W Punta de Mita opened this month as part of a larger oceanfront development. The 48^th W Hotel is the fifth in Latin America and the second in Mexico, following W Mexico City. “We are delighted to introduce our new W Escape to Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, a world-class destination for surf and sun, as we continue to grow the brand’s presence in this region. W Punta de Mita brings a playfully stylish addition to this Mexican hot spot, and we are confident that with the brand’s unique lifestyle programming and cutting-edge design it will become a must-visit destination to the new generation of jetsetters,” said Anthony Ingham, global brand leader, W Hotels Worldwide. Local bohemian surf culture, the indigenous Huichol population, traditional Mexican celebrations, the area’s Spanish roots, folk art and the surrounding natural habitat all inspire the new property’s design. Construction was careful not to damage the surrounding natural resources, including the nearby natural springs, while building. The W Living Room, the brand’s version of a lobby, greets guests with an open, airy space and rectangular altar-influenced bar. A chandelier mimicking church votives, created with 450 LED lights, illuminates the space. A gong located in the Living Room is rung every evening to announce sunset. There are 119 guest villas and one Extreme WOW Suite. All villas and suites include a private balcony or patio and are decorated with Mexican tiles and vintage photographs of significant Mexican figures. One small grouping of villas, the Ocean Escape Villas, mimics an ancient fishing village. Dining options include Mesa1, a unique venue located on an island in the middle of the resort’s spring-fed lake. The restaurant accommodates one seating daily for a seven-course tasting menu, and is reached via stepping stones that submerge underneath the water once guests are seated. Other options are Chevicheria, a ceviche and beer bar; Venazu, an all-day, casual dining restaurant; and Spice Market, a Pan-Asian eatery.