9 Reasons Why You Should Stay at the Four Seasons Punta Mita in Mexico

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is located on Banderas Bay on a beautiful peninsula about 10 miles north of Puerto Vallarta and less than an hour from Puerto Vallarta’s international airport.

The location is both accessible and private. The resort is situated on the loveliest stretch of coastline in Riviera Nayarit with two sprawling beaches (for guests only).

Although I normally write about more budget-friendly accommodations, once in a while I make exceptions for the truly exceptional. And the Four Seasons Punta Mita is just that.

It’s the kind of resort you should consider for a special getaway — a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday — an occasion that you’ll want to remember for years to come. 

If you need more convincing (or if you’re already convinced but want to get even more excited about your trip), read on to discover my 9 most compelling reasons why you should stay at the Four Seasons in Punta Mita.

Covid precautions note: Four Seasons Punta Mita has developed the “Lead with Care” program which is “focused on providing care, confidence, and comfort to Four Seasons guests.” The program’s app allows you to have a contactless experience. If you need something, start a chat in the app and you’ll be taken care of!

1. Nuna Infinity Edge Pool Overlooking the Pacific Ocean

One of the first things that caught my eye at the Four Seasons Punta Mita was Nuna Infinity Edge Pool. After checking in I usually make a beeline to check out my room, but I was immediately drawn to this sprawling infinity pool.

Maybe it was the sound of the water cascading over the edge. Maybe it was the way that edge blended with the view of the Pacific Ocean. Or maybe it was the fact that it was 85F, and after a particularly cold fall in Chicago, I was starting to feel the heat!

Nuna quickly became my go-to spot. I would start the day at the beach, and when the waves picked up, I would head to Nuna.

While you’re swimming and lounging, keep an eye out for the “amphibious pool waiter.” I don’t want to spoil all the fun, but this is exactly what it sounds like (part waiter, part mer-person swimming over to you with a tray of drinks!).

And don’t you dare leave this paradise without watching the sunset from the edge of the infinity pool!

Bonus: Tamai Pool Complex (pictured below) — If you want ultimate tranquility, head to the Four Season’s Tamai Pool Complex. This area offers two main pools, two plunge pools, a whirlpool and 10 private cabanas! While lounging you’ll be spoiled by treats like chilled fruit and popsicles that the kind staff bring around at regular intervals.

2. Gorgeous Lazy River Winding Through Jungle Landscaping

If you’re exhausted from all the relaxation at Four Season Punta Mita’s pools, check out the lazy river. A couple of loops around the river, and you won’t have a care in the world!

I upped my lazy river tubing game by grabbing an agua fresca (a refreshing watermelon and mint beverage) before hopping on a floatie. 10/10, would recommend you do the same.

The Four Seasons has complimentary inner tubes and noodles for you to use, but you can also BYOF (bring your own floatie). My man and I made friends with a group who brought some truly spectacular floaties, and they were kind enough to let us borrow them.

I know I was supposed to be relaxing, but I was having way too much fun floating on my trusty unicorn-steed!

3. Three Spa Whirlpools (So You Can Find Your Goldilocks Temperature)

You know that feeling when you dip your toe into a whirlpool and think “too hot” / “too cold”? And then you debate whether the initial discomfort is worth going in…

Well, no more! The geniuses at Four Seasons Punta Mita have solved your temperature troubles by creating a whirlpool room with three whirlpools set to three different temperatures.

I tried each one until I found “the one” — the center whirlpool which happened to have a lovely built-in seat for me to melt into.

There’s also a cold plunge pool, if you’re into that form of torture.

Bonus: Serenity courtyard with comfy loungers (pictured below) — After you’re done whirlpool-ing, head to the spa’s serenity courtyard. It’s the perfect area to meditate, read, or even take a cheeky nap. 

4. Not One, But Two Long Stretches of Beach

Deciding between the many pools and whirlpools at the Four Seasons Punta Mita is hard work, and now you have to choose between two idyllic private beaches?! Not really, since you can always do both!

