The St. Regis Punta Mita: Where Mexican Warmth Meets True Luxury

Getting here is half the appeal: The St. Regis Punta Mita is about an hour's drive from Puerto Vallarta airport, which offers direct flights from NYC, wonderfully convenient for an escape that feels a world away. The moment you pass through the gates, you know you've arrived somewhere extraordinary. The lobby opens onto a sweeping view of the entire property, and I was immediately itching to explore the grounds, lush greenery everywhere, and don't be surprised when an iguana ambles across your path to say hello.

At check-in we were introduced to our butler, who looked after us for the entire stay, this is where the St. Regis service truly shines. He whisked us around the property by golf cart, showing off the pools, restaurants, spa, and of course the beach, before delivering us to our room.

We stayed in a Casita, King, Ocean View, and it was perfection: spacious, serene, with a terrace framing the most delicious ocean view. The outdoor shower became a nightly ritual, showering under the stars is nothing short of magical. But it was the small touches that defined the experience: freshly brewed coffee delivered to the room each morning, and our butler arriving to press our clothes before dinner. That's true luxury.

The days unfolded exactly as a getaway should. We made a beeline for the adults-only pool area, actually two pools, both with stunning ocean views, and started as we meant to go on, with two spicy margaritas. Throughout the day, staff circulate with surprises: tequila shots, ice cream, whatever you didn't know you needed. Each evening at six, there's a champagne sabering ceremony where a bottle is dramatically cracked open and everyone toasts together, a genuinely lovely daily ritual.

We split our time between the beach and our favorite pool, piña coladas and margaritas in hand, sinking into exactly the kind of relaxation we'd come for. One morning we balanced it out with a beach walk, a session in the excellent gym, and a massage at the spa that lived up to every expectation.

The dining more than held its own. Our first night, our butler arranged a reservation (and a taxi both ways) at Mina in downtown Punta Mita, just a five-minute drive away, a fun, colorful, beachfront Mexican spot where we shared a pitcher of spicy margaritas and worked our way through every taco on the menu. For our final night, we stayed on property at Mita Mary, the beachfront restaurant, timed for sunset. It was magical: the sashimi platter was a standout, and the food, service, and vibe made for the perfect end to our Mexican dream. This resort feels exclusive and luxurious, yet stays warm and fun throughout—and I already can't wait to go back.

• Getting there: Fly into Puerto Vallarta (PVR), which has direct flights from NYC, then it's about an hour's drive to the resort. Arrange your transfer directly through the hotel—it makes arrival seamless.

• When to go: The best windows are March through May and November through January, when the weather is at its finest.

• Who it's for: This is an ideal escape for couples or a group of friends looking for barefoot luxury with impeccable service. The adults-only pools and romantic beachfront dinners lean into that grown-up, unwind-completely energy.

• Where to stay: Request the Casita, King, Ocean View. The terrace, the ocean view, and that starlit outdoor shower make it more than worth it.

• Don't miss: The daily 6pm champagne sabering by the pool, sunset dinner at Mita Mary (order the sashimi platter), and a trip into the village for tacos and margaritas at Mina—your butler can handle the reservation and transport.

• Lean on your butler: From dinner reservations to taxis to morning coffee, the butler service is the heart of the St. Regis experience. Don't be shy about using it.

For more travel inspiration and insider recommendations, check out our Punta Mita page.