After waking up at 6:30 a.m., I quickly showered, brushed my teeth, and packed the cellphone charger in my backpack. I promptly ate my small bowl of raspberries and yogurt while Inna packed the remaining items in her backpack.
Since I had already pre-printed my airline tickets, we proceeded straight to the TSA checkpoint, where our passports, tickets, and luggage were checked. We arrived at the airport at 8:00 a.m. and had plenty of time before our 9:40 a.m. Alaska Flight #1272 to Puerto Vallarta. We decided to stop by for Equator Coffees at the Napa Farms Market at SFO. We ordered two almond croissants, a mocha for me, and a latte for Inna.
For some reason, our orders were screwed up, and the barista made me a soy mocha. It took about 25 minutes for her to make me a proper mocha. Fortunately, Inna's latte was prepared on time. After we finished munching our croissants, we decided to purchase lunches for our long flight. Initially, we considered buying the various salads but eventually settled on freshly made sandwiches.
Before boarding our flight, we needed to go through 3 separate passport checks! Eventually, we boarded the Alaska Airbus A320 (a reasonably new aircraft) and sat in our assigned seats (24A, 24B). The flight took off on time, and we enjoyed a long and uneventful flight. Besides being a bit annoyed at the passenger in front of me (who was playing a movie on his phone without headphones), I was happy to be flying on my first real vacation in a while.
Before landing in Puerto Vallarta, we managed to devour our Napa Farms Market sandwiches just in time. After we landed, we exited the aircraft's rear outside into 80+ degree heat. Now, this was scorching and humid weather. We were unloaded and rushed through Mexican customs after boarding the bus to take us to the airport.
Eventually, we exited the airport and boarded the very lovely Four Seasons SUV to take us to Four Seasons Punta Mita. The SUV was very lovely, with fresh water bottles and even working WiFi! On our drive to Four Seasons, Inna sent a few messages to Alex in London. He was doing fine, adjusting to his new surroundings.
After unpacking, we wore our bathing suits and headed for the beach. We jumped into the ocean after picking up fresh towels and some water bottles. It was so warm! We couldn't believe how nice it felt!
After swimming in the ocean for a bit (the current was influential), we came out to sit under the canopy of a large umbrella. However, the rain clouds opened up with an increasingly heavy torrent of rain - an accurate tropical shower! At first, we hid beneath the umbrella and even went for another short swim. However, we eventually returned to our room, a bit soaked but happy.
After taking a shower and drying off, Inna made reservations for dinner at 21:00 at Dos Catrinas - a traditional Mexican Restaurant.
Meanwhile, I mixed in the Margarita mix provided to me by the Four Seasons and Inna staff, and I enjoyed a very delicious margarita. Inna said that she felt drunk!
When we arrived at the restaurant and sat down, we were surprised that we were at the wrong restaurant! We actually sat down at Aramara - an Asian restaurant; we decided to stay there and ordered the following items:
The service was exceptional, and the teacups were exquisite. I liked my Curry Chicken, and Inna wanted her Angry Roll. The Vanilla Souffle was also very delicious.
During the night, I woke up to the sound of rushing water. It sounded like someone upstairs was taking a very long shower. Inna looked outside and said that it was a torrential downpour! I don't ever recall such a loud storm in my life. Eventually, the storm subsided, and I managed to fall back asleep.
When I woke up, I noticed that the floor of our room was very wet. Even the ceiling looked damp and was dripping water. After dressing, we informed Four Seasons' concierge and walked to Dos Catrinas for breakfast.
I really liked my Freshly Squeezed Juice (green) with traces of celery and other fruits and vegetables. Inna's juice was red-colored and not to my palate.
While eating breakfast, a friendly concierge informed us that a new room was being prepared for us. He apologized for the wet room and asked us to check our electronics. Four Seasons could help with anything that was damaged by water. We promised to review and report to him anything we found broken.
After breakfast, we returned to the concierge to get answers to a few other questions we compiled:
- What is the cost of a taxi to Punta Mita downtown?
- Answer: A one-way taxi from Four Seasons to Punta Mita costs USD 10.
- What does our breakfast include?
- Answer: All breakfast menu items except liquor and Fuji water are included.
- Where can I surf at Four Seasons?
- Answer: There are 90-minute surf lessons I can sign up for in advance. There is an activities shack on the beach where one can rent SUPs and surfboards (but this requires a separate credit card and cannot be billed to your room)
- How much is the boat trip to Marietas?
