Punta Mita, Mexico

• More about your oliver guide: Kelly Corroon
• Trip type: Adult, Family, Group getaway, Beach
• Activity level: moderate
• Ideal length of trip: A long weekend to a week. Best months are November – April.

to & from

Fly into Puerta Vallarta, it is about a 45 minute drive up to Punta Mita.

Where to Stay

• St. Regis
• Four Seasons
• Rent a condo through Hacienda de Mita or Luxury Retreats for a bigger house.

Where to Eat and Drink

Book restaurants during the busy Christmas and spring break months, as they tend to fill up fast.

• Our favorites in the little village of Punta Mita are Si Sushi, Blue Shrimp, Rosa Mexicano and Si Senor…make sure you ask for table-side preparation of guacamole and choose your fish at Si Senor.
• Naef Cafe on 5 Febrero Street mixes up unusual ice cream flavors like black pepper-strawberry, fig and goat cheese and gazpacho. It has a darling outdoor garden to eat breakfast or lunch. The owner, Pierre, is the go-to caterer in town.
• Further out and worth trying is the fabulous beach shack Kilometro Cinco, referred to by locals as “the surfer’s bar” in the small village of Higuera Bianca, about 10 minutes drive from the gates of Punta Mita.
• We 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.
• Le Turquoise for amazing coffee and pastries on the seafront in town.

What to Do

• Whale watching and snorkeling with Ty at Drifting Seas. Her wealth of knowledge about the sea life and the area is impressive.
• The best massage of your life through Kemi Vernon, +52 1 (322) 117-3014, kemickemido@gmail.com. She will come to your house or hotel. Kemi is also an amazing photographer if you are looking for action or family photos while you are there.
• Shop! The little village of Punta Mita has come a long way, and there are now quite a few little shops to find local dress designers, baskets, art and bags.
• We like Mita Mita and Nina Caterina. More upscale European and South American designer beachwear including Etro at Mar de Suen in Plaza Ollin The boutiques at the Four Seasons are excellent and carry kaftans, hats and beach wear from all over the world.

Don’t miss a day trip to Sayulita, one of the original surfing towns about 30 minute drive from Punta Mita.

• In Sayulita – don’t miss Panino’s for thick, rich coffee and pastries worth every calorie…and then Naty’s make your own tacos- line up like a local.
• Customize your own board at the Quiverito surf board shop.
• For shopping in Sayulita, 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.

inside scoop

There are lots of private beach clubs that you can access if you are renting a house including the new Kupuri Beach club as well as the Resident’s Beach Club.

• Kupuri has an outstanding all day brunch.
• You can reserve chairs at both places – make sure to 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. 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.

skip it

Tourist shops along the water near the restaurants.