PUNTA MITA, Nayarit, Mexico
W Hotels Worldwide opened the W Punta de Mita in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit. Owned by Fideicomiso Los Veneros, the hotel is part of the Los Veneros oceanfront development, set along the Pacific Coast.
W Punta de Mita is the 48th W Hotel worldwide and fifth W Hotel in Latin America following W Santiago, W Mexico City, W Vieques Island and W Bogota. W Punta de Mita joins W Mexico City as the brand’s second hotel in the country, as well as the second Latin American W Escape property.
“We are delighted to introduce our new W Escape to Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, a world-class destination for surf and sun, as we continue to grow the brand’s presence in this region,” said Anthony Ingham, global brand leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “W Punta de Mita brings a playfully stylish addition to this Mexican hot spot, and we are confident that with the brand’s unique lifestyle programming and cutting-edge design it will become a must-visit destination to the new generation of jetsetters.”
Designed by ASET/AOMA in collaboration with Oakland-based design firm Mister Important Design, and Starwood’s design team, W Punta de Mita is inspired by the local bohemian surf culture found throughout Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Steeped in historical, social and spiritual context, the design of the hotel conveys: colorful Mexico; the blues of the bay and the coast surrounding Puerto Vallarta; traditional patterns of the Huichol people (indigenous people of Nayarit); images of traditional Mexican celebration; sunsets over the beach; vivid handcrafts with ancient roots and the amalgamation of Spanish and indigenous cultures all of which are brought to life throughout the hotel’s space.
When designing the property, careful measures were put in place to ensure that the natural surroundings—the ancient fig trees and natural springs—were not disturbed during construction. Many of these natural features are showcased throughout the hotel’s design.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an oversized nine-foot Huichol statue standing in a reflection pool, along with a fleet of colorful Tuk Tuks with artwork customized by Revolución Del Sueño, a Sayulita based design studio, that whisk travelers from the main entrance to the Welcome area and Living Room (the brand’s take on the hotel lobby), as well as around the grounds. Backdrops behind the Welcome Desks, are reimagined versions of Papel Picado, a traditional Mexican folk art that hangs in villages during community events and celebrations and evocative of being welcomed into a Mexican fiesta.
The hotel offers a selection of 119 stylishly designed guest villas, including one Extreme WOW Suite (the W brand’s take on the traditional Presidential Suite). All villas and suites feature private balconies or patios, artisanal Mexican tiled floors and headboards fashioned from either surfboards or punctured tin replicating the design found in local churches, as well as the signature W Bed and Bliss bath amenities.
W Punta de Mita offers five distinct dining spaces where guests can mix and mingle including one of the most exclusive restaurants in the world, Mesa1. Privately situated on an island in the middle of a spring-fed lake, this “restaurant” can accommodate only one seating daily.
A gastronomic experience unlike any other, guests arrive on stepping stones that emerge from the water and disappear once everyone has been seated. A massive Parota tree trunk from the local forest was repurposed to create the spectacular dining surface. The evening is then topped off with a seven-course customizable tasting menu prepared by one of W Punta de Mita’s private chefs.
Influenced by the cuisine that Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten enjoyed while traveling throughout Southeast Asia, Spice Market evokes a Pan-Asian oasis with a tropical twist for guests looking to enjoy shareable lite bites and handcrafted cocktails. A large mirror on the ceiling features hand cut images representing foliage while the VIP section is home to Spice Market’s signature glass dome.
Perfect for afternoon or happy hour snacks, W Punta de Mita’s Chevicheria is located on the beach near the WET Deck. Serving signature ceviche and craft beers from a converted 1950s Chevrolet 3800 truck, the vibrant Latin American recipes blend citrus and raw fish or seafood seasoned together.
Venazu, open all day, is the hotel’s casual dining restaurant offering guests authentic Mexican cuisine with must-try dishes like Taco de Langosta al Pastor, Risotto de Huitlacoche, and Venado Cocida en Hoyas de Aguacate. With locally sourced materials—from the colorful upholstery to the brightly painted, refurbished Mexican baking shelves reused as partitions—the space aims to fosters lively atmosphere with sweeping views of the ocean, evocative of a Mexican town during its weeklong fiesta.
W Punta de Mita also offers three unique meeting and event spaces with nearly 2,600 square feet of space, an ideal fit for cocktail receptions, board meetings, intimate celebrations and weddings.
