Wanderlust Travel has teamed up with Golf Resort Architecture Specialist, Agustín Pizá, to provide a guide of the best golf courses, luxury resorts and suggested activities in Punta Mita, Mexico.
To inspire travel for golfers and their companions, over four weeks we are highlighting captivating regions of Mexico: Baja California Sur, Punta Mita, Quintana Roo and Merida. Each area offers a range of luxury accommodations, unique cultural immersion experiences, and let’s not forget great golf. We also uncover opportunities for less experienced golfers or younger family members to take part in golf activities.
This week we are focusing on Punta Mita.
Vacation is a time when you want to relax and pursue your passions. But, when travelling with family and/or friends more often than not everyone has a different idea of what their ideal vacation looks like.
Avid golfers want to experience championship courses with beautiful views, a range of dining options and luxury accommodations. Those traveling with an avid golfer know that there will be a fair amount of time set aside for the links and they want to make sure the destination has activities to stay entertained.
Agustín Pizá, Golf Resort Architecture Specialist and owner of the award winning Pizá Golf, graciously provided his tips and local knowledge of this golf destination. For more than two decades Pizá has collaborated with legends of the game and world class golf developments. His designs are known for delivering quality, aesthetic and strategic golf courses. Involved in more than 60 projects in 3 continents, Agustín is a writer, tv commentator and director of The First Tee program in Mexico.
Agustín has been seeing a trend in golf courses that are providing amenities to include and attract family members to enjoy additional offerings at their courses. In our interview Agustín explained, “It took me 19 years to understand we should be designing for the non-golfer and create a more inclusive, family-oriented facility that welcomes and offers something for all. I hope you enjoy the list of golf courses I think offer a bit of change and originality and, hope you and your family will enjoy these facilities and fall in love with golf and the warm hospitality of Mexico.”
Wanderlust Travel Boutique has broken down our recommendations by region, course, hotel and local experiences. This guide provides a well-rounded luxury travel experience.
Punta Mita Region:
With 5-star resorts, million-dollar homes, private beach clubs and unbeatable views it’s no wonder Punta Mita is a destination for luxury travelers to get away and have the safety and privacy to enjoy a much-needed peaceful retreat just 28-miles from the Puerto Vallarta airport. Its seductive natural beauty, laid-back vibe and world-class amenities have converged to turn Punta Mita into Mexico’s most coveted hideaway. The ultra-luxurious,1,500-acre resort lies on a private spear-shaped peninsula surrounded on three sides by white sand beaches, Pacific Ocean waters and lush tropical flora.
Punta Mita Courses:
The Punta Mita Golf Club not only has the two Jack Nicklaus signature courses, Pacifico and Bahia, but also a brand-new Golf Academy that is the only complete game facility of this kind and caliber in Mexico. The Academy is a full-service instructional center with indoor/outdoor climate-controlled areas and features programs including weeklong and short game clinics, Golf 101,
junior camps, multi-day intensive instruction, and high-tech lessons for players of all experience levels. Whether you want to play multiple rounds, improve your game at the academy, or just enjoy casual play there is no better destination than Punta Mita for your next golf vacation. Both courses have tee times reserved exclusively for members, residents and guests of Punta Mita’s resorts.
“Enjoy one my favorite and best resorts in the world and, the only one with a St. Regis and Four Seasons on the same property,” said Augustín. “Punta Mita is a beautiful peninsula on the north part of one of the biggest bays in the world. 37 holes await with two distinct Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses: Bahia Course is a challenging track, whilst Pacifico course is a ‘feel good’ beautiful experience. Both have ocean holes on the Pacific and the bay.”
Pacifico Course
Dubbed the “Tail of the Whale”, Pacifico’s optional, par-three 19th hole measuring 194 yards, is the only natural island green in the world – an unforgettable hole to play! This all-level, course offers views across the Sierra Madre Mountains, Bahía de Banderas and the Pacific.
Hotel Matches: The St. Regis Punta Mita or Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Bahia Course
The newer of Punta Mita’s golf offerings, this course opened in late 2008 and is as stunning as it is challenging. Featuring six ocean holes, this championship course is set in more undulating terrain and will offer stark contrast and putting challenges for those wishing to play more than one round.
Hotel Matches: The St. Regis Punta Mita or Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Punta Mita Hotels/Villas:
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
The St. Regis promises an experience that transcends ordinary travel, immersing guests in unsurpassed luxury. The resort features discerning service, exquisite accommodations, thoughtful amenities, and spectacular grounds. It energizes, rejuvenates, and refreshes the mind, body and spirit with golf, tennis, three infinity
pools, a Remède Spa, and superior international cuisine among its seemingly endless offerings including the beloved Mita Mary Boat Bar & Bistro on the beach.
