I counted four showers. Four! All of ‘em in my room – ahem, suite – alone.
For a coastal hillbilly, like me, who grew up in a double-wide and shared one bathroom for the whole family, then went on to have multiple roommates in college and well into my twenties with the same situation, this was the ultimate sign of luxury.
Four showers. One room. Mind-boggling.
There was one outside, steps away from the beach at Punta Mita, to wash off the sand post-surf; dual rainfall arrangements in the bathroom for you and the mister or missus or whomever to get steamy together; and another one in the back patio.
Not to mention the private pool, and backyard open-air bathtub, all isolated from the outside world and covered in the emerald foliage of this idyllic peninsula on Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit. This, however, the shower situation – to me, at least – was the ultimate signature of an extravagance experience. And yes, I showered in all four of them; and yes, prior to that experience, a shower was just a shower. But now I know true luxury.
This was not going your average dirtbag surf trip. In fact, far from it. And that was absolutely true during my stay at the ultra-luxe lodgings of the W Punta Mita resort.
I expected all the usual accommodations: a welcome cocktail, multi-thousand thread count sheets, 24/7 on-call service, five-star food, and all the typical trappings of a high-end hotel. But for some reason, it was the high volume of showers that really got me.
Once again, four. All to myself. But I digress. Enough about the damn showers. Let’s get on with it, shall we? Here’s all you need to know about your next surf trip to Punta Mita.
Where to Stay in Punta Mita
W Punta Mita
Finding the perfect balance between high-end luxury and authentic surf vibes can be a challenge, but the W Punta Mitanails it flawlessly. Tucked away along the Pacific coastline, this chic resort captures the essence of Mexico with its striking Huichol-inspired design and bright, energetic aesthetic. From the moment you walk down the colorful mosaic walkway that mimics a vibrant Mexican serape, you realize this isn’t your average cookie-cutter hotel. The rooms are beautiful, breezy sanctuaries boasting private patios, plunge pools, and surf-themed decor that perfectly sets the tone for an adventurous getaway. Plus, the property offers direct beach access, making checking the morning surf completely effortless. If you are looking for a spot that blends world-class hospitality with an incredibly laid-back, coastal energy, this is exactly where you need to drop your bags.
The Hidden Surf Spots Near Punta Mita
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The Riviera Nayarit coastline is a true paradise for wave riders, offering an impressive variety of breaks suitable for every skill level. Right down the coast, you’ll find La Lancha, a gorgeous, consistent reef break that serves up smooth, rolling waves perfect for cruising. For those seeking a vibrant town atmosphere alongside their session, the nearby surf enclave of Sayulita is an absolute must-visit. Sayulita features a busy, beginner-friendly sandbar beach break that always delivers plenty of fun, peeling waves. Generally, you can expect long, forgiving rides across the region that are incredibly well-suited for practicing your turns. While some breaks can get moderately crowded during optimal tides, the pure diversity of the local breaks ensures that you can always track down a fun peak to claim for yourself.
The Best Punta Mita Surf Season
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Timing a surf trip perfectly is an art form, but fortunately, Punta Mita receives consistent swells all year round. However, the experience shifts dramatically depending on the exact months you choose to visit. The prime peak season runs from May through September when massive Southern Hemisphere swells fill into the bay, turning the area’s point breaks and reefs into high-performance playgrounds. If you prefer a more relaxed pace with smaller, cleaner waves, the winter months from November to March are exceptional. During this cooler low season, northwest swells wrap beautifully around the point, offering exceptionally glassy, chest-high waves that run for hundreds of meters. Deciding when to book ultimately depends on your experience level, but every single season brings its own distinct brand of coastal magic.
Related: How to Spend 48 Hours in Cabo San Lucas
What to Bring, What to Leave Behind
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Packing for a Mexican surf adventure is surprisingly simple once you understand the local conditions. Because the region’s waves are mostly mellow, peeling point breaks, a reliable longboardor a high-volume fish is your absolute best bet for maximizing your time in the water. When it comes to apparel, you can completely leave your thick neoprene wetsuits at home. The water here remains delightfully warm year-round, typically hovering in the high 70s and 80s, meaning boardshorts and bikinis are all you will ever need. However, the tropical Mexican sun is famously intense, making high-SPF sunscreen (we recommend Sun Bum), a durable rash guard, and a sturdy surf hat absolute non-negotiables to prevent painful burns. Keep your gear light, focus on sun protection, and you’ll be fully prepared to handle the elements.
Where to Find the Best Food After a Long Surf
W Punta Mita
A legendary surf trip requires equally legendary fuel, and the local culinary scene definitely does not disappoint. Right on-site at the W Punta Mita, you can indulge in fresh coastal flavors at Chevycheria, a beachfront venue serving tangy ceviche straight from a repurposed Chevy truck, or enjoy bold Asian street food at Spice Market. For a special evening, book a private seven-course dinner at Mesa 1, situated on an island in the center of a spring-fed lake. Additionally, there’s Venazú, serving up delectable dishes all day long.
Just outside the resort gates, the local dining is just as spectacular. Head down to the popular beachfront at El Anclote to visit La Rústica Mita for wood-fired pizzas, or secure a table at Tuna Blanca for a refined, upscale Mexican seafood experience right on the sand as the sun goes down.
What to Do When the Surf Goes Flat
W Punta Mita
While the world-class waves are undoubtedly the main attraction, the surrounding Riviera Nayarit region is bursting with incredible adventures for your dry days. Treat yourself to a day at the AWAY Spa, and experience relaxation in a secluded, tropical paradise.
If you are visiting during the winter months, booking a guided boat tour for whale watching is an absolute essential, as majestic humpback whales frequently breach right in Banderas Bay. Thrill-seekers can head into the lush jungle for a high-flying zipline canopy tour or rent an ATV to explore the rugged backcountry trails. For a more laid-back afternoon, spend a few hours exploring the bohemian streets of nearby Sayulita, wandering through its vibrant artisan markets and picking up unique Huichol beadwork. Whether you choose to paddleboard around the Marietas Islands or relax with a beachside massage, you will never run out of things to experience.
The Riviera Nayarit has it all.
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Check out the W Punta Mita resort here for your next luxury surf trip.