Our Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is a luxury adults-only resort in the small town of La Barra, just outside of Puerto Vallarta. It’s one of the few hotels in Mexico that operates on an adults-only basis during peak season. The property is owned by Marriott International and marketed as a member of its luxury brand, but it’s not an Autograph Hotel like the other two Four Seasons properties we’ve previously reviewed — it has no hotel partners and no partnership with local communities. It’s simply a standalone luxury property, operated by the same company behind Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and its related brands. Despite differing from other Four Seasons properties, this adults-only resort offers an authentic Mexican experience while maintaining high standards of service and accommodation.
What to Expect
If you’re looking for a quiet getaway, you may want to look elsewhere. This hotel was designed as an adults-only resort for good reason. Punta Mita is one of the most popular spring break destinations in Mexico, and the hotel is right in the thick of it. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway, you may want to look elsewhere. That said, it’s also one of the best places in Mexico to observe spring break in action. If you’re looking for a more authentic Mexican experience, this is it. This is one of the least “Americanized” resorts in Mexico, and it shows in every aspect of the property. The staff is overwhelmingly Mexican, English is a second language, and the restaurants reflect local tastes and ingredients. This makes it one of the best places in the world to get an authentic taste of Mexican culture and cuisine.
Awards and Recognition
The resort has been recognized as one of the top hotels in Mexico by Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and several other publications. - Travel + Leisure: Top Hotels in Mexico - 2018 - Condé Nast Traveler: Readers’ Choice Awards - Top Hotels in Mexico - 2019 - Condé Nast Traveler: Readers’ Choice Awards - Top Hotels in Mexico - 2017 - Travel + Leisure: Top Hotels in Mexico - 2017 - TripAdvisor: Certificate of Excellence - Winner - 2019 - TripAdvisor: Certificate of Excellence - Winner - 2017- TripAdvisor: Top 25 Hotels in Mexico - 2018
Best season to visit
This resort is busy year-round, but it’s busiest during spring break. During this period, the hotel is almost entirely booked out by groups of very young people. If you want the quiet, relaxing vacation this resort is designed for, avoid spring break. Outside spring break, the weather is pleasant year-round. It gets a little chilly in November and December, though this is nothing a light sweater can’t handle. Visiting in summer is also a great idea, as it’s the driest and warmest time of year. During spring break, it’s important to note that the hotel has a strict 18-and-over policy. If you have any children visiting with you, they will be turned away at the front desk. This is a popular hotel for spring breakers, but it’s also a great place to get away from them, so if you want to enjoy a relaxing vacation without the noise and craziness of spring break, this is the place to do it. Just be sure to book way in advance.
Rooms & Services Available
Amenities
22,000 sq ft. Health Club with state-of-the-art gym equipment, indoor/outdoor heated pools, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi - 8 restaurants, including a Tex-Mex steakhouse, Asian, Italian and Mexican restaurants, and a 24-hour cafe with a broad menu - 10 bars, including a tequila tasting room and a wine bar - 2,000 sq ft. Spa with a wide range of treatments and a large indoor/outdoor facility - 20+ Meeting, seminar and event spaces, including a ballroom with stadium seating and beachside venues - 1,700 sq ft. Wedding and events pavilion, including a beachfront ceremony site - 5,856 sq ft. Tennis facility with 9 courts and an on-site tennis academy - 4,000 sq ft. Fitness center with Yoga, Pilates, and TRX equipment - 4,000 sq ft. Beach and waterfront activities, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, Hobie Cats, snorkeling, fishing, and sailing
Spa at the Four Seasons Punta Mita
The hotel’s spa is large and offers a wide range of treatments and aesthetic services, as well as a selection of high-quality beauty products. The spa also has a large group of registered massage therapists, so you can also book a massage or a couples’ massage in one of the resort’s many tranquil and private treatment rooms. The spa offers a variety of services, including facials, body treatments, massage, and mani/pedis. Spa PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Spa services start at $50 for a 30-minute massage and $150 for a 60-minute massage. The hotel’s spa is open daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. Guests can enter the spa from the beach or from inside the hotel. The spa offers a variety of services, including facials, body treatments, massage, and mani/pedis. The spa also has a large group of registered massage therapists, so you can also book a massage or a couples’ massage in one of the resort’s many tranquil and private treatment rooms.
Activities at the Resort
The resort offers a wide range of activities, including yoga and Pilates classes, tennis instruction, scuba diving, snorkeling, Hobie Cat sailing and kayaking on the nearby lagoon. Activities are priced separately from the room rate, and there are no standard packages or deals. You’ll have to pay for each activity individually, so keep that in mind before booking anything. Tennis: The resort has a variety of tennis courts with instructors available for private or group lessons. Rates for a 60-minute private lesson start at $60 with group classes running $35 per person. Spa: The spa at the Four Seasons Punta Mita offers a wide range of services, including facials, body treatments, massage, and mani/pedis. Spa PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Spa services start at $50 for a 30-minute massage and $150 for a 60-minute massage. Yoga and Pilates: The resort offers daily yoga and Pilates classes, and guests can join the classes for free.
Pros and Cond
- Authentic Mexican experience: This is one of the few resorts in Mexico where English is a second language and the staff is overwhelmingly Mexican. It’s a great place to get an authentic taste of Mexican culture and cuisine.
- Well-appointed rooms: These rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with large bathrooms, daily refreshed mini-bars, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Gorgeous beach: The beach is stunning, with fine, white sand and calm, clear waters. It’s an adults-only beach, so you don’t have to worry about loud, drunk spring breakers.
- Large meeting and event spaces: There are a wide range of meeting spaces and event facilities, including a ballroom with a stadium seating arrangement and a beachside event venue.
- Great for families: The resort is also great for families, with a wide range of kid-friendly activities and a separate kids’ club. There are 2 adults-only pools, but there are also many other pools and beaches families can enjoy.
Getting there
The hotel is l>ocated in La Barra, just outside of Puerto Vallarta. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. During spring break, it’s important to book your flight as early as possible. This is a popular destination for spring breakers, and flights are often completely booked. Check seat availability on different travel websites and compare prices.
Bottom line
This adults-only resort in Mexico is a great place to get an authentic taste of Mexican culture and cuisine. The resort is beautiful, and the rooms are well-appointed. It’s also great for families, with a wide range of activities and facilities.
