A Pacific Headland With Room to Breathe
Punta Mita is a peninsula and resort enclave at the northern tip of the Bay of Banderas, in the Mexican state of Nayarit, known for its quiet beaches, golf, surf and a generous sense of space. It lies about forty minutes north-west of Puerto Vallarta airport by road, and the setting is a mix of tropical forest, rocky points and long golden strands facing the Pacific. The surrounding villages keep a local feel, with fishing boats on the sand and open-air restaurants serving the catch.
The area has built a reputation for quiet, high-end hospitality. Well-known international hotel brands, including the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, sit beside private residences and villas along protected shoreline, and the pace is unhurried. Mornings begin with long beach walks, afternoons with paddleboards or surf lessons, and evenings end with sunsets that seem to last for an hour. It is a destination that suits families, couples and golfers who prefer calm to crowds.
Golf, Surf and the Marietas Islands
Golf is a draw. The Pacifico course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is known for its third hole, the Tail of the Whale, a par three on a natural island green that is reached by boat or cart at low tide. Surfers head to the break at Punta Mita itself, one of the area's best-known waves, while Sayulita and the small beaches of the coast offer gentler spots for beginners. Offshore, the Marietas Islands, a protected national park, are a classic day trip for snorkelling and birdwatching.
From roughly December to March, humpback whales arrive in the Bay of Banderas, and boat trips depart from the coast to watch them breaching and calving. Food is a pleasure too: grilled snapper, aguachile and tacos de pescado appear on menus along the coast. Nearby Puerto Vallarta provides the bay's liveliest town, while Nuevo Vallarta offers resort stays on the southern side, giving guests plenty of options for a longer trip.
Read the full Punta Mita guide on Visit Travel Group, or see PuntaMita.co.uk on Visit Travel Group.