W Punta de Mita Review: A Smart Pick for Clients Seeking Jungle Tranquility and Standout Dining
Advisors love W Punta de Mita for its brand-new beach front suites, its elevated new look and its Michelin-caliber dining—here’s how to book it best.
An aerial view of the pool deck at W Punta de Mita. Photos: Courtesy of Marriott International
Located about an hour from Puerto Vallarta, Punta de Mita remains a slice of paradise that still feels largely untouched. Over the past decade, it has seen a surge of luxury development, emerging as a fast-growing destination for travelers seeking tranquility, seclusion, and refinement.
W Punta de Mita, which recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary, was one of the first luxury properties to establish itself on this wild and unspoiled peninsula. Its bold design, I visited shortly after it opened, when there was little else on this remote stretch of coastline.
Returning on a recent trip, I found the landscape almost unrecognizable. New resorts have taken shape along the shore, and travelers now have a depth of choice that simply didn’t exist before. Which makes the central question all the more worth asking: in a destination that has grown up around it, what still makes the W the right choice?
W Punta de Mita stands out for its bold design and deep roots in local culture. The centerpiece is the Camino Huichol, a striking mosaic pathway that winds from the entrance through the resort and out over the beach—composed of more than 750,000 hand-placed tiles depicting eagles, serpents, and sacred Huichol symbols representing the journey of life. Guests who appreciate a property with genuine personality (not just polished aesthetics) will feel it immediately.
In recent years, W Punta de Mita has undergone a series of thoughtful investments and enhancements.
In 2024, the resort unveiled eight new beachfront suites. That same year, Daniela Soto-Innes, the youngest chef ever to receive the World’s Best Female Chef title from The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, opened Rubra on the property, her long-awaited return to Mexico and her first solo restaurant. Drawing on a two-acre on-site garden and a nearly all-female kitchen team, Rubra has quickly become one of the most talked-about restaurant openings on the Riviera Nayarit. The hotel now features four dining venues, a food truck, and two bars—and a full rooms-and-suites transformation is underway.
Here’s what else luxury travel advisors should know about booking W Punta de Mita:
Why Travel Advisors Book It
- Dining options are extensive, ranging from casual food truck bites to Michelin-recognized cuisine, making the resort especially appealing to food-focused travelers.
- The brand-new beachfront suites offer direct beach access and private plunge pools, with one standout option spanning two floors—ideal for guests who appreciate newer accommodations.
- The hotel is thoughtfully divided into two distinct areas—one adults-only and one family-friendly—catering to a wide range of guests.
- The resort also features a PAW (Pets Are Welcome) program, so dogs are a common sight throughout the property.
Rooms & Suites
W Punta de Mita has just revealed a refreshed design for its rooms and suites. Soon, all 146 accommodations will reflect the new aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the art and cultural heritage of the region’s native tribes.
For now, only the eight reimagined suites, including a new two-story penthouse, each featuring a private plunge pool, showcase the new design. The other rooms and suites were slowly being transformed during my visit.
While most accommodation options on the resort are suites with one king bed, they differ primarily by their views (beachfront, beach view, jungle view, or lake view) and location (on the beach, on the lake, in the jungle). W Punta de Mita also offers a two-bedroom villa and a penthouse with a private rooftop. All rooms feature private balconies or terraces, iHome technology, Nespresso coffee makers, walk-in closets, and local art pieces.
The redesign was conceived to reflect local traditions, blending neutral, earthy tones with raw materials such as wood and stone, complemented by Mexican spiritual touches like macramé. The new spaces are ultra-spacious, airy, and connected to the outdoors, featuring see-through bathrooms, outdoor showers and bathtubs, and floor-to-ceiling doors that fully open to create a true indoor-outdoor living experience, with the beach right in your backyard.
The highlight of the rooms is undoubtedly the bathroom. Flooded with natural light, it features mosaic floors made of smooth, round stones, warm wood cabinetry, and refined coastal finishes, along with see-through windows and large outdoor bathtubs. All outdoor spaces are completely private, enclosed by 15-foot walls.
