The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort

Nayarit, Mexico - Hotel Review

Where Tradition Meets the Pacific

by Dylan Nugent

One of the three pool areas at The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort

As guests arrive at the 22 acre property, discreet representatives lead the way into the open air lobby area, highlighted by traditional antique furniture usually found in classic European hotels. Within moments, guests are offered a cool drink and suddenly the magnificent Bahía de Banderas comes into view. This initial introduction to the property sets the tone for the stylish setting and the quality service that embodies the St. Regis Punta Mita.

The 89 guest rooms and 31 suites have been designed as individual casitas, strategically situated throughout 22 acres of waterfront land and adjacent to three exceptional golf courses. The spacious guest rooms feature private terraces, while large bathrooms extend out into a private outdoor shower area allowing a unique outdoor experience. In-room amenities include the latest technology from flat-screen televisions and high speed Internet to plentiful luxurious bath products and loofahs.

Exceptional service is delivered to guests through the signature butler service, which includes assistance packing your bags to drawing a perfect bath. Tradition certainly seems to be a keyword for this unique property. For example, every Friday evening there is a cocktail reception that features a unique sabrage tradition – the age old method of opening a Champagne bottle with the swing of a saber. The property also features a special tea service, up to snuff with the proper offerings served in London.

Presidential Suite bedroom	Carolina Restaurant

The layout of the property keeps in mind all types of guests. The expansive resort features a children's program and separate pool for kids, making it an ideal destination for vacationing families, as well as couples looking for a quiet getaway (there is also an adults-only pool area featuring luxurious cabanas). The poolside restaurant and bar, Las Marietas, offers a fine Mexican-style breakfast and lunch, but the true culinary draw here are the two other exquisite restaurants overlooking the pool and ocean. The executive chef masterfully combines local produce with a Mediterranean flair at the resort's signature restaurant, Carolina, and adds a stylish Californian element at the Sea Breeze Beach Club.

Golfers will be challenged by either of the Jack Nicklaus Signature courses, but the third hole, known as the Tail of the Whale, on the Pacifico course earns the reputation as one of the most picturesque. The green is situated on a small island over 150 yards from the tee and is truly a novelty to play. For a break from the sun and outdoor fun, we recommend a visit to the well-appointed Remède Spa. The 10,000-square-foot spa features nine treatment rooms and a deluxe suite that is perfect for couple's massages and is complete with its own private Jacuzzi. We especially enjoyed the relaxation garden, sauna and steam bath to keep us out of the sun a bit longer, as well as the no cell phone policy.

One of the main draws in the area is the abundance of migrating Humpback whales that can be viewed offshore, especially from December to April. We recommend a sailing excursion out to the distant Las Marietas islands where exotic birds and sea life can be viewed as well. After a long day out on the water, or simply on the beach, there is nothing quite like re-entering the gates of the property and the tradition that goes along with it.

The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort Carretera Federal 200, km 19.5 Punta de Mita, Nayarit 63734, Mexico 52-329-291-5800 www.starwoodhotels.com