Review: Auberge Resorts’ Susurros del Corazon in Punta de Mita, Mexico

When my taxi pulled up to Susurros del Corazon, the latest luxury resort to debut in upscale Punta de Mita, Mexico, I admit I was a little confused. While my husband and I were greeted by friendly faces, and our luggage was quickly whisked … somewhere … I didn’t spot an opulent lobby, a bell stand or even a front desk. 

Instead, we were ushered a few steps away into a light-filled, open-air corner room whose space was largely taken up by a massive wood-slab table filled with an eclectic mix of Mexican art and pottery. I quickly realized this delightful spot was the de facto lobby, where we were invited to perch on wooden stools, offered local craft beers, handed our room keys and told, “welcome home.”

Eschewing a typical check-in experience in favor of its Mesa Grande (literally “big table”) is just one way Auberge Resorts’ Susurros del Corazon encourages guests to feel like family at this beachfront retreat that opened in early November 2022 on Banderas Bay, a 20-mile drive northwest of the Puerto Vallarta airport. 

Another example: Instead of a typical “resort butler,” we were looked after by a kind and attentive cuate, “buddy” in Spanish. Before leaving us in our Oceanview Casita (where our luggage had seamlessly been delivered) our cuate, Alan, made sure I could receive his texts. Throughout our too-short, one-night stay, he responded to my questions about restaurant opening hours and tended to my in-room coffee order muy rapidamente. 

Spacious, Light-Filled Guestrooms

Speedy service aside, Susurros del Corazon (which means “whispers of the heart”) exudes a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere. This sense of relaxation may have led me to whisper, “I need to get in that bathtub,” upon first entering our 1,100-square-foot, second-floor, king-bed guestroom.

Indeed, the bathroom area with a soaking tub, a rain shower, twin vanities and a walk-in closet was a showpiece, but equally impressive was the wall of floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that opened to a huge terrace overlooking three tiered swimming pools with views of rolling ocean waves and the distant Marietas Islands.

All of the resort’s 59 guestrooms — a mix of 800- to 1,620-square-foot studios, suites and casitas, plus one four-bedroom villa (with more villas to come) — feature plenty of sunlight, natural wood and textiles, as well as decor in muted shades of off-white, gray, beige and brown. 

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In our room, the few subtle pops of brighter hues came mainly from multi-colored throw pillows, a small table’s green glass inlay and hefty green water glasses on our bedside tables. Natural, organic and made-in-Mexico items are prevalent throughout the resort — from the in-room body oil, woven robes and straw beach bag to decorative wall hangings, ceramic dishware and wooden furniture in the restaurants.

Open-Air, Oceanfront Dining

The menus at the resort’s two restaurants also focus on locally sourced items. My husband and I watched the sun set from an outdoor perch at lively La Boquita, whose evening offerings include small bites such as street-style tacos and tostadas. Bar seating, a communal fire pit and cushioned benches invite conversation among guests.

During our meal there, we tucked into a serving of Elote Asado (Mexican grilled corn on the cob). Though we were told the Queso Fundido (melted artisan cheese served with tortillas) was another must-try, we declined so we’d have sufficient appetite for our dinner reservation at next-door Casamilpa. 

We’re glad we had room in our bellies for the hearty, beautifully plated items at the farmhouse-style restaurant. Grilled seafood, juicy beef and pork and loads of fresh vegetables take center stage at Casamilpa. (Milpa is a word that references ancient farming practices ideal for an abundant harvest.) 

Casamilpa’s menu includes dishes for two, and my husband and I shared La Milpa en un Molcajete: sliced rib eye; giant shrimp; and a plethora of roasted zucchini, onion, sweet potato and cactus served with pasilla chile sauce in a massive volcanic stone bowl — a.k.a. the mortar of a mortar and pestle, typical for molcajete dishes in Mexico. As we folded this array of flavors into blue-corn tortillas, we realized we wouldn’t have room for dessert — though I did side-eye another diner’s sweet pineapple compote with Mexican chocolate sorbet.

Wellness Activities and a Trio of Pools

The next morning, I persuaded my husband to check out beachfront Acro Yoga, one of the complimentary outdoor fitness and wellness activities Susurros del Corazon offers. We laughed our way through partner poses (I could barely get into even the basic flying bird posture) and opted out of our instructors’ suggestion to join a “HIIT the Sand” class. 

After all, we’d worked up enough sweat and appetite by mid-morning to appreciate another filling Casamilpa meal. This time, we ordered smashed avocado, scrambled eggs and local veggies on sourdough toast, plus an omelet with farmer’s cheese and squash blossom, all accompanied by coffee roasted in Puebla.

The beauty of a stay at Susurros del Corazon is that guests have ample opportunities to be as busy as they like — or not. Experiences available to book (for a fee) include surf lessons in the gentle rolling waves in front of the resort; a boat ride and snorkel trip to the Marietas Islands; and an in-season, naturalist-led whale-watching expedition that lets guests listen to the majestic sea creatures’ underwater songs. 

On the other hand, relaxing in a comfy lounge chair under a white umbrella on Sussuros’ expansive white-sand beach is encouraged. In developing the beach area, the resort left a few squat trees and ground foliage on the sand — adding to the natural beauty of the area that includes dramatic cliffs and lush jungle. 

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Your clients can also kick back at three infinity pools, each with a different vibe: The adults-only pool has upbeat music, a swim-up bar and a huge shaded lounge area with communal seating; the family pool offers toddler-friendly shallow spots; and the pool that’s meant for quiet relaxation is closest to the ocean and has a circular hot tub.

Still More to Come at Susurros del Corazon

The fee-based kids' club, Los Morritos, is up and running for pint-sized visitors ages 5 to 12 (younger children can visit accompanied by a caregiver). But a few more key facilities are scheduled to debut by March 2023. Onda, an Auberge Spa, will have 11 sea-facing treatment rooms. Currently a makeshift facility — Ondita — is available for guests’ massage needs. Similarly, a small gym is presently available, but a larger fitness and movement center will be a part of the Onda experience, as well.

Also forthcoming is Don Surf, a coffee shop offering drinks and light bites with a small market for necessities. Fashionkind is the soon-to-open on-site boutique — it will be the first brick-and-mortar version of the online luxury fashion and accessories platform founded by Nina Farran and Sophia Bush. 

Though construction and finishing touches were taking place while I was on the property just a week after Susurros del Corazon opened its doors, I didn’t find the action distracting at all. Between the cascading swimming pools, a pristine private beach, beachfront fitness classes and the abundance of delicious Mexican food, my husband and I had plenty to keep us entertained and happy. 

Exciting initiatives still to come only whet our appetite for a return visit to this laid-back seaside enclave in Punta de Mita.