Punta Mita: Where Dreams Come True

Words by Samantha Payne
Photos courtesy of Casa Aramara

At Casa Aramara, being treated like royalty is common practice, but treated like a god? Named for the Huichol goddess of life, Casa Aramara is a five-star estate with cascading ocean views, tropical flora and a 40,000 square-foot home exuding luxury
and grandeur; the perfect balance of elegance and relaxation for a honeymoon or intimate wedding.

Situated in Punta Mita, Mexico, only three hours south of L.A., pampering begins at the airport where guests are chauffeured in a sleek Mercedes sedan. Aramara prides itself on taking care of its guests. There are 15 staff members to cater to every need, butler and maid services and even an “anything button” within reach of every room. What can you request with this anything button? “Anything means anything,” Property Manager Sergio Bravo explains. “Please take advantage – a midnight snack, a fireworks show, dancing monkeys, whatever you want – we will do our best to provide…and we’ll do so discreetly.” With this kind of treatment, no wonder Hollywood A-Listers make this location their vacation home.

Casa Aramara is a 12-bedroom home impeccably decorated by world-renowned interior designer, Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Artwork, sculptures, glass and furnishings are masterfully placed throughout. Sweeping tones of blues and earthy beige contrast with the vibrant flowers and bucolic greenery the manicured jungle provides. The majestic feeling upon entering the grounds is palpable, with the massive 25-foot wooden gates slowly opening to expose tropical greenery, flowers and waterfalls, welcoming you to your own slice of paradise. Greeted by the professional staff with a chilled linen cloth and fresh fruit margarita, there’s no need to worry about luggage or unpacking.

Aramara boasts three pools, a Jacuzzi, 3D media room, fitness center, game room, fire pits, Jet Skis, kayaks, tennis and basketball courts. The state-of-the-art kitchen allows the two professionally trained chefs to work their magic for a fine dining experience; masterpieces to be enjoyed alfresco or at the formal dining table large enough for a banquet. Aramara adjusts to the guests’ needs. “We can easily convert rooms or sections of the property to accommodate the guests’ desires,” says Property Manager Cristina Villacorta. “We’ve turned our game room into a sound-proof recording studio and have many areas inside and out that could be restructured to accommodate weddings, receptions or other large parties.

Step outside the open living room and absorb the spectacular ocean views. The beach at Banderas Bay guarantees guests will never be short of activities. “We want you to relax and to play here – a massage, a Champagne snorkeling cruise to water caves, horseback riding, Jet Skis – or just lounging in the pool with a fresh fruit cocktail in-hand – guests find everything here,” explains Bravo.

Luxury, seclusion, adventure and pampering thrive at Casa Aramara. Every need is predicted so guests simply enjoy and indulge. Of course these kinds of spoils come at a cost, with most of the year pricing out at upwards of $15,000 per night.
For those who can afford to live the high life, Casa Aramara is sure to make your once-in-a-lifetime event truly unforgettable.

This article first appeared in Destination I Do's Spring/Summer 2015 issue. You can order a copy here.