If there's one thing you can say about W Hotels, it's that they know how to have fun. The brand is all about vibes -- good music, good food, good energy, strong drinks and a sense of place. The W Punta de Mita, arguably one of the coolest resorts in the posh Nayarit beach enclave, is no exception. Following a $3 million resortwide renovation, guests can expect pure W energy, with a decidedly Mexican twist.
The colorful, beachfront resort enjoys an enviable location along the southern coast of Punta de Mita, with views of the Bay of Banderas and the mountains behind Puerto Vallarta in the distance. The energy here is cool and calm as well as funky and vibrant. The pool areas are divided into two sections: one pool for families and another reserved just for adults. Rooms are scattered throughout the property and include jungle-shrouded rooms and spectacular new beachfront suites.
The W Punta de Mita's elevated lobby has views out over the WET pool deck. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
What's new at the W Punta de Mita
The renovation encompassed many of the guestrooms and suites at the resort. Jungle Rooms have been reimagined with new plunge pools, outdoor showers, hammocks and loungers. Haven Suites have been revamped with the addition of gardens and fire pits to the outdoor terraces. Perhaps the most exciting detail at the W Punta de Mita is the introduction of five Marvelous Beachfront Suites, each with a large soaking tub within its indoor gardens. Two Wow Beachfront Suites feature private rooftops with ocean views. The signature E-Wow Suite features a kitchen and an ocean-facing living and dining room with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. What I love about each room category is that they blend traditional Nayarit indigenous art and design with the modern-day Punta de Mita surfer energy and culture.
I stayed in one of the Wonderful Escape Jungle View rooms, which was perfectly fine, albeit felt a little dark and closed in. If clients are booking a Wonderful Escape Jungle View room, I suggest booking one with a plunge pool. But to really appreciate the W Punta de Mita, the Spectacular Escape rooms, Haven Suites and Marvelous Suites are the ones to book.
The W Punta de Mita's Living Room bar is decked out with Huichol-inspired mosaics. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
Renovations were widespread
The renovations extended far past the accommodations. Personally, my favorite hotels are the ones that help give travelers a sense of place and educate them about the local area. W Punta de Mita's incorporation of Huichol design and art -- the Huichol or Wixarika are an Indigenous people native to this section of Mexico -- helps to tell the story of Nayarit. Custom decor has been sourced from local artists, while the lobby La Caty boutique is dedicated exclusively to local designers. The most impressive touch of the lobby is the mosaic runway made up of more than 750,000 individual tiles. The bright bursts of color run all the way down the lobby staircase to the central Living Room bar area and out toward the pool.
When I wasn't hanging out in the Living Room, you could find me perched poolside at the family pool -- which is quite the anomaly, seeing as I tend to lean toward adults-only settings. While the adults-only pool may have superior oceanfront views and an Insta-famous transparent pool wall, I preferred the daybeds and the pool itself over at the family pool. But no matter which pool area you choose, you cannot leave without ordering a plate of the tuna ceviche, complete with chopped pineapple and onions from Chevycheria, as well as a refreshing mango margarita or watermelon mezcalita from the pool bar.
The W Punta de Mita is decorated with more than 750,000 mosaic tiles. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
What to eat and drink at the W Punta de Mita
Another dining must is a meal at Spice Market Punta de Mita. This seductive, dimly lit restaurant has intimate dining nooks, glowing lanterns and a menu of flavors from Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia.
Perhaps my favorite dining experience was the private tequila-pairing dinner set in the hotel's secluded agave garden. Our tequila expert, Jose, guided us through top-level tequilas. For many visitors to Mexico, a tequila tasting is hardly a new experience, but the W Punta de Mita puts its own spin on it with a signature five-course dinner designed to complement each tequila.
The adults-only pool area at the W Punta de Mita features a glass pool wall and a fire pit. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
Of course, the resort is also complete with a gorgeous FIT gym and the lush, jungle-inspired Away Spa.
Travelers who love W Hotels will be thoroughly delighted with the changes at the W Punta de Mita. The resort is exactly what you want and expect from a classic W, but the Mexican Pacific touches ensure that this W is a standout.