Welcome to Checking In, a review series in which our editors and contributors rate the best luxury hotels based on a rigorous—and occasionally tongue-in-cheek—10-point system: Each question answered “yes” gets one point. Will room service bring you caviar? Does your suite have its own butler? Does the bathroom have a bidet? Find out below.

Describe the property in three words: Holistic. Wilderness. Hideaway.

What’s the deal?

Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort is a back-to-nature glamping sanctuary that brings an earthy wilderness experience to Punta Mita’s typically big swish resorts and manicured golf courses. The architecture harnesses biophilic design to sensitively bring the buildings and tented rooms to life in partnership with Luxury Frontiers, whose former projects include Camp Sarika by Amangiri in Utah and DumaTau in Botswana.

Naviva’s footprint was carefully planned around the landscape’s existing trees and rock formations; woven bamboo creates cocoons of the entrance walkways, while curved stone walls and copper accents add a dose of texture.

The property’s ethos encourages guests to bond with nature as much as it invites them to connect with themselves, with activities ranging from hiking and fishing to yoga, sound baths, and meditation. A stay here feels like a gentle calling to look after your body and spirit. With such a serene environment to unwind in, it proves easy to soak up the moment.

The best room:

We couldn’t fault ours—Tent 9 is perched on the rocks above the ocean with dazzling views out to the horizon, and the promise of humpback whale sightings in season. There are just 15 tents at Naviva, enveloped in 48 acres of tropical forest. The accommodation comes in two formats: Grand Tent and Tent. Grand Tents benefit from some extra outdoor seating space with a firepit to boot, but the interiors are otherwise the same. Each one comes with a fully enclosed bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and an adjoining indoor/outdoor lounge space. Much of the furniture was sourced from local designers Taracea and Baufaktory, while colourful artwork by Emma Boomkamp and textiles by Anora Casa add a splash of colour to the otherwise neutral spaces. The tents are all considerately spread out, so there’s little risk of seeing or overhearing your neighbours, and it’s an adults-only resort, too.

Does the resort have a standout perk?

The two bamboo spa pods were a highlight, with one 90-minute treatment included in every stay, along with a temazcal available for heated ceremonies. The activities list is particularly inventive, with free-diving breathwork courses, Mexican boxing, and nocturnal forest bathing, to name a few. We also liked the fact that drinking water is sustainably generated through discreet panels placed around the grounds that extract humidity from the air.

Did they greet you by name at check-in?

Yes, we were greeted by first name throughout our stay, which felt refreshingly familiar and reflected the family-style approach in this intimate environment.

Was a welcome drink ready and waiting when you arrived?

Yes, we were handed a delicious concoction of coconut milk with a dash of coconut cream and spiced apple on ice. What’s more, Naviva has entirely eradicated any tiresome check-in process, so you’re whisked straight to your tent to settle in.

Is there a private butler for every room?

Whilst you don’t get a butler per se, there’s round-the-clock assistance available (overnight, it’s provided by neighbouring Four Seasons Punta Mita). Service was on point throughout, and very personalised, which was to be expected given the small, exclusive nature of the property. We made good use of the Four Seasons app, which is very efficient, although you can also use the in-room phone, or WhatsApp from your own device.

Is the sheet thread count higher than 300?

Yes. Four Seasons has its own branded collection of linens. Naviva is no exception, with 400-thread sheets in 100 per cent cotton. If you’re so inclined, you can purchase them online (along with pillows and duvets). And if budget allows, spring for one of the consistently comfortable mattresses.

Is there a heated floor in the bathroom?

There’s not much need for heated floors out here in the balmy climate. Even in winter, the mercury only really drops to a comfortable room temperature. The raw stone floors are pleasing to touch, and polished plaster walls in the bathroom catch the light beautifully. We loved the skylight in the indoor shower—and there’s also a private alfresco rainforest shower.

Are the toiletries full-sized?

Yes, the hotel has its own shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and body lotion, all presented in refillable stoneware bottles. There are soap bars made from coconut and olive oil from local artisanal brand Nueve Higos, as well as after-sun lotion and insect repellent tucked away in the wardrobe. Sun hats, beach bags, and refillable water bottles are also readily available for use during your stay.

Is there a private pool for the room’s exclusive use?

Yes, all tents come with deep, sizeable pools. They are comfortably heated, but the staff do offer to ramp up the temperature if you need it. If the sun isn’t hitting yours (ours was shady in the morning and caught the afternoon glow), you can head to the main pool with its pleasing organic shapes and recline on a chunky lounger with a cocktail, or pitch up in one of the cabanas on Naviva’s wild sandy cove.

Is there caviar on the room service menu?

We asked the Four Seasons chat service and the response was, “Of course we can make it happen, everything is possible in Naviva,” which is exactly what we like to hear. There isn’t a specific room service menu available, as the dishes rotate depending on the day with a selection of specials on offer, much of it locally inspired. That said, you’re strongly encouraged to order whatever you want, whenever you please.

Do you want to spend your Friday night in the lobby bar?

Yes, although it did prove hard to drag ourselves away from our sublime tent. There’s only one restaurant on the property, so guests gather there every evening for sunset drinks around the firepit overlooking the ocean, followed by dinner in the open-air dining space. You can choose to be as sociable as you like with other guests, but there’s no pressure—some guests kept to themselves as well.

Would you buy the hotel if you could?

Absolutely. Naviva is an impeccable antidote to big-city living. It’s also on prime oceanfront land, and the sustainable architecture is a feat in itself. It would prove tricky to put a price on somewhere this special, but we could get used to soaking up fuchsia-pink sunsets from the hammock, with a cold glass of Mexican wine in hand and the call of the jungle mingling with the swish of the waves.

Score: 9

What Our Score Means:

1–3: Fire your travel agent if they suggest you stay here.

4–6: Solid if you’re in a pinch—but only if you’re in a pinch.

7–8: Very good. We’d stay here again and recommend it without qualms.

9–10: Forget booking a week. When can we move in permanently?

All images courtesy of Four Seasons.