VUE

unta de Mita, a tiny West Coast surf town about 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta International Airport, is at the northern tip of Riviera Nayarit—a region who's nickname, Mexico's Pacific Treasure, is what makes it a true departure from an American's idea of a Mexican getaway—a remote surfer's paradise that's still easy enough to find and yet devoid of crowds. At W Punta de Mita, despite it being a hotel chain that's based in the US, I found a deep appreciation for local Huichol culture and no shortage of indigenous décor. If first impressions are everything, upon arriving at the resort I was immediately transported to the fishing villages that surround Punta de Mita and that are enlivened today through homages to its art and history. e signature W logo greeted me before the gate, an all white emblem inspired by papel picado—paper banners oen found hanging on the streets of Mexican towns. A quick drive down a cobblestone pathway encased by walls of dense greenery took me to a tuk tuk station where I met Panchito, a Día de los Muertos statue sporting a mariachi outfit and "W" belt buckle. A step up from your run- of-the-mill resort transportation service, my six-seat Bangkok-style tuk tuk was decked out in custom Mexican artwork and whisked me away to the lobby, remaining at my disposal for the duration of my trip. You know that when something as simple as walking has become optional, relaxation mode has officially commenced. And the cooling, ginger-scented towelette and hibiscus water at check-in didn't hurt either. I was told I'd be staying in a Jungle Escape room that opened up to tropical foliage and fig trees, which by the end, made up for the Ocean View accommodation I had hoped for. e 119 guest villas, including 13 suites, have vivid color palettes and come with luxury amenities—Bliss® bath products, smart TVs, Nespresso machines— and I can honestly say their ambiance is one-of-a-kind. From whimsical wall murals of Frida Kahlo holding a suroard and Emiliano Zapata on a skateboard to hand-stitched "Hola" throw pillows, there's no denying the merging of Punta de Mita's bohemian beach culture and the spirited energy of the W brand. I helped myself to the in-room "Piwiwi" cocktail kit le by staff- ers—a mix of lime juice, tequila and grapefruit soda—and found myself, within minutes, absentmindedly detoxing while I retoxed, sipping hibiscus water from one hand and alcohol from the other. V U E N J . C O M 144

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