Just a short distance away of Puerto Vallarta, Punta de Mita is fast becoming Mexico’s most exclusive destination. While several luxury resorts are in development, including Rosewood and St. Regis, today’s visitors can pamper themselves by booking a room at the elegant Four Seasons or renting a villa along the dazzling coast. But it’s Punta de Mita’s natural beauty — a 1,500-acre spear-shaped peninsula surrounded on three sides by pristine beaches and three bodies of water — that really make this a stand-out destination.

How: Fly direct to Puerto Vallarta from Chicago (American, Mexicana, United; about 4.5 hours), Dallas (American, Mexicana; less than 3 hours), Los Angeles (Alaska, American, Delta; about 3 hours), or Minneapolis (Northwest, Sun Country; about 4 hours); then drive 26 miles north along the coast to Punta de Mita.