Real Del Mar, Por Favor!

As originally published in CURATED Magazine.

Ask any club Member about their favorite Exclusive Resorts destination and most often Real del Mar in Mexico tops the list. Launched in 2003, this Club flagship has been named Destination of the Year several years in a row. Why the continued entice? In celebration of both Real Del Mar’s and The Club’s 20th anniversaries, here are the top reasons why Real Del Mar is The Club’s most coveted mainstay.

EASY ACCESS

Take a direct flight to Puerto Vallarta from nearly any major U.S. airport, and after a quick 30-minute private ground transfer you'll soon toast the resort with its famous mango margarita. If desiring boutique hopping, a round of seaside golf, or a see-and-be-seen vibe (hello, W Bar or St. Regis’ Mita Mary Boat Bar), a quick 20-minute taxi or private transfer will drop you to the heart of Punta Mita’s action.

ALL’S A VISTA

Whether lounging at the Beach Club with the littles or sunbathing solo on your private outdoor terrace, the sea is Real Del Mar’s constant muse. Depending on your vantage point, the resort also frames views of downtown Puerto Vallarta, the Sierra Madre Mountains, and the neighboring town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.

THE EXCLUSIVE RESORTS TEAM

David Lozano can turn a vacation into a dream trip. How so? Knowledge, for starters. David — and his onsite team — intimately knows the area’s most precious nooks and crannies (and avoidable tourist traps). The local staff-to-residence ratio is high, so every whim is easily catered to, and daily housekeeping keeps homes in tip-top shape.

BANDERAS BAY

This is the focal point of nearly every home and resort space, and for good reason. The vista of this calm bay — the largest in Mexico — is mesmerizing. Legend has it that when the Spanish Conquistadores arrived in the area, they faced 20,000 armed natives ready to defend their territory. Paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, jet skiing — the Beach Club offers all types of ocean adventure. And when you want to get beneath the surface, your Concierge can arrange for incredible snorkeling, surfing, and SCUBA diving. What’s more, The Club works with local experts for whale watching excursions and private catamaran sunset cruises.

THE BEACH CLUB

Think stylish shaded cabanas, endless sea views, gentle waves for ocean swimming, and an indelible sunset perch. You will quickly be on a first-name basis with the friendliest staff in the area. Don’t miss the mango margarita (plus strawberry, classic, skinny, and top shelf, too). Beat the heat with these artisan Beach Club cocktails — resort bartenders mix them to perfection (rum lovers, you’ll be taken care of as well). Mocktails and kiddie favorites are also available.

PRIVATE CHEF DINNERS & DAILY BREAKFAST

Go deep-sea fishing or visit the local fish market to source your catch of the day. A talented private chef will then cook up your request in the comfort of your home as part of a multi-course meal. If wanting to continue the fiesta, a local mariachi band can liven up the eve (dancing shoes or barefoot boogie a must!). Come morning, housemade breakfast fuels a new day of adventure.

HEAVENLY HOMES

Hands down, the cliffside homes are the celebrities of Real Del Mar. With 13 Club homes in total ranging from four to five bedrooms, every residence features a distinct personality, floor plan, and décor. “Sense of place is huge,” says Exclusive Resorts’ Vice President, Member Engagement, Sarah O’Neil. “We want to maintain a premium level of luxury and attention to detail, but also convey a unique sense of place so the homes feel part of the local culture.”

COOKING CLASSES & TEQUILA TASTINGS

Festive in-residence classes range from tortilla-making to more detailed regional dishes. Our favorite? Learning to make traditional guacamole. Members have whipped up the recipe upon return home to impress friends and family at their own dinner parties. Get to know the history of Don Julio and the brand’s tempting tequilas during a private tasting led by a local expert — who will also explain nearby agave farming and the aging process.

CART CONVOS

Your preferred mode of transport? Golf cart. You’ll enjoy a dedicated cart to navigate to and from the Beach Club or when visiting friends and family in other homes. Some of your best memories can be made in route to an ocean-inspired happy hour with loved ones.