I loved spending my mornings at the northernmost beach where the sand is as fine as powdered sugar and the loungers are plentiful. In fact, there are loungers to suit all sun-tastes.

Want shade? The resort has shaded loungers that’ll protect you from the sun while maximizing views of the Pacific.

Want sun? The resort has fully exposed loungers that’ll maximize your Vitamin-D.

Are you sensing a theme yet? At the Four Seasons Punta Mita, they have literally thought of everything to maximize your comfort and enjoyment.

In the evenings, I would head to the southern beach (to the left, if you’re facing the ocean) to walk at the water’s edge and watch the sun set.

The sand is more compact along the southern beach’s shoreline than its northern counterpart making it perfect for a walk or run. I saw several guests working up an appetite with a pre-dinner run. Smart. More workouts = more eating!

5. Birds-Eye-View Sunrises and Sunsets from “The Rock”

I can’t write a resort review without letting you in on the best spots to see sunrise and sunset. And the Four Seasons Punta Mita has an absolutely epic vantage point called “The Rock.”

The Rock is an elevated outcropping that juts out into the Pacific Ocean and separates the northern and southern beaches. 

There’s a handy set of stairs that’ll take you to the top for 360 degree views over the resort and ocean.

I suggest coming up here about 30 minutes before sunrise; the pre-dawn colors can be incredible from here (sometimes even more beautiful than the sunrise itself). Same goes for sunset — stick around for 30 minutes to an hour after sunset and you may catch a cascade of tropical hues!

There is something so serene and magical about being the first one up on The Rock, listening to the waves crashing and watching the resort slowly come to life as the sun creeps over the horizon. 

These are the memories I treasure from my time at the Four Seasons Punta Mita.

Bonus: The Shack (pictured below) — Near “The Rock,” The Shack is the resort’s laid back rum and hookah bar. It’s the perfect place to order a tropical drink to accompany the sunset view. There’s also a nightly bonfire here to keep you cozy while you wait for the stars to come out!

6. Freshest Seafood This Side of the Pacific

Chasing sunrises and sunsets is hard work so when you’re feeling famished, the Four Seasons Punta Mita is ready to refuel you with 10 restaurants specializing in everything from local, Mexican fare to SE Asian delicacies.

But the common thread is the incredible seafood dishes.

The resort has an amazing relationship with the local fishermen. They catch the fish each morning and the chef inspects and selects the best of the best.

While I was at the beach, I saw the fishermen unloading a giant cooler. The chef promptly came down and gave us a sneak peek of the haul while explaining how he chooses each fish and the dishes he’ll create that day with his selection. 

Does it get any more sea-to-table than that?!

Some of the local fish you’ll feast on during your stay include yellowfin tuna, snapper, dorado, amberjack, grouper, and pargo (aka red snapper). 

I lived for the seafood dishes, especially the fish tacos and tostones at Nuna Pool. Who knew that pools could have such delicious dining options??

And although I was loathe to leave the beach and pool areas (what with their steady supply of tacos…) the seafood dishes at Aramara and Bahía beckoned. These were my two favorite restaurants at the Four Seasons Punta Mita.

I am still dreaming about this grilled shrimp appetizer and the tuna risotto entree. The shrimp was garlicky, lime-y and grilled to perfection. The tuna was seared delicately and placed on a bed of hot, gooey risotto.

I used to think that risotto was boring. Now I’m a convert.

Bonus: If you’re vegan, not to worry, you’ll have tons of delicious options at the Four Seasons Punta Mita including plant-based vegan bowls at Tamai!

7. Best Brunch in Mexico, Possibly the World

Since we’re already on the topic of food, now is a good time to mention that you will have the best brunch of your life here at the Four Seasons Punta Mita.

On past trips to Mexico, I didn’t enjoy the brunch offerings very much. Many traditional Mexican brunch foods felt heavy and risked putting me back to sleep.

But when I saw the brunch spread at the Four Seasons Punta Mita I got excited, VERY EXCITED! 

