When deciding on what to do for my birthday trip to Mexico, the one thing for certain is that I knew that I wanted to spend time in Mexico City. However, how would I incorporate the all important beach and relaxation aspect? I looked at options. Cabo? Done it. Cancun and Tulum? Been there. Back to Costa Rica? Not enough time. Plus – done it.
But, what about Puerto Vallarta? Yes, I’d done it before during Joe Kara’s Sayulita Yoga Retreat. But, it was also less than two hours away from Mexico City and could offer the most important aspect: utter mindless relaxation and peace.
The Conrad Punta de Mita offered the right price – with the right amenities and – most importantly – the right view. Plus, my friend Ted said that he’d been there with his wife for two New Years trips, and had an outstanding time.
So, within a few clicks, the stage was set for a beautiful visit to the coast of Nayarit.
From the Airport
Now, moving through the Puerto Vallarta International Airport is a skill of focused determination. First, the key is to not make eye contact with any of the people shouting “Taxi” or “Come here! Driver!” at you. Even if someone asks “Uber?” in the terminal, they’re lying. Uber drivers aren’t allowed to pick up drivers within the Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport.
I guided us outside and away from the crowded mess of people. I knew from previous research that the official Uber pick up area was across from the airport’s pedestrian bridge. So, once I requested our Uber driver and he sent instructions on where to meet, I followed his guidance to walk around the left side of the airport. There, the pedestrian bridge was clear as day.
Once we crossed over and were officially on the other side of the street, our Uber driver met us with ease. In a short time, we were on our way out of Jalisco and traveling toward Conrad Punta de Mita in Nayarit.
Check In
The hour long drive from Puerto Vallarta to Punta de Mita was pretty straightforward. I greatly enjoyed the ease of the drive along the Rivera. Noticing the rocky nature of the roads and lack of regular street maintenance, I sure as hell could not imagine being bothered with renting a car and driving. That would have been dumb as hell – especially with the sudden stops and maneuvering that our driver did to avoid pot holes.
Arriving, we drove through the Fonatur – Litibu security gate – and then the Conrad security gate before dropped off at the front entry way of the Conrad Punta de Mita.
I will say – that similar to the Conrad Tulum Maya Rivera, my first impression was “wow”. If there’s one thing Conrad branded properties know how to do well, it’s having a beautiful entrance to visually set the stage for your time on property.
However, unlike the Conrad Tulum Maya Rivera, check in was done at a desk rather than relaxed with a welcome drink while sitting down on the couch. But, in relatively short order, we were checked in and made our way to our room in the main tower.
Room + Stay
The right room can elevate a quick two night stay into a luxurious retreat. Our previous stay along the Pacific Ocean at the JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa was beautiful. But, at the Conrad Punta de Mita? All I could say when I opened the door was “Oh yessss – this is exactly what I wanted.”
The room was gorgeous.
But the view? The view was everything.
This – being as center in the tower as possible while overlooking the horizon of the Pacific Ocean – was everything I could have wished for.
Dining
During two nights at Conrad Punta de Mita, we had cocktails at Tuki, dinner at Codex and breakfast at Arbol. Each dining option was unique and on brand. We both especially enjoyed eating breakfast at Arbol.
The Grounds
Spread across 22 serenely sculpted acres, the Conrad Punta de Mita feels less like a resort and more like a living botanical canvas. It was beautiful. The groomed tropical gardens were an absolute delight to walk through.
Winding paths walked me past palms and bloom laden courtyards, opening into the beach.
It felt like a walking meditation in joy. The salt kissed beauty of the Pacific coastline was visually stunning.
Overall
In the end, my birthday trip delivered exactly what I was craving: a seamless blend of city energy and serene coastal luxury, all wrapped in the breathtaking beauty of Punta de Mita.
Conrad Punta de Mita
Carr. Punta de Mita Manzana Sayulita Km 2Litibu, 63734 Punta Mita Rivera Nayarit, Mexico
