By: Merilee Kern, MBA
As we move into 2026, the landscape of luxury travel is undergoing a radical transformation. As we move into 2026, the landscape of luxury travel has undergone a radical transformation. The modern traveler is no longer satisfied with the gilded cage of a standard five-star resort. Instead, there is a profound shift toward what experts are calling the Villa Era, a movement defined by a desire for total privacy, intentional living, and a rejection of the crowded hotel lobby. On the Pacific coast of Mexico, one name has anticipated this shift for over two decades: Mita Residential. Since the early 2000s, this firm has been quietly redefining the concept of private hospitality, turning the traditional vacation rental into a sophisticated, full-service lifestyle brand that bridges the gap between the intimacy of a home and the rigor of a world-class hotel.
Photo Courtesy: Mita Residential
The story of Mita Residential is one of strategic evolution, now emerging as a leader in Mexico’s private villa sector. Not by following trends, but by refining a philosophy it has quietly upheld for more than two decades. Headquartered in Punta Mita, the ultra-secure peninsula north of Puerto Vallarta, the company has built a reputation for delivering private hospitality that feels both effortless and deeply considered. What began in the early 2000s as a boutique property management firm has grown into a full-service luxury lifestyle brand managing more than 120 villas and estates across Punta Mita, Los Cabos, and the Riviera Maya.
Photo Courtesy: Mita Residential
Each residence within the Mita Residential portfolio is selected with intention. Architectural distinction, location, security, and livability are baseline requirements, but what ultimately matters is how each home makes guests feel once they arrive. Whether overlooking the Pacific from Punta Mita’s cliffs, rising from the desert meeting the sea in Los Cabos, or surrounded by the turquoise calm of the Riviera Maya, every property is designed to deliver a sense of place that hotels often struggle to replicate.
For CEO Angel Sarmiento, the defining difference lies in ownership of the entire experience. “Most vacation rental companies outsource services to third parties—we do not. Everything we offer, from chefs and yacht charters to helicopter transfers, is managed by our own trusted network. That allows us to deliver seamless, uncompromising service,” he explains. This integrated approach allows Mita Residential to operate with consistency, discretion, and control, all of which are essential to its clientele.
Punta Mita itself plays a significant role in the brand’s appeal. The gated community is widely regarded as one of the safest beach destinations in Mexico, a distinction that carries meaningful weight for high-net-worth travelers. “Punta Mita is consistently rated the safest beach destination in Mexico, where mountain jungle meets the Pacific,” Sarmiento notes. Beyond security, the destination offers a rare blend of natural beauty, world-class surfing and golfing, and culinary richness rooted in fresh local seafood and regional flavors.
Personalization begins long before guests set foot on the property. “Every booking triggers contact from our bilingual on-site concierge, who learns the group’s tastes, dietary restrictions, and priorities,” Sarmiento says. Tee times, yacht charters, menus, and security coordination are all finalized in advance. Upon arrival, guests are greeted personally, with household staff already briefed on preferences and itineraries. “Anything can be charged to the property, and billing is reviewed at checkout in the privacy of the living room,” he adds, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to discretion.
This attention to detail has translated into industry recognition. Mita Residential has been named Airbnb’s top vacation partner for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, an achievement Sarmiento attributes to operational discipline rather than shortcuts. “There are no shortcuts. Every AC unit must be well-maintained, and every bedsheet must be ironed and inspected,” he says. Approximately one-third of the company’s guests return, a testament to trust built over time.
Luxury, in this context, is intentionally relaxed. “We are never stuffy. Luxury is casual, which is the first step toward relaxing,” Sarmiento explains. Some guests arrive with meticulously planned itineraries, while others decide on a whim to go fishing or book a sunset cruise. “We will have a boat and crew at our private dock within hours,” he notes. Flexibility is treated not as a premium upgrade, but as a baseline expectation.
Among the standout properties within the portfolio is Casa Yeiya, an oceanfront estate located in the exclusive Kupuri enclave of Punta Mita. Designed as both a private residence and a cultural experience, Casa Yeiya merges contemporary Mexican art with expansive Pacific views. “Art. Ocean. Soul. Casa Yeiya immerses guests in luxurious Punta Mita comfort while steeping them in culture and breathtaking Pacific views,” Sarmiento says.
The home’s identity is inseparable from its art. The owner personally sourced pieces from Jalisco galleries and artist studios, forging relationships with creators whose work reflects Mexico’s cultural depth. Architectural elements such as palapa-inspired forms, natural wood tones, and open sightlines allow the art and ocean to share equal prominence. The result is a residence that feels immersive rather than decorative.
Casa Yeiya distinguishes itself not through excess, but through experience. “Casa Yeiya offers experiences. The private cinema becomes a family tradition, the golf simulator encourages friendly competition and the game room brings generations together,” Sarmiento explains. “It is an art gallery by day and an entertainment complex by evening.” Full-time staff ensure the home functions as a self-contained retreat, often encouraging guests to stay in and enjoy what the property offers rather than planning external excursions.
Effortlessness extends to logistics. Two six-passenger golf carts allow guests to explore Punta Mita freely, while full-time staff manage daily needs seamlessly. “These details reflect a philosophy that luxury should be effortless,” Sarmiento says. From freshly prepared breakfasts to spontaneous spa bookings, nothing requires advance stress or coordination from the guest.
Casa Yeiya is particularly well-suited to multi-generational travel. “The layout naturally creates spaces for different needs,” Sarmiento notes. Quiet appreciation upstairs contrasts with lively entertainment areas below, while the pool serves as a natural gathering point. Even children are thoughtfully included, as demonstrated by a memorable concierge request. “We organized a sunset tequila tasting around the fire pit for the adults. The children wanted to participate, so the team created a juice tasting on the spot so they could observe colors and scents and feel included with their family,” he recalls.
Design details reinforce the home’s narrative. A monumental whale tail sculpture crafted from thousands of glass beads greets guests upon arrival, honoring Punta Mita’s whale migration season. “It signals that this is not a typical beach house,” Sarmiento says. Throughout the property, art, architecture, and nature are woven into a cohesive experience.
Privacy remains paramount, especially for high-profile guests. “When a property is occupied, no one except authorized staff may enter,” Sarmiento emphasizes. Punta Mita’s HOA guidelines further protect privacy by preventing visual intrusion between properties.
Looking ahead, Mita Residential’s expansion into Los Cabos and the Riviera Maya marks a significant milestone. In 2025, the company added 37 premier homes to its portfolio. “Expanding to Los Cabos and the Riviera Maya is more than just growth—it is a natural extension of our promise to deliver unforgettable moments to both our guests and homeowners,” Sarmiento says.
In Los Cabos, dramatic desert landscapes meet the Sea of Cortez, while the Riviera Maya offers Caribbean tranquility near Tulum and the Sian Ka’an Reserve. Across both regions, the company applies the same standards of stewardship, service, and discretion.
As luxury travel continues to evolve, Mita Residential exemplifies a shift away from spectacle and toward substance. True luxury, as practiced here, is not about being seen. It is about being understood, protected, and cared for in ways that feel natural rather than performative.
About the Author
Merilee Kern, MBA, is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers, and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations, and events. As Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee is a prolific business, lifestyle, travel, dining, and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker. She keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com / Instagram www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / Twitter www.Twitter.com/MerileeKern / Facebook www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.
