Inside the Gates
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Kupuri Beach Club
Kupuri beach club is a must do. It has the most expansive pool in all of Punta Mita, amazing beachside service and a restaurant and more than one bar! The Litubu Bay is beautiful and you can often see whales, sting rays, and all sort of other fish. You will love getting a SUP board and heading out over the wave break and into very calm, and turquoise waters. Kids love going during the afternoons when it is low tide and walking down the beach toward the reefs or exposed ocean corals to look for shells, hermit crabs and starfish. Do yourself a favor and go visit Kupuri!
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El Surf Beach Club
El Surf Club is Punta Mita’s newest beach club. What a gem. This club is on one of the best surf breaks in all of Nayarit called “La Lancha”. The waves here are for everyone. You can find great waves to body surf, boogie board, and surf. Whether it is your first time surfing or you are an expert, El Surf Club will have exactly what you want. El Surf Club has much more than just amazing waves. The food is fresh and current and celebrity chef’s from all over the world have come here to share special seasonal menus. There is no pool at El Surf Club, however there is ample shade, umbrellas and cover from the sun. You will love walking along the beach and gazing at the estate homes along the very private Los Ranchos Estates and the new Bahia Estates. You will love El Surf Club.
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Pacifico Beach Club
Pacifico (previously the residence beach club) has been a favorite beach club of those traveling to Punta Mita for many years. This was the original beach club in the gates and has been awarded all sorts of awards and accolades for one of the best beach clubs in the world. The famous “Tail of the Whale” ocean hole can be seen from the beach. Kids love going around low tide and searching for golf balls! There are two pools here, an adults only pool for lounging and relaxing and a kids pool where splashing and having loud fun is welcome. Whether you want massages, pool or beachside service or you want to dine in its amazing on-the-beach restaurant, Pacifico has it all. The ocean here is more of a rocky bottom with a shore break which is great for kids who love staying out of the water but being chased up the slope of the beach by crashing waves. If you want to wade out into the shallow waters, bring water shoes for more comfort though it is totally fine swimming barefoot here too. You will love Pacifico. A secret that is on our Best Kept Secrets page, is to come in the evening and eat while the sun is setting and get the Tuna Tostadas, they are out of this world delicious!
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Sufi Beach Club
Sufi Ocean Club does not have a swimmable beach but do not let that sway your from coming and enjoying amazing ocean breezes, gorgeous views and some of the best food in all of Punta Mita. The Sufi Ocean Club is a bit more of an adults vibe though children are welcome. You will enjoy a modern chic feel and have world class service at your fingertips. Take a stroll onto the beautiful Punta Mita pier and you can even take a dip from the end or jump on a SUP board if you would like. Try going to “Sufito” for lunch which is located just adjacent to the Ocean Club and you could even just have the food from the Sufito menu served to you poolside if you ask.
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St Regis Beach Club
The St Regis Beach Club has some of the softest sand in all of Punta Mita. It is soft and powdery and just feels great on your feet. This beach club is great for the entire family as you will have access to the very large pool and ample space on the beach. You will find both a sandy and soft bottom of the ocean and rocky areas scattered throughout. This beach will very rarely have waves and is great for just lounging around or bringing the little ones. You will get access to all of the restaurants here at the St. Regis and a large variety of pool and beachside service. This beach club is always a favorie among guests in Punta Mita so give it a shot. One Best Kept Secret is to come to Mita Mary on the beach here at the St. Regis around sunset and be sure to make reservations too. Dinner here at sunset may be one of the most beautiful views in all of Punta Mita.
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Hacienda de Mita Owners Beach Club
This is a private beach just for owners of Hacienda de Mita condos or La Reserva Villas. As a guest of Casa Luz you will have access to this beach club. The beach club is within walking distance of Casa Luz and you should check it out. You will not have the full service like you will at the other beach clubs, but with its proximity to the villa and the pueblo of Punta de Mita, the convenience alone is enough to get you to grab your towel or surf board and spend some time here. There is another famous surf break here called el Anclote and you will almost certainly see surfers of all levels riding its small and long breaking waves throughout the morning or evening.
