As many of you who follow me on Instagram know, we frequently go to Punta Mita, Mexico.
(UPDATED: 7/7/22) My family and I have been going to this perfect little spot in Mexico for about 15 years now. It’s become our home away from home and one of my favorite places to visit. I always get messages from people who are going down there for my recommendations so I thought I would put together a Punta Mita travel guide! One thing to know about Punta Mita is beyond the St. Regis and Four Seasons hotels, there are many gorgeous condos and homes you can stay in within the “gates”. I have yet to venture down to the new W Hotel Punta Mita property but I have heard wonderful things about it! Just know that it’s about 15-20 minutes from the town of Punta Mita/the gated area (where all my recommendations are!).
We host our friends down in Punta Mita often for little weekend getaways so it’s so fun to take them to all of our favorites places and on fun adventures. When hosting someone on a vacation, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure they have the best experience!
- The perfect welcome. Whether you are staying at home or in a hotel, make sure to arrange the perfect welcome for your guests. Margaritas along with chips and freshly made guacamole is my go to. I always make sure that is prepared for when we all arrive! Another great idea is putting together a cute welcome bag for guests including sunscreen, beach beauty essentials and a mini bottle of tequila. (Click HERE to see what I did for my bachelorette party in Punta Mita!)
- Don’t organize too much. It’s always great to have a tentative itinerary for the weekend but leave room for the unexpected! I always book our dinner reservations ahead of time and usually around 8:30/9:00pm so that gives us room to sleep in, enjoy the day, and stay at the beach late! As far as other activities, unless they are requested by my guests prior to our trip, I usually wait until we are there to plan anything. Punta Mita is such a relaxing place so I never want people to feel like we are on a mandatory schedule. I like to just go with the flow!
- Don’t be overbearing. It’s always good to check in with your guests to make sure they are enjoying their time and to see if they need anything. But you don’t need to do it every minute of the day. It’s the best to let guests know they should make themselves at home and let you know if they every need anything!
To Eat:
This is one of my all time favorite restaurants. Probably in the world! The atmosphere is so chic, you dine just off of the beach, and the menu is filled with so many delicious dishes! I highly recommend the watermelon salad, tortilla soup and the mahi mahi (usually the catch of the day). Their brie burger is also AMAZING!
If there was one restaurant to visit in Punta de Mita, this is it. The ambiance and decor is beautiful! Everything we ordered was delicious from Calamares, Burrata, La Mexicana Salad to their pizzas and cocktails it’s such a fabulous restaurant. Definitely a good vibe spot!
THE best Italian food I have had (second to Italy, but it’s pretty close!). Teresa and her family opened this restaurant in the bottom of their home years ago and have kept the Italian family style charm through their expansion. It’s down a random alley way in the village so don’t be sketched out, you are very safe! The lasagna and Nona’s meatballs are a personal favorite. I highly recommend getting a tasting platter of all the apps to start your meal!
They recently expanded and changed their restaurant and menu and it’s become a favorite in Punta Mita! The ahi tuna is incredible! They also have the most amazing ribs that are smoked in a pit right in the restaurant! Also, I highly reccomend the table side guacamole and fire roasted salsa – it’s incredible!
If you’re looking for fresh fish, this is your go to! Mita Mary’s is a small restaurant right on the beach at the St. Regis hotel. Serving both lunch and dinner, they have an array of freshly caught fish (sometimes you can see them walking up from the ocean with the fish!). They serve tacos, ceviche, grilled fish, tostadas and more. Their desserts are also to die for! (The picture above is from here!)
If you are looking for authentic Mexican food this is your go to! I recommend the fundido and the tacos!
Another great authentic Mexican food restaurant! It’s right on the beach and sun a fun atmosphere. Oh! If you get easily bitten by mosquitos I recommend always putting bug spray on for any of the restaurants on the beach, especially this one.
Ketsi is located at The Four Seasons hotel and is incredible! I like to go there for lunch and get their chicken quesadillas and one of their salads! They also make a killer spicy margarita! If you plan on doing a spa day (recommendation below), stop here for lunch first!
This is a great spot to have a simple breakfast! I love their smoothies and their bagel and lox is delicious! Note, they are not open Sundays!
To Do:
Photo by Andrew Chad Media
Surfing Lessons + Paddle Boarding
I recommend finding out through you concierge who they recommend for surfing lessons but many of the hotels and resident beaches have paddle boards to use! If you rent a catamaran they also offer paddle boarding. If you are feeling adventurous, Sayulita is an adorable surfing town and is only 20 minutes away from Punta Mita.
Whale Watching
The whale watching in the area is impeccable! We have had good luck seeing the whales in November. Punta Mita Expeditions and Punta Mita Adventures are two companies I recommend reaching out to – if not through your hotel.
Photos by Andrew Chad Media
Hidden Beach / Snorkeling
This is another activity that I recommend with my contact above! It’s pretty amazing here! I mean, look at this photo by my brother Andrew Chad Media!
Photo by Andrew Chad Media
Rent a catamaran
Mita Expeditions does a great job with their catamaran expedition! I recommend bringing a few bottles of champagne to enjoy the day on the boat!
Beach Chill
My personal favorite activity. Depending on where you are staying there are many great beach options in and around Punta Mita! If you find yourself at the St. Regis beach, I highly recommend getting a Coco Loco to drink! But, I don’t recommend drinking it alone! If you rent a home or condo and have access to the Residents Beach Club, you MUST get shrimp flautas and an Electric Lemonade!
St. Regis, Coco Loco
Spa
I HIGHLY recommend The Four Seasons spa! The Salt Serenity massage and Jet Lag facial were beyond amazing! My favorite way to start off a vacation is with a spa day! We will go to lunch at Ketsi and give ourselves and hour to enjoy the spa amenities before our treatments. Its the perfect way to kick off a vacation!
Walk through town!
The town of Punta de Mita is adorable! There are so many great little shops throughout and fun spots to stop in for a drink!
Want to bring a little Punta Mita at home?? Try this Grapefruit Margarita recipe from the St. Regis beach club!
Grapefruit Margarita
INGREDIENTS
- 2 ounces freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 1/2 ounces tequila, silver or reposado
- 3/4 ounce Cointreau (or any orange liqueur)
- 3/4 ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice
- agave nectar for sweetening, to taste
- ice
- optional: lime wedge and salt for rimming the glass
DIRECTIONS
If you would like salt-rimmed glasses, begin by running a lime wedge (the juicy part) around the top rim of a glass. Fill a shallow bowl with salt, and dip the rim in the salt until it is covered with your desired amount of salt. Set aside.
Add grapefruit juice, tequila, lime juice and Cointreau to a cocktail shaker, and shake or stir until combined. Taste, and if you would like it to be sweeter (most people do!), stir in a half teaspoon of agave, and then repeat as needed until the mix reaches your desired level of sweetness.
Fill glass with ice. Pour in the margarita mixture over the rocks. Serve immediately, garnished with an extra lime or grapefruit wedge if desired.
| Recipe borrowed from here.
SHOP THE POST
Hi! We’re heading to Punta Mita next month! We’re interested in your whale watching recommendation if it won’t be too late in the season. Thanks for all the great information!
Hey Anna, if you don’t mind emailing me – kaitlin@theeveryhostess.com I will send you the info :)