Tiny Seaside Village of Punta Mita Serves up Authentic Mexico Niki Hope - North Shore News
go to original February 27, 2016

Located about about a 45-minute drive (about 20 kilometres) from Puerto Vallarta, and known locally as simply Mita, the surf town is home to Cinco Hotel. The boutique-style hotel has spacious suites, equipped with kitchens, two baths and bedrooms (some suites even have three bedrooms), that go from roughly $290 to $350 US a night. Every unit has a balcony with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, relax and listen to the meditative sound of waves slapping against the beach.

It is that surf that calls so many foreigners to this tiny seaside spot. A stay at Cinco offers a resort alternative - a way to experience the sleepy town (at least during the October low season, when it felt like the entire hotel was ours) in a way that is about as authentic as a tourist can have. Stand-up paddle boarders and surfers can swiftly scoop up their boards when the waves hit and head out for a session. Then relax with a cerveza and freshly made guacamole and chips poolside at one of the resort's two pools: an infinity pool on the roof, and a lower beachside pool.

Part of the beach at Cinco is rocky, but if you're a surfer who wants to spend time in the water and not laying on a towel, it's worth trekking over a few rocks to hit the reliable point break just off shore. Cinco is ideal for families with kids in their late teens, or a multiple family or couple's getaway - especially if everyone digs the surf. But if you go, definitely rent a car, or hop on a bus, for the half-hour trip to the utterly charming seaside town of Sayulita.

Another tip, while in Punta Mita, visit Tacos y papas, which is supposed to be the best taqueria in town. Also worth noting, we felt completely safe throughout our stay and at ease in the seaside town, where locals were clearly happy to have the tourist business - especially during the slow season.

Read the rest about Four Seasons Resort and Sayulita at North Shore News.