Puerto Vallarta

SOUTHERN SOJOURN

The historic coastal town of Puerto Vallarta thrives as a culinary epicenter, while the resort destinations of Punta de Mita just north are a beach- and golf-lover’s haven. BY SAMANTHA BROOKS

Maxwell Puerto Vallarta

Conrad Spa

Depart Los Angeles, and in just three hours, you’ve landed in Puerto Vallarta. Its location on the Bay of Banderas, in the center of Mexico’s west coast, within the state of Jalisco, puts it south of Cabo, granting it warmer climes compared to Baja’s sometimes chilly Decembers. Stay in town and explore the city’s old cobblestone roads, sandy beaches, and vibrant culinary scene—there’s so much more than the all-inclusives that dominated the landscape in prior decades. Or head north and in just 45 minutes you’re in the ever-growing newer resort region of Riviera Nayarit, which includes the 1,500-acre gated golf community of Punta Mita, with its St. Regis, Four Seasons, 18 residential communities, two golf courses, and members-only facilities. When you need a break from the sand and sun, throw on your ip- ops and head to the vibrant town of Sayulita, which has developed in the last decade as a haven for both shopping and surf.

There’s no shortage of things to do and see. Here are a handful of the latest and greatest:

Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection Conrad Punta De Mita

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

Ever since opening in 1999, this 52-acre property with 240 keys has been winning over guests time and again, partly because of its warm and friendly staff who have awarded it one of Fortune’s 100 best companies to work for 22 years in a row. A vast tequila library, vibrant adults-only pool, vast array of kids’ programs (sea turtle release, lazy river, snorkeling, and more) have been around since the beginning. The property continues to evolve and expand with a new room category featuring two-bedroom bunk bed family casitas; the rst phase of a ve-year golf restoration, with improvements to all 19 Paci co Golf Course greens, bunkers, and surrounds; and a property-wide renovation of all guest rooms, pools, and restaurants. From $1,200; fourseasons.com

El Surf Club

You don’t actually have to surf to dine here, but the toes-in-sand setting just in front of the waves does make it conducive, and it’s

immediately apparent that the surfboards standing up in the sand are perhaps for more than just décor. Coastal cuisine highlighting locally caught seafood, gourmet tacos, in-house DJs, and expert mixologists are part of the scene here since opening in October 2020. Open exclusively to Punta Mita resort guests, homeowners, and villa renters. puntamita.com

Conrad Punta de Mita

Opened in September 2020, this sprawling 324room property set on a two-mile-long stretch of beach combines contemporary architecture, tiered pools that meander through the lush grounds (you’ll never have to ght for a chair—whether you prefer to make your claim at an adult-pool cabana or close to the shore at the family pool), a 10,000-square-foot spa, four restaurants, and three bars. Rooms start at 650 square feet and feature modern interiors from SB Architects, complete with warm woods, crisp white linens, and blue accents inspired by the sea. It’s dif cult to create a property that’s as equipped to handle everything from large weddings to intimate getaways, family vacations, and business travel, without losing a connection to its location, but they’ve de nitely done it. And, with resort prices all over are going through the roof, there’s something to appreciate about the value here. From $493; conradpuntademita.com

Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection

Punta de Mita will be Auberge’s fourth destination in Mexico once it opens in late 2022. Fans of Los Cabos’ Chileno Bay will notice a similar layout and architectural style here, with contemporary bungalows housing clusters of boho-chic rooms that surround a central pool that leads to the ocean—however, the sea here is swimmable and pristine, with no other developments in sight. Plan ahead, as this might be your next destination for Winter 2022. aubergeresorts.com

Evoke the Spirit

Pack a fold-up duffel and just get over the fact that you’re going to be checking a bag on your way home. Sayulita isn’t just a surfer’s paradise, it’s also a shopping haven, still mostly devoid of souvenir traps. Instead, it’s full of local craftspeople and boutiques that somehow manage not to overprice their wares. Don’t miss the shop that put the town on the map, Evoke the Spirit, now in a new location closer to the water. The beloved, one-ofa-kind, yarn-woven skulls are still in high demand, but proprietor Brittney Borjeson has recently expanded to offer clothing, shoes, and bags—all from local designers. evokethespirit.com

Maxwell Puerto Vallarta

A 22-year-old Elliot Kimelman had just graduated from business school during the pandemic when he decided to take a break and chill at his parents’ condo in Puerto Vallarta, which they had been renting as an Airbnb. He soon realized that

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

Evoke the Spirit

Punta Mita Pacifico Golf Course

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

every unit in the building was an Airbnb, and quickly thought to brand the building, work with the other owners to control rental prices so they weren’t competing with each other, and add hotel amenities like housekeeping, spa services, and private chefs (there’s even room service). The result is 28 stunning units with sweeping views, two swimming pools (one on the roof), and two restaurants—all just steps from the beach and Zona Romántica. From $299 per night; maxwellpv.com

Vallarta Nayarit Gastronomica

Taking place over four days each year at the end of October (plan ahead for next year), this authentic Mexican culinary festival combines Michelin-starred chefs with celebrity food hosts and world-class mixology to showcase the best of local and European-inspired fare. vallartanayaritgastronomica.com