Hotel Cinco: Surfer's Hotel in Punta Mita

Punta Mita is known for its pristine beaches, high end resorts, exceptional golfing and great surf conditions pretty much year round. Located at the Northern tip of Bahia de Banderas it is perhaps the most exclusive are of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, receiving celebrities and wealthy travelers who want to get away from it all and enjoy some exceptional outdoor time in a beautiful surrounding. There are several high end resorts where to spend some quality time here, but there’s only one boutique hotel that combines luxurious accommodation and service with a casual and fun attitude: Hotel Cinco.

Hotel Cinco is a 12 suite beachfront hotel in Punta de Mita ideal for families, groups or couples who are passionate about the ocean and expect to find high end facilities in a comfortable and friendly environment, avoiding the perhaps snobby attitude and behavior one might expect at the resorts. It’s all about having fun under the sun, enjoying the surf, and the company of one’s beloved ones making it a memorable holiday for all.

As you walk down the main stair into the hotel you’ll hear and see the indoor waterfall and river, a heads up to the fact that the hotel is serious when it says it’s all about the ocean. You’ll find surf memorabilia pretty much everywhere and just across the hall you’ll see Anclote Beach and the ocean. The hotel has a pool at beach level with lounge chairs and umbrellas, and to the right you’ll find the recently renovates surf booth where to rent SUPs and surfboards. There’s a gym facing the ocean if you want to work out, and a for that after-surf relaxation.

The Rooms

Hotel Cinco has 12 rooms, all two or three bedroom suites. Every suite is fully furnished with top of the line appliances and bedding, designed with a clean and spacious layout that allows for ample views of the ocean from pretty much anywhere. Every room has its own in-suite bathroom, with a large mirror, hair dryer, toiletries bath robe and bath slippers provided as a courtesy. The master bedroom is the one closest to the ocean, sharing the balcony with the living room. It has a king size bed and all the details you may expect from a luxury boutique hotel. The suites also have a full kitchen with all the cooking utensils and appliances you might think of (and then some), so eating out every day is not required- but it is an option indeed.

The suites have all the space you need, and more

Food at Cinco

The hotel has two restaurants where you can indulge in some high quality local food. First off is the rooftop restaurant called La Azotea. It’s main purpose is to serve delicious organic breakfasts and lunch, overlooking spectacular Bahia de Banderas. From waffles to healthy smoothies there’s something available for everyone’s craving when the day starts, and full but casual lunch menus are offered to recover from your surf session.

Hotel Cinco is also home to Tuna Blanca, its own high-end restaurant. Located at ground level and facing the ocean, it is owned and managed by world renown Chef Thierry Broulet. The restaurant is exquisitely decorated and can host patrons at the more casual beach tables or serve top of the line meals inside. Fresh produce are the core ingredients, with fine ceviche and grilled Tuna being some of the most popular choices.

How’s this for a breakfast at a rooftop terrace?

Tuna Blanca restaurant right by the beach as seen as night.

What to Do

Hotel Cinco is a beachfront hotel, and is all about making sure you have fun under the sun. The hotel has a special focus on surfers and wave riders, offering Stand Up Paddle Board rentals and lessons, hosting occasional clinics, and can arrange panga (local wood boat) rides to the nearby surf breaks. The hotel is right in front of a local break call Anclote, also known as the Mexican Malibu, a very fun, long rolling wave , ideal for beginners. The wave only gets above 4-5 ft when they bay is hit by a large swell, which only happens a handful of times a year.

Other activities to be enjoyed include trips to the nearby Marieta Islands, golfing, day trips to Puerto Vallarta, transportation to nearby Sayulita, diving and sport fishing.

surf punta mita — It’s all about surfing at Cinco!

My Thoughts

I’ve been to many hotels around the world, quite a few of them high end as well, but there’s one thing Hotel Cinco has that makes it stand out above the rest, and that is its casual approach to the beach and surf lifestyle. Staff is very friendly, food is superb and there’s a ton of ocean related activities to enjoy. If surfing is your thing and you’re coming to Puerto Vallarta to spend some quality time by the ocean Hotel Cinco is probably your best bet.

I was a guest of Hotel Cinco, however all opinions shared in this post remain entirely my own, as always.

Have you stayed at Hotel Cinco? What did you think of it? Did you surf? Does this look like your kind of hotel? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below and this post too if you think others may find it useful!