Riviera Nayarit (Punta Mita), Mexico
Rating8.2
Rating8.1
Rating7.9Daily programming runs from pool and beach activities in the morning through fitness classes, cultural workshops, and nightly entertainment. Most activities are walk-in; the a la carte restaurants and some fitness classes benefit from advance sign-up at the activities desk. The whale-watching excursion (December through March), scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing carry extra charges and require booking through the concierge. Three kids clubs run parallel programming so adult activities can happen independently.
Fitness center with modern cardio equipment, weights, and resort views
Courtesy of Palladium Hotel Group
At 2,462 square meters, this is the resort's central gathering point. Swim-up bar (Splash!) operates 10 AM to 6 PM. Daily programming — pool volleyball, bingo, water aerobics — means significant noise levels mid-morning through mid-afternoon. Depth of 1.2 meters throughout. Surrounded by loungers with food and drink service. Best for social guests; actively bad for those wanting quiet.
373 square meters, heated, overlooking the beach. Open 8 AM to midnight — one of the few pools at any Riviera Nayarit resort that stays open this late. Depth of 1.1 meters. Served by The Secret Bar. The evening hours with Pacific ocean views are genuinely good. Quiet by design; no organized activities here.
At 3,000 square meters, the largest pool on property. Natural Pacific saltwater with no added chlorine — guests with sensitive skin specifically recommend it. Mineral-rich water is gentler on eyes. Depth of 1.3 meters. Open 8 AM to 8 PM. Quieter than the main pool on most days.
Maximum depth of 40 cm. Animal-themed mini slides for toddlers, palm tree sprinklers, and taller slides for older children. Located near the Mini Club. Open 8 AM to 8 PM. Supervised by kids club staff during operating hours.
300 meters of private golden-sand Pacific beach. Faces west for sunset views. The Pacific here produces variable swells — calmer than open-ocean Caribbean beaches on most days but with more wave action than Cancun. Good for swimming, boogie boarding, and beginner snorkeling. Backed by jungle cliffs giving the cove a more private feel than the long hotel strips elsewhere. Kayaks, catamarans, boogie boards, and snorkeling gear included. Fizz Beach Bar operates on the sand 11 AM to 6 PM. Humpback whale watching possible from shore December through March.
Single and tandem kayaks available at the beach center at no extra charge. The coastline along Banderas Bay offers calm conditions for most of the morning before afternoon swells pick up.
Small catamarans for sailing along the 300-meter beachfront. Basic instruction available for beginners. Better in the morning when winds are more predictable.
Boards available free at the beach. Pacific swells near Punta de Mita can offer decent conditions for both beginners and experienced riders depending on swell size — ask staff about the day's conditions before heading out.
Equipment provided at no charge. Best visibility during the dry season (November through April). The Pacific here is less colorful than the Caribbean but offers different marine life.
Introductory scuba session in the resort pool with certified instructors. Free and included. A practical first step before booking an open-water dive excursion off Punta de Mita.
Organized beach games with staff-coordinated teams. Tournaments run throughout the week. One of the more social daytime activities on the beach.
Lighted courts with rackets and balls provided. Available throughout the day, no advance booking typically needed outside peak season.
Courts with equipment provided. One of the resort's newer sport additions. Less crowded than the tennis courts and easier to get court time.
Multipurpose court for pickup games. Staff organizes tournaments during high season.
Guided sessions with instructor supervision, equipment provided. Available on a scheduled basis — check the daily activities board. Not commonly offered at all-inclusive resorts, so it books up.
Daily sessions in various styles, held at the fitness center or in beachfront and garden outdoor settings depending on weather.
Mat-based classes at the fitness center. Regular schedule posted daily. Core-focused, no special equipment needed.
Stationary bike cycling in the pool — cardio workout with water resistance. Popular with guests who want structured exercise without going to the gym. Limited capacity; sign up early.
High-energy Latin dance fitness classes poolside. Salsa and bachata instruction also available as separate sessions. One of the more social daytime activities.
Cardio equipment, weight machines, and free weights above the spa. Air-conditioned with views of the resort grounds. Open to all guests without reservation.
Hands-on sessions with the resort's culinary team. Salsa, guacamole, and regional dishes are the typical focus. Included in the rate; check the weekly schedule.
Bartending instruction for cocktail making. Good pre-dinner activity. Included in the rate.
Weekly presentation on tequila production and varieties, typically Friday afternoons. Guided sampling with context on agave regions and production methods.
Supervised play space with cribs and age-appropriate activities, 9 AM to 8 PM. Bilingual staff. Accepting children from age one is unusual for resort kids clubs — it's a genuine differentiator for parents of toddlers.
Full-day programming from 9 AM to 11 PM with arts and crafts, nature tours, water park access, and nightly theater performances where children can participate as performers. Raggs character entertainment. Evening shows end around 9-9:30 PM.
Teen-specific space with Xbox One, computers, pool tables, and organized social activities, open 11 AM to midnight. The supervised evening disco is designed to give teenagers a structured nightlife option without the adult bar scene.
Professional performances at 9 PM in the outdoor theater. Mexican cultural themes, acrobatics, and variety shows rotate nightly. Quality is generally solid for an all-inclusive — guests rate the shows well.
Weekly events including White Party, Back to the 80s, and Neon Party at the disco. Live music at La Placita nightly as a lower-key alternative.
Seasonal boat trips December through March to observe humpback whales in Banderas Bay. Extra charge, booked through concierge. Marine naturalist guided. One of the top seasonal draws for this area — book early in the week as availability is limited.
Open-water diving for certified divers and introductory courses. Extra charge. Multiple dive sites accessible from Punta de Mita including Los Arcos marine sanctuary.
Charter fishing in Banderas Bay. Extra charge. Marlin, mahi-mahi, tuna, and sailfish are common catches depending on season. Arrange through the concierge.