Major Traveler is just back from Mexico! As you might know, Mexico is one of the very few places that you can travel to at the moment without a negative Covid-19 test.

*to preface this blog post –  I am simply recounting my experience in travel, not trying to sell travel to you or push you into something uncomfortable. Do I think international travel is possible right now? Absolutely. Is international travel, or travel in general, for everyone right now? No. It requires a bit of adventure and a strong willingness to go. If you are uncomfortable traveling domestically, you will likely feel uncomfortable traveling internationally through customs procedures. If you do decide to travel, I think you should properly set your expectations, plan the details and go for it!

Let’s jump into some of the hotels we visited!

Overall Thoughts

Hotels are following every necessary precaution, while ensuring that their guests have a full vacation experience. Most every resort we visited was operating at 30-40% occupancy. For us, this was perfect – not too busy to feel empty, but not too crowded to feel uncomfortable! Puerto Vallarta is a smaller, less tourist-popular destination in Mexico. It feels like the perfect happy medium between Cabo and Cancun. You have the range of resorts like Cancun and the luxury and exclusivity of Cabo. The beaches are technically closed at the moment. Like everything, this is subject to change any day. With that, most of these resorts are situated on private beaches. They most likely will not stop you should you want to take a swim in the ocean for the afternoon. What we love most about the destination? There is something for everyone, honeymooners and families alike.

Imanta

Imanta is a very special place. There are 12 total suites and the guest experience is incredibly personalized. It’s possible that you won’t see another guest while you’re here! Each of the suites are massive in size with a great outdoor area as well. My favorite part? Imanta was built around the land, whereas most resorts are built on cleared out land. When you go to bed at night, all you hear are the pure sounds of the rainforest. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll get to fall asleep to the rain. I did and it might be the closest to what Heaven sounds like! Disclaimer, Imanta is not for everyone. It is for those desiring an exclusive, private and quiet retreat. It has all of the bells and whistles of a resort such as a gym, spa and multiple restaurants. It’s just on a small scale, and personally, we love it. Looking at you honeymooners (hint hint wink wink!)!

Four Seasons Punta Mita

After a recent renovation, the Four Seasons Punta Mita is looking incredible. The rooms are perfectly modern, while maintaining their authenticity and sense of place. Punta Mita is a gated “complex” that contains the Four Seasons, St. Regis, Luxury Condos and a small town. It’s a little luxury bubble! The Four Seasons truly has something for everyone with their rooms, suites, residences and villas. Honeymooners can find privacy in their private suite pool with dramatic ocean views. Families can find fun on the lazy river. And multi-generational groups can have a stress-free vacay in a fully staffed villa. See? Something for everyone! Our personal favorite part is the open air restaurant, Dos Catrinas. Here is where you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner. The top of the restaurant is a rooftop bar with incredible views, especially during sunset.

St. Regis Punta Mita

A short distance from the Four Seasons Punta Mita is the St. Regis Punta Mita. Both luxurious but very different in their design. The St. Regis is comprised of small “casita” style buildings with four rooms each. It feels more like home rather than a hotel. The decor is traditional and authentic. I love when you wake up and know exactly where you are – talk about a sense of place! We personally love the suites on the ground floor that feature a private hot tub. Some even have sweeping ocean views! If you’re into golf, you’ll want to be here, where there is a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. We love the St. Regis for families, but we especially love it for adults, with their adults only pool and fun beachfront restaurant in the shape of a boat.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

Finally, we paid a visit to the infamous Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. We have previously been to Grand Velas Riviera Maya, so we were interested to experience the Velas magic again! In light of Covid, Grand Velas seemed to be taking the most careful precautions. They do have elevators in the building, so it felt more necessary here to carry a mask around in my beach bag. Grand Velas did a fantastic job of maintaining their 5* standards in the midst of a pandemic. The brand is known for top notch food (some of the best in Mexico)! Many people travel here solely for a foodie experience. Whereas many resorts in Mexico are streamlining operations through just 1 restaurant, Grand Velas is a bit more innovative. They are rotating between two different restaurants each night, however, multiple menus are available at each restaurant. Ie, I was able to order from Lucca, the Italian restaurant but eat Churros for dessert from Friday, the Mexican restaurant. The Velas magic is alive and well, even after a pandemic!

All in all, if you are itching to get away, we are big fans of Mexico. Whether you are waiting to travel or ready to get away, we are here as your trusted planners. As always, just reach out here and we’ll be in touch!

We also have some favorite properties in Cabo and Cancun as well! Mayakoba, Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Le Blanc Los Cabos, and Excellence Playa Mujeres, just to name a few!