Indrani Batabyal
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Punta Mita, the renowned 1,500-acre private residential and resort community in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, proudly marks its monumental 25th anniversary in 2024. This iconic destination has played a pivotal role in establishing Nayarit as a premier global location, celebrated for its excellence. To commemorate this milestone, Punta Mita invites homeowners and guests to immerse themselves in its laid-back lifestyle, bespoke hospitality, enhanced amenities, fresh culinary experiences, and bucket-list adventures that have become its hallmark.
“As we celebrate 25 years of this beloved destination, we are in an exciting season of growth,” said Carl Emberson, Director of Operations at Punta Mita. “With new homes being built, two new resorts coming with the announcement of Montage and Pendry Punta Mita, and the introduction of new events, like the WCM Mexico Senior Open, we further solidify Punta Mita as one of the premier residential and hospitality experiences in Mexico.”
Originally an under-the-radar spot for local surfers and fishermen, DINE, the developer of Punta Mita, recognized the opportunity to transform the private peninsula into a luxury destination. Today, Punta Mita offers a variety of residential options, top-tier hotels, and world-class golf courses, complemented by curated recreational amenities. The community ignited interest in Mexico’s Pacific Coast with the opening of Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita in 1999. Now, 25 years later, Punta Mita has evolved into a sought-after destination for global travelers, golf enthusiasts, second homeowners, and epicureans alike.
A HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Punta Mita boasts 25 unique Real Estate communities, each offering distinct design and vantage points. The destination continues to evolve with new residential opportunities, including the Bellavista Residences, a collection of 11 four-bedroom homes perched on a secluded hillside, and the 7Eight Bahia Golf Residences, lifestyle condos situated on the 7th and 8th fairways of Jack Nicklaus’s signature Bahia Golf Course.
Homes in Punta Mita vary in size and style, featuring designs by renowned architects and designers such as Juan & Karen Collignon, Manolo Mestre, Sordo Madaleno, and Alejandro Bernardi. Membership includes exclusive benefits such as access to Punta Mita’s five beach clubs, curated water experiences like deep-sea fishing, surfing, and whale watching with the Punta Mita Ocean Sports Team, special community events, charity initiatives, and priority at Punta Mita’s two award-winning golf courses.
Punta Mita also offers a collection of luxurious home rentals, ranging from two- to three-bedroom condos to eight-bedroom beachfront villas. Each rental includes owner perks and is enhanced by new property management services from Brickon, offering a 360-degree rental management program.
UNMATCHED HOSPITALITY
Since the Four Seasons Resort’s opening, Punta Mita has blossomed with offerings for new and returning travelers. The Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, the first hotel within the gates, celebrates its 25th anniversary alongside the community and continues to deliver unparalleled guest experiences at both the main property and the neighboring Naviva, an adults-only, all-inclusive experience that opened in 2022.
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, a staple of luxury at the southernmost point of the peninsula, celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2024 with a $45 million property-wide transformation. The renovation includes updates to all common areas and public spaces, the introduction of five beachfront villas, redesigned suites and guest rooms, enhancements to The St. Regis Spa, new restaurants, wedding venue updates, and the debut of the Marietas Pool.
Punta Mita continues to build its legacy, partnering with Montage International to bring Montage Punta Mita and Pendry Punta Mita to the community in 2026. These will be the first Pendry in Mexico and the second Montage for the country. Their arrival will bring expertly designed accommodations, a full suite of amenities, and a collection of branded residences.
DESTINATION GOLF
Punta Mita Golf Club is home to two world-class courses designed by Jack Nicklaus. The Pacifico Course is renowned for its famous “Tail of the Whale” hole, the world’s only natural island ocean green. The Bahia Course offers stunning ocean views and strategically placed bunkers, providing an exciting and tactical game. Both courses are meticulously crafted to cater to golfers of all skill levels, ensuring an unforgettable round. They annually receive top accolades from golf industry publications such as GOLF Magazine, Golf Digest, and Golfweek.
Timed with its 25th anniversary, Punta Mita has joined forces with VDV Internacional Golf Manejo to host the inaugural WCM Mexico Senior Open from November 14-17, 2024. This prestigious event will be a landmark addition to the Legends Tour and marks a significant milestone in Mexican golf history, promising a vibrant showcase of skill against the backdrop of Punta Mita’s world-class facilities.
