Vallarta-Nayarit Through the Eyes of Absolute Journeys - Part 1 Celeste Cooley-Mitchell - Absolute Journeys
go to original January 5, 2015

Last March, I was fortunate enough to travel to Vallarta-Nayarit (Western Mexico) on an educational tour with other travel agents from my host agency, Worldview Travel. Vallarta-Nayarit unifies Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit as a brand created by the tourist board.

Before departing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), our Alaska Airlines Rep led us to Alaska Airlines’ Airport Lounge, The Board Room, to relax and enjoy the amenities before our two and a half hour flight to Puerto Vallarta. I munched on pancakes, yogurt, and drank coffee. The Board Room is membership based but passengers of this airline can buy a day pass to experience the amenities and ambiance they provide before committing to a membership.

We would spend six fun-filled days learning about the Mexican States of Nayarit and Jalisco, the baby sea turtle release program, humpback whales, and a few small villages during our stay in the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta area. Our flight on Alaska Airlines was effortless and short, the service was great. Our fantastic journey began shortly after landing at Puerto Vallarta International Airport where our private driver with motor coach met us for a scenic drive along the Banderas Coast to our first Hotel Resort, the Four Seasons Punta Mita about a 45-minute drive north of the airport.

The Four Seasons Punta Mita is a Luxury Five Star All-Inclusive Hotel Resort tucked away on the tranquil and picturesque peninsula known as Punta de Mita, which was a small fishing village on the Banderas Coast. Here you can find the best snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, surfing, and golf in the world. Punta Mita is Hollywood’s private beach lined hideaway where you may spot a celebrity or two. At the hotel, the gracious staff greeted us with welcoming smiles, cold towels, and Mango Margaritas. We relaxed in the lobby while waiting for our rooms. This hotel offers a catalog of daily activities for all ages. From the moment we arrived at the Four Seasons until we left, the staff was professional, affable, and attentive thus providing us with exceptional VIP service. Throughout our trip, the weather was kind by remaining in the low 80’s without any rain.

My large luxurious contemporary designed Casita Room had a spectacular ocean view and private terrace. It was located on the second floor of the Flor building adjacent to the Apuane Spa. A welcome gift of Tequila & mix for making Margaritas, guacamole, salsa, chips, and cookies awaited me. The hotel also left us gifts of Four Seasons Branded Flip Flops and Tote Bags on our beds. After settling into our rooms, we met in the lobby to grab a bite at Ketsi, a buffet-style eatery and one of 4 ocean view restaurants on the hotel’s property.

Later that afternoon, our sales reps escorted us on a site inspection and tour of this magnificent 25-acre Four Seasons property. We toured the lush grounds, the contemporary suites, and the very opulent beachfront Coral Suite – a favorite of celebrities; plus, the spacious meeting rooms, the Kids for All Seasons Camp, the beautiful Apuane Spa, the three large pools, the lazy river, and the four stylish restaurants. I spotted the inner tubes floating on the lazy river and knew I had to try that smooth ride later. I immediately fell in love with the Four Seasons Punta Mita during this visit. This resort is ideal for multi-generational families looking for a luxurious all-inclusive vacation in Mexico. Parents and Grandparents will enjoy all the adult amenities offered while teens and children (5-12 years old) will have fun floating down the lazy river or participating in the various supervised activities available. The Four Seasons Punta Mita is the only all-inclusive hotel resort in the brand; you will definitely receive so much value for the price.

After our tour, our sales staff drove us in golf carts to Las Manzanillas Beach for Cocktails at Sunset, a Tequila history lesson and Tastings followed by a five-course dinner on the beach with the hotel’s General Manager. This is the beach location where the Four Seasons Punta Mita often holds destination weddings. For dinner, along with the salad, appetizers, and wine, I chose the Braised Smoked Short Ribs with Achiote Truffle Sauce and the Chocochile Cake with Chile Poblano Sauce for desert. The resort provided us with rocking chairs on the sand, a fire pit for roasting marshmallows for our Smores, cocktails, beer, and their amazing hospitality. We ended the evening writing wishes on wish lanterns, lighting, and releasing them into the night sky. It was a tremendously fun, active, and fulfilling first day.

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