I treat my birthday as a holiday...because well, it is. (For me and my loved ones, at least.) Needless to say, I do it big, every single year—no exceptions. For this T-Day (😉), I thankfully didn't have to do much planning. With my sisters in tow, I traveled to Conrad Punta de Mita in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico for the most luxuriously catered birthday celebration yet.
You actually need to head to this resort—like, neeeed—so you can celebrate your next birthday or monumental moment in your life the right way. Big birthday coming up? Go here. Anniversary? Book a trip like, now. TBH, you should go even if there's no major life event on the horizon. If you want to experience service that makes you feel like you don't need to lift a finger (I'm exaggerating obvi, but the staff is just that welcoming, thoughtful, and kind!), or you're a fan of Mexican fare (I was low-key obsessed with their chorizo), or you just want an authentic tequila-tasting experience, you'll get the best of the best right here.
Huge s/o to Conrad Punta de Mita for hosting me and my sisters and making it my best birthday yet. (Full transparency: My flights, transfers to and from the airport, accommodations, meals, and scheduled activities were comped in order to write this review.)
Stay
- Conrad Punta de Mita: Nestled between the jungle and the sea, the location of the breathtaking Conrad Punta de Mita is quite literally perfect. Secluded? Check. Stunning? Absolutely. There are plenty of luxury residences for you to choose from too. One of my sisters and I got cozy in a signature suite with a king bed and partial ocean view. It was the cutest thing how the resort hooked us up—my other sisters were our next-door neighbors. Imagine our surprise when we stepped onto our patios, looked over to the side, and saw one another—yes, we definitely were ~those girls~ squealing in delight. When we all weren't frolicking in the ocean or the resort's pool, we were in our own private plunge pools that doubled as jacuzzis.
Play
- Agave Spirits Tasting: This experience was an easy 10/10. The agave studio (a 200-bottle library of liquor) is a wonder and Conrad's agave expert, Jose, was lively, detailed, and so passionate as he shared the history of tequila and mezcal. My sisters and I enjoyed hearing all about it and loved the small bites. The team sang "happy birthday" to me coupled with their own firework sound effects—it was the sweetest. (Don't even get me started on the incredible dessert.)
- Spa: Is it really your birthday if you haven't gone to the spa? I think not. The Conrad Spa has an inviting indoor/outdoor space full of amenities like a sauna, special earthen clay chamber, an immersive indoor and outdoor jacuzzi and so much more. I was treated to a massage that knocked me straight out. Truly, all I remember is that my treatment felt unreal.
- Take a Dip: You'll practically live in a bikini at this resort. I definitely dipped my toes in the ocean come sunset every night. Besides soaking in my plunge pool (and my bubble bath), I enjoyed every single one of Conrad's four pools. There was the infinity pool that offers gorg ocean views even from my cabana (the butler service was top tier, BTW). Then, there was the serene spa pool. After, we had some fun in the adults-only pool—there's a swim-up bar but I never made it that way because I can't swim LOL. Oh! There's also a family pool with waterslides and stuff for the kiddos.
- Endless Options: There are So! Many! Experiences! The resort offers whale watching on a private boat, sailing, fishing, surfing, horseback riding, zip lining, ATV excursions, a private beach BBQ, and so much more.
Eat
- CODEX: My private birthday dinner was hosted at Conrad Punta de Mita's signature restaurant, CODEX, and OMG, I should've learned how to properly say, "mouth-watering" in Spanish. My sisters and I were heart eyes over the stunning table setting and views amongst the mangroves and even more obsessed with the food. With every bite (from a special menu curated just for my special night), we were taken on an immersive culinary voyage through the insanely tasty flavors and heritage of authentic Mexican cuisine. I literally had to request that the gracious waiter call our chef because we had all the praises to sing to him that night.
- Arbol: Two words...breakfast heaven. Arbol is lavish, it's vibrant and it's where ya need to be if you want your fill of fresh fruit, sweet french toast, chilaquiles, matcha bowls, and so much more. I'm not an early riser, but the buffet spread was enough motivation to get me up out of bed every morning. At night, the restaurant boasts the most finger-licking (don't judge) shareable plates. Choose between the open-air terrace or in the spacious dining room and prepare to fill your plate.
- Aura Pool Bar: We love a poolside bar. We munched on soft shell tacos and fries after every dip on this trip. You can also enjoy poolside dining at the Paleta restaurant.
- Mezquite: If you're into seafood and steaks, then this restaurant with a stunning oceanfront view will become your fave. The crispy soft-shell crab and the smoked oysters are a must-try, but tbh, everything is grilled to perfection (my sisters and I can attest to that). We happily chowed down as we dug our toes in the sand, enjoyed the sounds of the ocean, and the view of the stars on our final night in Mexico.
But wait, there's more! Enjoy good eats with the Zarandeado Beach BBQ, lounge, Tuki restaurant and the resort's cafe (it's a real life carb sanctuary). The resort has so many options and with the most welcoming services, that I'm still thinking about how soon I can get back there.
Your Mexico Packing List for a Luxe Stay:
Amanda Uprichard X REVOLVE Samba Gown
Amalie The Label Hamyya Linen Tie Back Puff Sleeve Mini Dress
Versatile Wrap Skirt- DISCOVERY.
EDIKTED EDIKTED Coastal Crochet Halter Cover-Up Dress in Beige at Nordstrom, Size Large
Andrea Iyamah Women's Reni Satin Midi-Dress - Ruby - Size XL - Ruby - Size XL
Aaks Online Bika Yellow
Steve Madden Steve Madden Adore Slide Sandal in White Shiny at Nordstrom, Size 9.5
Sula Two Piece Set - One Shoulder Bralette Crop Top and Midi Skirt in White
"Caribbean Secrets Cosmetics" Haitian Black Castor Oil "Vanilla"
Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle.com almost 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is a Syracuse Masters graduate and the author of two books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @iamtarahlynn.
