by After a number of nights at the Four Seasons Punta Mita, it was time for one thing we had been each indescribably enthusiastic about — a number of nights at the Four Seasons Naviva. The Four Seasons Naviva opened in December 2022, and it’s a totally new idea for Four Seasons.
While I’ll have plenty of particulars under, let me simply say upfront that this place is past spectacular. I feel this may simply be the very best new resort in North America, and I think that inside a 12 months it will likely be laborious to get a reservation right here, given how few rooms there are.
For now the Four Seasons Naviva’s downside is that folks don’t actually know what it’s, or what to anticipate. Four Seasons is thought for its superb, well-run resorts (some with lots of of rooms), not for 15-key, tented wellness camps.
So I’m delighted to have the ability to publish what I feel is the very first assessment of the property. Even if this resort isn’t in your value vary (which applies to 99.99% of us), I hope you get pleasure from getting a glimpse at a tremendous new hospitality idea from Four Seasons.
What is the Four Seasons Naviva?
The Four Seasons Naviva consists of 15 luxurious tents (they’re actually glam — there’s no roughing it right here). It’s an extremely intimate, adults-only resort that actually redefines the best way Four Seasons delivers hospitality, however in a great way.
Four Seasons Naviva is finally a wellness resort, within the sense that there are every kind of actions, from meditation, to yoga, to sound therapeutic, to a standard temazcal (which… is wild). But the reality is that even if you happen to’re not into spirituality, you’ll nonetheless love this place. You may have simply pretty much as good of a time skipping all of these actions, and as an alternative lounging on the pool, doing tequila tastings, and consuming superb meals.
But the distinctive service idea of the property goes manner past that. You’re actually meant to really feel such as you’re at dwelling. For instance, there are not any menus, however quite you may order what you need while you need. You’ll by no means need to signal for something whereas on-property. And the workers take a way more casual strategy towards service than at different Four Seasons properties, by design.
Four Seasons Naviva is constructed proper subsequent to the Four Seasons Punta Mita, nevertheless it feels a world away. For some context on how this property got here to be, again in 2002 there have been plans for a 70-room Rosewood Punta Mita to be constructed on this lot. Long story brief, the undertaking stalled for a very long time, then sat empty, after which lastly a few years in the past, an settlement was made for Four Seasons to develop it for this new idea.
What’s included with stays at Four Seasons Naviva?
Rates on the Four Seasons Naviva aren’t low-cost, however they provide an “inclusive expertise.” Among different issues, charges at Naviva embrace:
- All meals, snacks, and drinks
- Daily group actions, thoughts and physique practices, and “unscripted moments”
- A complimentary spa remedy for 2 company as soon as per keep
So except you need extra massages or need to e-book personal experiences, you’ll possible depart Four Seasons Naviva with out spending a dime on-property. I’m normally skeptical of all-inclusives when it comes to high quality (in spite of everything, there’s an incentive to chop prices when not producing incremental income), although the Four Seasons Naviva delivers.
The meals is a few of the greatest I’ve had anyplace, and no bills are spared with drinks both, from nice wine, to revolutionary cocktails.
Booking the Four Seasons Naviva
The Four Seasons Naviva has a two-night minimal keep, with all charges getting you the inclusions listed above. While I’m positive charges will fluctuate over time, at present pricing is fairly constant for many of the 12 months. There are two room classes — Tent and Grant Tent — with the previous sometimes costing $3,950 per night time, and the latter sometimes costing $4,950 per night time.
Obviously that’s costly, although I’d level out that customary rooms on the Four Seasons subsequent door can generally be half of that in excessive season. And right here you’re getting a totally completely different sort of expertise, with much more inclusions.
The greatest strategy to e-book any Four Seasons lodge is thru a travel advisor affiliated with the Four Seasons Preferred Partner program. The Preferred Partner facilities listed below are modified a bit since so many issues are already included, although this will likely be the way you get the very best worth.
Ford is glad to assist e-book Four Seasons properties by means of Preferred Partner, and will be reached at [email protected]
In the curiosity of full disclosure, Ford books lots of people at Four Seasons properties, and received a journey agent fee for our keep. As at all times, all opinions expressed are my very own.