- Answer: USD 699 for 2-4 people. However, due to the unpredictable nature of tides, there are no guarantees that one can land on the Hidden Beach. We decided to skip the trip.
We returned to our Tortuga #903 room and packed our electronics. Luckily, Inna's laptop was only slightly damp and worked fine. A Four Seasons bellman came by to help us move to our new room on Ave #710. This was a huge suite that would typically cost $2,000/night.
After moving into the new suite and unpacking, we decided to walk into town. The road there had no sidewalk, and we reached Punta Mita after about 20 minutes. It was boiling and humid, and we were both sweating profusely.
When we reached Punta Mita, it looked like a typical Mexican small town with shops and restaurants and potholes on the road. We walked to the waterfront, as I was hoping to find a shop to rent surfboards, but Mictlan Surf - the one shop highly recommended - was closed.
We ended up eating a light lunch of guacamole with a couple of Cadillac Margaritas at Restaurant La Cabana. They were delicious and very cheap (USD 6). Inna browsed in a few boutiques and shops but found nothing she wanted.
We walked back to the Four Seasons, as we could not find the taxi stand (which was near the MINA/Si Senor Restaurant).
We decided to enjoy the warm Pacific Ocean and walked around the two main beaches at Four Seasons Punta Mita:
- Playa Cuevas (Northern), near the main pool
- Playa Manzanillas (Southern)
Initially, we mostly swam on Playa Cuevas. Still, today, we decided to explore Playa Manzanillas, walking all the way until we reached La Cola De La Ballena (a small, rocky island used as a golf green). (During low tide, a small tractor brought dirt to this tiny island to complete the extra golf hole.)
On the walk along Playa Manzanillas, we found a Surf Shack that rents surfboards and SUPs and provides surfing lessons.
One day, when the waves would be more significant, I could rent a surfboard or SUP to try out. After walking the beach, we returned to Playa Cuevas for a few more swims in the warm Pacific.
In the evening, Inna made reservations at MINA in downtown Ponte Mita. After the 10-minute taxi drive, we were dropped off right before MINA. After a few minutes, we were offered an outdoor table and sat down for dinner.
We had a delightful dinner and ordered the following items:
- Appetizer: Peruvian Ceviche, Pellegrino
- Boris: Frozen Margarita (Don Julio), Mole Poblano
- Inna: Frozen Margarita (Don Julio), Chile Carne
- Dessert: Pistachio Flan
With beautiful music by local musicians (including Gipsy Kings' Volare ), we really enjoyed our delicious dinner at MINA.
The Frozen Margarita was one of the best we've ever had! My Mole Poblano was also amazing!
After dinner, the waiter called a taxi for us, and in 10 minutes, we were back at Four Seasons.
Tuesday, September 7, 2021
We woke at around 9:00 and walked to our usual breakfast at Dos Catrinas in the morning. We ordered the following breakfast items:
- Boris: Mocha, Eggs Benedict, Mentoso Juice (Granny Smith, lemon, mint, celery)
- Inna: Latte, Avocado Toast, Mentoso Juice (Granny Smith, lemon, mint, celery)
I really enjoyed my Eggs Benedict, but it was too heavy. I usually eat a light breakfast of Greek yogurt and berries that suits me better. Next time, I will be ordering a lighter breakfast.
After breakfast, we returned to our room and changed into swimsuits. We spent the rest of the day floating around and reading books at the main pool. I continued reading Andy Weir's new science-fiction book - Project Hail Mary.
Inna and I also explored a part of the Four Seasons that we had not visited before - the Tamai Pool (near Lazy River). Inna really enjoyed resting in one of the many hammocks.
When Inna got a bit peckish, she ordered pool-size service, and we happily munched on guacamole and a couple tacos. Four Seasons staff regularly arrived to drop off snacks, including free ice cream and popcorn!
We also enjoyed exploring the Playa Manzaniallas, where we went for a short swim. Nobody was there, and we felt we were on a deserted island.
When we returned to our pool, we noticed Four Seasons was setting up for a private wedding. It was a beautiful location for a wedding.
We stayed at the pool until 19:30 and returned to our room right before the gorgeous red sunset. At 20:25, we ordered a taxi to downtown Punta Mita for our dinner at Lobster Paradise.
After being dropped off, we sat outside until a light drizzle interrupted our dinner, and we moved upstairs under the cover of a thatched roof, right next to the Pacific Ocean.
After looking at the extensive menu, we first ordered drinks. I tried the Marea Roja - a Mezcal drink. Inna ordered a margarita with Patron tequila.