Punta Mita Golf Club is currently undergoing a strategic 5-phase renovation plan. The club completed a restoration of Pacifico in 2021 and recently unveiled a state-of-the-art Clubhouse overlooking the destination’s driving range. Additionally, former European Tour star Jean van de Velde serves as Punta Mita Golf Academy’s Director of Instruction. Punta Mita’s ambassadors include Abraham Ancer, Mexico’s No. 1 golfer, Gaby Lopez, Mexico’s No. 1 female golfer, and Isabella Fierro, further amplifying the community’s dedication to professional golf. Punta Mita also maintains close relations with golf legends like Craig Stadler, Corey Pavin, Johnny Miller, and Dave Stockton.
A CULINARY HAVEN
Surrounded by 9.5 miles of beachfront, Punta Mita is home to five distinguished beach clubs—Kupuri, Pacifico, Sufi, El Surf Club, and Sea Breeze—each offering unique pools, restaurants, and activities. In line with the anniversary, Punta Mita has unveiled two new culinary offerings: Hector’s Kitchen, a beloved local favorite from chef Hector Leyva, now at Kupuri Beach Club, offering an inventive menu of fresh, local seafood infused with Mexican techniques, and The Deck, a new bar and grill from chef Bertha Barajas with light fare and a sprawling beverage list, overlooking the 16th and 17th greens of Punta Mita’s Pacifico Course. Owners and guests also have access to exceptional culinary offerings at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, including Bahia and Mez, and the five distinct culinary experiences of The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, which includes the iconic fine dining restaurant Carolina and the newly reimagined beachside Mita Mary.
Further elevating the culinary experience, Punta Mita will once again welcome celebrated chefs from around the world to take over El Surf Club for month-long periods. Upcoming pop-ups include leading Peruvian chef Coque Ossio and returning chef Maycoll Calderon of Cuna in April 2025.
Beyond the gates, Punta de Mita offers a diverse array of dining options, from traditional street vendors to high-end beachfront locales showcasing the vibrant and flavorful ingredients of Mexican cuisine. Notable local restaurants include Mina, known for its authentic zarandeado-style catch of the day, La Rustica, a beach club with a wood-fired kitchen, and Zicatela, inspired by Chef Hector Leyva’s love for Mexican gastronomy.
A HOME WITH HEART
DINE, through Fundación DINE Punta Mita, collaborates with PEACE Punta de Mita, a local non-profit organization, to improve the surrounding community through education, pride, health, and lifestyle initiatives. The opening of Punta Mita Hospital in 2017 marked the first hospital in the area with a fully equipped medical team and state-of-the-art technology, offering affordable healthcare to everyone in the region. Additionally, construction is underway for PEACE’s Campus de Mita, a partnership between Fundación DINE Punta Mita and PEACE Punta de Mita to create a learning center with a new high school, staff housing, student sports center, and more for the local Punta de Mita community.
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE
To commemorate the milestone anniversary, Punta Mita will host a weekend full of events and entertainment featuring live music, culinary delights, the anniversary Golf Cup, and more. The celebration, taking place November 1-3, 2024, will kick off with the 25th Anniversary Celebration Gala Dinner, featuring celebrated dishes from Punta Mita’s top chefs. The weekend will continue with the 25th Anniversary Cup, a residential golf tournament, and the “Flavors of Punta Mita,” celebrating Dia de los Muertos with culinary talents from Punta Mita and Punta de Mita’s finest restaurants. The weekend will highlight the best of Punta Mita and look ahead to all that is to come for the destination.
A new coffee table book, “Viva Punta Mita,” will debut, featuring breathtaking imagery of the destination and 25 years of stories that pay homage to the rich history and unique charm of the community.
In addition to its exclusive anniversary events, Punta Mita celebrates the return of its annual Gourmet & Golf festival from December 5-8, 2024. The weekend welcomes professionals like Jean van de Velde and Lorena Ochoa, homeowners, and guests for a lively weekend of golf tournaments, excellent cuisine, bespoke spirits, entertainment, and more—all within the pristine Punta Mita setting.
