Mexico's Punta Mita Reports Record 2011 Occupancy

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(Punta Mita, Mexico) - Punta Mita, one of Mexico's most luxurious resort communities, had a record 2011 season with occupancy levels at historic highs as luxury travelers re-discovered this preferred destination.

According to the ancient Maya of Mexico, the year that falls between December 21, 2011 and December 21, 2012 is one to be filled with celebration, as the end date of this time period represents the conclusion of a key cycle of time. Maya wisdom states that December 21, 2011 marks a period of time of transition, up to December 21, 2012, which is a significant date of self-realization and human equality, and the start of a new and positive phase for humanity. Respected Maya scholars dismiss claims that this is the end of the Maya calendar, but explain it is more accurately the completion of an important time cycle. In Punta Mita - which legend holds was once a place of spiritual pilgrimage for the ancient inhabitants of the region - a return to oversold resorts and renewed interest in real estate acquisition closed out 2011. Indications bode well that 2012 will be a stellar one for this naturally exquisite coastal community.

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, the original resort to open on this private peninsular, saw occupancy levels return to historic levels, with this year's Festive season the best one ever registered at the resort. As many as 50% of the guests were repeat visitors, and approximately 70% of their guests were traveling as part of a family group. Four Seasons has developed an esteemed reputation as a top family-friendly resort experience, with an acclaimed Kids For All Seasons activities program.

For the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, which opened its doors in November 2008, this was its record year for occupancy, with an especially strong close for 2011. They registered an average occupancy for the month of December of over 78%, and a complete sell-out over the Festive weeks, with guests enjoying a full agenda of special activities and parties. In addition to their strong base of clients from Mexico, Canada and the United States, St. Regis General Manager Carl Emberson also noted the presence of new clients coming from Brazil as well as from Russia.

With respect to private residence rentals within Punta Mita, the primary rental agencies also reported banner years. Mita Residential reported bookings in 52 houses that they service during this holiday season, representing a 44% increase compared with the same period last year. In addition, the average length of stay of these private rentals increased from 4.5 to 6 nights, with rates remaining similar to 2010 rates. The large ultra-villas in Punta Mita were all booked, and most were reserved well in advance. Condos and homes that were still available in early December all filled up with a high surge of last-minute holiday bookings.

In general, Punta Mita enjoyed abundant activity throughout the resort community, from the private Resident Beach Clubs to the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses. The Punta Mita Golf Club set a new record for the highest number of golf rounds played in a day.

Confidence has returned, both with respect to luxury travel as well as to the purchase of resort real estate. During late 2011, seven oceanfront lots in the community of El Punta del Faro, in a preferred oceanfront location on the tip of the Punta Mita peninsular were re-released to the market and quickly all sold, at average prices over $1.4 million. During the festive weeks, the Punta Mita Properties real estate office reported a significant increase in property tours and real estate inquiries. As well, a gorgeous new Punta Mita Properties Real Estate office was opened adjacent to the lobby in the Four Seasons Resort, complimenting their other offices at the entry of the St. Regis Resort, and at their main office, located across from the Four Seasons Resort.

Within Punta Mita, a few other interesting trends were noted:

• An increased percentage of Mexican guests. Among private residence rentals, they represented 45% of the rental guests, up from a modest 15% last year. Both the Four Seasons and St. Regis resorts also noted this trend.

• Increased expenditures by guests at the resorts and private residence rentals. In addition to higher average food and beverage expenditures, private residence rental Concierge services revenue this holiday season was more than twice of what was registered in 2010. Guests not only requested more services, but also more expensive tours and services, demonstrating a willingness to spend on their travel experience.

• Among the North American owners, guests and visitors, many communicated a much more optimistic expectation for the near-term future of the U.S. economy. Some owners even mentioned that 2011 had been their best ever year in business.

• The concern over security in Mexico was no longer "top of mind" among Punta Mita's guests and visitors.