- Appetizer: Tartar De Atun Fresco
- Boris: Marea Roja (Mezcal), Filete de Robalo (Pistachio crusted Seabass)
- Inna: Margarita, Chile Relleno with Stuffed Lobster
We enjoyed our small tuna tartar appetizer and then our main courses.
I liked my pistachio-crusted sea bass (freshly caught). It was light and delicious. Inna's Chile Relleno with stuffed lobster was also delicious but much heavier.
I liked Lobster Paradise, but MINA had better quality margaritas and main entrees.
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
We woke at around 9:00 and walked to our usual breakfast at Dos Catrinas in the morning. We ordered the following breakfast items:
- Boris: Coffee, Greek Yogurt with Berries, Mentoso Juice (Granny Smith, lemon, mint, celery)
- Inna: Latte, Burrito Machaca, Mentoso Juice (Granny Smith, lemon, mint, celery)
I liked my Greek Yogurt with mixed berries (raspberries and strawberries) and granola.
I didn't like the regular coffee (it tasted very bitter), so I asked the hostess for a different blend, and she returned with a cup of Mexican coffee, which tasted much better.
After breakfast, we returned to the pool area and stayed there most of the day. The day started with overcast weather, but it turned into a slight drizzle (not forecasted).
We spent the day lounging by the main pool. I continued reading the Project Hail Mary ebook on my Kindle Paperwhite while Inna browsed the internet on her iPhone.
While lounging, Inna ordered poolside food service, including Ceviche, Chips, and a Pina Colada. The ceviche was very delicious, and she shared a portion with me.
Later in the day, we swam in the main pool and the warm Pacific Ocean. While swimming, we noticed a few snorkelers who said they saw plenty of fish. We returned to shore and visited the Sports Shack, where Inna and I were outfitted with masks, fins, and life vests.
We went for a snorkel and saw a few blue-colored fish near the rocks.
Since it was raining, we did not feel like taking a taxi downtown and decided to eat dinner at the Mexican Dos Catrinas restaurant. There was supposed to be live music at 20:00, and we hoped to enjoy authentic Mexican music.
When we arrived at 20:00, the live Mexican band was already playing upstairs, and we sat down for dinner on the first floor. After looking at the menu, we ordered the following items:
- Appetizer: Queso Fundido (Tortilla, Aged Panela Cheese, Mushrooms)
- Boris: Duck Confit Mole Rosa (Duck Config, Radish, Oregano Vinaigrette)
- Inna: Shrimp Quesadilla
- Dessert: Guava Gelee Stone (Chocolate Crisp)
We were very impressed by our dinner at
Dos Catrinas. I had low expectations because our usual daily breakfast is served there and is always delicious but not outstanding.
However, the Queso Fundido appetizer was outstanding, and the Duck Confit Mole was the best I have ever tasted. Inna's Shrimp Quesadilla was very good, too.
We ordered the Guava Gelee Stone for dessert, which was unbelievably delicious! Wow!
After dinner, we walked upstairs to listen to the live Mexican band, but people were smoking, which irritated me (so we left after a while).
Thursday, September 9, 2021
We woke at around 10:00 in the morning and walked to our usual breakfast at Dos Catrinas. We ordered the following breakfast items:
- Boris: Tea, Greek Yogurt with Berries, Mentoso Juice (Granny Smith, lemon, mint, celery)
- Inna: Latte, Burrito Machaca, Mentoso Juice (Granny Smith, lemon, mint, celery)
I liked my Greek Yogurt with mixed raspberries, strawberries, and granola.
The tea was served in a French Press and was delicious, too.
We spent most of the day by the main pool, lounging around and swimming, with occasional dips in the Pacific Ocean.
Inna and I walked the entire length of Cuevas Beach, taking multiple photos.
After walking along Cuevas Beach, we returned to the Main Pool, noticing the elaborate decorations being prepared for some event (a wedding or company party).
Both Inna and I continued to enjoy swimming in the main pool, especially after 17:00, when everyone else had left, and we were the only souls left.
During this time, we encountered a friendly neighborhood, Iguana. It was not afraid of us (and was used to being fed strawberries by Four Seasons' guests).
Inna was initially apprehensive about getting close to the Iguana, but she quickly got used to it and managed to approach it quite closely to take exceptional photos.
For dinner, Inna made reservations at the famous (Michelin chef) Tuna Blanca for 20:30. When we arrived, we were seated near the ocean with the sound of a live white piano in the background.
