Honestly, if you've spent more than five minutes scrolling through luxury travel feeds, you've seen the pictures. The tiered infinity pools. That specific shade of Pacific blue. The white-gloved butler pouring a glass of Veuve Clicquot at sunset. But pictures are just marketing. After its massive $45 million renovation wrapped up recently, people are asking if The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort still holds the crown in a region that's becoming increasingly crowded with ultra-luxury heavy hitters like the Four Seasons next door or the new Susurros del Corazón down the road.
It’s a fair question.
Punta Mita isn’t just a destination; it’s a 1,500-acre gated peninsula that feels a world away from the chaotic energy of Puerto Vallarta. You pass through two different security gates just to get to the lobby. It’s exclusive. It's quiet. Some might even say it's a bit sleepy if you aren't careful. But for those of us who track the nuances of high-end hospitality, the St. Regis represents a very specific kind of old-world service blended with a modern Mexican aesthetic that is surprisingly hard to replicate.
The Reality of the $45 Million Face-Lift
Let's talk about the "new" look. Before the renovation, the property was starting to feel, well, a little tired. The Mediterranean-meets-Mexican vibe was great in 2008, but by 2022, the terracotta and heavy woods felt heavy.
The redesign, spearheaded by B Huber, flipped the script. They leaned into what they call "Mexican Mediterranean," but basically, it just means everything is brighter. Think travertine floors, raffia textures, and a lot of hand-crafted Mexican art. The rooms—all 120 of them—now feel like high-end coastal residences rather than hotel suites. If you're booking, the beachfront villas are the flex, but even the standard rooms have that outdoor shower feature that basically ruins regular bathrooms for you forever.
People often get confused about the layout here. The resort is spread across 22 acres. It’s big. You’ll be walking or hitching a ride on a golf cart. If you hate waiting for a shuttle, this might annoy you, but the trade-kind is privacy. You aren't stacked on top of other guests. You can go an entire morning without hearing a neighbor.
Why the Butler Service Isn't Just a Gimmick
You’ve probably heard about the St. Regis Butler Service. It sounds pretentious. You might think, "I don't need a man in a suit to unpack my bags."
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But here’s the thing: it’s not about the unpacking. It’s about the WhatsApp.
In Punta Mita, the butlers operate via a dedicated chat line. Need a coffee at 6:15 AM because the jet lag kicked in? Text them. Want a reservation at Mita Mary—the beachfront seafood shack—but it looks full? They make it happen. They are the friction-fighters of your vacation. They also handle the signature "Sabrage" ceremony every evening. If you haven't seen it, they basically whack the top off a champagne bottle with a sword. It’s a bit of a spectacle, a bit "extra," but it’s the kind of tradition that makes the St. Regis feel like the St. Regis.
Eating Your Way Across the Property
Food is where most luxury resorts fail by playing it too safe. They serve "global cuisine" that tastes like nothing. The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort actually tries to stay rooted in Nayarit flavors, though you’ll pay a premium for it.
- Carolina: This is the big one. It’s a AAA Five Diamond restaurant. It’s formal. Don't show up in flip-flops. They do things like beet carpaccio with charred habanero that will change your perspective on Mexican fine dining.
- Mita Mary Boat Bar: This is the polar opposite. It's a literal boat parked on the sand. You eat fish tacos with your toes in the water. Honestly? It's better than the fancy stuff. The catch of the day is usually pulled from the water just a few miles away.
- Las Marietas: This is where breakfast happens. The chilaquiles are the real deal. They don't "dumb down" the spice for tourists unless you ask.
One thing to watch out for: the "Punta Mita Tax." Everything within the gates of this peninsula is significantly more expensive than in nearby Sayulita or San Pancho. A margarita here might run you $25 USD once you factor in the service charge and tax. It's the price of the "bubble."
The Golf and Surf Situation
If you don't play golf, you're missing half the point of this location. The resort has access to two Jack Nicklaus Signature courses: Pacifico and Bahia.
