Review: Four Seasons Naviva, Mexico (AMAZING RESORT!)

Looks stunning - especially the food/drinks! At that price point, I don't think I'll get to experience it, but appreciate the thorough and glowing review.

Looks incredible. There are just so many comparable options in Asia at 1/5th the price. Looking forward to staying at Capella Ubud soon.

"The Four Seasons Naviva has one of the most magical beaches I’ve ever seen." Hummmmm.... I guess you haven't traveled to many beach locations.

At those rates (and much less) in Mexico you can get a fully staffed massive beachfront villa (as in an actual villa, not a resort room category) on a secluded beach and drink Krug every night with caviar. Very different experience, but it would definitely be an alternative to consider.

“you’re paying for close proximity to the United States and major wealth centers”

More specifically, short (likely private) flights from LA and San Francisco.

The more accessible a place is to LA/SF the more out of whack the pricing is for what you get.

"One Mediation At A Time" coming soon 🙂
Great review (out of my budget though)

"which applies to 99.99% of us"

....are you saying you classify as with most people in not being able to afford somewhere like this?

I already have my two bucket list properties: Time & Tide Miavana and Laucala Island. Not places I could afford on a daily basis, but certainly something attainable in retirement. I'm maybe slightly younger than you, and my net worth must be at least 1/4 of yours. You might be trying to excercise modesty, but don't do that at the expense of honesty.

Looks great but I have to echo some of the other comments:
1. Even with the Punta Mita resorts I don’t view this area as having the need for such “luxury” as compared with US (HI, FL,CA) Caribbean, or even Cabo. And I can spend a fraction of the price and get similar lodging in Asia (with nicer beaches).
2. Also I notice the highest-end non-point hotels seem to get your best reviews. No doubt they are some of the world’s best hotels but you are also getting a travel agent discount.

Capella Ubud is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. Bill Bensley’s designs are my favorite and GM Mark Swinton is a wonderful fellow. Try to check out Honey&Smoke and Locavore (both concepts are fabulous). Enjoy!

If you visit Four Seasons Punta Mita regular, is your meals and drinks included there also, when staying at Naviva?

I doubt I'll ever be able to go, but that looks absolutely stunning! I love the flexible dining concept (not having to stress out to make it to breakfast before it ends hah!), and the property looks incredible. Love the type of activities they offer too. One day, maybe!

I agree with a few other posts. In full disclosure, state the actual rate you paid.

@ Lou -- For sure, if you have the time off, you can of course get better bang for your buck in Southeast Asia. Ultimately people from the United States vacation in Mexico (and are willing to pay a premium for it) because of how easy it is to get to. If you just want a weekend getaway from the United States, traveling to Asia isn't practical (well, aside from us miles & points junkies). 😉

@ Santastico -- Hah, it might not look it, but what was so magical was how private it was. Aside from being on a private island, most other beautiful beaches can get pretty crowded, while here we never saw anyone else on it.

Sure, you can find a postcard or snap a picture of a beach that might appear nicer, but how secluded this beach felt was really something special to me.

@ Sel, D. -- For sure villas are an alternative that make sense for many. Of course villas come with their own issues as well. They have more security issues (especially if they're super high end and not in a gated community), there's no assurance of how good the service will be, there's little recourse if the villa doesn't meet your expectations, and you're still on the hook for planning many activities. Then there's the whole wellness aspect of Naviva, which you won't get at a villa.

There's value to be had there, but I think for certain types of travelers, the ease of staying at a property like the Four Seasons Naviva makes it pretty attractive.

@ JoePro -- My point was that I think this property isn't within the price range for 99.99% of people (which is different than not being able to afford something). I think it's fair to say that a vast majority of people aren't looking to drop $4K+ per night at a resort, and it's a very small crowd willing to pay that much.

Am I saying I classify in that 99.99%? Well, I think it really depends. For a very special occasion (like my dad's 70th birthday, when we went on an amazing safari), I could see myself dropping that much. If I had a desk job that I hated and had less than two weeks vacation per year, I could also see myself spending that much. I think people tend to underinvest in peak experiences, and travel is the prime example of that.

However, the reality is that I have a lot of schedule flexibility, and I travel a lot. So would I personally spend $5K per night on a trip that's just a weekend getaway, when I travel monthly? Well, that would probably be a major line item in my budget, so probably not.

