When it comes to enjoying the most of what Mexico’s Pacific coast has to offer, from the natural tropical beauty to some of the most incredible and romantic ocean views you’ll ever witness, no regions offer a little bit of everything quite like the Baja Peninsula and Riviera Nayarit.
An adventurer’s paradise, the former has been a popular surfing destination for decades, but it also boasts phenomenal diving and snorkeling, as well as on-land excitement for travelers of all ages. Luxury resorts and boutique hotels entice and invite guests from far and wide, but it’s the Baja beauty that always steals the show. Riviera Nayarit, of course, is home to some of the best resorts in Mexico, but it is also what is outside those Five Diamond properties that has people flocking here.
Travel remains as complicated as it was when countries began phased reopenings in recent months, and Mexico is no exception. While the country’s biggest airports are conducting thermographic temperature checks and imposing health screenings and quarantines, if necessary, the bottom line is travelers need to do their research and make the right decisions.
That’s why buyouts, while expensive, have become a fantastic alternative for people concerned with physical distancing and limited interaction with strangers. That’s on full display in these private packages offered by a pair of resorts in these spectacular settings.
Mar del Cabo
At the end of 2018, Mar del Cabo reintroduced itself to the Baja Peninsula and the world following a $4 million renovation. Offering breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez, this charming, stylish boutique hotel sits on a beautiful stretch of beach and isn’t far from the action in Cabo San Lucas. Good luck pulling yourself away from this property, though—especially when it’s all yours.
With 46 one- and two-bedroom suites, as well as two penthouses, this buyout package is a reasonable bargain at $9,960 per night. Think of that destination wedding, milestone anniversary or retirement party that was missed because of travel restrictions, and Mar del Cabo is an exceptional venue for bringing those “lost” special moments to life again. A gym, spa, pools, expansive outdoor seating spaces for large meals or complimentary cocktail parties (with a guacamole bar!), and organic, locally inspired cuisine served at the on-site Encanto Restaurant prove there’s little, if anything, this buyout doesn’t include.
Mar del Cabo and its Velas Resorts sister properties are the recipients of the World Travel and Tourism Council’s “Safe Travel” stamp for the collective hygiene program implemented for keeping guests and staff safe. In addition to routine cleaning and sanitization practices, the hotel’s staff will enforce physical distancing, check temperatures and ensure that guests to wear masks and use hand sanitizer in public areas.
W Punta de Mita
We’ve heard stories in recent months of company retreats that have taken advantage of buyout deals to serve as much-needed employee escapes. First and foremost, sign us up for that. Second, say hello to the W Punta de Mita in Riviera Nayarit, as this buyout makes this property ideal for a corporate getaway or destination wedding of anyone’s dreams.
Set on a private beach and tucked into the surrounding green rolling hills, this resort draws from the regional beauty and history for its captivating interior design. From the oceanfront Haven Suites with plunge pools to the more secluded Jungle Escape rooms, the accommodations here couldn’t possibly disappoint, and with 119 rooms to choose from (the buyout requires at least a 90-room commitment), it’s fair to say no guest will go unrewarded.
In addition to the uniquely charming and luxurious rooms, this buyout includes an astonishing variety of activities and amenities. Surf lessons, beachside ceviche-making, mezcal tasting, the Away Spa and 24/7 Fit Gym… good luck finding time to take advantage of nearby shopping and off-site exploration.
As with all Marriott properties, W Punta de Mita adheres to the “Commitment to Clean” health and safety requirements, which includes enhanced cleaning protocols, signs and shield throughout common areas to promote and enforce social distancing, and an Á la carte menu in place of the buffet breakfast, among many other things. Masks are required at all times in public settings.