Four Seasons Naviva location
The Four Seasons Naviva is positioned within the gated Punta Mita growth, on a personal peninsula overlooking Bahía de Banderas. This space has the Four Seasons, Naviva, the St. Regis, a golf course, and plenty of residences.
The Four Seasons Naviva is positioned by itself 48-acre property, with numerous forested land overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
The closest airport to the lodge is Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR), which has nonstop flights from many gateways within the United States, so it’s straightforward to get to. From the airport to the resort, you may anticipate that the switch will take someplace round 45 minutes, relying on site visitors.
In our case we had been coming from the Four Seasons, which is only a brief drive away. We may already inform it will be a special sort of expertise when the resort supervisor, Ronny, picked us up personally in a Ford Bronco — not your typical lodge switch automotive, however that is what Naviva makes use of for transfers across the advanced.
Four Seasons Naviva service
Usually I speak about service on the finish of my opinions, however on this case I feel it’s value beginning with that. Service on the Four Seasons Naviva is completely different than you could be used to at different Four Seasons properties, but completely flawless.
The entire expertise is meant to make you’re feeling such as you’re a visitor in somebody’s dwelling. I questioned if the service would really feel completely different than at different Four Seasons properties, and it did… in one of the simplest ways doable (and I feel Four Seasons has actually excessive service requirements elsewhere).
Where will we even start?
- Honestly I’m unsure if anybody working right here has the phrase “no” of their vocabulary; you’re given a lot flexibility to do what you’d like, whether or not that’s a spa remedy at 10PM, a dip within the pool at 2AM, or breakfast at 7PM (not that you simply’d essentially need to do any of these, however…)
- Service right here is rather more casual than at different Four Seasons properties; company are addressed by their first names, the workers don’t have uniforms, and I’m advised that workers may even drink with company (although, in equity, I didn’t see that taking place)
As you’d anticipate, the workers to visitor ratio right here is unbelievable. During our keep there have been at most three different lodging occupied (and on our final day there was just one different tent occupied), so we actually felt like we had the place to ourselves. Even if this resort had been at capability, you’d nonetheless really feel such as you had your individual palace within the jungle, for the reason that property is so unfold out, with at most 30 company.
But it’s not simply the coaching that’s nice right here, however the workers had been simply unbelievable throughout the board. They took such delight of their jobs, had been genuinely heat and pleasant, and had been additionally so skilled. From the always current resort supervisor, to all of the workers within the restaurant and on the pool, to the wellness group, this place couldn’t have higher service.
Usually all through a lodge keep I take notes on my telephone with the names of particular workers who had been particularly skilled, so I can provide them the credit score they deserve. There’s just one downside at this property — by the top of our keep, nearly everybody’s title was on the listing.
Four Seasons Naviva foyer & check-in
You can inform from the second you check-in {that a} keep on the Four Seasons Naviva will likely be a bit completely different. There’s a lovely open-air welcome pavilion as you arrive on the resort.
Rather than being given a selected welcome drink, you’re requested what you’d wish to have as a welcome drink. While there’s a tray with some choices, you may have no matter you’d like, so we selected some mezcal on ice.
At this level we got our room keys, that are unconventional. They’re wristbands you may carry on all through your keep, that are additionally waterproof.
We had been then pushed in a golf cart to our room. You can in fact be pushed round all you need throughout your keep, although the property is sort of walkable.
Reception is positioned on the very high of the resort, after which the whole lot else is beneath that.
The paths on the Four Seasons Naviva are beautiful. We had been advised that in building, they tried to go away timber and all the opposite nature as intact as doable, so you actually really feel such as you’re in some type of a nature reserve. No timber on the resort had been reduce down with a purpose to create ocean views.
Four Seasons Naviva Grand Tent
We had been assigned room 12, which was a grand tent with the title Cleofas (every tent has a reputation).
Grand tents are marketed as being 1,604-1,722 sq. toes (149-160 sq. meters), and that features each indoor and outside area. As I stated above, whereas these are technically “tents,” there’s no roughing it right here. Inside the doorway is the bed room, which encompasses a signature Four Seasons king mattress, and a sofa alongside the wall.
