Head south to Punta Mita to hit the reset button
If you’ve been to Mexico, chances are you’ve heard of Punta Mita, a lush, private enclave about an hour from Puerto Vallarta in the Riviera Nayarit region. Poised on a peninsula, the idyllic Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita encompasses 1,500 acres with The Rock, a small cliff-like overhang with sweeping ocean views for morning yoga and tai chi, and private dinners; a new restaurant, Dos Catrinas with local spirits tastings; a spa and fitness center; and a lazy river. The five-star oceanfront property, complete with newly refreshed guest rooms inspired by modern Mexican design, has just launched three- and four-day customized soul and wellness retreats, or “Soulcations,” intended for couples, siblings, friends and even solo resets.
My official soulcation kicks off with a plant-a-coral experience, to encourage new coral growth, led by a certified scuba guide. After suiting up in a wet suit, we take a boat to a shallow cove to affix a small piece of coral with a zip tie to an existing piece of coral (which will ultimately take on new life). I’m given a brief tutorial on snorkeling and my mask and fins (scuba divers can dive if certified), and I’m told to contemplate a name for my piece of coral. “Name it anything you want,” my guide explains. I decide to name it “Ryan,” for my best friend’s brother who recently passed away. He loved the ocean and boats, and I knew this was the perfect place. After diving into the warm water with a small personal tribute, I point to the exact spot for my guide to join the old piece with the new. I swim around and marvel at the sculptural, colorful coral and fish below me.
After the coral is successfully tied, we head back to shore. As I step off the boat, I reflect on my tribute to Ryan and my small gesture in helping to promote new coral growth, and smile. I head to the beach for the Reborn Mud Ritual, a treatment led by a clairvoyant, Rosana, who leads me through a guided meditation followed by a body mask application (a natural, moisturizing mud blend she’s blended), and a sound healing session with Tibetan bowls.
As I lie faceup with a mud mask from head to toe, I soak up the last hours of daylight and slip into a deep relaxed state, focusing on my breath and the gentle sound of the ocean. One word keeps circulating in my mind: gratitude. I feel so fortunate for this experience, and for the quiet time to “press pause.” When I’m gently told to wake from my sea-induced trance, I’m led to the ocean to rinse off the mud body mask. I walk in slowly, feeling refreshed and renewed in the warm sea water. I watch the mud float away and wade in silence, staring at the bright orange and pink sunset.
After dinner at Dos Catrinas, I head to bed early to prepare for another day of exploration and inner contemplation. On the itinerary? Morning yoga on The Rock; a long bike ride around the area; some downtime floating in an inner tube on the Lazy River; and Catch of the Day, a presentation of just-caught local fish that’s then cooked to order by Chef Jorge González. As I close my eyes and re-evaluate my special day, I notice I’m more mindful, open and clear. I can’t think of a better place to be than right here, right now. fourseasons.com/puntamita