White-sand beaches. A historic Mexico vibe. Boatloads of super-fresh ceviche. All of this combines to shoot Punta de Mita to the top of our travel wish list. So we tapped Punta de Mita’s W Insider, José Manuel Amaro, to give us the scoop on where to stay, what to do, and how to travel W style.
Stay Here
Those white-sand beaches we mentioned? The W Punta de Mita is on one of the coolest parts of Bahía de Banderas. Drink in the spectacular views, ride the waves out front on a surfboard, or simply take the time to sit at WET Pool and Deck and enjoy the art of doing nothing at all. When you’re up for adventures, there’s easy access to can’t-miss experiences. And when you want to take a vacation from your vacation, Away Spa is your setup for pampering in a seriously jaw-dropping setting.
Do This
Sayulita: Get ready to revel in this boho surf town’s laid-back atmosphere. Don’t miss El Break Café, a relaxed little bar located at the corner of Delfines Street and the beach. There, you can have a cold beer and a balazo or two (it’s a mini seafood cocktail with a touch of tequila). Also recommended? Fresh tuna tostadas and José’s fave, Cielo Rojo – a beer cocktail with clamato, lime juice, salsa Inglesa, pepper, and chili powder.
Marieta Islands: These two small uninhabited islands are southwest of Punta de Mita, in Nayarit. Loaded with diverse marine life, the islands are best seen by private catamaran (which can easily be arranged at the hotel). Tour the bay to see fish and birds in their natural environment, and you might even catch some dolphins making the rounds. Oh, and the sunsets here? They just might be the most majestic you’ll ever see.
Puerto Vallarta: As one of the oldest tourist ports on the Pacific Coast, this city retains the flavor of Old Mexico. You’ll walk on cobblestoned streets, marvel at traditional architecture, and of course, eat really well. Right in the heart of the Romantic Zone (a.k.a. Old Vallarta), you’ll find the tiny gastro bar 116 Pulpito – another of José’s favorites. At this unpretentious spot, you’ll dig into tapas, sip awesome cocktails, and listen to live music. How’s that for atmosphere?
By Chrissy Waters, Content Editor
