Written on 16^th May 2024

Travel Feature: Four Seasons Naviva

Justine Liddelow, TAG's Director of Commercial, recently attended a conference at the Four Seasons Punta Mita, then had the privilege of spending a few nights at their next door, and very intimate, adults-only, all-inclusive tented luxury resort, Naviva. Naviva’s concept is a first for Four Seasons, which completely redefines glamping. Situated on a cliff of a private peninsula, with the Pacific Ocean as your sunset view, 15 luxurious safari-style tented suites are nestled into 48 acres of forest.
 
From the moment you arrive at this peaceful retreat, your individual transformation of self-discovery and adventure begin. There is no check-in, restaurant menus, or monetary transactions during your stay as everything is included—and when we say everything, we mean everything.

The Property

Naviva is an adults-only sanctuary where every day is dedicated to rediscovering adventure, while exploring the beauty and culture of Mexico. The intimate resort ensures a truly memorable escape where you can unwind and reconnect with the natural world, while completely disconnecting from the outside world. The luxurious tents, built with biophilic design principals, improve health and well-being by integrating natural elements and processes to immerse people into their natural surroundings. All tents were strategically placed into the existing lush vegetation, minimizing any disruption to the natural forest—and all take in the spectacular views of the Pacific.
 
By day, you feel as if you have the resort to yourself. Other guests are either enjoying the sanctuary of their tent, or off on their transformational healing journey. At night, couples come together to share their stories and experiences from the day over some incredible food and wine. 
 
Naviva’s respect for nature, sustainability, and luxury hospitality is a winning combination. The natural beauty and culture of Mexico provide a perfect backdrop and ensure a truly memorable escape where you can unwind and reconnect with the natural world. The atmosphere is casual and carefree, and holds sustainability at the forefront of its design—through construction, energy, carbon and  water sourcing.

The Service

Although there are no butlers, each tent is assigned with a personal guide to help arrange reservations and experiences of whatever is needed. Communicate with the staff via WhatsApp or the Four Seasons Mobile App, and they can assist with, produce and provide whatever it is you need—nothing is impossible. The service at Naviva is true Four Seasons hospitality—the team are all impressively engaging and truly love working there; it's obvious that no request is a bother. The property's General Manager Eduardo deserves a special mention, along with his spectacular team; their attention-to-detail is unmatched and they constantly go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. 

The property is perfect for celebrities and couples who want to unwind in a private oasis and refocus on wellness and personal growth. Naviva’s intimate size, natural setting and immersive experiences organically set the stage for a transformative journey. It is also the perfect spot for corporate incentive trips, with complete buyouts available.

The Suites & Amenities

The tented suites are very spacious, ranging from 1250-1700 square feet. All suites feature open-air living room with a separate bedroom and bathroom, and an expansive outdoor living area with upscale amenities, including a plunge pool, firepit, loungers, hammock and outdoor shower. The larger suites also have an additional drop-down lounge.

The suites are so comfortable that sometimes you simply don’t want to leave. They are all tastefully decorated with natural patterns and local art, textiles and custom furnishings—all connecting you with the surroundings. There are no TVs in the suites, but if you absolutely cannot live without your favorite streaming service, don’t worry—they can supply an iPad for you to catch up on all your favorite shows.

Remember, you are immersed in the forest where the relaxing sounds of nature surround you. Be present in your surroundings and you may find the odd, but harmless, wild boar stopping by for a visit. 

The Experiences

Naviva offers a range experiences that bring Mexican heritage and traditions to life, with a real focus on wellness. Some of the activities to find your zen include a spa experience with transformational therapies, and a hot tub to jump into after probably the best massage of your life; sound therapy, meditation and cliffside vinyasa yoga flows on the Risco Terrace; ice bath and breathwork; and a personal favorite, temazcal, the sweat lodge experience lead by the resident Sharman—taking you on a journey with a mind-body awakening of gratitude. There’s also an outdoor, Flintstones-style fitness center with strength training workouts, boxing classes and gorgeous hikes along the peninsula.

For water lovers, you can opt for a snorkel safari, or try your luck at fishing! Otherwise, you can simply enjoy a cocktail or mocktail by the pool or private beach. If your stay falls between December and early April, you may be lucky enough to spot some humpback whales.

If you prefer to take it a little easier and memorable food experiences are more your speed, there is something for you, too. There’s a range of gastromy experiences, including wine tasting, tepache making and agave spirits discovery, and numerous cooking classes.

You are also welcome to take a five-minute golf cart ride to Naviva’s sister property, Four Season Punta Mita, and enjoy full access to their facilities—additional restaurants, two golf courses, and an alternative spa and fitness at your convenience.

The Food & Beverages

All meals, snacks and beverages—including premium wines and spirits—are included in your stay, whenever and wherever you request them. Copal Cocina is the property's main, open-air kitchen and restaurant. Here, Chef customizes meals and dining options that cater to every palate. There are no menus at the resort, but there is always a three-course option of the day. If the offering is not to your liking, or you have any allergies, they will modify or customize anything else just for you. The food is completely unique and farm-to-table; it's full of flavor and creativity. Plus, you will be offered an extensive wine list from around the world.

To top it all off, you can also enjoy your personalized menu on the deck of your tent, or poolside.  Whatever your preference, with no more than 30 guests at a time, there are no reservations needed.

How to Get There

Hop on just a short flight from the US to Puerto Vallarta, followed by a 45-minute drive to the peninsula of Punta Mita. The location of the Naviva resort is excellent and provides easy access to popular attractions, while still offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.