a warm place in the sun this winter!

Winter is coming, and while lots of folks LOVE snow sports, I always got depressed when I lived in the mid-Atlantic states and winter started to D-R-A-G. Nothing like flying south to enjoy a warm place in the sun, playing golf or tennis, walking the beach, or just sitting by the edge of the pool reading a novel on your iPhone.

There's a warm place in the sun for you this winter at Four Seasons Punta Mita, on the west coast of Mexico, only 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. One of the most fabulous beach resorts I've ever visited, there are two large beaches (one for active beachgoers and the others who want to soak in some peace and quiet sitting in the shade of the palm trees.

And as a Four Seasons Preferred Partner travel consultant, we can provide added value to your stay at FS Punta Mita (or at any Four Seasons in the world). While contractural obligations prevent me from publishing the amenities online, suffice it to say that you will pay the same price you see online but save literally hundreds of dollars from the free add-ons that we can get you. Just drop me a line, and I'll send you all the details of the FS Preferred Partner program.

copyright (c) 2015 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

FS Punta Mita | as nice a beach as you'll ever find

selfie taken during a morning beach walk at FS Punta Mita

I'm still remembering my three days at the Four Seasons Punta Mita, especially this morning walk down the beach with Claire. Four Seasons was running a "selfie" contest for the best selfie taken by the Preferred Partner agents on the trip, and this was my entry. Didn't win, but while it stretches the usual definition of the genre, I believe (1) it is a selfie and (2) it actually has some photographic merit. 

Double-click on the picture to see the grains of soft sand on this wide beach. And did I mention that the water was as blue, warm, and inviting as it could possibly have been?

Best time to visit? I am told the best weather in Punta Mita is from November to April. You're out of the rainy season and the water is an incredible shade of blue… Located at the same latitude as Hawaii, you can see whales off the Mexican coast at the same times of the year that you can see them in Hawaii.

Fans of Four Seasons will be very comfortable at FS Punta Mita. Rooms are large, comfortable, with everything that you'd expect: King beds with Queen-size pull-out sofa beds (the room can easily accommodate a family of 4), marble bathrooms with dual vanities, separate tub and step-in shower, and WC. Preferred Partner amenities provide guests with extra value: free daily breakfast from the sumptuous buffet, a $100 food and beverage credit that should get you a free lunch for two, and room upgrade if available, as well as any promotions such as Third Night Free or Resort Credit rates. Contact your Four Seasons Preferred Partner travel consultant to take advantage.

copyright (c) 2014 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

FS Punta Mita | beach paradise in Mexico

lounging under the manzanita trees at FS Punta Mita

It's all about the beach. Four Seasons Punta Mita has perhaps the nicest beach I've ever seen. Long, wide, and sandy, it's also uncrowded as the beach can only be accessed through the resort. In fact, the beach is so long at FS Punta Mita that there are actually two beaches. Pictured above is the quiet beach, the active beach being on the other side of the main pool area.

We were welcomed by a beach attendant offering piña coladas. We chose two lounges under the deep shade provided by a row of manzanita trees, and we were provided with complimentary towels and a menu. As is typical with Four Seasons resorts, an attendant came by periodically with small treats (I recall the frozen pineapple popsicle). The mid-July ocean water was warm, clear, and beautiful — just the perfect temperature to slip right in without even a momentary hesitation about "is it going to be cold."

Especially good values are available, especially if you use a Four Seasons Preferred Partner travel consultant to make your booking. You'll receive complimentary daily breakfast for two, a $100 food and beverage credit, room upgrade if available, and free basic WiFi... along with every third night free for selected dates. An all-inclusive plan is also available, and the Kids for All Seasons program is free of charge.

Guest rooms are large and comfortable. If you're a fan of Four Seasons, you'll feel very much at home at FS Punta Mita; the rooms have everything you would expect. Casitas have marble floors with an area rug in the "living room" section of your room and a Queen-size sofa bed that will easily accommodate two children. Garden view casitas are attractive, and Ocean view casitas offer a straight-on view of the ocean.

For a WOW experience, consider an Oceanfront casita or suite (with a clear, totally unimpeded view of the Pacific) or a Beachfront casita or suite from which you can step out from your patio right onto the quiet beach pictured above. In addition to Residences and Villas, guests who really want to splurge can choose the Coral Suite (one of two incredible 5 bedroom Presidential Suites).

The grounds are extensive, with just 175 rooms and suites spread over 26 acres of oceanfront resort, including two 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses and four restaurants. While this can mean a bit of walking, every time I dialed "0" and asked for a cart, a golf cart came for me within a couple of minutes. Punta Mita is easy to get to from many US destinations with easy non-stop flights to Puerto Vallarta.

copyright (c) 2014 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

last minute Christmas vacation | FS Punta Mita

1 BR Ocean Front Suite, FS Punta Mita

So you've been putting off planning Christmas vacation for your family, and now you're panicking? Well, here's some good news. Four Seasons Punta Mita has just announced this last-minute availability for Festive Season.

     1 BR Garden View Suite - $2610 + tax/service per night

     1 BR Ocean View Suite - $3210 + tax/service per night

     1 BR Ocean Front Suite (pictured) - $3995 + tax/service per night

     3 BR Presidential Sol Suite - $10,500 + tax/service per night

Added value amenities and perks — With any of these suites, you will receive these exclusive complimentary amenities through our status as a Four Seasons Preferred Partner travel consultant:

• Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom, served through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
• Food and beverage credit of USD100
• Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas)
• Welcome note at check-in acknowledging you and your travel agency and the amenities that are being extended
• Complimentary high-speed Internet access for all suite bookings

This space won't last forever, so here's your chance to be a hero and save your family's last minute Christmas vacation plans.


Four Seasons Punta Mita (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2012 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

FS Punta Mita | best all-inclusive in Mexico

Four Seasons Punta Mita is a luxurious Four Seasons resort on Mexico's Pacific coast, near Puerto Vallarta. The resort has announced a limited time offer for bookings through October 17. Guests at FS Punta Mita will can enjoy three meals daily, all included with the price of your room, when booked under the all inclusive rate. Dine at any of seven restaurants and bars, or in the privacy of your casita. Parking and internet are also included, as is access to all non-motorized water sports.

Traveling with your kids? Book a second room at 50% off. Kids under 5 eat free, and kids from 5 to 12 receive a 50% discount from the Kids Menu ... as well as the complimentary Kids for All Seasons program.

Confirmed upgrade. Virtuoso guests also receive a confirmed upgrade at the time of booking. With room rates beginning at just $495 in September and $590 in October plus tax and service, you'll be upgraded to at least an Oceanview Casita. There are a few restrictions on meals: Fresh lobster and dishes with lobster, caviars, romantic dinners, Golf Club restaurant and Golf beverage cart, alcoholic beverages, minibar, and specialty waters and not included in the all-inclusive rate.

FS Punta Mita (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2011 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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