W has opened its second property in Mexico W Punta de Mita, in Riviera Nayarit. The new hotel is part of the multi-use oceanfront development, Los Veneros, on Mexico’s magnificent Pacific Coast.
“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.”
The Design
The design of the hotel was inspired by the local bohemian surf culture found throughout the areas of Banderas Bay on Mexico’s Pacific Coast and Sayulita, a hidden fishing and surfing town near the hotel. 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; sensational 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 luxurious and stylish villas, public spaces, and buzzing bars and restaurants.
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 including the reuse of spring water in the reflection pools and within the spa.
The Rooms
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 sumptuous Bliss® bath amenities. Cleverly incorporated into the décor of each villa are repurposed vintage Mexican photographs of historical figures, such as Frida Kahlo, by Revolución Del Sueño. A cluster of casitas called Ocean Escape Villas resemble a pre-Hispanic fishing village of the past. Surrounding the property’s spring-fed lake, the villas are designed in a way to highlight the natural beauty – each has private terraces and an enclosed open-roofed patio for stargazing by night and natural light by day. The Jungle Escape Villas feature private balconies allowing for intimate views of the surrounding natural beauty, including the bright red trunks of the papelillo trees and hanging vines of the forest. The villas are offset to accommodate these ancient trees and to respect the topography of the area.
The 4,460 square foot, 2-bedroom Extreme WOW Suite is inspired by the Mexican Flag – the red is found in the tiles of the pool, the green in the surrounding vegetation and the white in the expansive views of the crashing waves on the beach seen from the suite’s private terrace. The center focal point of the room is the swimming pool that circles around the suite’s island-like living room and can only be accessed by a small wooden bridge above the water. A towering installation by artist Sofia Lunz represents the ascension of souls to the ether and a striking dining table doubles as a catwalk. Another mural by Nacho Bernal adorns the outside terrace depicting whales, which come into Puerto Vallarta to give birth to their young, with Huichol beading.
The Food & Drink
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 is privately situated on an island in the middle of a spring-fed lake and accommodates 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. Eatery by day and the hotel’s nightlife hub by night, the restaurant features warm shades of local spices such as Star Anise, which can be found in the silhouettes along the base of the bar. 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. Signature dishes include: Spiced Chicken Samosas, Ginger Fried Rice with Golden Fried Egg, Toasted Coconut Cake with Salted Caramel & Pandan Ice Cream.
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 for a refreshing break from the Mexican sun.
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 fosters a convivial, lively atmosphere with sweeping views of the ocean, evocative of a Mexican town during their weeklong fiesta.
The Special Perks
W Punta de Mita’s 4,000 square foot AWAY Spa is designed to feel like a forest cave. A trompe l’oeil effect in the windows allow for views of the treetops and Mexican blue skies. Centered in the room is a hanging chandelier of glass flowers in the colors of a Mexican sunset, alongside a beauty bar with stations for manicures, pedicures, waxing, blow outs and more. The journey into the spa follows a meandering path that brings you to the Relaxation Deck which features intricate cutouts in the wood to accommodate for the roots of surrounding guardian fig trees. Woven Huichol ‘Ojo de Dios’ (meaning God’s eye) are found on the trees that tower over the space. The Therapy Pools beside a natural spring offer different treatments such as hydrotherapy, cold mist, hydro jets, pressure showers, and waterfalls with varied temperatures. Each of the five treatment rooms incorporate water into the design with beds strategically placed over glass cutouts in the floor to overlook a fish pond.
Other offerings include W Punta de Mita’s Wave Surf Shop featuring endless options of non-motorized watersports such as surfing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, and kitesurfing. The brand’s signature FIT® state-of-the-art fitness facility and three unique meeting and event spaces boast nearly 2,600 square feet, perfect for cocktail receptions, board meetings, intimate celebrations and weddings. All of this is supported by the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever service philosophy, providing guests whatever they want, whenever they want it.
Coming Soon
In addition to W Punta de Mita, there are several other W hotels in the pipeline for Latin America, including W Panama, an urban hotel in the heart of the city set to open in 2017, and two additional W Escapes; W Kanai, Riviera Maya set against the sparkling blue waters of the Caribbean and scheduled to open in 2018, and W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal, a tropical oasis that will debut in 2019.