Food & Drink
The food and beverage program has always been strong at W Punta de Mita, but since the opening of Rubra, it is now one of the most coveted addresses in the destination.
Rubra by Daniela Soto-Innes is striking, both for its bold architecture and its inventive take on Mexican cuisine. The restaurant was quickly featured by the Michelin Guide soon after opening, and anticipation had been building long before its debut.
Rubra marked Soto-Innes’s long-awaited return to the kitchen, and to her home country, following her time at Michelin-starred Cosme in Manhattan. More than two years in the making, Rubra delivers on the promise. The space is an impressive all-day, indoor-outdoor setting carved from soft pink stone, balancing elegance with a relaxed, coastal feel.
The menu highlights ingredients sourced across Mexico, resulting in dishes that are as visually striking as they are flavorful. While dining at Rubra is not included in the hotel’s brand-new all-inclusive package, it’s absolutely worth adding to your client’s plans.
Beyond Rubra, which has quickly risen to the top of the list, W Punta de Mita offers several other strong dining options.
Spice Market takes guests on a journey through the flavors of South Asia. The tasting menu is a standout, bringing together chef Manuel Medina’s signature dishes in a vibrant, spice-driven experience.
For something more relaxed, Venazú is the resort’s most casual venue. Open all day, it features an extensive breakfast buffet with an omelet station and fresh pastries, followed by pizzas and salads at lunch, and Mexican classics in the evening.
Then there’s La Chevychería—a playful nod to “Chevy”—a beachside food truck that serves up burgers, salads, and other easygoing bites. It’s a fun and convenient option for a laid-back lunch by the ocean.
Wellness & Fitness
Wellness is at the heart of the experience at W Punta de Mita.
The resort offers surf lessons, a range of water sports, and dedicated running paths through the property. Tucked within the jungle, a striking standalone building houses the 24/7 fitness center, equipped with Life Fitness machines, rowing equipment, and free weights designed with an indoor-outdoor layout to stay connected to the surrounding nature.
Weekly fitness classes, including yoga and Pilates, are offered complimentary on the spa terrace. Outdoor sessions like these elevate the entire experience in my opinion, there’s something far more enjoyable about working out in the open air, surrounded by nature.
The spa itself is expansive, offering a wide range of treatments. It features a beauty bar for nail services and dedicated treatment rooms for massages, including deep tissue, Swedish, hot stone, and aromatherapy. Guests can also choose from anti-aging and detoxifying facials, along with a variety of body wraps. Access to the spa facilities is complimentary for guests and includes a thermal circuit with hot and cold plunge pools.
Amenities & Features
W Punta de Mita is divided into two distinct areas. The family zone sits at the heart of the resort, centered around the main pool and an activity desk stocked with games, pool floats, books, and even a ping pong table. In contrast, the adults-only section, set just in front of the newer beach suites, offers a quieter atmosphere, featuring a transparent, see-through pool right on the beach, along with a bar and dedicated lounging areas.
The activity desk keeps guests informed about daily happenings, though much of the programming revolves around food and drinks. Each day brings something new, whether it’s a different specialty on the main grill by the pool or a rotating two-for-one cocktail offer.
Ultimately, the resort’s biggest feature remains its natural setting and core amenities: the beach, the pools, the surrounding landscape, and the well-appointed fitness and wellness facilities.
Location & Access
W Punta de Mita is located about 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport. The hotel can arrange private transportation, and guests can also rent a car or take a taxi.
With Sayulita, one of Mexico’s most sought-after pueblos mágicos, less than 30 minutes away, it’s especially convenient for guests to have their own transportation. The resort is set in a relatively remote area with limited options nearby, so having a car service on hand makes exploring the region much easier.
How to Book Smart
W Punta de Mita is part of the Marriott Bonvoy program and is available to book across all major GDS platforms.
The hotel has recently introduced a new all-inclusive offering, the W Unlocked package, which covers daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with all beverages throughout the stay (excluding Rubra).
The package is priced for up to two guests per room and starts at an additional $250 per person, per night, with extra charges for additional guests. For guests who appreciate knowing exactly how much they will pay before their trip, or those who don’t plan to leave the property, it is a good add-on to consider.