Exclusive Golf Access: Bahia & Pacifico Courses
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
With its modern amenities and chic design, the rooms and suites are located in Mexican style tile-roofed casitas, complete with beachfront or ocean views and furnished outdoor spaces. All suites have a private plunge pool. The hotel features a wide range of facilities including three swimming pools, fitness center and Apuane Spa.
Activities include tennis, volleyball, basketball, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand- up paddle. Children ages 5-12 can take part in the supervised Kids for All Seasons program, while teens age 13-18 can take part in the Teen program with activities such as kayaking, movie nights and beach volleyball.
Exclusive Golf Access: Bahia & Pacifico Courses
Private Villas
There is a range of private villas available to rent in the Punta Mita community. Villas allow guests the best of both worlds with the ultimate privacy as well as services such as on-site spa treatments, personal trainers and round-the-clock chef’s, while allowing guests access to resort beach clubs, golf and tennis.
Casa Koko is a 9-bedroom villa that can accommodate up to 18 adults and 4 children. You can reserve anywhere from 3 to 9 of the rooms exclusively for your stay. All from the comfort of your private infinity pool you can look out to the Pacific and see the humpback whales, watch surfers, check in on golfers playing one of the ocean holes and enjoy a cocktail while celebrating the sunset each evening.
Exclusive Golf Access: Bahia & Pacifico Courses
One&Only Mandarina
In case you want to extend your stay in Mexico, we recommend venturing 45 minutes north of Punta Mita to finish off your vacation with a stay at One&Only Mandarina. Opening November 1, 2020 and nestled within an intimate new community set upon a rare undeveloped coastline along the Riviera Nayarit, One&Only Mandarina will blend chic resort living, tropical relaxation and
authentic outdoor adventure. Its striking stand-alone villas, each with a private pool, are designed to frame incredible views over the ocean and mountains. The celebrity chef restaurant, Carau, offers creative cuisine with panoramic views and unforgettable sunsets. A polo club, beach club, spa and dining options all offer unique experiences for discerning travelers.
No golf, but guests have access to The Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club
Punta Mita Local Experiences:
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a friendly city rich in history and culture. Here art is not a luxury, it’s a necessity that comes in all different styles and forms. Guests staying in Punta Mita can either arrange a private boat ride or car service to visit Puerto Vallarta (about 30 minutes away). If you would like to golf in Puerto Vallarta a few courses to highlight include El Tigre Golf & Country Club, Vista Vallarta Club de Golf and The Nicklaus Design Course at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta. In town, stroll the Malecon, stop in shops and galleries and make reservations at one of the top restaurants in
this foodie city.
As a local, Augustín has great insight to this city he calls home. “You cannot visit Punta Mita without a day in Puerto Vallarta which is known to be the friendliest city in Mexico. I like to describe it as a San Miguel de Allende with an ocean. El Tigre is my home course and probably the best test of golf south of the border. Vallarta is also known for its art streets and culinary experiences. Please give yourself time to experience “La Leche”, “El Trio” and “Café de Artists” for a dress up night. Enjoy “8 Tostadas”, “Barracuda”, “La Tia” for a pueblo and street food experience.”
Sayulita
20 minutes from Punta Mita you will find a completely different vibe in the boho/surfer chic village of Sayulita. Visitors can enjoy affordable and delicious local bites, art galleries and stylish boutiques. We can even arrange a private shopping experience where you are sure to bring home unique finds.
Land Adventures
Ride horseback or ATV’s through the lush, unspoiled Sierra Madre forest, or explore Punta Mita’s diverse landscape along one of the community’s recreational trails.
Aquatic Adventures
Bandaras Bay is a water lover’s dream. The variety of activities available throughout the year includes sport fishing, sea kayaking, whale watching, surfing, paddle boarding, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins and more.
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Golf was invented in Scotland and perfected in North America. Punta Mita, Mexico is flourishing with courses for travelers to enjoy the game. With luxury accommodations and unique local experiences Wanderlust Travel can arrange a memorable vacation for golfers and their fellow travelers.
Stay tuned next week for our post highlighting the Quintana Roo region of Mexico…
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Contact Us:
Jamie Jackson: (336) 263-1977 or [email protected]
Luxury Travel Advisor and Virtuoso Wellness Travel community member at Wanderlust Travel Boutique
At Wanderlust Travel Boutique, we will create a truly personalized, hassle-free vacation with a comprehensive itinerary, so you can enjoy an unforgettable experience.
If not now, when?
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/jamiejackson
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