What took me so long to get here?! In the world of golf tourism and the constant pursuit of extraordinary places, this game has a way of pulling us in—both for business and passion.

As golf travel advisors we seek destinations that go beyond expectations—world-class golf, a culinary scene that stays with you, and a setting that makes leaving the hardest part.

Punta Mita delivers on every front, and I have no doubt it will for you too.

Getting There: Puerto Vallarta

Punta Mita sits tucked along Mexico’s Pacific Coast on a private peninsula at the northern tip of Banderas Bay, just 45 minutes northwest of Puerto Vallarta. It’s an exclusive destination with lush jungle landscapes, miles of pristine beachfront, and world-class golf.

Getting here is easy enough. Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) offers direct flights from major U.S. hubs like Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, making Punta Mita feel like a world away—without the hassle of long-haul travel. Once in Puerto Vallarta, our prearranged private transfer made the hour-long drive to Punta Mita effortless.

Where To Stay: The St. Regis Punta Mita

St. Regis Punta Mita - the setting is unreal, the service is seamless, and everything about it feels like it was designed for those who appreciate the best without the need to show it off.

Mornings start on one of two Jack Nicklaus courses—challenging, scenic, and exactly the kind of test that makes the post-round margarita taste better. Afternoons move at their own pace, whether it’s a long lunch by the pool, a deep dive into the Remède Spa, or simply letting the ocean set the rhythm.

Evenings bring the kind of meals that linger—Carolina’s modern take on Mexican flavors, fresh seafood grilled to perfection, and a final glass of something strong as the sky turns to fire over Banderas Bay.

Accommodations: Casita-style

Check-in at St. Regis Punta Mita is less of a process and more of an arrival. No lines, no desk, just a quiet moment in the shade, where a chilled cocktail lands in hand almost as soon as you do. A cool, eucalyptus-scented cloth follows, wiping away the last traces of travel. The butler handles the details while the ocean hums in the background. Just like that, the transition is complete. Everything before—airport chaos, packed schedules—fades away. It doesn’t exist here.

The casita-style rooms are designed for both space and intention, blending handcrafted Mexican details with sleek, modern comfort. Many feature private terraces, plunge pools, and sweeping ocean views, creating an effortless flow between indoors and out. Ours was a retreat in every sense. An outdoor shower that turned rinsing off into an experience—because few things beat cooling down under an open sky after a round on the course or a swim in the Pacific. The beds? Perfect. The kind that made deep, uninterrupted rest inevitable. Our private patio overlooks the 18th green of the Bahia Course, with the Pacific beyond—ideal for morning espressos, evening cocktails, or just taking it all in.

The butlers had a way of anticipating needs before they existed—water bottles always chilled, the little details handled without a second thought. A spacious closet made unpacking effortless, while lighting shifted the space into a calm, understated retreat. The decor? A balance of modern and coastal—handwoven textures, rich wood, and artistic touches that felt natural, never overdone.

Golf in Punta Mita: Pacific & Bahia Courses

Golf in Punta Mita delivers. The Bahia Course twists through dunes and boulders, while Pacifico plays to the sea—sailboats on the horizon, waves always within reach. And then there’s the legendary 3B, the world’s only true island green.

Bahia Course: A Bold and Scenic Challenge

Jack Nicklaus designed Bahia to test both nerve and creativity. This par-72 layout moves through rolling terrain, with elevation shifts turning every shot into natural theater. Deep bunkers, tiered greens, and oceanfront approaches reward precision and imagination alike.

Bahia is a thinking player’s course. Playable yet demanding, stunning yet technical, it’s for those who appreciate a round that delivers both beauty and bite.

Pacifico Course: Home to the Legendary “Tail of the Whale”

Jack Nicklaus put Punta Mita on the map with the Pacifico Course, a par-72 masterpiece that plays wide to the ocean. Expansive fairways, immaculate conditioning, and sweeping views from eight different holes make it a standout.

But the real headliner? Hole 3B, “Tail of the Whale”—the world’s only natural island green. A true risk-reward test, accessible only at low tide via a stone pathway, it’s one of golf’s most iconic tee shots. Pacifico consistently ranks among Mexico’s best resort courses, balancing player-friendly design with a dramatic seaside setting.

Teeing off early, we played 18, then circled back in the afternoon when the tide was low. As the ocean pulled back, the path emerged—waves against the rocks, salt in the air, and 180 yards with no bailout. Kastania found the bunker, wedged it tight, and drained the putt for par. I knocked in a six-footer to match—because walking away from a hole like this with anything less? Not an option.

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Dining: Truly Unforgettable

We’ve had incredible meals at golf resorts, but Punta Mita raised the bar. From a beautifully expansive breakfast buffet to the gorgeous turn house (more of a bar) smoothies, everything was exceptional!

Las Marietas (St. Regis) – Fresh-baked bread, pastries that belong in a dream, and coffee so good it became a ritual. On checkout day, there was a real moment of grief—no more lemon cakes, no more pistachio croissants, no more starting the day in that serene open-air setting. Just don’t skip breakfast.
The Deck (Golf Club) – The best post-round meal we’ve had at any course, period. The views didn’t hurt either.
Pacific Beach Club – The food matched the open vista setting—fresh ceviche, expertly grilled seafood, and dishes that felt both elevated and effortless.
Hector’s Kitchen (Kupuri Beach Club) – Every dish was a standout—bold flavors, locally sourced ingredients, and the most beautiful setting.
Mina (Village of Punta Mita) – Worth the short 10-minute ride (easily arranged by your butler). The kind of meal that makes you pause between bites, wondering how something so simple can be so perfect.
El Surf Club – A laid-back beachfront escape with incredible seafood, cold drinks, and a vibe that makes you want to stay all afternoon. The grilled octopus was a standout, and sipping a mezcal cocktail with toes in the sand just felt right.
and so many more…!

Exploring Beyond the Fairways

Whale Watching – The kind of unforgettable that sticks with you forever. Within 15 minutes of our tour, humpbacks are in the bay! Over the next 2 hours, we watched pods tail-slapping, breaching, and playing in the waves. The boat ride? A little rocky, a little sketchy getting on, but worth it!
Tequila Tasting (Pacifico Beach Club) – We skimmed through the Patron on the tasting menu and asked for a tasting of small-batch Mexican tequilas instead. What followed was part education, part conversation, and entirely the best way to sip through the late afternoon.
Beach Clubs – Never more than a short shuttle ride. There are five beach clubs, each with its own mix of pools, bars, and dining—honestly, just pick one. You can’t go wrong.
Champagne Sabering Ritual—a nod to Napoleonic victory—marks the evening with a swift strike, sending the cork flying as the Pacific glows in the fading light - of course, we “took a stab at it” - core memory!