Punta Mita

Punta Mita is one of the hidden gems of Mexico. Sat nestled along the shimmering coast of the Riviera Nayarit just north of Puerto Vallarta, it's exclusive from tip to toe; a place where deluxe resorts and luxury villas spill off the rocks into the sloshing Pacific Ocean.

To the north are the glittering beaches of San Pancho and Sayulita. To the south are the whale-filled waters of the Bahia de Banderas. The former is perfect for those looking to test their surfing skills on some of Mexico's more beginner-friendly waves. Or you could simply sip a salt-rimmed margarita while watching the wave riders do their thing...

The latter, meanwhile, offers all sorts of marine outings, from dolphin cruises to sunset SUP excursions. The Bahia de Banderas is also for trips to the incredible Islas Marietas National Park, where you can find beaches hidden in collapsed caves and pods of colossal humpbacks between December and March.

Back on dry land, there's the option to make trips down to the buzzy strips of Puerto Vallarta. Elegant Mexicana kitchens serve up spicy dishes by the Malecon there, while lively pubs cater to the hedonists. Explorers might prefer to swap that for hikes in the Sierra Madre, a world of bird-filled forests woven with liana vines and orchids.

In essence, however, a stay at a luxury villa in Punta Mita is about slowing down the pace of life. In the morning, you'll be served plump avocados and fresh papaya on your poolside terrace. Follow that with a dip in the cool waters of La Lancha Beach or a relaxing spa session – the chocolate and coffee treatments are a unique way to revitalize. Then, finish the day with a sunset show that glows pink, red, and ochre over the wild Pacific Ocean, the silhouettes of bottlenose dolphins splashing out in the bay.

If this all sounds tempting, check out our curated selection of luxury holiday villas in Punta Mita to enjoy infinity pools and palm-topped gardens, master bedrooms that open onto 180 degrees of Pacific beachfront, and designer cabanas where you and your loved ones can relax and unwind to the sound of the waves.