Intimate Luxury on One of Mexico’s Great Little Beaches

Punta de Mita is known as one of the swankier destinations along the Riviera Nayarit, on Mexico’s central Pacific coast. One hotel that is much smaller than its flashy neighbors — but just as firmly entrenched in the luxury category — is Casa de Mita, on a tiny stretch of semi-secluded beach.

With only five rooms, one junior suite and two penthouse suites, Casa de Mita, owned and managed by American expat Marc Lindskog, occupies a rather special niche: an all-inclusive resort (minus the wristbands) that can also boast the highest levels of personal service, provided by experienced staff who quickly get to know guests’ individual preferences.

Casa de Mita is the kind of place where you can find of nooks of privacy wherever you turn: every room has its own partitioned-off ocean-view balcony with chaises longues, while the canopied day beds at the pool or fronting the beach are cocoons just made for relaxing. When you’ve had enough solitude, you’re bound to find a few like-minded and mellowed-out fellow guests imbibing at the swim-up bar, or sitting at a nearby table in the al fresco dining area. Chances are also good that they are repeat visitors at Casa de Mita, which boasts a devoted base of returning guests.

Mealtime can be just about any time here: the schedule is flexible, and the food delicious. Of course, the bar never closes, whether you indulge in the cool confines under the palapa roof, on a semi-submerged stool or recliner in the pool, or while the sun toasts you on your deck chair. There is plenty of complimentary sunscreen lotion to keep you from suffering the consequences of overdoing the tanning.

Tempting as it is to spend the whole time in a prone position, there is also plenty to do: walking along the never-crowded beach studded with seashells; complimentary use of the hotel’s water sports equipment; and a much rarer bonus: free use of a vehicle designated for guests wishing to explore the wild coastline, or the attractions of Puerto Vallarta.

You’ll always enjoy returning home, whether it is to savor the exquisite selection of excellent tequilas in the elegance of the La Chiminea tasting room; have a meal served there, on your terrace or even the beach; browse the extensive reading library (where you can also watch satellite television or a DVD); indulge in a massage by the in-house masseuse; or just retreat into the comfort of your quarters: all Casa de Mita guest rooms feature spacious showers decorated with natural stone or talavera tiles; premium amenities; monogrammed robes and slippers; complimentary minibar and snack basket; espresso dispensers and iDocks.

If anything is missing from your vacation — and the staff have not surprised by you by already offering it — just ask. Chances are Casa de Mita will make it happen.

Go to the Casa de Mita website to book a room or you can compare rates with agoda.com and Booking.com.

Number of rooms: 8

Published rates: Low season (mid-May to Oct.): $595-725; high season (Nov. to mid-May): $675-800; holiday weeks: $795-995. Check for multiple night specials/promotions (usually Feb.-Mar., late Oct.-early Nov.).

Text and photos by Buzzy Gordon, who was a guest of Casa de Mita for purposes of review. Booking arrangements by Concierge Online, a Mexican company offering personalized services for tourists.