Message: I have spent the last 3 vacations at Hualalai on the Big Island and also at Halekulani in Honolulu. As these two hotels (and, of course Hawaii) were just about perfect, that is the problem - they are just about perfect and now we are trying to come up with a hotel& destination that is comparable. Has anyone been to Four Seasons Punta Mita recently?, or another spot that you believe equals "wonderfulness". We are looking for beach vacation.

Hi, I think I just responded to your Punta Mita question. Check out my reviews. I have not been to Hualalai, but given what I know about it, I think you will enjoy FS Punta Mita. They are both spread out resorts with rooms in small buildings and lots of space. The scenery and sunsets at Punta Mita were spectacular. The resort has a open-air/tropical/mexican ambience with outstanding service, gorgeous landscaping, beautiful beach. The room decor is kind of basic, probably not quite as nice as Hualalai, but the views were incredible (premium oceanview was fantastic).

I have spent many many vacations in Puerto Vallarta and several trips to Hawaii. I LOVE the west coast of Mexico, the local people, the culture there... having said that, it is physically very different from Hawaii. The lushness of the landscape, sand of the beaches, clarity of ocean water - none are as pristine and over-the-top beautiful as they are in Hawaii. Why I personally would not care for staying in Punta Mita is that it's 1 to 1-1/2 hours drive from Puerto Vallarta and not much else around out on the point. But if you are planning to only spend time at your resort hotel, then this might be fine for you.

Actually, I am going to Hawaii in a few months and will be able to make a better comparison after that trip. I am sure Punta Mita is "different" from Hawaii but it was beautiful, lush with wonderful scenery. Since I have heard Hualalai's beach is not that great, it may even be that the FS Punta Mita's beach is better. Believe me, the "wonderful" factor is there. And it is only a 45 minute from the airport. True, it takes an hour to get to Puerta Vallarta and I did not find that trip worth the trouble. But FS PM offers lots of activities right on site if you want them.

Sorry about the time confusion, I went out to El Anclote, a lovely beach in Punta Mita, by local bus and from Old Town PV.