When we received a wedding invite from our dear friends to celebrate their special day in Mexico City; we thought, wow! this is going to be one spectacular experience. It was even better than that.

Initially when planning this trip, I was a bit lost. This was a city I really didn't know too much about other than the fact we have four great friends from there. They always spoke highly of their home, but I never grasped how great it was.

The plan was to fly into Mexico City Friday night and enjoy the morning in the city prior to the ceremony, then hop on a plane Sunday for a more leisure vacation. After landing in Mexico City, my senses awoke and I gained a second wind. We went to a late dinner at L'Unica near our hotel, located in Polanco.

To my amazement, and I can safely say for all of my meals, these were some of the greatest restaurants I have ever eaten at. I started off with a jalapeno margarita and some tacos with mole sauce. This will be a trend: that and of course my favorite Chilaquiles with steak in verde (green) sauce.

Our hotel was recommended by the bride, so we knew it would be fabulous. It was a very shabby chic boutique hotel in a very exclusive neighborhood, walking distance from all of the high-end stores a girl can dream of. Los Alcobas was the name of the hotel and it is also part of SPG if you are looking to earn some points on your trip. Also located nearby is the W Mexico City and the Intercontinental.

For the privacy of the Bride & Groom I am going to zoom past the details of the wedding day. It was absolutely lovely and we were so grateful to be invited to celebrate their special day. Just two photos from the day I would like to share, because the church was breathtaking.

Lomas de Chapultec V Seccion (location for church neighborhood)

Parroquia Agustiniana Santa Teresita de Nino is the name of the church. The church interior was lined with these extraordinary flowers. The aroma awoke the senses as soon as you entered. I was in awe of the beauty.

The morning after the wedding we headed off to the airport and headed towards Punta Mita, where we would spend the next 7 days.

Mexico City-- > Puerto Vallarta --> Punta de Mita

Next Stop: Punta Mita

Punta Mita is located 40 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, mainly because of the scattered speed bumps to and from. It's much more relaxed and exclusive than Puerto Vallarta with private resorts located on the ocean with private beaches and infinity pools overlooking. We stayed at the W Hotel Punta de Mita and had a lovely time. The hotel is only 17 months old, so it is well maintained with all updated amenities.

The hotel offers a variety of food options and the town of Punta Mita is only 10 minutes away and the restaurants are worth the trip.

Spice Market is a main restaurant attached to the hotel as well as a Ceviche Bar on a truck, Pool Bar and a restaurant located inside/outside, with a hotel bar in the "Living Room." Make sure to say hi to our favorite bartender, Kristina, we made sure to see her every night! ( Room service is also available 24/7. )

Every Saturday there is a party poolside with different themes, and often a DJ poolside for your enjoyment. During our stay there was a Veuve Clicquot Fiesta with all the Bubbles one can enjoy!

There are two fire pits located next to the pool where dinner is served with live music at least once a week. We had the opportunity of enjoying this on our last night and Jonathan was great!

Cabanas are available poolside and ocean side as well as luxury cabanas on the beach to the side of pool with hammocks, television, outdoor showers, and private bathroom. We had the opportunity to have this all week and our amigos Jose, Tristan, and Diego ensured we had the greatest time with top of the line service. During our stay we were able to see the whales migrating. The babies were learning to breach and playing with their mothers; it was quite the sight to see and frankly quite fantastic.

Yoga is provided every morning overlooking the ocean on top of this pier that looks over the resort. It is a great place for health, 24 hour gym and Spa available. I was able to enjoy a treatment during my stay and it was very relaxing with a steam room to follow.

Jose & Diego on our last day..during the Champagne Party

On the beach, there are sea kayaks, a catamaran and various water activities for guests to enjoy. If you have children there is day care-camp complimentary as well. If you don't want to leave your pooch at home, well you are in luck, there were several dogs at the hotel during our stay and welcome at the hotel.

Fun Day Trips:

Sayulita: It is famous for the beaches and surfing waves. Fun surfing town with beautiful beaches, shopping, and restaurants. Worth the 20 minute drive from the resorts.

Isles Mauritas: A group of islands off the coast of Punta Mita. The best way to get there is via boat from downtown Punta Mita. You can snorkel and check out this beautiful spot. We were told they used to practice machinery and bombing in the center, but now because of the wildlife and mating habits it is no longer allowed.

Restaurants to try in Punta Mita : Below is a photo of my coconut shrimp from Blue Shrimp.

Blue Shrimp: Fun atmosphere, located on the beach. Come for dinner or enjoy a margarita prior to dinner (they make your drink to your liking...pouring tequila at the table.) I enjoyed the Coconut Shrimp and it was amazing! I am still craving a second course of this dish.
Casa Theresa: Romantic Italian restaurant, seating in a private courtyard. I highly recommend dining here. The Chicken Parmigiana & Lasagna are classics; however they change the menu regularly. It is owned by a husband and wife who will come to your table and introduce themselves. This is a place you come to once and will return every visit back to Punta de Mita. They also have a great wine list: We were able to order our favorite Caymus at a very reasonable price.
Tuna Blanca: Enjoy a table on the beach. They have a great option of a three course dining menu, and everything on the menu is delicious. The tuna is out of this world. I ordered the Tuna, lightly seared, as rare as can be: It was, yet the tuna was still warm--I'm still trying to replicate this dish at home.
Si Senor: This is part of Blue Shrimp & Rosa Mexicana. All located on the water- atmosphere is open and beachy.

Hotels recommended in Punta Mita: Four Seasons Punta Mita, St. Regis Punta Mita, & W Punta de Mita. If you are traveling with a larger group of friends or family you may want to look into renting a house privately. There is also the option to book the larger "house suites" from the W Hotel as well and then you are part of the hotel but have more privacy.

View from our room of the W Punta Mita resort.

As I mentioned earlier, we were able to watch the whales breach from the beach. The town also offers Whale Watching tours if you would like a closer view. When we were in Cabo a few Februarys ago, we also were able to witness this migratory pattern. The whales migrate down towards Cabo and Punta Mita the beginning of January then return back north by March. So if this is something that interests you, February may be the best time to plan your trip. You will notice certain weeks are more expensive, so play around with dates to find the best deal.

If you are an East Coaster and worried about heading to the West Coast of Mexico, FEAR NOT! Its a direct flight from New York, which makes this trip all the more appealing.

This was the view as I ran towards the beach every morning.

I hope you enjoyed my stay in Mexico as I was happy to share with you! If you have any questions about my stay, where I ate? shopped? Or travel tips please reach out to me either through comments, Instagram: travail_lux or by email: travali-lux@travali-lux.com

Until Next Time, Safe Travels! XOXO

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