MY CITY: Punta Mita with Emma Boutin

Punta Mita is a tropical paradise, an oasis of white-sand beaches and turquoise waters off the coast of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit roughly 10 miles north of Puerto Vallarta.  It’s home to the Four Seasons & St. Regis Punta Mita resorts, both super upscale yet uber-relaxed.

We recently caught up with Emma Boutin, the proprietor of Isla Mita Lifestyle Boutiques which are located exclusively in Punta Mita. Originally from Montreal, she made the choice to settle there and has brought a new, modern energy to the destination, infusing Punta Mita’s casual beach living with an elevated sense of style. Her boutiques reflect her own personal style while in Punta Mita:  understated, low-key luxury.

What is your go-to restaurant?

We have so many options in Punta Mita it’s hard to choose only one! “Cafecito de Mita” is my new breakfast spot. They have The BEST homemade coconut granola I’ve ever tasted! On Sundays I love the Kupuri Beach Club’s brunch. You can stay all day sipping champagne and eating the most delicious food.

For lunch you’ll often find me at the “Sufito” in the newest Sufi Ocean Club. They have a different menu every day & grill a fresh catch of the day on a wooden oven. Everything is absolutely delicious … the honey bread is addictive! “Mita Mary Boat” at the St. Regis is also a must, they have the best fish & shrimp tacos.

For dinner, “Si Señor” or the “Blue Shrimp” are musts for Mexican ambience. Get ready to taste the freshest fish & seafood.

 

What is your favorite local food to eat?

Capers & Lemon butter Huachinango at “Si Señor” and the decadent Vanilla Soufflé at the Four Seasons’ “Aramara”.

What is your favorite Punta Mita Cocktail?  

A non-alcoholic one –  coconut water freshly picked from my palm tree.

What is your favorite beach?

It’s a hidden beach that’s very special called “Tuka”.

Where is the best place to watch the sunset?

The classic Pacifico Beach Club with a margarita for sure!

What is the best local activity?

There is so much to do in Punta Mita, but beach days are the best for me, just the pleasure of driving your golf cart to any beach, walking and swimming, feeling the sun on your skin. I also love stand up paddleboarding for a bit or a little sail on the Hobie Cat.  My new favorite spot is the floating dock at the Sufi Ocean Club.  I love jumping on the banana boat with my family … so much fun!

What would you tell someone who was thinking of visiting Punta Mita?

Punta Mita is a true five-star family beach destination.

Where do you go for a staycation?

Lately, I just love spending summer in my family villa in Kupuri Estate.

What is your favorite destination in the US or abroad?

I’ve had a longtime love affair with Tulum on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. My favorite trip abroad will always be Bali and I am forever drawn to explore Italy & Greece again and again. Now that I’m a mom I treasure the beachy gateways which inspire me the most for my profession: St Barthélemy, Saint-Tropez, Mykonos and Ibiza to name a few.

Who is your favorite local designer?

Natalia Baquero – she’s my absolute favorite. She designed an exclusive hat collection for my Punta Mita boutiques that was an instant hit. Her custom designs fuse a harmony of colors, textures and luxurious materials with a hand finished touch that results in an elegant story that’s suitable for both a city and tropical setting.