Patti Murphy and Wanda Kimbrell at 'InterContinental'
Blooming Gallery placesettings at ‘Goodnight.’
The Camino Huichol over the Wet Deck
This slice of paradise is the W Punta de Mita, about an hour outside of Puerto Vallarta. With fewer than 130 rooms, the property is glam enough for jet-setting influencer couples but approachable enough for families, an ideal blend of bold style and Huichol tradition.
Upon arrival, guests sip a cocktail as the sea breeze filters in through the open-air lobby; below, a centerpiece bar and sliding glass doors frame the view of the beach — a welcome sight, even though the flight from Houston isn’t all that long. While the sit-down restaurants adjacent to the lobby are indeed fantastic, the best first stop is Chevychería, a beachfront bar carved out of an old pickup truck. Daily ceviches and crudos — and the best guacamole this Texan has ever had (a bold statement, no?) — are best enjoyed with sand between the toes and a mojito in hand. Vacation mode, activated.
Some of the most artful touches at the hotel are found on the Camino Huichol, a magazine-worthy teal-tiled backdrop for photos. The elevated walkway, with 751,000 mosaic tiles representing elements of the Wixarika culture, doubles as an extension of the pool cabanas down below; the entire thing is framed by a waist-high wall of clear glass panels.
Speaking of pool cabanas, though, it’s likely that the whole trip could be magnificently enjoyed in one of them. The Wet Deck, as the main pool area is called, is pristine and positioned equally well for those who favor catching rays and those who prefer shade. Sunblock, board games and books populate a little stand nearby, in case guests forgot a necessity. Need a change of scenery? A quick taxi ride to Sayulita for shopping — leather goods, hand-woven apparel, artisan ceramics — and people-watching completes the afternoon.
If privacy is of importance, the new adults-only Wet Deck Too is a few yards away, an infinity-edged pool with several chaise-style chairs and tables. It’s situated in front of a row of just-opened suites that each boast their own plunge pool, and an open-air bathtub worthy of Architectural Digest.
But if that’s not relaxing enough, hop back on that jungle-lined walkway, which in the other direction leads to the AWAY Spa. Say ahhh.
The lobby bar
The adults-only Wet Too pool with new suites behind it
Chevychería
Beachfront suite with private plunge pool
Private plunge pool
Indoor-outdoor bathroom in beachfront suites
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One of the most unique projects on this year’s home tour, which takes place Nov. 2-3, is from Benjamin Johnston. The two-story Woodlands Heights home, dubbed Heights Regency, has a neoclassical elegance that reads timeless from the outside — but colorfully contemporary on the inside.
Greeting visitors is a Greek-columned atrium with a 16-foot-long skylight. The first floor is an entertainer’s paradise, while upstairs is a haven with several bedrooms. Classic, architectural details like herringbone floors, marble casings and paneling are countered by the boldly colorful and glamorously edgy furnishings; the pairing is deliberate and intriguing.
Outside, a lush courtyard garden and 55-foot lap pool lend a day-spa vibe to the urban manse. There’s also a fab outdoor kitchen — which is in addition to the property’s gorgeous main kitchen and catering kitchen.
"Heights Regency is a true jewel box," says Johnston of the project, . "Every element has been carefully considered to create a luxurious and inviting living experience. We are thrilled to share this project with the world."
