Hotel Guide in Riviera Nayarit: Conrad Punta de Mita, Privacy on the Mexican Pacific
Punta de Mita is one of Mexico's most luxurious and youthful destinations. It should not be confused with the controversial Punta Mita, located a couple of kilometers to the north, famous for privatizing access to over 700 hectares overlooking the Mexican Pacific.
Conrad Punta de Mita is located south of its similarly named sister. To spend a night on these beaches, options have been built that offer discreet luxury. Punta Mita's great treasure is its privacy, guarded by cliffs and hills that surround it, yet it does not skimp on available services. Initially developed for the affluent North American market, the super peso and the pandemic have made this destination increasingly popular among Mexicans.
Conrad offers a series of rooms that are not only comfortable but also seaside cottages that blend with the landscape with their neutral colors. This is the kind of hotel where you will always find a sunbed available. The beach is sparsely populated by guests of the same hotel, with enough space for everyone to set up their sunbeds and still maintain privacy. Once on the beach, the waitstaff will not forget you and will be attentive to your needs.
The cuisine at Conrad Punta de Mita
It blends local culture with what one would expect at any resort; classic favorites are a must for even the most discerning tourist. In March 2024, they welcomed a new chef, Germán Ghelfi, a talkative Argentine who has lived all over the world. Born in Córdoba and raised in the countryside, he understands the value of luxuries like enjoying freshly caught red snapper. His specialty seems to be meat and grilling, but he also has a passion for cocoa. The menus across the hotel's four restaurants highlight not only meats but also desserts. The wine list available throughout the hotel is diverse; at Códex, the flagship restaurant, try Mexican labels.
Therapeutic Temazcal
With Mexico's rise as an international destination, hotels aimed at foreigners often present folkloric figures as "shamans." Their role is usually to perform caricatured rituals that mix a bit of local tradition with that of other cultures, aiming to convince guests they are experiencing a moment of Native American spirituality. Personally, I do not favor this product and feel it disrespects the cosmology of the region's indigenous cultures.
Upon arriving at Conrad Punta de Mita's temazcal, I expected another iteration of such a character. To my surprise, I met Luis Amador, who has spent decades studying various temazcal techniques in Mesoamerica. Luis proposes combining the physical work required by a temazcal with brief yet serious reflections on daily life. He has overseen the hotel's temazcals since its inception.
The more relaxed cuisine of the rest of the hotel changes drastically at Códex, the main restaurant also featuring a new chef, Iván Bautista, former head chef of Hector’s Kitchen, one of the area's top restaurants (which I recommend visiting if you stay several days at the hotel). For me, there's no question: Iván prepares the best dishes on the property. Códex serves refined Mexican cuisine with clean techniques and flavors that spare no seasoning.
Best Time to Visit Punta de Mita
The dry season, from November to May, may start extending into June due to Mexico's current drought. The rainy season typically begins in June and ends in September.
Which Airport is Closest to Punta de Mita?
To reach Punta Mita, book a flight to Puerto Vallarta. From there, you'll need transportation directly to the hotel. If you're staying at Conrad, contact reception to arrange a shuttle. The journey from the airport to the hotel takes no more than 40 minutes.
- Address: Carretera Punta de Mita, Sayulita, Supermanzana Km 2, 63734 Punta Mita, Nay.
- Ambiance and Vibe: Contemporary Adult
- Guest Type: Young adults or groups of friends seeking relaxation, wellness, and gastronomy.
- Type of Cuisine: Mexican and Contemporary Mexican.
- Vegan Options: Yes, available at all dining venues.
- Pet Friendly: Yes
- Suitable for Children: Yes
- Spa: Yes
- Gym: Yes
- Accessibility: Most of the hotel is wheelchair accessible.
- Parking: Yes, included
- Wifi: Yes, included
- Check-in Time: 3:00 PM
- Check-out Time: 12:00 PM
- Starting Room Rates: $550 USD per night for double occupancy
- Reservation Website: https://www.hilton.com/es/locations/mexico/punta-de-mita/conrad-hotels/?WT.mc_id=zlada0ww1ci2psh3ggl4advbpp5dkt6multibr7_3047