It had everything I love for brunch like tropical fruits and juices, lox, waffles, and french toast. But it also had more imaginative offerings like build-your-own tostones.

I usually skip dairy when I’m at home, but on vacation, I tend to go cheese-wild. And the insane cheese spread at the Four Seasons Punta Mita didn’t help matters as it tempted me each morning.

Once I discovered the magic of pairing the cheeses with the guava jam squares, I was a goner!

And if you think my toast-creations above are indulgent, this is where things get really crazy… the resort also serves homemade hot chocolate!

You may think I’m crazy for getting hot chocolate in a hot climate like Mexico, but it was too good not to. Plus, it’s a bit cooler in the mornings so it makes sense, no??

8. Delectable, Piping-Hot Churros at the Churro Bike

The sweet indulgences don’t end at brunch. I must have a honing beacon for sugar inside my body because it did not take long for me to discover the Four Seasons Punta Mita churro bike.

I’ve had churros at a restaurant. I’ve had churros at a take-out window. I’ve had churros at a food truck. But never have I had piping-hot churros at a churro bike.

The bike has a built-in fryer and the churros are cooked to golden perfection. The second they’re out of the fryer, the churros are dusted with sugar and cinnamon and are served with chocolate and caramel dipping sauces.

I’m not ashamed to admit that after my first experience with the churro bike, I stalked it daily all over the resort!

9. Unique Activities to Enrich Your Experience in Punta Mita

For me, the thing that takes a resort from “very good” to “excellent” is the enrichment factor — whether the resort can make your trip meaningful and memorable.

The Four Seasons Punta Mita excels in food and facilities, but it does more than that. It offers interesting, enriching activities that create lasting memories.

If you’re into fitness, Four Seasons Punta Mita has yoga, kayaking, tennis, volleyball, basketball, and snorkeling.

It also has fitness trails throughout the resort with hydration stations offering cool towels and fruit. You can create your own route or you can take a guided hike (which I did).

The latter is a fantastic way to learn about local plants, flowers, and fruits.

During the hike, our guide pointed out the prickly ceiba tree and told us about the tree’s significance in Mesoamerican culture. The Mayans and Aztecs revered the ceiba as a tree of life upholding the world and believed that its roots grew down into the underworld!

If you want to take your explorations underwater and get to know the local sea-life, Four Seasons Punta Mita also offers a one-of-a-kind seafood foraging expedition. 

During the expedition, you’re guided by a spearfisherman and a chef as you snorkel and forage for sea urchins, snails, and seaweed while learning about “human-to-ocean ecology […].”

Afterwards, you have an opportunity to cook your bounty alongside the chef or just sit back and relax as the meal is prepared for you.

In addition to eating well, you’re doing good since the money from this experience lets you “passively give back to local non-profits […]” like the turtle release program Red Tortuguera de Sayulita, the Fundación Punta de Mita, and AyudarNOSmueve.

The seafood foraging expedition is a brand new activity at the Four Seasons Punta Mita so I didn’t have the chance to try it. But I’d love to come back one day and report back on the experience!

Bonus: If you want to try a fun, family-friendly activity, check out the arts and crafts sessions where you’ll learn about traditional Huichol and Mexican arts and crafts like clay sculpture and ceramic painting.

At the risk of writing a thesis, I limited myself to the top 9 reasons why you should stay at the Four Seasons Punta Mita. There is more I can say about this unique resort, but I’d rather let you discover some of the magic for yourself!

Have you stayed at a Four Seasons property before? Which of the 9 reasons has you most excited to plan a trip here?

---

If you want the latest travel news, travel hacks, and fun facts about all things travel, subscribe to the Course Charted newsletter!

The newsletter is emailed monthly and subscribers get previews of all newly-released articles.

And while we’re digitally-connecting, follow me on Instagram @AlanaInWanderland and Twitter @CourseCharted — there you’ll get loads of wanderlust-inducing photography and stories to help you plan future travels.

I save some of the juiciest travel hacks and tips for my social channels so come join the fun!

---

Thank you for supporting this site by sharing this article!