Rating8.2Rating8.1Good
Based on 6k reviews
Exceptional Staff & Service
Guests consistently commend the staff for their genuine warmth, friendliness, and attentive service across all areas of the resort.
Outstanding Kids' Club
The Star Camp program receives high praise for its engaging activities and the sweet, caring staff who provide excellent supervision for children of all ages.
Quality Dining & Variety
The resort's diverse culinary offerings, including delicious breakfasts and a wide selection of international and à la carte options, are a recurring highlight.
Beautiful & Clean Beach
The direct access to a pristine, golden sandy beach with crystal clear waters is frequently lauded for its beauty and immaculate upkeep.
Spacious Accommodations
Guests appreciate the generous size and comfort of the rooms and suites, providing ample space for relaxation.
Room & Facility Updates
A common theme is that some rooms and general facilities are showing their age and could benefit from modernization and routine maintenance.
Teen Activity Gap
Some guests feel there could be more dedicated activities and entertainment options specifically designed for older teenagers and young adults.
Extensive Walking
Due to the resort's large and spread-out layout, guests should be prepared for a considerable amount of walking to navigate between amenities.
Occasional Menu Availability
There have been isolated reports of specific menu items being unavailable at specialty restaurants, which can be a minor disappointment.
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AAA Four Diamond Award
AAA
Traveler's Choice Award
2024
TripAdvisor
Guest Review Award
Booking.com
Green Globe Certification
Green Globe
The Iberostar Selection Playa Mita opened in 2013 in Punta de Mita on Mexico's Pacific Riviera Nayarit coast, where the Sierra Madre mountains meet the ocean. It sits about 25 miles from Gustavo Díaz Ordaz Airport in Puerto Vallarta (PVR) — typically a 45-minute transfer. Some recent guests note the resort shows signs of age in specific rooms and facilities, suggesting a refresh may be overdue in certain areas.
The cultural integration distinguishes this property architecturally. The design draws on indigenous Huichol and Cora cultural traditions with 100% locally sourced building materials. The resort also operates plastic-free and holds responsible tourism certification. This isn't just background information — Huichol art creation is observable on-site during cultural workshops, which adds genuine local context rather than generic resort theming.
The Pacific location has implications beyond scenery. Fuerteventura-level wind this is not, but the Pacific brings surfable conditions that the Caribbean coast can't match. Surfing and bodyboarding lessons are available at extra charge. Windsurfing is included in the daily non-motorized program. The beach is described by guests as semi-private, golden sand — different from the white Caribbean sand most Riviera Maya travelers expect. Afternoons can bring choppier conditions; mornings are generally calmer for swimming.
The infinity pool — described by guests as extending across two levels — is the flagship architectural pool. It's the more photographically distinctive option, with the Marea Pool Bar operating from 10 AM to 7 PM alongside it. The Star Prestige exclusive pool (500 square meters) provides a quieter, adults-preferred environment. The children's Aqua Fun water park is climate-controlled, an unusual feature that makes it genuinely usable on hot afternoons.
Dining spans five restaurants. El Nopal is the main buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. La Bahia serves as both an international lunch buffet and an à la carte steakhouse for dinner — the same space operating differently at different hours. Pacific Express - Bistró handles French/gourmet dining (age 10+, reservation required). Tsuba covers Japanese (sushi, sashimi). El Cuate Pancho does authentic Mexican with tequila tres leches cake as a notable dessert. El Tostón snack bar runs midday for tacos and tostadas outdoors.
Star Camp runs age-appropriate programming for Monkey (4–7), Dolphin (8–12), and Eagle (13–17). The Eagle teen program includes Xbox, Wii, gaming consoles, and a teen disco — a practical teen amenity in an adult-oriented market. Evening childcare from 5:30–9:30 PM for Star Camp ages carries an extra surcharge but gives parents genuine dinner flexibility.