The pianist played a medley of tunes from Billy Joel, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, and Simon & Garfunkel. Multiple couples were celebrating anniversaries and birthdays.
The waiter brought out a surfboard decorated with desserts and fireworks for each event. They would sing songs in Spanish and then in English. It was enjoyable to watch!
His playing was error-free, but his interpretation lacked a bit of passion (sounding like a computer playing notes).
- Appetizer: Pellegrino
- Boris: Pinki Dinki (sweet drink), Organic Tomatoes Festival & Mozzarella Mousse, Short Rib Birria Style
- Inna: 5-Course Chef's Tasting Menu:
- Blue Bay Tuna Tostada
- Cream of Prawn & Pumpkin Soup
- Mahi-Mahi Zarandeado Style
- Short Rib Birria Style
- Milk Caramel Fondant
It was a lovely setting with exquisite waiter service.
The Organic Tomatoes Festival was delicious, as was my Short Rib. Inna really enjoyed her tasting menu (though it was a bit expensive, i.e., 1399 pesos = USD 70).
We enjoyed our dinner at Tuna Blanca, but it was much more expensive than MINA.
Friday, September 10, 2021
We woke at around 8:40 in the morning and walked to our usual breakfast at Dos Catrinas. Before sitting down for breakfast, Inna found a lounge by the main pool and set it up (so that we would have an excellent location).
We ordered the following breakfast items:
- Boris: Coffee, Greek Yogurt with Berries, Mentoso Juice (Granny Smith, lemon, mint, celery)
- Inna: Latte, Burrito Machaca, Mentoso Juice (Granny Smith, lemon, mint, celery)
In the afternoon, I decided to try surfing on the Playa Manzanillas. I noticed some people trying to surf and decided to try it.
I walked there but learned that the Surfing Shack was not associated with Four Seasons and required a credit card to rent gear. I returned to my Ave Room #710 and picked up my Capital One MasterCard. I returned to the Surf Shack and rented an 8' soft-top surfboard.
Finally, at 13:00, I swam into the surf and caught and rode about 5 waves. A lot of paddling was involved, and I got tired after 30 minutes of surfing. Luckily, I was the only one surfing, and there was no competition for waves. I had a great time surfing!
When I returned to the pool, Inna enjoyed herself there, but she decided to swim in the Pacific on the Playa Cuevas beach. I rested and continued reading the John Grisham legal thriller -
The Guardians. After resting for about an hour, I decided to try SUP surfing at the same Manzanillo beach.
At about 13:40, I rented a Starboard 10' SUP and paddle and tried my hand at SUP surfing. I had a much easier time, though standing up was still challenging. I caught and rode many waves and had a fantastic time!
After one hour, I returned the SUP and returned to find Inna on the other beach (Playa Cuevas). I joined her in a swim and then read my Kindle novel (Grisham's The Guardians) while Inna tried to snorkel. She told me that due to ocean conditions, visibility was poor, and she did not see any colorful fish,
At about 17:00, we returned to the main pool and ordered some light lunch items from Dos Catrina's poolside service, including:
- Inna: Tacos
- Boris: Guacamole & Chips
In the evening, Inna made reservations at MINA in downtown Punta Mita.
After the 10-minute taxi drive, we were dropped off right before MINA. After a few minutes, we were offered an outdoor table and sat down for dinner.
We had a delightful dinner and ordered the following items:
- Appetizer: Peruvian Ceviche, Pellegrino
- Boris: Frozen Margarita with Don Julio Tequila, Mole Poblano
- Inna: Passion Fruit Margarita with Don Julio Tequila, Enchilada
- Dessert: Pistachio Flan
With beautiful music by local musicians (including Queen's
A Little Thing Called Love), we really enjoyed our delicious dinner at
MINA. I love the
Mole Poblano and the fantastic chips! The Frozen
Margarita was excellent, too!
Saturday, September 11, 2021
Last full day in Punta Mita :-(
In the morning, we woke around 8:40 and waited for our 9:00 COVID-19 test (required for all flights to the U.S.). Fortunately, both Inna and I tested negative for Covid-19.
After the test, we walked to our usual breakfast at Dos Catrinas. Before sitting down for breakfast, Inna found a lounge by the main pool and set it up (so that we would have an excellent location).
