A self-contained utopia on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Four Seasons Naviva is a luxury tented resort that will open at the end of the year. Rose Dykins reports
Four Seasons has announced the launch its first adults-only tented resort in the Americas – Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico.
Set to welcome guests from December 2022, the nature retreat is located amid 48 acres of forest on a private peninsula, Bahía de Banderas, overlooking the Pacific ocean, and is a 45-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta International airport.
Featuring tented accommodation, the property seeks to create an unconventional experience that fosters “community, personal growth and knowledge enhancement”.
Vince Parrotta, president of hotel operations, Americas West, for Four Seasons, says: “Naviva is an ambitious new resort concept that offers highly individualised service and innovative design that brings guests closer to nature than ever before.
“With the debut of this exceptionally personalised retreat, guests will interface one-on-one with knowledgeable guides during thoughtful experiences that embrace the culture and character of Mexico.”
Ronny Fernandez, resort manager for Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, says: “Our location tucked in a cliffside forest creates the feeling of being disconnected in a faraway destination, when in reality, we’re only a short flight away from the US. Our untamed natural setting organically encourages guests to embark on their own personal journeys.”
The resort aims to provide “High-touch, yet unassuming adult-only experience inspired by biophilia”. Guests are immersed in the outdoors upon their arrival, meeting their certified “Naviva guide” on a cocoon-inspired bamboo bridge overlooking a deep forest ravine.
One of the smallest Four Seasons resorts to date, Naviva’s 15 luxury tents have been designed by hospitality design company Luxury Frontiers. Each one features spacious indoors and outdoor areas that blend together, complete with textures and fabrics that mimic natural patterns found in the surrounding environment.
Luxury Frontiers designed the spaces of each tent to have an open-air living room and separate bedroom flowing into a private plunge pool and expansive deck with a hammock and outdoor shower.
Guests are encouraged to explore their passions and discover new ones with the support of their Naviva guides. Among the “Unscripted” experiences to try at the resort are sampling small-batch Mexican coffees, stargazing, and taking part in sunset rituals.
There are also “Signature” Naviva experiences that immerse guests in local talent, heritage and traditions, such as visiting award-winning local artist Jose Juan Esparza at his private home and studio, nocturnal forest bathing, sound therapy and breathwork.
As part of its extensive wellness offering, Naviva has two spa pods set within the forest, a traditional Mexican temazcal or “house of heat,” an outdoor gym that overlooks the Pacific, a jungle oasis at its Alma Pool and a private 175-metre beach where guests can practice yoga or meditation.
The cocoon-like spa pods that were inspired by the seed of the local Ceiba tree, and provide a refuge that’s conducive for shifts in internal energy. All holistic rituals at Naviva harness the healing properties of indigenous ingredients – from regenerative reishi and hydrating snow mushrooms, to natural gemstones and coloured clays found throughout Mexico. Naviva guests can also partake cliffside yoga sessions, scenic hikes, runs along trails and strength training.
In terms of dining, the resort’s Copal restaurant epitomises rustic luxury. The convivial space overlooks the oceam and is designed to feel like a living room and kitchen of a private home. Handmade games such as backgammon and a football table fashioned from reclaimed wood by Mexican artisans are available.
At the centre of the restaurant is an open-air kitchen, with traditional barbecue pits, wood-fire grill rotisseries and wood-fire ovens. Seasonal produce and freshly caught seafood inspire the menu.
Naviva guests also have full access to the adjacent Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita – located five minutes away – which has ten restaurants and bars, two golf courses, three pools, two beaches and additional spa and fitness facilities.
Luxury tents at resort start from US$3,950 per night and include all meals and snacks at any time of the day throughout the resort; 24-hour in-tent dining; pool and beach service; all beverages including premium wine and spirits; one 60-minute spa treatment per guest; community activities; mind and body classes; Unscripted Naviva experiences; guide planning and in-tent amenities.
Signature Naviva experiences, specialty beverages, additional spa treatments, private classes or training, and airport transfers are available for an additional cost.