The Riviera Nayarit stretch can be considered a forgotten hideaway to some when discussing the many nice destination stops throughout Mexico. Its western coastline allows the Pacific Ocean to wave at the Gulf of California, and tourism brings forth the state of Nayarit's culture, fishing and agriculture.
Iberostar Selection Playa Mita is a 451-room property located in Punta Mita, roughly 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, that highlights the region's beauty. It's a gated community currently celebrating its 10th year of existence, a five-star, all-inclusive resort that thrives off its Wixárika (Huichol) artistry, its background of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range and its serene views of the world's largest ocean.
Culture is the name of the game for Iberostar Selection Playa Mita. Among the first things to easily notice is an extremely large jaguar head behind the customer service representatives at the lobby. The jaguar head was created by artists from Wixárika, the indigenous people from the Sierra Madre Occidental range often related to Aztec heritage.
The resort features this colorful jaguar in the lobby. (Photo Credit: Jennifer Sayles)
To add, tourists are treated to an outstanding performance by those who know the Wixárika culture. "Sunset Fire" goes deep into the culture, providing drums, dancing and an intensity that will keep the attention of those ages 8 to 80.
The resort has a wedding gazebo (a wedding took place while I was there), tennis courts, a fitness room, sand volleyball setup, salsa/merengue classes and bingo. There's also a full-service spa (I had one of the best massages I've ever received), a disco/nightclub and a two-tier pool.
Also, getting off the property is strongly suggested. There is a tour of Sayulita and San Pancho that is available. It'll allow tourists to really experience the culture of Mexico as a whole.
Wixárika culture was on full display as a part of this "Sunset Fire" ceremonial presentation. (Photo Credit: Jennifer Sayles)
Accommodations
Access into the suite, first of all, involves a wristband chip. Guests are provided a waterproof band, which grants entrance into their rooms. It's a smart technology for those who love swimming but don't have pockets.
The junior suites are comfortable with king-sized beds and 70-inch television screens. Some rooms have direct views to the ocean. Other rooms have access to the pool area, which leads to the ocean.
There was no microwave, but there was a stocked refrigerator that included canned Coke products (all "sin azúcar" or "without sugar") and some canned beer options such as Dos Equis.
Overlooking the resort's pathway as the sun goes down. (Photo Credit: Jennifer Sayles)
One thing to note for travelers though is that Hurricane season in Mexico is May through November. It may rain during this time, and that rain introduced tourists to tropical land crabs not only on the beach, but also in the hallways of the property -- and, yes, even in bedrooms. These crabs, after laying eggs in the ocean, migrate to higher grounds during the summer rain season. It was an unexpected bienvenidos for some, a frightening one for others.
Exquisite Cultural Food
The one thing a visitor will do at Iberostar Selection Playa Mita is eat well. There are a variety of options for consumers, including a dinner buffet and authentic Mexican, French and Teppanyaki specialty restaurants. There's also a steakhouse that's open during the evenings.
The dinner buffet is designed for children to pick and choose whatever they like. It includes anything from some of the delicacies of the other authentic spots to a classic hamburger and fries.
Arguably the highlight of the trip is a stop at Pacific Express, a seven-course meal with a Wixárika flavor that's also paired with some of the best wines available. It's worth spending a little extra dollars (or pesos) for the experience.
This delicacy at Pacific Express, a restaurant with Wixárika flavor, was part of a seven-course meal. (Photo Credit: Jennifer Sayles)
Final Takeaways
The view of the Pacific Ocean from the hotel is a vision in itself. Having the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range as a backdrop is an added bonus.
Iberostar Selection Playa Mita is kid-friendly. The resort's Star Camp serves as a babysitting service and gives children a myriad of activities while their parents enjoy their alone time. Lifeguards also are on duty, so the young swimmers are safe. This is not the place for adults looking for privacy and solitude. It can be loud at random hours because, well, children can be loud.
The resort is growing though. Iberostar is expected to break ground on an adults-only luxury property, which is looking at a 2025 opening. The property will have 305 rooms.
Until then, look for vendors at Iberostar Selection Playa Mita everywhere. They're on the beach trying to sell hats, blankets, bags, etc. They're in the hotel hallways and passways trying to sell anything from jewelry and candy to Lucha Libre masks. And many, like good salesmen, try not to take no for an answer. It can be an uncomfortable setup for the incurable introvert.
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