We ordered the following breakfast items:
- Boris: Coffee, Greek Yogurt with Berries, Mentoso Juice (Granny Smith, lemon, mint, celery)
- Inna: Latte, Quesadilla, Mentoso Juice (Granny Smith, lemon, mint, celery)
At about 12:40, I rented a Starboard SUP to surf on Manzanillas Beach. At first, I tried the 11' Starboard SUP, but it was cumbersome, and the waves were hard to catch. After 30 minutes, I switched to a 10' Starboard SUP and had more success. Due to the solid Northerly wind, it was hard to catch waves.
While I was SUP surfing, Inna lounged around the pool and then walked around the Four Seasons, taking multiple photos of unique sculptures.
After I returned from SUP surfing, we noticed another Iguana at our Main Pool. All the guests rushed to take selfies with the green monster!
Inna enjoyed floating around the main pool and starting at the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
Sunsets are always so beautiful at Punta Mita. We usually waited for sunset before going to dinner. They are not to be missed!
We decided to try the
Carolina Restaurant at the
St. Regis Hotel in Punta Mita for dinner. We ordered a taxi for 20:30 and were dropped off a few steps from the restaurant.
Since no tables were available outdoors, we sat inside (which seemed perfectly fine due to the hot, humid weather outside). We ordered the following dishes:
- Appetizer: Apple & Tejuino Salad
- Boris: Mahi-Mahi with Mexican rice and sea-urchin sauce, Iguana (non-alcoholic drink)
- Inna: Charbroiled Lobster Tail with Mole, Anemone (non-alcoholic drink)
- Dessert: Cornbread with ice cream
Inna and I shared all the dishes and enjoyed the Mahi-Mahi and the Lobster with Mole.
All of the dishes were small but exquisitely prepared. After dinner, we ordered a taxi back to Four Seasons.
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Return Home!
We woke up at 8:00 and packed our suitcases and backpacks in the morning. At around 9:00, we were filled and ready to enjoy another half-day at Punta Mita.
We walked to the main pool and set up our lounges. Then, we were off to Dos Catrinas for our morning breakfast. We ordered the following breakfast items:
- Boris: Coffee, Greek Yogurt with Berries, Mentoso Juice (Granny Smith, lemon, mint, celery)
- Inna: Latte, Quesadilla, Mentoso Juice (Granny Smith, lemon, mint, celery)
At about 11:40, I rented a 10' Starboard SUP to surf on Manzanillas Beach. The conditions were perfect, with 3-4 foot waves and no wind. I was able to catch about a dozen waves. It was so much fun. A surf lesson was also on, with a teacher and two surfers. They were doing very well.
After surfing, I returned to the main pool, and Inna ordered a taco lunch. While she nibbled on her food, I swam around the main pool.
With lunch finished, we rushed to our room, showered, and prepared for the ride to the airport. After reviewing our Four Seasons bill, we rode the scheduled van to the Puerto Vallarta airport. We showed our Alaska Reps our negative COVID-19 tests and received boarding passes.
Since I had not eaten lunch, Inna and I decided to eat at the airport. After going through security, we decided to try
Urban Corner. We sat down and ordered the following items:
- Boris: Ciel Sparkling Water, Mocha, Chicken Quesadilla
- Inna: Margarita (Julio Reposado), Latte, Chocolate Croissant
I really liked my mocha, and Inna's latte had excellent foam! The chicken quesadilla was not too bad (for airport food).
We boarded our Alaska Airlines Flight #1273 from PVR to SFO at 16:45 and departed right on time at 17:15. The flight was mostly uneventful except for a medical emergency. Someone was not feeling well, and the crew asked for medical professionals' help.
Our flight landed in San Francisco on time, and after the medical personnel reached the required passenger, we de-planed and went through passport control. It was much faster than expected, and we walked upstairs to pick up our UberX ride to San Jose.
Four Seasons Punta Mita Report Card
Positives
- Exceptional customer service throughout the stay
- Beautiful sand beach and the warm Pacific Ocean
- Exquisite furniture in each Four Seasons room
- Free goodies (dessert, snacks, margarita) are provided in the room
- Free poolside snacks including ice cream, popcorn, flavored ice
- Fantastic Mexican Restaurants, including MINA, Dos Catrinas (Four Seasons), Carolina (St. Regis)
- Surfing and SUP-surfing at Playa Manzanillas
Negatives
- Tortuga Room #903 experienced a leaky ceiling and floors on our first night
- Ants in #710 room (needed multiple requests to clear up)
- Frequently rainy/drizzly weather during the rainy season (April - October)
- No sidewalks to walk to Punta Mita downtown. Using a taxi is mandatory
- Having to take a Covid-19 test to return to the U.S.
- The Surf Shack requires credit cards (which cannot be billed to my room)