Nearby
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Punta Mita Public Beach
Want to see how the locals and those vacationers who are not inside the gates enjoy the beauty of the ocean? Visit the Punta Mita public beach. From Casa Luz you could walk very easily via the direct access gate at the Hacienda de Mita Owner’s Club or take a golf cart through town. The public beach can be accessed at the very end of the main beachfront “restaurant row” as you pass by Si Sushi or Mina. You will eventually get to the end of the road where you can go up a hill to your left or dead end near the fishing boats. Find a place to park your cart and head on down to the beach. Make sure to take towels. Normally there will be locals renting umbrellas and occasionally chairs, but this will be a different experience than the high-end service you will enjoy at the beach clubs inside the gates. There are very good beginner waves for surfing, but beware there are rocky areas of these beaches. A famous surf break here is called “stinkys” due to its location just off the jetty where all the fishing boats are docked. The break is mellow and long right point break and is great for beginners, long boarders and SUPS.
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Litibu Beach
If you have already visited Kupuri Beach Club, then you have seen Litibu Bay and all its wonderful beaches. The best way to visit Litibu Beach is to spend the day at Kupuri and walk as far north (to your right from the beach club chairs) as you wish. This is a beautiful walk and what you will find is that you can see “old school” way of beach living. You will see some vacant or deserted buildings consisting of homes, hotels and restaurants along with sprawling beautiful properties. Not only is it fun to sight see, but the sand and the waves are wonderful all the way up the coast as far as you can walk. Recently a new and popular beach restaurant has opened, and it is called Barracuda. You will see this spot beachside shortly after beginning your walk from Kupuri.
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Sayulita
By far the most popular beach town outside of Punta Mita, you should try to visit Sayulita if you have time. You will need to secure transportation to get there and it is located about 15-30 minutes (depends on traffic) from Casa Luz. Our concierge will help you handle the transportation there and back. Sayulita is what most would call a happening surf town with a much more active scene and nightlife than the sleepy town of Punta de Mita. If you want to spend lots of time shopping, see a much more active beach seen full of tourists and tons of surfing, then Sayulita is the place for you. Like with Punta Mita public beach, take towels if you plan to spend any time at the beach but there will be unlimited amounts of chair, umbrella and sports rentals all up and down the beaches of Sayulita.
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San Pancho
San Francisco aka San Pancho is located about 35-40 minutes away from Punta Mita and just a bit past the beaches of Sayulita. San Pancho and the drive to get there will take you back in time to a place that doesn't exist as much in resort areas these days. If you want to see a slower pace of life, enjoy local cuisine and be on secluded and quiet beaches, then head north and check out San Pancho.
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Bucerias
You will have passed Bucerias on your way to Casa Luz from the airport on the day you arrived. Bucerias is a traditional Mexican town full of enchantment. Many of the staff that work in Punta Mita and its surrounding areas call Bucerias home. Bucerias is one of the most visited Nayarit destinations among national and international tourists alike. Visitors come in search of fun and relaxation in this pristine destination, known for its fine sandy beaches, tranquil surf, and colorful hotels and resorts. Bucerias Mexico is perfect for young children who enjoy floating over the gentle waves on inflatable toys.
Inside the Gates
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Beach Club Restaurants
While enjoying your time at any of the beach clubs withing the gates of Punta Mita, you will have access to poolside, beachside or tableside service. Whether you are searching for a refreshing drink, chips and salsa, the catch of the day or a gourmet burger, you will love the expansive menu at each of the beach clubs. Through out different times of the year, professional chefs from all over the world have been known to feature unique and seasonal menus. When we are enjoying Casa Luz, we will at times forgo eating lunch in the villa and stay at the beach even longer and pamper ourselves with the amazing and friendly service and wonderful food. Give the beach clubs a try for one of your next lunches or even dinners. Each club will have different hours of operation so make sure to inquire with the concierge or download the Punta Mita web app here.
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Sufi and Sufito
Sufi has been a long time favorite of anyone in the know in Punta Mita. Just a few years ago, Sufito opened just next door. Both restaurants are located in the Porta Fortuna neighborhood and right along a beautiful beach club. Our family has loved Sufi for so many years and we know you will not be disappointed at all. The views of the ocean and pier at night are one of a kind and the food is always great. A personal favorite is the watermelon, arugula and feta cheese salad. Sufito is our new favorite spot for lunch. Through out the year you may be lucky enough to find Sufito open in the evening but generally this is a wonderful lunch spot. You will be seated under and amazing tree, feet in the sand at perfectly set tables right on the edge of the water. Sufito has one of our favorite menus in all of Punta Mita. A current favorite is the pork belly guacamole. Yes I said pork belly! If you like clams you have got to try them also! Menus and hours of operations can be found on the Punta Mita web app.