Just my two cents...

@ Shawn -- Nope, I believe you still have to pay for any purchases there. That might be an opportunity for the resort, as it would be nice if food & beverage purchases there were included as well.

I’m assuming the 4 to 5K rate is per room based on double occupancy.
I’m not “rolling in the dough” per se, but we could afford to visit this place as a “splurge” trip if we really wanted to. My problem would be the value proposition, and is it really worth 8-10k for two evenings and part of three days for good food and nice weather in Punta Miita Mexico? That would really have to be really incredible food, and idyllic surroundings. I do appreciate the review and taking one for the team, Ben. The stay looked fun. One other comment, “tents” my as#.

Ben’s paying a discounted rate with pre-tax dollars (since it’s a business expense).

That’s a *very* different calculation than for the rest of us.

He probably can’t, and even if he can it would anger the powers at be. Also, keep in mind it’s likely a write off for him as well.

Ben, Do you think it's worth a visit without being able to eat most of the food? And BTW I am really looking forward for your virgin atlantic review:) was to obvious for me

It looks great but did you ever feel lonely there? For example the deck outside your room has seating for at least 10 people but it would never be more than 2 staying there. Or going to a restaurant where you are the only guests.

I guess I would feel kind of weird with all these staff around in this huge place, all there to serve just me.

What is with you and avocado's?

I swear I can guess your menu meals just by what a place serves.

Breakfast. Anything with avocado's. If not, a vegetarian omelet. Lunch and dinner, some type of fish.

Every menu, every hotel, every airline. It's always the same.

As for this hotel. Looks nice. 5k? That's insane.

Typically about 30% of standard daily rate.

Looks sooo amazing and a super experience but the price is WOWOWO for most..Any other way to get a discount?

The beach looks a bit rough and dangerous to swim in.
Might be the reason why it looks deserted.
Just saying.

I guess if you can make it there alive after travelling though very dangerous Mexico, it could be fun, if you live to make it back.

This may be just me… But is anyone else turned off by how empty some of these resorts look? I know some of it is a function of how early Ben wakes up to take pictures, but this resort only has a few rooms. One of the more fun aspects of nice resorts, at least for me, is people watching and interacting with fellow guests. I never understand if that is even an option when reading some of the reviews here. Lucky - could you maybe include more comments / pictures of the “scene” at some of these places so we can get a better picture?

Pretty sure the lack of people in Ben’s photos isn’t going to change.

Is your imagination so limited as to be unable to imagine people there?

Yes, I've noticed that too. Lots of avocado toast in breakfast reviews. Many boring "healthy" choices. And a wide variety of alcoholic drinks

Or the fact that there was almost no one at the resort and Ben gets out early to take photos?

Just a wild guess.

No - but it is relevant to understand whether the restaurant and bar were totally empty during the stay, or whether there were other guests. One of section mentioned they were the only guests at the hotel - I view that as kind of a negative. I do think the reviews could include more information about this - I have mentioned it before

PV is much much safer than many destinations in the US.

“Ford is happy to help book Four Seasons properties through Preferred Partner”

I bet Ford is more than happy! I’ve noticed this for a while Ben, but I’m getting increasingly uncomfortable with the cross-promotion that’s spreading throughout this blog. Not sure if it’s intentional or not, but more of your hotel reviews seem to be for properties that include a plug for Ford’s travel services. And of course less to do with the miles and points world.

You’re losing a lot of your editorial independence by (1) not paying full rates, (2) by encouraging readers to stay at properties from which you as a family earn commission and (3) because staying on a travel agent rate, you are presumably flagged by the hotel and it would be in their interests to go the extra mile to give you an especially excellent experience.

I also agree with comments that you should be disclosing the travel agent rate here.

You’ve done well with this blog over many years Ben, but I think it’s worth pausing to remember what made you our favorite blogger. It was independence, which you’re now monetizing in a way that’s a lot more prominent than before. Does that diminish your trustworthiness?

Are people not allowed to like certain things now?

And your only time in PV is at the airport if you go to a Punta Mita resort.

C. Wesley just talking out of his ass.

Who cares how he’s been able to stay. No other blogger offers reviews of nicer places. And if you’ve never booked through Ford you’re missing out. He works his arse off on all my nitpicky requests while saving me money.

