Written and travelled by Kelly Corroon

Punta de Mita is located about 45 minutes north of the the Puerta Vallerta airport.  It has managed to maintain its laid back vibe amidst the development of world-class amenities and hotels.  It is a wonderful vacation spot for families, groups or couples, as there is a myriad of housing options and activities to suit all tastes.  It is safe, with amazing food options and incredible natural beauty.  The best months to visit are November-April, however the off season can be truly wonderful without the crowds. 

What to Do

For whale and dolphin watching and snorkeling trips, Ty at Drifting Seas is wonderful. Her wealth of knowledge about the sea life and the area is impressive. www.driftingseas.com

There are lots of private beach clubs that you can access if you are renting a house including the new Kupuri Beach club and the Resident’s Beach Club. Kupuri has an outstanding Sunday adult brunch. You can reserve chairs at both places, tip your waiter at the start of the day so that you get good placement and service. 10% is added to all food and beverage bills, but adding another 5-10% on top of that will go a long way. You can rent surf, paddle and boogie boards and kayaks at all of them, as well as arrange a seaside massage. They both have pools and wonderful restaurants. Tennis clinics and pickle ball are great fun at the PM Tennis center, which also houses a fitness center if you are not staying in a hotel. Golf can be booked through your hotel or the Punta de Mita Golf Center.

For the best massage of your life at a reasonable price, call Kemi Vernon. She is also a professional photographer.  If you ask nicely, she may even take you surfing. +52 1 (322) 117 3014, kemickemido@gmail.com.

 

Where to Shop

The little town of Punta de Mita has grown in the past few years, with lots of new boutiques popping up featuring local dress designers, baskets, art and bags. Our favorites are Nina Caterina, on the ground floor of the plaza on Avendia Redes and Mita Mita. 

European and South American designer beachwear including Etro at Mar de Suen can be found in Plaza Ollin

The boutique at Four Seasons is excellent and carries kaftans, hats and beach wear from all over the world. Not your ordinary hotel boutique.

Where to Eat

Our favorites in the little village of Punta Mita are Si Senor, Blue Shrimp and Rosa Mexicana. Ask for table-side guacamole and salsa preparation.  Los Agaves is a new restaurant with a nice rooftop dining room. Le Turquoise is wonderful for morning coffee and pastries.

Naef cafe on 5 Febrero Street mixes up unusual ice cream flavors like black pepper-strawberry, fig and goat cheese and gazpacho. It’s the perfect all in one meal!  They have a charming outdoor patio for delicious breakfasts and lunch.  Outside of the gates, it has an authentic Punta de Mita neighborhood feel.

Further afield and worth trying is the fabulous beach shack Kilometro Cinco, referred to by locals as "the surfer's bar" in the village of Higuera Blanca. The pizzas are divine.

We also love the fish tacos at the Mita Mary beachside at St. Regis.  Pared with some seaside margaritas, it makes the perfect sandy lunch. 

Sufi- Gorgeous setting out on the point. Perfect for a romantic dinner.

Where to Stay

St Regis

Casa Mita- an eight room boutique hotel overlooking the sea with excellent food and a great vibe.

Hacienda de Mita has great condos on the beach with pools and concierge services who can arrange dinners, babysitting and everything in between. A great option for families, and right on one of the best surfing beaches in the area.

What to Know

Book restaurants during the busy months, as they tend to fill up fast.

Golf carts, taxis and bicycles to rent are all easy transport options.

Tipping is customarily added at 10%, it is always appreciated to add a bit more if you can. 

Many of the beaches can be rocky, so water shoes are a good idea.

Sayulita

Make sure to do a side trip to Sayluita, a bohemian surfing town with great waves and shopping:

• Panino’s for thick, rich coffee and pastries worth every calorie.
• Visit the Quivering surf board shop
• Line up like a local to make your own tacos at Naty’s 
• Les Gazelles has the most sublime linen beach dresses, jewelry and clothing. With another shop in St. Barth’s, you can be sure that Nathalie has the pulse on all that is chic. If you are looking for an incredibly vibrant, cool apartment above the hustle and bustle that sleeps 10, check it out.