Tropical paradises, complete with shimmering blue waters, spectacular signature Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman golf courses and sumptuous suites, await at two luxurious communities easily reached from San Francisco International Airport: Punta Mita, an oasis in the Riviera Nayarit, and Mayakoba, a lush enclave in the Riviera Maya close to Cancun. Both provide the perfect winter respite, whether for a few days or a couple of weeks. What are you waiting for? Head to Mexican cities Punta Mita and Riviera Nayarit now! Vamonos!
THE ST. REGIS PUNTA MITA RESORT
CARRETERA FEDERAL 200 KM 19.5 LOTE H-4
PUNTA MITA, NAYARIT
+52 329 291 5800
With a butler to unpack and pack your clothes and to take care of your every need in between the time you arrive and depart, you can concentrate on enjoying the amenities at this luxurious resort. You’ll marvel at the champagne ritual that takes place weekly in the Altamira Lobby overlooking the ocean. Book a pampering session at the 10,000-square-foot Remède Spa, play on either of the two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses or at the tennis center nestled in a palm grove, enjoy a private outing on the St. Regis yacht or simply relax in your luxe accommodations. The three-bedroom Suite Amanceer boasts 3,100 square feet of fabulous with a private terrace complete with pool, Jacuzzi and outdoor shower.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT PUNTA MITA
Punta Mita, Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit
+52 329 291 6000
Amphibious waiters deliver cocktails and Evian spritzers when you’re in the water at the main infinity pool, the $20,000 Ultimate Tequila Tour and new beach clubs featuring plush swinging day beds, floating lounge pods and secret grottos tucked into the natural cliff side of the beaches are the latest enhancements and offerings at the magnificent Four Seasons Punta Mita resort. During high tide, there is even an amphibious golf cart for golfers to use when playing the “Tail of the Whale” hole— the world’s only natural island green—on the Jack Nicklaus-designed Pacifico golf course. Splurge on the Coral Suite, a five-bedroom haven with a private drive, poolside cabana and spa. Don’t stop there—a private yacht that is available for day excursions awaits you and your crew.
CASA ARAMARA
Punta Mita, Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit
(310) 622-4960
An “anything” button on the telephones throughout this spectacular 12-bedroom villa allows guests to request anything they can think of while staying at this private beachfront residence built by media entrepreneur Joe Francis. A bevy of water activities, round-the-clock security, a state-of-the-art gym, screening room, professional yogurt maker, outdoor pizza oven and Mercedes-Benz S550 with a driver at your disposal are just a smidgen of the features and amenities available at this estate that recently became available for vacation rentals.
FAIRMONT MAYAKOBA
Carretera Federal Cancun, Playa del Carmen Km. 298
Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo
+52 984 206-3000
Get your cocktail groove on at Aqua Pool Bar, an adult’s only water lounge with live music at this posh property, which is designed around a network of crystal clear waterways known as the Venice of the Caribbean. This lush setting sets the stage for a memorable time. Lovebirds will especially appreciate the unique couple’s suite in the treetops of the 37,000 square foot Willow Stream spa. Most of the 401 rooms and suites feature private entrances and spa-style bathrooms. High rollers should book “La Tortuga,” the over-the-top presidential suite perched on its own separate island which features a private infinity pool overlooking the lagoon and canals. Golfing is available at El Camaleón, a signature Greg Norman course that is the centerpiece of the verdant Mayakoba community.
BANYAN TREE MAYAKOBA
Carretera Federal Chetumal-Puerto Juárez Km. 298
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
+52 984 877 3688
Mexican culture meets Asian hospitality at the breathtaking sanctuary that is the Banyan Tree Mayakoba. Each of the 118 elegantly designed villas are immersed in nature and feature expansive living areas, plush furnishings and their own private pools. For the ultimate relaxation, ensconce yourself in one of the three-bedroom ocean pool villas, each which boasts a heated pool, outdoor sunken tub and beautiful garden. It’s worth coming out of your well-appointed den for the romantic Ixchel experience, where chefs prepare a cooked-to-order menu as you sail through canals and mangroves on a personal dining boat, and to visit the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, which features soothing hydrothermal therapy experiences.
ROSEWOOD MAKAKOBA
Carretera Federal Cancún-Playa del Carmen KM 298
Solidaridad, Quintana Roo
+52 984 875 8000
How wonderful is it that the 130 ultra-luxury standalone suites at the Rosewood Mayakoba feature private plunge pools, rooftop sundecks and garden showers? We’ll tell you: pretty darn wonderful! Though all suites are fabulous, privacy seekers will still want to reserve the 9,400-square-foot Casa Laguna, which is situated on its own private lagoon and has a dedicated staff including a culinary team. The hotel, which sits along a mile-long arc of white Caribbean sand, recently unveiled La Ceiba Garden & Kitchen, a 20,000-square-foot outdoor dining concept designed as an interactive environment where guests can partake in cooking demonstrations, tastings and even foraging for your own produce to create exquisite delicacies. When it’s time to unwind, retreat to Sense, a Rosewood spa located on its own private isle.
News
January 26, 2015Q and A with Hair Legend Frederic Fekkai