There’s numerous cool artwork on the partitions, plus binoculars and even a telescope.
Also on this room was the minibar, the place the whole lot was complimentary.
The drink choice was fairly primary, however that’s by design, since you may order no matter you’d like. Want a bottle of wine or a few cocktails delivered to your room? That will be taken care of inside minutes, 24/7.
There was additionally a espresso and tea kettle setup.
We by no means ended up utilizing it, since we simply ordered our morning espresso by way of room service.
There was additionally a welcome amenity on this space, consisting of some scrumptious apple turnovers, and a standard Mexican drink with coconut.
To the facet of the bed room was the toilet, which could simply be one of many all-around most stunning loos I’ve ever seen. The rest room had double sinks, a soaking tub, an indoor bathe, an out of doors bathe, and a rest room in a separate room.
Does this bathtub view appear like it’s out of a postcard, or what?
The consideration to element with the design actually impressed me. For instance, the under bathe is good sufficient as is…
…however you then lookup and see an unbelievable round skylight taking a look at a palm tree.
Many will admire the outside bathe, because it’s not typically you may bathe outdoor with a view like this…
I ought to point out that your complete indoor area is properly air conditioned, in case that’s a nook you could have about this property.
Off the bed room and in the other way was the lounge, which had a novel indoor/outside idea. The front room was uncovered to the outside within the sense that it didn’t have air-con, nevertheless it was screened in in order that there weren’t any bugs. You may then open the door between the bed room and front room.
The front room had an “L” formed sofa and a rocking chair.
There was additionally a package on the lounge desk for making your individual smoked & spicy cocktail. You may even scan a QR code to get precise directions.
As spectacular because the indoor area was, the outside area was arguably much more spectacular. It had a eating desk with seating for 4, two loungers, an enormous sofa space with a fireplace pit, and a pool.
The views from the outside area had been simply beautiful.
Four Seasons Naviva pool
The Four Seasons Naviva has a fundamental pool space, with three tiered swimming pools. Rather than going with an infinity-edge pool proper on the water, the designers as an alternative determined to construct the pool in the course of the jungle, which I feel is tremendous enjoyable (although there are nonetheless Pacific Ocean views).
Honestly, what a ridiculously beautiful pool…
There was additionally limitless seating across the pool, from cabanas, to couches, conventional loungers.
Service on the pool was attentive, so whether or not you need an iced espresso, a cocktail, or lunch, you may get pleasure from that right here.
My solely criticism of the pool space is that I want there have been a sizzling tub.
Four Seasons Naviva seashore
The Four Seasons Naviva has one of the crucial magical seashores I’ve ever seen. Specifically, it’s positioned between two big units of rocks, so nobody can actually entry this, apart from Naviva company. Having this stunning of a stretch of seashore all to your self is a dream.
The seashore can also be arrange in such a manner that you simply sort of really feel like a castaway. There are not any rows of seats alongside the seashore, however quite simply completely different areas have a number of cabanas. As you’d anticipate, you may have something served down on the seashore, from drinks to a meal.
Four Seasons Naviva spa
The Four Seasons Naviva has two spa tents, every of which may accommodate {couples} therapies. The spa doesn’t function with any set schedule, so you may schedule a remedy for everytime you’d like, pending availability. You can find the Naviva spa menu here, and as a reminder, all stays right here embrace one spa remedy per particular person.
The spa remedy rooms do an excellent job mixing the indoors and outdoor. While the remedy rooms are “open,” in addition they have air-con, which is fairly superior.
There’s additionally a lovely outside area, with a desk with two chairs, a daybed, and a sizzling tub.
We every had a 60-minute custom-made therapeutic massage, and the therapies had been exceptionally good.
Four Seasons Naviva health club
The Four Seasons Naviva has a novel outside health club. Often wellness resorts attempt to do these however they’re not truly good. Well, this one is fairly superior, and I admire the thought that went into it. For instance, the free weights had been created by carving stone discovered on the property.
It’s not very day you may train outdoor with a view like this…
It’s additionally value mentioning that if you would like a extra “conventional” exercise, Four Seasons Naviva company have entry to all of the services on the Four Seasons Punta Mita, together with the health club.
