Hotel Review: Conrad Punta de Mita

You know a hotel is good when you find it difficult to leave your room. That was the enviable dilemma I faced every evening at the Conrad Punta de Mita, which opened in September in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit.

The problem was this: Mexico’s Pacific coast has always been famous for its beautiful sunsets. But when you’re enjoying the view from an oceanfront suite with an expansive terrace and private plunge pool, well, let’s just say it was a miracle that I ever made it to dinner.

This well-appointed new hotel, a European-plan property located in Punta de Mita’s Litibu complex, makes good use of the Riviera Nayarit’s natural beauty in a variety of ways, from the spectacular ocean views to the natural wood used in the furnishings (including some of the most stylish pool cabanas I’ve ever seen).

The result is a handsome, paradisiacal setting that immerses guests in both nature and pampering luxury.

The transition from everyday life to resort bliss is well planned at the Conrad. As I arrived, the bellhop — after taking my temperature and offering me hand sanitizer, as is the norm nowadays — directed me through a darkly painted passageway that extends from the entrance to the lobby.

“By the time you get to the other side, you’ll be transported to a different mindset,” he said — or something like that; I can’t remember exactly because I was too distracted by the visuals that came next: a massive lobby graced with high ceilings, sculptural art, chic furnishings and an inspiring view straight through to the lushly landscaped pool area and the ocean.

“We’re situated on a property of 12 acres along a two-mile-long sandy beach, so we’re in a privileged location,” Marco Tabet, the hotel’s general manager, told me later. “The hotel has a contemporary design but everywhere you look, you still feel you’re in Mexico. We use artwork that’s representative of local arts and crafts, and we have a great combination of wellness features, three very large swimming pools and the beach, so it really covers all segments.”

The hotel has a contemporary design but everywhere you look, you still feel you’re in Mexico.

Indeed, there is a lot to enjoy at this property — and current regulations mean that guests will have a lot of space to do so, as hotels in the state of Nayarit were capping occupancy at 50% as of press time, and masks are required in public indoor areas.

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Among the property’s most attractive features is the spa, which includes a 24-hour gym and indoor/outdoor treatment areas. In addition to the attractive interior (which includes ingenious touches such as treatment room ceilings that are painted black, so you’re not jarred by brightness when opening your eyes at the end of a session), the outdoor area is not to be missed. Its winding walkway is lined with greenery that, the staff told me, will attract hummingbirds once the plants start flowering. A series of private treatment pavilions, handcrafted from wood, resemble giant, comforting nests.

The outdoor facility also has a pool and a traditional temazcal hut that’s been slightly revised to be taller and less- claustrophobic than most, complete with built-in benches.

The temazcal ritual, which is led by an authentic shaman, is one of three unique experiences offered at Conrad Punta de Mita.

Clients might also want to consider the agave experience, which takes place in a dedicated tasting room and can be accompanied by a multicourse meal. Foodies, meanwhile, will surely enjoy Zarandeado, a private culinary experience (named after a popular local dish) during which guests accompany the hotel’s executive chef, Victor Palma, to a local seafood market,  followed by a private meal prepared to the guests’ specifications.

There are, in fact, many ways to enjoy expertly prepared cuisine at Conrad Punta de Mita. I savored tasty casual fare at Paleta, the poolside restaurant; delectable seafood at Mezquite, a beachfront venue that offers dining right on the sand; and sophisticated Mexican creations at Arbol, the elegant main restaurant near the lobby. Unfortunately, my visit took place just before the opening of Codex, a beautifully secluded restaurant that specializes in upscale dinners, but it’s on my list for the next visit.

Even with all the hotel’s many attractive features, it was still hard to drag myself away from my private terrace. I stayed in room 441, a beachfront suite with a tastefully decorated living room, a spacious bedroom (furnished with sanitizing wipes) and a bathroom that was so large that its shower didn’t even need a door. On my final night, I decided to arrive a bit late for dinner so that I could take one final dip in the plunge pool and gaze at yet another postcard-perfect sunset.

I didn’t want to miss a photo opportunity like that.

The Details
Conrad Punta de Mita 
www.conradpuntademita.com