Unfortunately I have to 100% agree with Tony. The number of reviews you've done in the last year at Four Seasons properties (which don't even have a loyalty program or points earning/redemption possibility) is starting to get absurd as long as you claim to be a points and miles blogger. And it's getting even worse, as you're going from $600 to $1000 a night properties to now a $4000 a night property. I congratulate you on your blog's success and being able to afford such properties (although again we have no idea how much you're actually paying), but it just doesn't jive with being a points and miles blogger.

I am swooning over this review.

It reminds me a lot of Four Seasons Tented Camp in Thailand, where I had the fortune to stay in 2016. It was utterly mesmerizing in every way.

I’m now thinking about when it makes sense for me to get to Naviva. Am intrigued by the guest that was off property for a dinner—what in the area could possibly have been better??

Well, let's put it this way. If I get diagnosed with a terminal illness, the silver lining is that I'll go spend a week at this resort.

I can cash out my TY, UR, MR points out 1:1 and pay for FS and appreciate non-point hotels. Way less riff-raff.

Another comment on the appropriateness / independence debate - if people are going to be booking luxury hotels via cash, maybe some people will prefer to book via Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts and earn 5x points, or the new Capital One hotel booking service and earn 10x points rather than booking with a travel agent like Ford? It’s not obvious that Preferred Partner is “better” for everyone in all of these circumstances (though I am sure Ford and other agents provide great service).

Of course. But if reviewing a property for a broad audience meal reviews and photos should also appeal to a broad audience.

I would appreciate seeing an equally detailed and comprehensive review of the Conrad and the St Regis in Punta Mita which are resorts in the Punta Mita area which I believe would be of most interest to the original core audience of this blog who are looking for opportunities for outsize value from points, particularly in comparison to properties such as this which are cash only. This original focus seems to have been lost a bit. In comparison to this review I don't think I have seen such a detailed review of a points property.

I have stayed at Four Seasons Punta Mita in the past and agree it is a great resort but wouldn't probably pay the premium again when there are great points properties available in the same area.

Having just returned from the Waldorf Maldives on points I really felt I hit a home run on value after your reviews of the various Maldives properties including it and the Four Seasons which you directly compared.

I know Ben doesn't eat pork. That's fine.

To each there own. How many posts could one do about bacon anyway? Lol

I love Ben. His reviews (all the credit card stuff, not so much)

Most of these places I'll never go to. I'm sure as hell not spending 5k a night, no matter how good the views are.

Eat some turkey sausage, some steak, anything? The fish and avacado? Come on man. Give us something, anything different.

I don’t have any problem with Ben and Ford’s cross branding. Why not take advantage strong promotion tool. If someone truly doesn’t believe what a blog says (for whatever reason) don’t read it. Good grief of all the things to criticize and comment about.

I had sentiment similar to other readers. I appreciated Ben and this blog where I got lots of useful info, and it's ok to see some cross promotion. However, even if I read through this post, it was hard to get excited. Honestly I did not see it was worth the $4K per night price tag.

Prediction: this place will have to drop their prices significantly. They might have gotten away with this pricing in 2021 but that super high end demand is waning. Very few properties in the world can command such a high price and it certainly won't be able to in Mexico IMO.

Excellent point. I also see that Am Ex FHR frequently has third, fourth and fifth night free promotions which together with the guaranteed 4 pm checkout can provide fantastic value. Do advisors always have the same promotion access? Would love to know. Also many of us still have the Citi Prestige Card which offers 4th night free on many otherwise cash only lux properties, including many Four Seasons properties and it sometimes may be the best way to book Four Seasons properties if booking a 4 night stay. I would love to see analysis on this as well.

I think you're missing the point of my question, Never In Doubt... just because he paid the discounted rate doesn't mean he can't afford it anyways, which is why I asked whether he considers himself part of the 99% he mentioned.

"Well, that would probably be a major line item in my budget, so probably not."

Fair enough. I take it then that I shouldn't be expecting reviews of the two I mentioned, anytime soon

Cheers.

Agreed! The cross promotion has taught me about programs I never knew existed and I’ve had a great experience booking though them.

What bothers me about this part of the world is the crazy tax they charge on top of room rates. They charge you 36% of tax!! So if your room rate comes out to be $7500 total, be prepare to shelve out 10k! I just find that crazy.