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Tail of the whale clubhouse
Whether you are a golfer or not, do not make the mistake of forgetting about the amazing food at Tail of the Whale Clubhouse. Most mornings at Casa Luz you are likely going to eat breakfast at the villa, however if you decide to hit the links early, the breakfast menu at the golf course is amazing! One of the best kept secrets at this restaurant are the fajitas! Do yourself a favor and go for lunch one afternoon to change up the pace a bit and order the fajitas. If you do not have a huge appetite we might suggest sharing an order with a friend because they are huge. Menus and hours of operations can be found on the Punta Mita web app.
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Four Seasons Restaurants
Our family is a huge fan of four seasons food all over the world. I can honestly say I have never had bad food when eating at a Four Seasons. You will need to have the concierge book your reservations before hand while staying in Casa Luz. Our personal favorite is Aramara, though all the food at the Four Seasons is amazing. If you like sushi, go to Aramara and get the sushi tower. I am not sure if this is how they always serve their sushi, but the last time we went, we had the most immaculate sushi tower ever, full of dry ice smoke and all!
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St Regis Restaurants
Just a quick golf cart ride for Casa Luz is the St. Regis. Like the Four Seasons I would suggest having the concierge make your reservations beforehand. If you are spending the day at the St. Regis beach club make sure to enjoy the beachside service and bar. The most amazing place to eat in the evenings right around sunset is Mita Mary directly on the beach at the St. Regis. This small on the beach restaurant has a limited yet very tasty menu of salads and tacos. Though the food is great, it is the best evening view for sunsets in Punta Mita in our opinion.
In the Pueblo of Punta de Mita
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Casa Teresa
Casa Teresa is some of the best Italian food you will ever eat and the fact that you arrive at this amazing place at the end of a dirt road, in a sleepy town like Punta de Mita is amazing. Just getting there makes the entire meal start of wonderfully. When you arrive, you will not at all expect what you will encounter as you enter the eatery. Reservations are a must and when you arrive your name will be displayed on a welcome board. You will soon be escorted to your table by the very friendly staff and will be in awe at the beautiful surroundings in the family’s back courtyard.
Casa Teresa is owned and managed by Nadia, a vibrant and friendly owner who is almost certain to come and say hello during your meal. At her side, will normally be her husband and co-owner Matin, who is much more reserved and shyer than Nadia. You will love these two and all the others working at Casa Teresa.
The menu changes during the season and the food is always fresh. There is not a single dish on their menu or that we have tried that was not delicious. You will love the complimentary oven-cooked focaccia bread and dipping oils.
Do yourself a favor and have our concierge book you a dinner reservation here during your stay. -
De Mina (formerly Si Senor)
De Mina is everything eating amazing Mexican food on the beach should be. Most tables will allow you to have your feet in the soft sand (request tables in the sand at the time of your reservation) but are far enough from the ocean you do not need to worry about comfort. This place is beautiful, and you will notice that the moment you walk through the large bright blue entrance. Mexican flair is abundant and if you are lucky, a couple of employees will come by your table and show you the catch of the day up close and personal. Some Casa Luz favorites are the table side guacamole, the queso fundido with chorizo, the catch of the day and the amazing tortilla soup. If there are those in your party that do not enjoy Mexican food, do not worry, Mina has burgers, fries, salads and plenty of options off the menu for kids.
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Lobster Paradise
This is a favorite lunch spot for guests of Casa Luz. Many vacationers are somewhat turned off or confused by its name but do not be fooled, the food here is amazing. As the name suggests, get the lobster tacos or either the local rock lobster caught right of the shores of Punta Mita or spring for the massive coastal lobsters flown in from around the world! The staff here is super friendly and even treated a large party of kids one time to their own table side guacamole lessons while food was being prepared. Like all the restaurants on what we call restaurant row, the views, the weather and location are amazing.
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El Pescador formerly Blue Shrimp
El Pescador also serves traditional Mexican food and there is nothing on this menu you will not enjoy. El Pescador is conveniently located right at the start of restaurant row and has been a guest favorite for years. As their prior name suggests, get the Blue Shrimp. These are massive shrimp that are served grilled, head on and ready to peel. If you like coconut shrimp, you can get some of the largest coconut shrimp ever here with some amazing dipping sauces too.