Four Seasons Naviva actions
All stays on the Four Seasons Naviva embrace entry to day by day actions. Having recently visited Miraval Arizona, I’ve to say that the standard of the included actions right here put Miraval to disgrace. For instance, under yow will discover an inventory of the actions throughout our keep. I admire how they’re principally within the mornings and afternoons, so you may then loosen up in the course of the day.
As you may see, these actions embrace the whole lot from fishing, to sound therapeutic, to avenue corn tasting.
Four Seasons Naviva meditation & sound therapeutic
Before I speak an excessive amount of about our meditation and sound therapeutic classes, let me point out that this type of stuff isn’t essentially up my alley. However:
- I like studying about issues that others are keen about, so even when I don’t really feel something, I persistently benefit from the studying facet of it
- Even if a meditation or sound therapeutic doesn’t make me “really feel” something, I discover them stress-free, if nothing else
- With any type of non secular matter, I imagine human minds are highly effective, and we will practice ourselves to imagine sure issues and really feel sure issues
- I at all times strategy this with an open thoughts, hoping to feeling the ability of one thing
With that in thoughts, I feel the very first thing to notice is that the Four Seasons Naviva may simply have essentially the most stunning meditation and yoga pavilion that I’ve ever seen. How unreal is that this view?!
Over the course of our keep we did three completely different meditations and sound healings, together with the shamanic sound therapeutic, sundown sound journey, and transcendental & ancestral meditation.
I notably loved the 2 classes with Bart. Four Seasons selected some actually superb, inspirational folks. He gave up his life within the Netherlands and determined to maneuver to the close by city of Sayulita to pursue what he loves, and his ardour was evident.
During the transcendental & ancestral meditation I felt one thing that I nonetheless can’t truly describe. It was very unusual, as a result of I normally wrestle to loosen up, however I drifted off into a special world I’ve by no means skilled earlier than. Even over per week later, I’m nonetheless excited about this. I used to be practically crying on the finish, for some odd purpose.
The night sundown sound journeys had been equally magical, since they’d begin shortly earlier than sundown, and would finish after sundown.
I can’t suggest these classes sufficient. Even if you happen to don’t normally do meditation or sound therapeutic, come into it with an open thoughts, and also you’ll actually get pleasure from it.
Four Seasons Naviva temazcal
Without a doubt the wildest factor we did on the Four Seasons Naviva was the temazcal. This is a standard ceremony led by a shaman, throughout which you enter a sweat lodge (basically an igloo-shaped sauna). It’s meant to indicate going again into the womb.
During this ceremony, the shaman locations sizzling stones within the middle of the sweat lodge, after which makes it fully darkish. There are 4 separate elements to this ceremony, every of which entails staying in there for round quarter-hour, throughout which era you sing, chant, and speak.
Then after every session, extra sizzling stones are positioned contained in the sweat lodge, making it progressively hotter and warmer.
What a novel expertise. I can’t say I fairly “felt one thing” in the identical manner as in the course of the meditation, nevertheless it was actually cool to study this follow, and expertise it firsthand. Make positive you hydrate properly each earlier than and after the ceremony, as a result of it’s an endurance take a look at.
Four Seasons Naviva avenue corn tasting
Just to present an additional instance of an extra exercise, the Four Seasons Naviva had a avenue corn tasting one afternoon, so we took half in that. Yum.
Four Seasons Naviva climbing
The Four Seasons Naviva has in depth climbing trails. There are guided hikes round dawn, although alternatively you can simply do it by yourself. You actually really feel such as you’re in the course of nowhere, in one of the simplest ways doable.
Four Seasons Naviva eating
The Four Seasons Naviva has essentially the most versatile eating idea possible. You can have what you need, while you need, the place you need, with no actual limits. So whether or not you need to eat within the restaurant, or by way of in-room eating (I suppose in-tent eating, on this case), or on the pool, or on the seashore, or whereas hanging the wrong way up in a hammock, the selection is yours.
And to take it a step additional in the case of customization, there are not any menus. The resort has a tremendous culinary group led by Chef Sofia (who’s a complete rockstar, by the best way), and on daily basis they suggest one thing based mostly in your preferences and dietary restrictions.