With that said, I find it interesting that they are basically competing with Amangiri of the world. This past year, it was impossible to find anything at Amangiri….it had been sold out night after night with 4K price tag and up which includes food and non-alcoholic drinks (but with typical 25% hotel tax NOT 36%).

Personally when spending money at this level, I prefer something more unique like Singita’s Kwitonda lodge. Yes, it’s even pricier and type of experience is totally different. But I surmise the unique proposition is much much higher than these type of also ran beach resorts where you can find all over the world. Yes, this Four Seasons’ offering is very good according to Lucky’s review and typical Four Seasons or Marriott (St Regis/ Ritz Carlton) also runs won’t come close in terms of experience, I just don’t find this unique to a tune of $5440-$6732 per night inclusive of tax. I know of course hotel owners in this part of the world hold wealthy Californians captive. Not unlike high prices at St Barts holding New Yorkers captive. Luckily I don’t have to play along with them but I do understand there are plenty of people don’t want to deal with jet lag and flying halfway around the world to vacation.

For those complaints about Lucky moving away from points hotels… maybe you shouldn’t be so mean to Ford when he wrote his luxury hotel reviews on Lucky’s blog years ago. All those ridicules means we only get luxury hotel reviews from Lucky on his blog. I think it would had been lovely to have Ford write his own hotel blog that’s linked to this blog so that people who wants to read Four Seasons and Mandarin Orientals of the world don’t have to come across certain types of negative comments.

Sometimes an empty resort can be a lot of fun. We went to Bali at the end of 207 when Mt Agung was intermittently erupting, and it was pretty much deserted. We parked ourselves in the beachfront bar at the Laguna and had all the staff, and the trio of musicians, to ourselves. The rum punch cocktails were presented in larger and larger glasses each round, and we had a fantastic time interacting with the staff. A big difference to the next trip, when the place was packed and they were run off their feet.

Yeah, nah. I don't think any of us are unaware that this blog is how Ben earns a living, and he's very up front with reminders about that. It's also a no-brainer that he would use his high-profile website to promote his husband's business.

For sure, the number of trip reports has diminished somewhat in quantity, but not in quality, and I think that's entirely reasonable given the guys have a baby son to consider now. Kids are only babies once, and no parent wants to be missing too many important milestones. I'm sure that once the little guy is more portable we shall see a return to the far-flung airline and hotel reviews.

Don't forget the mandatory 30% tax and added 12% service fee so expect to add at least 40% on top of the nightly rate. Ben's Grand Tent nightly rate is US$4,950 and after all the tax and service fees, it's around US$6,500 all said and done!

I get it, that's not cheap, but we paid a similar rate for a villa at One and Only Reethi Rah last year, and had to eat and drink (apart from breakfast) on top of that.

For everyone complaining that Ben has traded up from the days of points hotels in his youth and 20s:

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”

Now that he has a young kid and has openly stated the shift in how he values his time, when you can get a way for a period of time and can afford the Four Seasons, I’d imagine it makes opting for the Conrad a lot less attractive.

His dedication to the points world is how, as the comments have scolded, he built his following; but with that following came financial success - now that he’s made money, he can’t spend it? In a way the irony is how he made his money is also why it has become no longer necessary.

He has also pledged that the bulk of his hotel reviews will be points-based, so we shall see how the ratio between points and non-points evolves…

I’d splurge at a place like this — in a great location like Polynesia/certain Africa Asia locations. Mexico? NO!

This is how a tropical resort should look like, and not barebones mowed-down like the FS Punta Mita. Looks really great, even if insanely priced.

Ben surely you make more money from a hotel review of a property that can be booked with points (and include links to the cards that earn those points), than a Four Seasons that can't be booked with points and the only money you would make for this is if someone chooses to book through Ford.

If you really wanted to stay here for a treat, why review it? Why not leave your camera in your suitcase and just enjoy the experience?

@ Tcdtcd -- Fair, but I don't think that's the market the hotel is going after. If you have a couple of weeks off and want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, by all means travel to the other side of the globe. Meanwhile if you just want to escape for a weekend and have an epic time, this is a lot more practical.

@ Jen -- I'm committed to continuing to review points hotels. And to be clear, this trip wasn't in place of any points trip I'd otherwise take. Rather the whole purpose of this trip was to check out the Four Seasons Naviva. If it weren't for this interesting new property, we would have stayed home.