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La Rustica
This is one of the new restaurants in the area and aren’t we glad. Originally from the nearby town of Sayulita, this place is trendy and has some of the most innovative dishes outside of the gates of Punta Mita. You will love the décor and design of this beautiful place and it may even remind you ever so slightly of the vibe at Casa Luz. Clean, crisp finishes and the beautiful view of the bay make this place unique.
Some favorites are the seafood queso fundido or melted cheese in English, the burrata salad, or the calamari. The al pastor pizza is a must if you like wood-fired pizza. The steak with chimichurri is amazing. Do yourself a favor and stop by here for a meal.
Food Carts/Street Food
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Teresas Tacos
Teresa’s tacos is a hidden gem that you will not want to miss. They serve much more than tacos here and it is a step up from normal street food. You will see them cooking on a cart just outside of their home but they will utilize their indoor kitchen and other aspects of their home which allows this to be a step up from standard street food.
The quesadillas are huge and when they offer you a dessert like the flan or the banana bread do not pass it up.
Street food is the most affordable way to eat anywhere in the area and in our opinion one of the best ways to learn about and enjoy the local culture. -
Tacos El Acha Street Cart By Casa Punta Mita
This is a typical greasy but good Mexican taco cart! This cart is open super early serving tacos to all the workers heading into town and into Punta Mita. Around 7 am they will open and are normally out of tacos by noon or earlier. There is not much space to sit and eat other than under a little sport pop up tent with one table. Most people will stand around and eat as they talk and hang out. You can walk into to the little convenience store right next door and grab yourself an ice-cold coke in a glass bottle. By the way, the best way to eat street food in Punta Mita, or anywhere in Mexico for that reason is always with a bottle of Mexican coke!
The best tacos here are the Birria Dorado tacos and the carne asada, but go out on a limb and give some others a try. -
La Picara
We refer to this taco stand as "the al pastor dude by Oxxo."
You can find this taco stand normally nightly right around dusk. The owner and his lovely family run the place. You will likely see his wife bringing the food to the tables and his children helping their dad on the grill or cleaning up.
The Al Pastor tacos I’ll run you run around a dollar or less and they are amazing. He also has great carne asada tacos and he put all sorts of garlic oil or something in them and it smells amazing as he’s cooking. -
Tacos Trevi and nearby Amazing Churros
This amazing street cart is open most nights and the absolute best thing we love here is the birria tacos dorados. These are a very typical taco in the area with a shredded beef inside, they dip the corn tortilla in a red oil/sauce and then crisp it up perfectly. These are hot off the grill and you will love them. Seriously, so good!
Now the churros are going to normally be on the opposite corner of Tacos Trevi Thursday nights through Saturday night. You should not miss a chance to get these amazing treats. They make the fresh right in front of you and have all sorts of dips and toppings to enjoy too. They even have an Instagram page at dulcechurros__ (Click here to see instagram page) -
Normas Tacos
You will absolutely fall in love with both the food and Norma herself. This lovely spot is her front porch. Most night (have never seen on a Sunday night) she can be found preparing delicious food from her porch with the help of her caring husband and some kids from time to time. Try it all, we have never had a bad experience here. She has this creamy, somewhat spicy green sauce in a squeeze bottle that I wish I could take home! Seriously you have to try this place. You will love the presentation too!
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Wa Kika (popsicles and ice cream)
Your kids, well and you, will love this place. At times you can find the freezer at Casa Luz stocked with these locally made paletas. Please ask your concierge when preparing to maybe have some in the villa. However, kids will love the daily trip to the local shop to get amazing tasting traditional Mexican paletas (popsicles). They have fresh drinks called "aguas" and you will love their horchata too. You may want to make a stop by here a daily excursion.
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Frente Del Campo Tacos
So we have been loving this street food for many years. When I asked the young man who is normally doing the cooking and running the show, what his business was called and that I wanted to put it on our website, he said we really do not have a name, but the locals call me, the tacos in front of the soccer field. Well, that is what the name says. You will love the massive quesadillas, fresh made in front of your tortillas and all the fresh toppings to choose from. Our favorites here are the quesadillas and the birria dorado tacos. Enjoy!