However, you completely don’t need to eat what they suggest, and you’ll order no matter you’d like, they usually’ll make it for you. If there’s one thing very particular you need, I’m positive you may let the group on the lodge know earlier than your keep, they usually’ll make it occur.
Four Seasons Naviva restaurant & bar
We ended up having just about all of our meals on the restaurant, as a result of it’s so ridiculously good, and is the guts of the resort. Heck, even if you happen to’re not consuming, it is a excellent spot to seize a drink, or get some work completed in your laptop computer. The restaurant and bar space are totally open-air, with direct views of the water.
As you may see, this space is greater than only a dozen eating tables. There’s additionally an space for lounging, a bar space the place you may sit, a foosball desk, board video games, and extra.
There’s additionally an open kitchen, so you may see the whole lot being ready.
There’s additionally beautiful seating outdoor, starting from daybeds, to seats by the cliff with a fireplace pit, to swings.
This space turns into much more stunning when the solar units and at night time, if that’s even doable.
Four Seasons Naviva breakfast
Breakfast at Four Seasons Naviva was a deal with, with glorious recent juices and cappuccinos (although I do suppose the chilly brew could possibly be improved, because it was a lot better on the Four Seasons Punta Mita).
There was at all times a bread basket with every kind of choices. On two mornings it was particularly talked about that the chef had freshly ready sure sweets, in order that appeared like excuse to attempt them. 😉
For breakfast you had been inspired to get one thing to begin, whether or not that’s a fruit plate, or a chia bowl with strawberries and granola.
Each morning a special breakfast was proposed, and there’s not one which I didn’t love. My favourite was in all probability the brief rib avocado eggs benedict, which was sinfully scrumptious. I’m getting hungry simply wanting on the image of it.
There had been different glorious choices as properly, starting from baked eggs and veggies with quesadillas, to avocado toast.
Four Seasons Naviva lunch
There are limits to how a lot we will eat, so I’m sorry for letting OMAAT readers down, however our lunch knowledge factors had been pretty restricted. Between the massive breakfasts and superb dinners, it was laborious to have the rest.
We did order some guacamole with crudité and plantains on the pool sooner or later, which was tasty.
It was so good that we ordered extra guacamole the following day.
Another day we determined to separate a burger that was beneficial, which was a cheeseburger with turkey bacon. I’m not normally a burger particular person, however yum.
Sitting on the pool, every kind of treats had been always introduced out, from refreshing blended drinks, to ice cream.
Four Seasons Naviva dinner
Each night time, a special menu was proposed, although you can in fact customise it nevertheless you’d like (and even reject it). Dinner at all times consisted of an amuse bouche, adopted by a starter, fundamental course, and dessert (although once more, you may customise that nevertheless you’d like, and you can have that structured otherwise if you happen to wished to).
One of the downsides of Naviva not having menus, in addition to Naviva being very beneficiant with drink refills, is that I’m unsure I can truly let you know the whole lot I ate. However, I can let you know it was scrumptious throughout the board.
Our first night we had an amuse bouche with eggplant and olive, an appetizer with smoked hen, a tremendous fish fundamental course, after which a number of desserts.
Our second night we had an amuse bouche with avocado, a starter of a salad with avocado and quail egg, a fundamental course with beef brief rib, and just a little dessert sampler (observe: we at all times tried to get out of ordering dessert, however the beautiful group right here insisted).
For our final night, the group arrange a particular dinner for us within the sand. Funny sufficient, at this level there was just one different visitor on the lodge, and he was out for the night, so the restaurant was completely empty.
This dinner consisted of an amuse bouche with hen empanadas, a starter with octopus, a fundamental course with mahi mahi, after which one other unbelievable dessert.
The meals right here blew me away. While the flexibility to customise is good, I truly liked how stress-free it was to not need to make any selections. We rapidly realized the cooks listed below are superb, so in the event that they’re conscious of your dietary restrictions and preferences, then I’m thrilled to allow them to make the laborious selections for me.
Four Seasons Naviva drinks
I don’t suppose alcohol at inclusive resorts will get higher than on the Four Seasons Punta Mita. Of course the workers right here could make you conventional cocktails, like a negroni, soiled martini, and aperol spritz.