As you can see, I'm publishing this while I'm also publishing a cool Aeroplan points adventure, and I have plans to take another review trip in the next two weeks.

@ Boise Ding -- My reviews of points hotels are regularly 3,000-4,000 words. This one is 5,000 words, and that's because it's a completely new concept for Four Seasons, so I think it's worth covering in a bit more detail. There's not as much background needed for a stay at my sixth Thompson, or tenth St. Regis.

@ Anthony -- In the case of the Four Seasons Naviva, it doesn't even yet belong to any other programs, like Amex FHR, so it's a moot point. More generally speaking, I do mention in Four Seasons reviews that they can be booked via Amex FHR as well.

The main benefit of booking through Amex FHR is guaranteed late check-out and the potential to earn some bonus points. However, the benefit of booking through Preferred Partner is the ability to stack promotions, priority for upgrades, a potentially larger property credit, and the choice of room service or restaurant breakfast.

@ Motion to Dismiss -- Hah, definitely not better, but he headed over the Four Seasons Punta Mita for dinner. He was staying at the property for a long time, so I think he wanted to experience something different.

I hear what you are saying but there are those of us who suffer from severe jet lag when crossing many time zones. It makes vacationing in those far away places not so much fun unless I am able to go for two weeks. Mexico and Caribbean are wonderful for short vacations for some US based travelers.

“If you really wanted to stay here for a treat, why review it? Why not leave your camera in your suitcase and just enjoy the experience?”

What? And spend after tax dollars?

That’s now how this works.

@JoePro,

Unless travel blogging is *way* more lucrative than I imagined, that’s a silly question.

Ben’s not spending $10k in after tax money for a two night stay.

Clearly, this is an exceptional property. I’ve never been a fan of all inclusive resorts given that things like Gong Meditation and Sound Healing are not activities I’d be remotely interested in utilizing especially with the time constraints of a two day stay with other activities available. If the high cost is not an issue it’s a solid choice. For the rest of us, there are probably better value propositions.

Oh yes, there is ALWAYS a requisite, boring picture of avocado toast in every trip/hotel review. Why the picture every single time?? We get it, you like avocado toast! 🙂

Errr… Because some of us enjoy the content, and maybe just maybe Ben is thinking that those who don’t are free to skip it.
Sheesh…

Thought FS was to classic for my taste. This one looks nice though. Will keep Ford in mind when we are in the neighbourhoud.

I find huge value in these reviews as there aren’t many reviews of FS properties that aren’t paid promotional articles in Travel and Leisure or similar websites.

It’s more important to have detailed reviews to me when you may be shelling out 1,000’s of dollars vs more reliable points redemptions that are low “cost”, high value.

Additionally I’ve found through Ford that we get the same benefits Ben talks about. We stayed at the Four Seasons Cabo and received an upgrade to a plunge pool, all of the same resort credits, and had exceptional treatment just as described in the blog.

Out of curiosity, any idea if part of the business model is to host high-end executive retreats? I have to imagine the whole setup being attractive for something like that and it’s a good way to fill the hotel.

Absolutely shocked to see the negativity in the comment section (which I usually avoid). I love reading OMAAT and posts like this bring me joy as I sit at my desk job at 4pm. Thank you!

Speaking of blog commitments, I also appreciate your longstanding commitment to allowing any and all civil feedback. Super admirable and rare.

I think we as your readership should also keep in mind that the alternative is you not posting reviews of non-points hotels and staying at them anyway — clearly that is not preferable. These reviews are a lot of fun, and at the end of the day, they are a net benefit to us if they are not becoming substitutes for points hotels.

@John T, I’m not sure how much referral fees Lucky makes when one of his reader apply for a credit card. I would assume $50-$150. A travel agent gets at least 10% of the cost of your hotel stay pretax. So a place like this where people typically stays at least three nights, you are looking at a much more lucrative dollar than those credit card referral fees. Sure, there are a lot less people who can drop 10k plus per hotel stays. But if you just look at rates at Hawaiian four seasons, they are all 1k plus and up and fully booked. There are plenty of people who can afford to pay 1k if not 4K per night at various resorts. Why wouldn’t Lucky and Ford widen their nets? They have a kid they need to put through college! Have you seen tuition cost these days? I say they are being smart! People who roll their eyes at Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental of the world are free not to click on these types of article on lucky’s blog. After all, title of the article already tell you what it is about. No one is forcing you to click or read the whole thing. He publishes plenty of stuff related to redemptions of points hotels. Maybe go read those instead so you don’t get outraged by people who wants to pay cash and stay at Four Seasons? Just a thought.

