Casa Majani at Punta de Mita, Mexico

Story and Photos by Lee Daley.

Approaching Punta de Mita on a bright fall day, the flawless sky a cerulean blue, I knew I was in for something special. The warm breeze felt like a caress; its clarity etched the curves of the Sierra Madre Mountains creating an epic backdrop to the famed Bay of Banderas and the valley below.

 By the time I arrived at Casa Majani, that oasis secreted behind tall palms, my inner Om was in full bloom and I was ready for the all-encompassing escape that awaited. Outside the tree shaded, walled entry, staff greeted my arrival with broad smiles, a refreshing hand towel and a chilled Margarita. The latter was handed to me by Valeria, the beautiful concierge who soon became a treasured friend.

Acclaimed architect Manolo Maestre, who counts Francis Ford Coppola as one of his clients, designed Casa Majani, the private six-bedroom beachfront villa that is named for the owner’s two daughters. Behind its discreet entry, a magnificent walkway opens to a wide view leading past the infinity pool to the ocean beyond. Maestre’s use of native woods, natural stone and tropical colors complement the natural drama of the location. Ocean views were my constant companion, even in my private suite. The result is a seamless meditative scene that fulfills its promise of peace and pampering.

At the heart of the villa, beneath the grand palapa, a large, rustic tropical wood dining table provides a gathering place for meals. Under the same roof, a wide terrace fronts the beach.  Each evening guests gather here at sunset for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. For four sybaritic days, I shared my stay with three other guests. Each evening the staff served dinner in a different outdoor space: beachfront dining with torch lighting, the elegant table on the palapa, terrace seating with a view of the islands in the bay. Every meal felt like a celebration; all were accompanied by seamless service and individual attention.

 

 

Food of Place: The Casa Majani kitchen celebrates the bounty of the Punta Mita peninsula with a menu created from local farms and the sea. From haute cuisine to authentic Mexican fare, each dish is prepared with pride and fastidiousness.

Our group consisted of a vegan, two carnivores and me, a pescatarian.  Despite these diverse tastes, the kitchen’s culinary team turned out dishes so tasty, we found ourselves savoring every bite. I loved the creative tamarind, hibiscus, passion fruit and mangosteen infused drinks at lunch.  (See the kitchen’s chilled avocado soup recipe below.)       

My ocean-front suite, one of six, was another haven. With a beachfront terrace, king-sized bed, a full en-suite bathroom with stone crafted tub plus indoor and outdoor showers; it was a complete retreat right down to the automatic blackout shades.  Lulled to sleep, I heard only the sounds of the sea.

Whale Watching: Few sights on the ocean rival the thrill of a 30-ton humpback whale breaching, spouting and flipper slapping. The Pacific humpback is the star of the seas and Casa Majani guests have front row seats from practically everywhere on the grounds. Bring your binoculars if you travel anywhere near the Bay of Banderas from November through February as this is an important breeding and calving season.

Excursions: From Casa Majani, a short forty-minute panga boat ride transported us to Islas Marietas, a small group of uninhabited islands wrapped around a large coastal lagoon. The islands are affectionately called the “Galapagos of Mexico” because many different species of seabirds, especially the blue footed booby and the red breasted frigate bird, breed and feed here. Snorkelers flock to the protected waters where a good variety of coral houses large schools of reef fish. Many caves dot these volcanic islands and this is another place to see breaching humpbacks. We enjoyed fantastic snorkeling with sightings of Manta rays and all kinds of colorful tropical fish darting in the clear waters. We attempted stand-up-paddling only half successfully but gained enthusiastic shout outs every time we lugged ourselves back on the boards.  Overhead, magnificent frigate birds soared on wind currents while the shy boobies nestled in the island’s rock crevices.

 

Saucy Sayulita: Another day we explored funky Sayulita, a surfer haven and shopping mecca just 20 minutes away. If you’re like me, you’ll find Sayulita’s bohemian flair brings back a feeling of laid back, ”no worries” charm reminiscent of simpler times. Shop lined streets fan out from the village center and lead to the beach. Wander among artists’ storefronts where you’ll find handmade Huichol Indian souvenirs, beaded bracelets, straw hats, and beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. In between, yoga studios, health food emporiums and taco stands beckon.

Mexicans, gringos and tourists mix and mingle. It’s all good.

We were accompanied to Sayulita by Casa Majani’s gregarious manager who hosted us at his favorite beachfront eatery, Don Pedro’s Restaurant & Bar. With a spectacular location and a menu to match, this is the place to linger and take in the view. The ceviche shrimp with avocado and cucumber in a green sauce drew rave reviews and a call for seconds.

Related Article: Read more about Mexico travel and cuisine here: Rancho La Puerta

 RESERVATIONS:Visit www.casamajani.com. Email: m[email protected] orcall The Harlowe Group at  Tel: 954-345-4078