mister important design bold and playful W punta de mita resort in mexico

mister important has designed the new W punta de mita resort on the riviera nayarit in mexico. the concept draws upon local bohemian surf culture found throughout the area, whilst implementing cultural motifs, vibrant textiles and patterns, as well as traditional huichol statues.

reception with papel picado screens by revolucion del sueno

mister important collaborated with SET/AOMA and starwood’s design team whilst working closely with two local galleries – revolucion del sueno in and mann made mexico who provided graphics and custom handcrafted pieces. when designing the property, careful measures were put in place to ensure that the natural surroundings – including the ancient fig trees and natural springs – were not disturbed during construction. many of these natural features are showcased throughout the hotel’s design including the reuse of spring water in the reflection pools and within the spa. 

reception seating with lighting from mann made mexico

the hotel offers a selection of 119 stylishly designed guest villas and suites. all villas and suites feature private balconies or patios, artisanal mexican tiled floors and headboards fashioned from either surfboards or punctured tin by local artists. scattered throughout the property are four massive and beautifully designed graffiti installations by street artist nacho bernal. each mural depicts a different take on W punta de mita’s surrounding area.

evening view from reception to living room bar 

the property references the historical, social and spiritual context of the hotel’s location. traditional patterns of the huichol people (indigenous people of nayarit), images of mexican celebration, vivid handcrafts with ancient roots and the amalgamation of european and indigenous cultures are brought to life throughout the hotel. the special feature of the hotel – the unique “camino huichol” walkway, or the huichol carpet – is a stunning representation of these huichol patterns. the huichol carpet, made up of intricate bright green and blue floor mosaic, is a walkway that stretches close to 460 feet. 

view to staircase terrace seating 

W punta de mita’s open-air living room is located at the base of a huge staircase with built in sofas and centered around a large rectangular bar, serving w’s signature cocktails. a locally-made chandelier with nearly 500 hanging led powered votive candles hangs above the space, while beautifully-crafted strands of beads hang around small cocktail tables from which guests can enjoy cocktails while listening to the sounds of the resident DJ. there is also terraced seating, offering guests discrete areas to relax.

votive chandelier over living room bar

the design of the 4,000 square foot away spa continues the altar motif from the living room with a hanging chandelier of flowers in the colors of a mexican sunset, alongside a beauty bar with stations for manicures, pedicures, waxing, blow outs and more. the deck features intricate cutouts in the wood to accommodate for the roots of surrounding fig trees, which great care was taken not to disturb when building the spa.

living room bar and lounge

view back to living room bar from pool terrace 

typical room patio with art from revolucion del sueno

king room featuring art and FF and E from revolucion del sueno

elevated camino huichol deck at pool

pool and elevated deck

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: hollie smith | designboom