OMG, it's a travel blog and not a conflict of interest disclosure filing. The blog's author clearly discloses two possible conflict-of-interest factors relevant to this post: (1) that there's a family connection to the property's parent company, and (2) that they received a travel-agent rate. Additional details, such as the specific rate paid, aren't relevant.

FWIW #1 - I love reading about properties I'll most likely never visit, like Cheval Blanc Maldives. What's the harm in some escapism and fodder for daydreams?

FWIW #2 - It would be naive to think Ben doesn't receive special consideration given his prominence as a blogger, but it's not as if high-end hotels only seek to impress bloggers and celebrities and leave the rest of us out in the cold, right? I mean, in the scheme of things I'm a nobody but I have elite status at some hotel chains, and when I've booked aspirational visits, I've found GMs who've gone above and beyond to make sure I have a wonderful stay. Likewise, longtime readers of OMAAT know that Ben's had some terrible experiences, which seems to balance things out a bit and should reassure readers that there are limits to special consideration.

As a very long-time reader of this blog, I am finding myself conflicted about this review. I really only use points to supplement my travel experiences, as I have no problem paying for domestic first or international business flights; and I will consider higher end points properties, but I also frequently stay at Four Seasons-level properties when I travel, regardless of points earning or redemption opportunities.

So, when Ben started reviewing non-points properties, I was actually happy to get an "upgrade" from the usual focus limited to what could be achieved only using points. Yes, Ben has some habits that I don't share (he loves super early mornings, he enjoys big breakfasts, and is not so much of a beach or pool person), yet he is quite thorough in covering the main areas that most guests would be interested in reading about.

I think this is where the disconnect emerged in my view. Ben is a points-focused blogger whose aim is to rate and review the best air and hotel products out there using points, which implies a priority on cost-consciousness. So, when Ben started adding non-points property reviews, I couldn't help but sense a conflict with someone so cost-focused staying at Amans or other non-points high-end properties (unless they were a very special occasion splurge). Now it has shifted into travel industry-subsidized reviews thanks to the rates to which Ford has access, and it doesn't have the same authenticity I would hope for (again, the conflict with cost consciousness).

So, seeing this review of a property that looks lovely, but not life-changing, starting at pre-tax rates of $4k/night, in Mexico no less, really seems like someone on Instagram using really really heavy filters. They look familiar, but not quite real... know what I mean?

Thankfully, I have found other bloggers who exclusively focus on luxury travel to be better suited to my interests and needs when I am planning upcoming trips.

This really isn't intended to be a knock on Ben, but rather it's just me trying to work through my discomfort when I saw the prices at this property, and who ultimately Ben has emerged as in the travel blogging world.

@ gstork -- I appreciate you reading for a long time, and I also respect and value your feedback, and will take it into account.

A few points:
-- I have still been reviewing lots of aspirational points properties (just in the past year, Miraval Arizona, Alila Jabal Akhdar, Alila Hinu Bay, Park Hyatt Zurich, Park Hyatt Auckland, the Dubai EDITION, Hotel Grande Bretagne, King George Athens, etc.), so to me it doesn't have to be one or the other
-- The reality is that if you take points out of the equation, value has been a really hard thing to judge since the start of the pandemic; just look at the cash rates at many points hotels, like the Andaz Maui having rates of $1,500+ per night, and a vast majority of guests are paying with cash and not redeeming points
-- I understand that these kinds of reviews might not appeal to all readers, but there's a significant percentage of readers who use points for business class airfare, so they can then spend more on hotels
-- If nothing else, I know many people do enjoy the "travel porn" aspect of some really high end hotels, even if they'd never stay at them

I totally get if that doesn't appeal to you. And if this makes my reviews of points hotels (which I consistently pay full price for, with cash or points) useless, then I respect that too. But I hope you can also see how I'm trying to balance things.

@ Jake B -- Thanks for the kind words and feedback! Yes, I absolutely imagine this could be a great destination for a corporate retreat or even wedding. The challenge is booking far enough in advance, before other guests book the same dates.

