W Punta de Mita Delivers The WOW Factor – From Beginning to End
29 May 2019 by Francisco Romeo in Bars, Cuisine, Decorating, Event, Fame, General, Golf, Home, Hot Spots, Hotels, Lounges, Money, Motorsport, Music, Pleasure, Power, Restaurants
Few resort properties deliver awe-inspiring reactions from arrival to departure, and Mexico‘s newest W in the luxury enclave of Punta de Mita is a rare destination that will wow all your senses.
From the stunning sights of interior design and structural layout, to the appetizing taste found in the world-class restaurants, to the thrilling sounds of nature and musical entertainment, to the relaxing sense of touch and smell enjoyed at the AWAY Spa – prepare for sensory overload in this secluded slice of heaven.
The W Punta de Mita should be at the top of the list for your summer getaway plans.
It starts visually, the moment you step into the property and are transported to your own oasis of pleasure. Maybe it’s the brief caddy ride to the reception area which gives a first glimpse of the grounds, or the bright blue and green mosaic “Camino Huichol” walkway that begins in the lobby and extends all the way to the ocean. It definitely starts upon arrival, when you are greeted with a glass of champagne in a space that resembles more of a casual living room, instead of a standard hotel lobby.
Fast, courteous service with a smile is the norm here, where the Whatever/Whenever Service catchphrase is not just a motto, it’s a permanent philosophy.
The superior level of service will remain consistent throughout your stay. From upper level management, to restaurant servers, to the crew responsible for housekeeping; every member of the hotel team makes your comfort their priority. It’s a desire to be helpful ingrained in the culture of the entire staff.
The W Punta de Mita is spread out over several acres and counts with only 119 guests rooms including 13 suites, categorized as ‘Jungle Escape,’ ‘Ocean View,’ and Ocean Front.’ The vast landscape transforms your accommodations into a tropical villa. All guest rooms are distanced from each other, without interconnecting walls. Instead, they are individually surrounded by nature, with trees, vegetation and manicured gardens providing all the privacy you need.
Guest Rooms
Stepping into your villa all the luxury amenities you expect are there – and more.
High thread count opulent linens with a pillow menu, a 58 inch Samsung Smart TVs complete with Netflix streaming, iHome with iPod dock, a Nespresso coffee maker with flavored capsules, high speed internet access, and a stylish executive desk if work is required.
Rooms are spacious, with plenty of cabinet space and enviable closet square footage. There’s a large open bathroom with handheld and rainshowers in a glass enclosure, a large deep soaking bathtub big enough for two, and plenty of counter-space for all your Tom Ford and her complete Chanel product line.
The king-sized bed deserves an honorable mention for its unique headboard either with a surfboard theme, or handcrafted with tribal designs carved in tin.
Each guest room comes with an expansive terrace or patio, built to lounge in comfort, and witness the artistry of nature unveil before your eyes. Or just listen to what paradise must sound like.
All through the space you’ll find traditional yet whimsical details reminiscent of Mexico’s heritage, from photographs of icons like Pancho Villa with a surfboard, to the regional printed woven zarape draped over the bed.
Dining
W Punta de Mita has five restaurants, widely considered to be among the finest of the region, attracting locals and guests from nearby resorts.
There’s Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Spice Market Punta de Mita, an innovative take on traditional Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian street cuisine. This is the property’s signature dining venue, inspired from the famed New York City restaurant of the same name. It’s the spot for succulent Asian gastronomy, lively conversations, and a late night rendezvous. And yes, the best place to celebrate a birthday!
The venue combines indoor and outdoor space with a modern design that keeps the vibrant energy flowing, and a DJ to ensure the festive vibe remains alive throughout the night.
Spice Market is best enjoyed by sharing small plates with friends or a significant other, while sipping on the wide selection of handcrafted cocktails.
For a true feel of the tropics, Chevycheria is a must. The design elements alone make for multiple Instagram-worthy moments, with a 1950s Chevrolet 3800 truck transformed into a bar, the palm trees blowing in the breeze, and waves crashing to the shore. Except for the truck, you’ve seen this postcard before.
As the name implies Ceviche is the house specialty. The menu includes authentic Latin American recipes, with signature dishes ranging from Ceviche Yucatan (spicy shrimp, scallop, and octopus), Ceviche Peruano (yellow-fin tuna with soy sauce, aji rocoto, and avocado), and Ceviche de Pescado (Punta de Mita’s coconut and spice-infused catch-of-the-day). If you’re lucky a lesson can be arranged so you can learn how to prepare your own ceviche at home.
Salero, is the latest restaurant addition having recently opened. The theme here is seafood. Choose the fish of your choice and have it prepared your way, or go through the menu and select from the creative options available in this pescatarian’s delight.
Venazu is the hotel’s main restaurant, offering all-day dining in a slick indoor-outdoor space with sweeping views and lively atmosphere.
This is the place for relaxed dining with signature cocktails and comfort food like guacamole with chips, or fried calamari with curry dressing. Signature entrées include tacos de langosta al pastor, risotto de Huitlacoche, and Venado cocida en hoyas de aguacate.
We saved the best for last, the unforgettable dining experience that is Mesa1. If you crave exclusivity this is it. One table, one serving. Dine at sunset or under stars as you enjoy a seven course gastronomy masterpiece prepared for a group from 2 to 12 guests. Pop the question, celebrate an anniversary, or just reward your success; it will be a highlight of your visit and a dinner difficult to replicate anywhere else. Call in advance to make your reservation.
Activities
The W brand is known for lively entertainment, and music is central to the complete experience at W Punta de Mita. Internationally known DJs are often invited for special events, along with regular performances by local bands.
Surfing
The Riviera Nayarit and Punta de Mita region in Mexico is blessed with some of the best waves in the world, and the W resort takes full advantage of its prime location by making the opportunity to surf readily available. It’s heaven for experts, but even if you’ve never surfed before here is the most convenient place to learn. The experience is complete with knowledgeable instructors, and a variety of boards for any size or skill level. Just bring your shorts and go.
If you rather try something else the Wave Surf Shop offers non-motorized watersports including stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, and kitesurfing.
Once you visit the AWAY Spa you will not want to leave. A 4,000 square-foot space of cascading pools, palm trees, and individualized treatment rooms to unwind and relax. Check next week for our complete review of this eden of health and wellness.
Make sure to spend a day at either of the two pools available on-site. If in the mood to party choose WET, with music and a fast paced rhythm. Book your cabana, order some drinks, and you’ll feel a Vegas pool scene has been imported to the tropics.
If you want something more laid back escape to the adults-only pool facing Salero. It’s a more relaxed vibe, with a transparent above-ground pool seemingly designed to gather hundreds of likes for your Instagram feed.
Nearby Activities
There is little reason to explore outside the W Punta de Mita, but if the desire strikes there’s a wealth of activities nearby, from horseback riding along the beach, to visiting the quaint little bohemian town of Sayulita.
Discover more of Riviera Nayarit and explore the region in ATVs, or enjoy ziplining. Opportunities for sailing, boating, diving, snorkeling and other water sports abound.
Regardless of where you choose to go beyond the resort, when you return you’ll know W Punta de Mita has everything you need in your search for the perfect destination.
For more information visit W Punta de Mita
W PUNTA DE MITA
Km 8.5, Carr. Federal la Cruz de Huanacaxtle -Punta de Mita,
Desarrollo Costa Banderas, 63734 Punta de Mita, Nay., Mexico
www.wpuntademita.com
All photographs by Francisco Romeo exclusively for HOMBRE Magazine