Pacifico is home to "The Tale of the Whale," the world’s only natural island green. You literally hit your ball onto an island in the Pacific Ocean. At low tide, you can drive a special amphibious golf cart out to the hole. It's one of those "bucket list" things that actually lives up to the social media posts.
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For surfers, the break right in front of the hotel is okay, but not world-class. However, a quick boat panga ride will take you to "The Cove" or "El Anclote." The resort staff can arrange these trips, but savvy travelers usually walk down the beach to the El Anclote pier and negotiate directly with the local boat captains for a fraction of the "concierge price."
Is the Beach Actually Good?
This is a point of contention. The beaches in Punta Mita are beautiful but rocky. This isn't the soft, powdery sand of the Caribbean. The St. Regis has done a lot of work to clear the entry points into the water, but you’ll still want to keep an eye out for stones.
The water is clear, though. In the winter months (December to March), you can sit on your balcony with a coffee and literally watch humpback whales breaching in the Bay of Banderas. You don't even need a boat tour. That’s the real luxury of this specific spot on the map.
The Remède Spa: A Deep Dive
Most people skip the spa because they want to be at the pool. Mistake.
The Remède Spa at the St. Regis is 10,000 square feet of genuine tranquility. They do a "Flotation Therapy" treatment that is basically a sensory deprivation tank on steroids. But the real highlight is the outdoor relaxation area. It's surrounded by lush jungle foliage, and the steam rooms use local herbs. It’s one of the few places in the resort where you feel the "old Mexico" jungle vibe rather than the "manicured resort" vibe.
Comparing the Competition: St. Regis vs. Four Seasons
This is the Pepsi vs. Coke of Punta Mita.
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The Four Seasons is just down the beach. It’s slightly more family-oriented. It has a lazy river. If you have three kids under the age of 10, the Four Seasons is probably your move.
The St. Regis feels more sophisticated. It’s for the couple on an anniversary, the golfer who wants a quiet drink at the end of the day, or the traveler who appreciates a more "boutique" feel despite the large acreage. The St. Regis pools—specifically the Sea Breeze pool—have a much more "adults-only" energy, even if kids are technically allowed.
What Nobody Tells You
The humidity is no joke. If you go in August or September, you will melt. The "sweet spot" for visiting is November through May.
Also, the resort is isolated. If you want to go into Puerto Vallarta for a night out, it’s a 45-to-60-minute drive. Most people who stay at the St. Regis never leave the "Punta Mita gates." They eat at the resort, golf at the resort, and shop at the small boutiques in the nearby "Punta de Mita" village. It’s a gilded cage, but it’s a very, very nice cage.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
If you’re actually planning to book, don't just click "reserve" on the first site you see.
- Check for STARS and Virtuoso Amenities: Since this is a St. Regis (Marriott-owned), booking through a travel advisor with STARS or Virtuoso access usually gets you free breakfast, a $100 resort credit, and a potential room upgrade. These perks are worth hundreds of dollars over a week-long stay.
- The Airport Transfer: Don't take a random taxi from PVR airport. It’s a mess. Either book the hotel’s private suburban (expensive but seamless) or use a reputable pre-booked service like VIP Vallarta Transportation.
- Dining Reservations: Even if you’re a guest, Mita Mary and Carolina fill up, especially during festive seasons. Have your butler book these the week before you arrive.
- Tipping: While a service charge is often included, "extra" tipping is common for exceptional service. Carry some pesos or small USD bills for the pool attendants and housekeepers who do the heavy lifting.
- Explore the Village: Walk out the beach gate and head to the town of El Anclote. Eat at Tacos y Papas or Si Señor. It gives you a break from the "resort pricing" and lets you support the local community directly.
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort has managed to survive the "renovation curse" where hotels lose their soul in exchange for white marble. It’s still got that specific Nayarit warmth, just with better Wi-Fi and nicer showers now. If you want a place where the staff remembers your name and the Pacific Ocean is your soundtrack, it’s still one of the best addresses in North America.