Mexico is a land of many contrasts, and one of the grandest ways to explore them is with a multi-destination vacation at two noteworthy luxury hotels: St. Regis Mexico City, in the nation’s capital, and St. Regis Punta Mita, in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit.
During a recent visit to Mexico, I sampled the offerings at both properties and found that they complement each other well, with a satisfying mix of big-city sophistication and Pacific coast beachfront relaxation.
Considering the fact that Mexico City is less than two hours by plane from the Puerto Vallarta airport, which serves as the gateway to the Riviera Nayarit, it’s exceedingly easy to create an indulgent, multifaceted vacation with just one renowned hotel brand.
Here are some highlights from each property.
St. Regis Mexico City
One of the most iconic luxury hotels in Mexico’s capital, the 189-room St. Regis Mexico City soars 31 stories above the grand boulevard called Paseo de la Reforma. This is one of the preferred accommodations for visiting celebrities, politicians and other movers and shakers, so it’s no surprise that the hotel’s service, style and amenities are impressive.
After ascending to the lobby level, I headed to the terrace at Diana Restaurant, one of the hotel’s dining options, where I sampled a talented bartender’s expert creations while admiring the view of the city below. In addition to the elegant Diana, the St. Regis Mexico City is home to Bloom, a lovely new open-air eatery set in a third-floor rooftop garden, and La Table Krug, a restaurant that serves French cuisine paired with Krug Champagne.
The 31-floor St. Regis Mexico City looms over Paseo de la Reforma.
Credit: 2021 Mark Knight Photography/Marriott InternationalBubbly beverages also play a role in one of the hotel’s signature experiences: the champagne sabering ritual, during which a staff member uncorks the bottle using a saber, to toast the arrival of new guests.
The hotel’s spa and fitness facilities offer enough activities to fill an entire day. The indoor swimming pool is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the view (actually, every window I’ve ever looked through at the St. Regis Mexico City has an amazing view), while the Remede Spa offers an array of indulgent programs — including new touch-free experiences such as gong therapy, which sent me into a surprisingly deep meditative state.
The guestrooms are especially attractive and sumptuous. I stayed in a Grande Deluxe room, which measures 538 square feet and features lots of high-tech amenities, including a television screen in the bathroom mirror.
The staff at St. Regis Mexico City are experts at creating customized experiences. The property recently introduced a “48 Hours in Mexico City” program, which is designed for guests with limited time. The package, which starts at $435 a night for a deluxe room, includes a personalized itinerary created by the hotel’s Clefs d’Or concierge, a $100 hotel credit and either lunch or dinner at Diana Restaurant. As part of my customized outings, I enjoyed in-depth tours of some of the city’s most interesting sites, including the giant Zocalo city square and the Frida Kahlo museum.
After a stay filled with cultural and culinary excitement, it was time to hop on a quick flight to our next stop: the Riviera Nayarit.
St. Regis Punta Mita
In a matter of hours, we traded the soothingly elegant gray tones and soaring luxury of the Mexico City property for the sun-soaked greens and blues of St. Regis Punta Mita. This lush, 22-acre property has just 89 rooms and 31 suites, and is located within the luxurious, 1,500-acre Punta Mita resort development.
Memorable views greeted me as soon as I arrived, as I gazed at a fountain cascading down toward the Pacific Ocean. As in Mexico City, the saber ritual marked my official welcome at this Pacific coast property, and I was soon escorted along a colorful and verdant path to my lovely room, number 501, which featured a terrace overlooking the grounds, a comfy bed with floral accents that could have been from a fairy tale and a large bathroom with a glorious outdoor shower terrace.
A reflecting pool at St. Regis Punta Mita
Credit: 2021 Edgardo Contreras/Marriott InternationalThe placement of the rooms across the expansive property fosters a greater sense of privacy and calm; there are no hallways here and no high-rise towers.
The St. Regis Punta Mita excels at culinary diversity and sophistication. Dining options include the Sea Breeze Restaurant and Bar, which serves three meals a day; Mita Mary Boat Bar & Bistro, where fresh-caught seafood is a specialty; Las Marietas Restaurant & Bar, which offers ocean views and Asian-inspired cuisine; and Carolina, which features seasonal gourmet menus.
In addition to the requisite beach and pool time, the property offers diversion in many forms. The Remede Spa features a gorgeous open-air relaxation area, as well as an extensive menu of excellent treatments, while two nearby Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses are convenient for golfers looking to practice their swing. Other noteworthy experiences include the afternoon tea service, a tradition that dates back to the Astor family (who founded the St. Regis brand), and the “catch of the day ritual,” during which guests are invited to meet the chef and choose their preferred freshly caught seafood, for dining in any of the hotel’s restaurants or in a private setting.
After just a few days spent luxuriating in two decidedly different destinations in Mexico, it’s easy to see why Mexico’s contrasts are such a big selling point, especially when combined with the consistently attentive service of a brand like St. Regis Hotels & Resorts.
The Details
St. Regis Punta Mita
St. Regis Mexico City
