I’ve stayed in five-star properties before, but Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita, Mexico, may be my all-time favorite. Naviva opened in December 2022 as Four Seasons’ first luxury tented resort in the Americas.
Fifteen tents are set on 48 acres of forest that abut the Pacific Ocean, creating a serene, private and magical environment. The all-inclusive resort has a private beach, cascading pools and an incredible restaurant — however, that’s not what makes it special. It’s how Naviva designs all of its guests’ stays with the intent to rejuvenate their spirit, body and mind.
Naviva’s tents have plenty of amenities.
Credit: 2023 Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort
A Customized Stay
Weeks before my visit, I had a call with the Naviva team, so that they could create a customized experience for me. Upon arrival, Naviva had already scheduled a one-hour massage, a guided hike and a mescal tasting. My guestroom was stocked with favorite snacks and drinks, and the restaurant was informed of my food preferences.
The Naviva team continued to tailor my stay after I arrived. Even the dining experience was customized — the restaurant does not have a set menu, allowing guests to decide what to eat based on their mood. If I couldn’t think of a dish, the chef surprised me with a multi-course meal made of fresh, local ingredients.
Although Naviva is a luxury tented resort, the rooms are not tents in the typical sense. These standalone units have a spacious bedroom with air-conditioning and a king-size bed that faces a glass wall overlooking a private deck with a plunge pool. Most of the rooms have ocean views. Next to the bedroom is an open-air living room with a comfortable couch, and behind the bed, there is a small counter with snacks, a fridge with drinks and a tablet to get in touch with the personal butler.
In the bathroom, there’s a large closet, a rainfall shower with a skylight and a deep, jetted tub. I tended to use the outdoor shower, especially at night, with the stars overhead and the crash of the ocean nearby. The tents are shrouded by forest on all sides, so there is complete privacy for guests.
Bathrooms have jetted tubs, but there are also outdoor showers.
Credit: 2023 Naviva, A Four Seasons ResortAt Naviva, one 60-minute spa treatment is included in the all-inclusive rate. I decided to indulge in an hour-long massage in a hut surrounded by the forest, with a post-massage soak in an outdoor wooden hot tub. Each morning and evening, I also attended free classes held on an ocean cliff, where instructors led me through meditation, a sound bath, breathing exercises, reiki and yogic movements.
Signature Naviva experiences, such as chakra balancing, full-moon ceremonies and biofield energy therapy are available for a fee. I opted for the rebirth ceremony in the on-site temazcal. During a multi-hour traditional Mexican sweat-lodge ceremony, a guide led me through an emotional cleansing.
The resort specializes in a wide range of wellness programs.
Credit: 2023 Naviva, A Four Seasons ResortUnfortunately, the beach at Naviva is too dangerous for recreational swimming, but guests who want to take a dip in the ocean can be transported by private car to the neighboring property, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. Those who stay at Naviva get full access to all the facilities at Punta Mita (however, guests at Punta Mita do not get access to Naviva).
While I did take surfing lessons at the Punta Mita resort, I was happy to spend most of my time at Naviva. The service was not only more intimate, but I could immerse myself in an environment that rejuvenated my mind, body and soul in a way that no other resort has done before.
