W Punta de Mita

A luxury contemporary hotel in an exclusive development at Punta de Mita, on Mexico's pacific coast.

The exclusive W Punta de Mita is part of Los Veneros, a pretty beachfront gated community on Punta Mita (Banderas Bay), just 20 minutes' drive north of Puerto Vallarta. The property is extremely design-focussed and, although modernity is key, it's also very Mexican, encompassing all that's trendy and trending in Mexico from a wide range of mezcals to Frida Kahlo-influenced modern art. It's very bright, with a dazzling display of primary colours infusing the dryly amusing or tongue-in-cheek interpretation of Mexican cultural themes. The whole place, built in futuristic space-agey style, is uncompromisingly striking.

Guest rooms are created in individual or double cubes, with floor to ceiling windows and glass doors allowing sunlight to flood in and private terraces where you can enjoy views over the tropical foliage of the exquisite gardens or the beach. Infinity pools and other water features dominate the property's landscape. The main difference between the room categories is location and size, but all are spacious. The accommodation is peppered throughout the gardens, along the sea front and around the artificial lakes. All rooms are equipped with sumptuous contemporary furnishings and a range of hi-tech amenities: they are embellished with funky art, such as life-sized mock-ups of Pancho Villa playing electric guitar, historical figures with surf boards, or a decadent chrome headboard.

There are three ways to get around the extensive property. Walk, scoot yourself around or call a golf cart to explore the grounds. There's a large pool area with lots of little 'chill out' places where drinks can be served. Restaurants range from Asian to typical Mexican, including a beachfront taqueria. The spa area has a comprehensive menu of treatments and a wonderful jungle setting.