However, what I actually liked was all of the cocktails that they proposed, together with many conventional Mexican ones (and we’re not simply speaking margaritas, although these had been nice as properly!).
I additionally discovered the wine choice to be excellent. I by no means noticed a wine listing (I feel it’s a part of Naviva not having any menus), however quite we simply advised the great workers right here what we’d like, they usually made a number of recommendations. I at all times get pleasure from consuming wines from no matter nation I’m visiting, and we had some actually nice Mexican wines right here (which you don’t in any other case see on the menu a lot internationally).
When we ordered champagne, we had been served A Margaine Brut, which we loved. I’m unsure what the choice is past that, however you ought to be very properly taken care of when it comes to drinks.
Access all Four Seasons Punta Mita services
It’s value noting that company on the Four Seasons Naviva have entry to all of the facilities of the Four Seasons Punta Mita, although the inverse isn’t true. You will be pushed between properties totally free any hour of the day or night time, whether or not you need to use the health club there, go to one of many swimming pools, or dine at one of many eating places.
If you’ve greater than only a weekend on your journey, I feel an excellent technique could possibly be to spend a number of nights on the Four Seasons Punta Mita after which a number of nights on the Four Seasons Naviva, so you may benefit from the completely different vibes of the resorts. But if you happen to’re simply going for a weekend, having the ability to escape to a spot just like the Four Seasons Naviva is fairly superior, and I’d suggest spending all of your time making the most of what the property has to supply.
Is the Four Seasons Naviva value it?
Understandably, the subject of worth typically comes up within the feedback part when discussing luxurious resorts. This property begins at round ~$4K per night time, so in fact I’m not going to say “oh yeah this place is unquestionably value it, it’s best to deplete your checking account to remain right here.”
That being stated, I feel Four Seasons Naviva may have no points getting folks to pay these charges, and I think about they’ll solely go up over time:
- Base rooms on the Four Seasons Punta Mita begin at $1,000-2,000 per night time, relying on the season; for that matter, competing properties within the space (just like the St. Regis) cost related charges, whereas even properties just like the Conrad Punta Mita are charging $700+ per night time on many dates
- All lodging on the Four Seasons Naviva are extra like govt suites when it comes to the area and facilities they provide, and these sometimes retail for at the least twice as a lot as base rooms
- If you’re staying at a luxurious resort in Mexico, you can simply spend $1,000 per day on meals, drinks, actions, spa therapies, and many others. (simply… typically extra)
- At the top of the day, in Mexico you’re paying for shut proximity to the United States and main wealth facilities, and quick access to a weekend getaway; previously few years we’ve seen luxurious lodge charges in North America improve significantly, whereas that hasn’t been true to the identical extent in locations just like the Maldives, Thailand, and many others.
If you’re in a monetary place to remain right here, and if you happen to like the overall vibe this property provides, I can’t suggest the resort sufficient. I’ve by no means been to a resort the place I felt a lot like I used to be in a essentially the most spectacular personal residence possible, quite than feeling like I used to be at a lodge. Best of all, you may expertise this all by taking only a brief flight from the United States.
Bottom line
Prior to our keep at Four Seasons Naviva, I stated to Ford “both this place goes to be actually good and wildly well-liked, or Four Seasons goes to be reconsidering this idea fairly rapidly.” Well, I’m glad to report that I’m assured the previous is the case.
The Four Seasons Naviva is de facto, actually good. This is a completely new idea for Four Seasons, with ridiculously luxurious lodging, real service, superb meals, and a few surprisingly substantive wellness actions.
This property can attraction to every kind of vacationers, from these trying to loosen up by the pool, to these in search of a non secular journey, to everybody in between. I’d say the one kinds of vacationers who shouldn’t take into account this property are these in search of a extremely energetic environment, who need to celebration.
It’s so cool to see a model as revered as Four Seasons attempt a totally new hospitality idea. It’s my understanding that it is a take a look at idea for the model, and if it really works out properly, we may see extra of some of these properties sooner or later.
What do you make of the Four Seasons Naviva?
