We just concluded the 3rd edition of another of our Punta Mita Destination events we created in 2013 – located within Mexico’s most exclusive beach community along the shores of Riviera Nayarit, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, in conjunction with Punta Mita Expeditions, DINE, the master developer of Punta Mita Resort, and the Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau. As a part of the four-day extravaganza held July 9 – 12, guests enjoyed one-on-one experiences guided by experts including Dr. Fabio Esteban Amador, a member of the National Geographic Society; one of the U.S.’s most recognized surfers Scott Chandler; leading Mexican stand up paddle professional Javier Alvarez; the founder and director of the Mexican Institute of Yoga Ana Paula Dominguez; and SUP yoga instructor Jessica Cichra. The culinary offerings and special libations for guests were prepared by prestigious chefs including Diane DiMeo, Oliver Deboise, Thierry Blouet and Narda Lepes, accompanied by Patrón Tequila and wines from Casa Madero.

Attended by more than 150 participants, the third annual event began on Thursday, July 9 with a cocktail reception and authentic live Mexican food cooking stations by guest chefs Narda Lepes, Thierry Blouet, Olivier Deboise, Diane DiMeo and Carolina Restaurant’s Chef José Meza.

The evening was complemented by the music of DJ Mau and featured a fine cocktail bar with a vast selection of Patrón Tequila, Montelobos Mezcal, and wines from Casa Madero. Friday morning began with surfing, stand up paddle and yoga sessions, SUP Polo games and a dynamic mini triathlon. At noon, Chef Diana Dimeo offered a fun and memorable cooking class representing her Korean roots and love for Mesoamerican ingredients. In the afternoon, guests were treated to a fresh and delicious awards lunch by special guest Chef Olivier Debois, who prepared a selection of fresh seafood at The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort’s famed Mita Mary Boat Bistro. In the afternoon, Monster SUP created a unique experience for families by offering supersize surf boards for up to eight people. At dusk, the celebration continued with a Wixarika, or “Children of the Sun,” dinner in honor of the Huichol culture of Riviera Nayarit. Participants enjoyed an exquisite menu created by Chef José Meza whose novel interpretation of Mexican cuisine captivated diners’ culinary senses.

On Saturday, Dr. Fabio Esteban Amador led his second tour to Marietas Islands National Park, allowing visitors to share his passion for nature, sea and natural history in one of the most beautiful settings in the world. Additionally, guests witnessed a fun and competitive 5km SUP race. Surf Mexico invited professional SUP athletes from the Mexican National Stand Up Paddle board team to participate. The first and second place winners of the close race were Ryan Helm and Fernando Stalla respectively.

In the afternoon, Chef Thierry Blouet, guest chef and owner of Café des Artistes in Puerto Vallarta, who prepared a fusion of French Mexican cuisine for lunch at the Mita Mary Boat Bistro. The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort hosted a closing dinner at Sea Breeze Beach that evening by Executive Chef Gabriel Kolofon and guest Chef Narda Lepes featuring beachfront music from local reggae group, Mezcales Locos. Prior to departure on Sunday, guests were invited to a farewell brunch at Sea Breeze Beach and to take a final dip in the Pacific Ocean.

During the closing beach dinner, Dr. Fabio Amador presented his exploration and discoveries with National Geographic. Participants were in awe of the presentation, particularly the “Hoyo Negro” (black whole), an expedition in the Yucatan Peninsula where scientists, including Dr. Amador, discovered The America’s oldest most complete skeleton.

At this year’s festival, Punta Mita Expeditions announced their new helicopter tours service over the Marietas Islands, which many of the guests experienced, including singer Benny Ibarra and his family. Moreover, travelers can now elect to transfer from the airport to The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort by helicopter, in true St. Regis style.

With the continued success of the Punta Mita Beach Festival, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort is pleased to announce dates for the fourth annual event, which will take place July 7-10, 2016.