It's tough to play favorites in a destination like Riviera Nayarit, where the coastline is a veritable treasure trove of one glamorous resort after the next. But there is something to be said for the classics, and the St. Regis Punta Mita is about as classic as it gets.
The grande dame opened in 2008 and helped to define the luxury landscape on Nayarit's Punta Mita peninsula. But even luminaries need to stay relevant, especially in Mexico's ever-evolving luxe landscape. Just in time to celebrate its 15th anniversary, the St. Regis Punta Mita is unveiling a $45 million propertywide renovation, keeping it fresh physically as well as in the minds of five-star travelers.
All guestrooms and suites at the St. Regis Punta Mita have been given a more modern, neutral color palette. Photo Credit: St. Regis Punta Mita
What I've always loved about this resort is that it feels like a remote tropical retreat, perched on 22 acres of Pacific oceanfront with views out to the famous Islas Marietas. The luxe bungalow-style suites, jungle-shrouded pathways and elegant, hacienda-style buildings create a haute Mexican beachfront village atmosphere that feels like it's far removed from the rest of reality. And yet, it's only a 35-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta's airport and a 10-minute drive from the village of Punta de Mita.
What's new?
The scope of the resort's renovation spans top to bottom. From common areas and public spaces to the introduction of five beachfront villas, redesigned suites and guestrooms, enhancements to the St. Regis Spa, the launch of new restaurants and bar concepts and the introduction of the Marietas Pool, there are a lot of surprises awaiting long-time fans of the resort.
I've always found the guestrooms and suites at St. Regis Punta Mita to be warm and inviting. But during my last visit in October 2022, I did notice that they were in need of a refresh. All 120 rooms and suites have been redesigned with a much more modern, airy aesthetic: think blonde woods, cream-colored linens and furniture. Still, the rustic, Mexican vibe shines through with terracotta tile floors and exposed wooden beams in the ceiling. All guests are provided access to a St. Regis Butler throughout their stay.
Undeniably the crown jewel of the room renovations is the five new residential-style beachfront villas, ranging in size from one to three bedrooms. Each features an outdoor terrace with personal pool.
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With wellness such an important part of travel these days, the St. Regis Spa has leveled up, incorporating everything from holistic treatments and traditional therapies to indigenous treatments. In fact, the resort has teamed up with a local shaman and incorporated a temazcal, a traditional type of sweat lodge, into the spa's offerings. An additional upgrade includes the new Couples Spa Suite, which features a private plunge pool, outdoor shower and lounge seating.
Play things
One of the most eye-catching new features of the resort is its dual-level infinity pool, the Marietas pool, which offers sweeping views of the Islas Marietas National Park. The family-friendly pool is surrounded by loungers, daybeds and cabanas. Guests of the resort have access to two Jack Nicklaus golf courses and watersports including snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding.
The bar has been raised on culinary offerings, as well, which is saying something considering that the food and beverage program here has always been something worth talking about. The resort's five culinary experiences are being overseen by the newly appointed executive chef, Pablo Arias. In addition, several new restaurants and a renovated lobby bar have been added.
The new dual-level Marietas Pool offers relaxation along with sweeping views of Islas Marietas National Park. Photo Credit: St. Regis Punta Mita
On my most recent visit to the resort, a good portion of the renovations had been completed, and I was able to try the newly reimagined Mita Mary restaurant concept. This elegant, oceanfront dining experience is known for its fresh seafood dishes, open-air tables and toes-in-the-sand seating. Everything I sampled was divine, from the freshly caught sashimi to the local octopus satay, the fresh oysters, vegetable aguachile and soft shell crab ravioli. Additional culinary venues include a new beachfront Nikkei cuisine concept situated at the adults-only pool and Las Marietas Restaurant & Bar, which is an all-day dining restaurant serving Mexican and international cuisine. Of course, guests will find that the signature fine dining restaurant, Carolina, is still one of the fixtures of the resort.
To mark the relaunch of the culinary program. St. Regis Punta Mita announced its Culinary Collection. This series of chef-driven experiences include collaborations at the resort's venues, bringing Michelin-starred chefs and restaurants from around the world together for a dinner series.
With the Riviera Nayarit in a constant state of expansion, from new resorts to a newly rebranded airport in Tepic, and the new high-speed highway connecting Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta, there is a lot about this destination that is going to look different. The St. Regis Punta Mita has managed to keep the pace, all the while staying true to its roots and the ethos that its fans have come to count on.