@ Jen -- Thanks for reading, Jen! And I promise there will continue to be lots of reviews of aspirational points hotels in the near future as well.

@ Luke -- Hah, yes, I do love avocados. And in fairness, Mexico is a good place to enjoy them. I'm a pretty predictable person when it comes to food, so it's not too tough to guess what I'm going to eat. A lot of this stems from me having been a vegetarian when I was a kid, so there are some things I still generally try to avoid.

But hey, one avocado toast picture out of dozens of pictures of food isn't so bad, is it? 😉

@ Jim -- The staff weren't at all obtrusive (which does otherwise sometimes happen when the staff to guest ratio is very high). They'd check on you frequently, but you by no means felt like you were being watched.

As far as the overall vibe goes, everyone will have a different take on that. As much as I enjoy a fun party vibe in some places (like Mykonos), for a place like this, I loved having it nearly to ourselves. I honestly felt like I had the most epic private getaway on the Pacific Ocean.

As the hotel fills up, I imagine the atmosphere will also be a bit more social. For example, we ended up talking to a few of the other guests and having some interesting conversations, and that was with only a few other people there. Once the hotel is busier, I imagine there will be a lot more socializing.

@ Eli -- Hah, stay tuned. 😉 As far as visiting without the food goes, that's a toughie. The food really was one of the highlights of the property. You can of course have a great time without it as well, so I guess it really depends what the alternatives are, and how expensive they are.

Thanks Ben. I'm still a fan. Yes, you have reviewed many aspirational points properties, which I appreciate. And I too have been shocked at the extreme increase in room rates during (and since) the pandemic, perhaps that is something that really stings especially when many properties are still not back at the full service level they offered before the world turned sideways.

Value has always been highly subjective to the individual. However, the same costs of properties and flights apply to nearly all of us (whether through points, cash, or special booking programs). And while I appreciate getting some "travel porn" of this new FS offering through your extensive review, I can't see anything there that justifies 4x the cost of the FS property next door. Maybe that's what was primarily lacking for me... I needed a little outrage at the room rate. lol

P.S. I'd rather have a suite at the FS George V in Paris (but that's just me).

so what? at the end of the day this is also his business and how he makes his money. if hes able to monetize while also delivering us with great content, then hes being smart. I feel like this blog has a great balance of ALL kinds of content: points/miles reviews, luxury cash paid $ experiences, which yes, may include cross promotion for Ford's services. If you've been reading Ben's blog for a while you know he is never swayed by "sponsored" things, but always delivers honest reviews.

For that much money, they should spell "equilibrium" correctly (on the spa menu)

I always find Ben's reviews a pleasure to read. I've also booked travel with Ford. Both are great guys and if you don't find the blog as valuable as you once did, a simple solution would be to stop visiting this site.

EXACTLY, thanks a lot. Thats the whole point.

Dear Ben,
I really love your reviews and I am very happy for your success with the blog. But: do you really think anyone spending 5k a night for several nights at that resort bothers about tips and tricks and deals using points for airfare so they can "afford" the 1k-5k per night resorts you are now reviewing?

I just came back from Naviva for three nights. I have been a huge fan of Ben and OMAAT for many years and I based my decision largely on this review. I can’t believe I’m stating this but I can’t imagine how Ben’s opinion wasn’t extremely biased writing this. I understand the possibilities of different experiences but the level of service was so far removed from what I read about here that it’s very hard to imagine alternative scenarios. A hotel at $5K a night (with taxes) that has a lot to learn from other Mexican destinations at $800/night. Great hotel, yes. But at that price point it needs to be a near once-in-a-lifetime experience. And that it was not

Not to take the conversation of flagellating Ben for disclosing potential conflicts and not strictly sticking to points, but a small correction. The Punta Mita resort doesn't have "a" golf course -- it has two, the Pacifico and Bahia! The Pacifico is more scenic and the Bahia is more challenging. If only playing one most folks prefer the Pacifico as it has the only natural island green in the world, "The Tail of the Whale." An attendant brings you across the water in an amphibious vehicle -- good fun.

Before flaming me for posting off topic I bring it up for travelers who may have some more sound bath/smoke lodge sorts combined with others who prefer to hit the links to underscore the versatility of this destination.