uniqueness of the region. It is an oasis of lawns and water features surrounded by an assortment of guest rooms and suites in low buildings that are integrated all over the property. The rooms are luxuriously arranged, from ocean-view penthouses with plunge pools to several villas with kitchens.
We reserved two pool cabanas for the day.
Each cabana containing the most comfortable chaises you’ve ever lounged in – perfect for a nap in the breezy afternoon. The towels are spa quality, and the service was impeccable. We have always loved Mexico for their high level of service. Paired with the elevated training that they have received from Hilton, the team at the Conrad is meticulous. They were attentive, but not overbearing. From the reception to the waiters, to the management – everyone is there to please.
Our boys ordered a lunch assortment from the snack bar, along with their favorite piñada drinks and these delicacies were delivered to them poolside by very accommodating servers. ChiChi and I had lunch at Mezquite, the beachfront restaurant that specializes in “regional classics cooked over a live fire in the ocean-scented air.” We enjoyed several beautifully presented plates – including very fresh and flavorful ceviche, grilled octopus, grilled steak and vegetables, and of course, a terrific selection of tequilas from the beach bar.
The Conrad has a multitude of swimming options, including an adult pool with a swim-up bar, a fun kids’ slide at its own pool, a family pool near the beach, plus several hot tubs sprinkled around and lots of water toys and lounges at the ocean. There are lots of quiet spots to curl up with a book!
Kite surfing is the new hot sport in Punta Mita and the bay in front of the Conrad is perfect for it. There is a lovely natural spa, as well as an ample size indoor/outdoor gym and even a hairdresser! We were told that it is a destination wedding hotspot. It makes sense, with the manicured lawns and beachfront views. It’s also a great hotel to hold a corporate conference. There is a very large, well-appointed ballroom, along with other meeting rooms onsite.
The lobby and gathering spaces are all indoor-outdoor and the weather in this part of Mexico is a perfect sunny 70-85 degrees daily. We highly recommend a visit to our special ocean-front corner of the world!
Let us know if you’re planning a trip!