Taking the kids on your next Mexico beach vacation? These resorts have new looks, accommodations and programming specifically designed for families.
The St. Regis Punta Mita last year completed a property-wide renovation project. On the accommodation front, the entire St. Regis Punta Mita Ocean Front Villas portfolio was updated with larger outdoor spaces complete with a dipping pool. The best options among these for families are the Two-Bedroom Beachfront Villa and Presidential Villa, which can accommodate up to six people. The 2,500-square-foot Two-Bedroom Beachfront Villa has direct ocean access, a private pool and Jacuzzi, as well as one bedroom with a king bed and another with two queens. For larger families, it can also fit two additional rollaway beds or cribs. The villa offers entertainment tech like a flat-screen TV, a digital in-room movie system and wireless high-speed Internet, not to mention a kitchen and dining table with seating for six.
The Presidential Villa has a bit more space (3,100 square feet), mostly a result of the third bedroom (two have one king bed and one has two queen beds).
For those who have mobility issues and require features like a roll-in shower, the two-bedroom beachfront Casita guestrooms offer such configurations. The maximum occupancy for these room types, however, is just four. Good to know: Each Casita comprises four guestrooms, another option for families or groups looking to stay near each other on property.
Elsewhere, the Altamira Lobby Bar, sporting a new look, sets the scene for each visit. Whether it’s cocktail hour or late-night drinks, tequila and mezcal take center stage here. If you need a bite to eat, the menu offers plates inspired by Mexican street food, including the popular tlayuda, which originated in Oaxaca. Also part of the recent renovations was Las Marietas Restaurant and Bar, named for the three tiny islands off the coast of Punta de Mita. Open for all three meals, guests can expect traditional Mexican dishes as well as Mediterranean seafood-forward options. Adjacent to the pool, Las Marietas Restaurant and Bar serves drinks and bites poolside at the terrace and bar.
A standout dining experience, however, can be found at the brand-new Mita Mary, which is only open for dinner. The food truck-inspired barefoot dining venue is the most popular eatery on property. We would recommend the roasted egg caviar or octopus satay over embers for something savory, the salty roasted potato churros for a sweeter treat and the medley of tropical fruits paired with sashimi for a bit of both.
Back to that pool, the two-story Marietas Pool accommodates both families and adult guests. It is surrounded by residential loungers, daybeds and cabanas but the real highlight are the Beach Butlers who bring around treats such as poolside popsicles and more.
Good to know: Should parents want a little alone time, Sakana is the adults-only pool. The space has a sophisticated atmosphere complemented by activations like the resort’s “Oyster and Wine” events.
If the whole family is seeking some R&R on their vacation, the spa can accommodate children from eight years old (accompanied by an adult). For solo treatments, guests must be at least 16 years old. All treatments—including indigenous ceremonies, signature rituals, touchless experiences and mindfulness programming—are available for all guests. Booking must be made in advance.
If you prefer to be a bit more active, The St. Regis Punta Mita offers access to tennis and pickleball courts, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and more.
For nature enthusiasts, whale watching is a popular activity from November to March. Be sure to reach out to your personal butler who can make accommodations for you to have everything you need for the perfect experience.
Contact Tania Castillo ([email protected]), director of sales and marketing, for bookings, which should be made up to six months in advance.
Set within the same complex, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita recently unveiled Casa Tesoro, a stand-alone estate compound spanning more than 50,000 square feet. The seven-suite Casa Tesoro—one of the final touches of a multi-year, multimillion-dollar renovation—is the perfect accommodation for large families or multiple families traveling together, as it offers space and privacy, as well as access to all the amenities and services of the larger resort.
What can you expect? Casa Tesoro comprises three oceanfront primary suites with outdoor bathtubs, two ocean-view guest suites and two garden-view guest suites, all of which offer outdoor showers. In all, the villa can accommodate up to 18 guests. Each suite comes with independent sound systems, flat-screen televisions, in-suite refrigerators and minibars with assorted snacks and refreshments, as well as Four Seasons signature mattresses with 800-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets. Good to know: Casa Tesoro is fully staffed with a house manager, personal host, chef services, housekeepers and security.
The villa’s upper level has an oceanfront terrace with a 60-foot-long, multi-level infinity pool; an outdoor bar and kitchen equipped with a grill, pizza oven and seating areas; an indoor dining room with ceiling-high glass sliding doors; an exhibition kitchen; and a living area complete with a bar and powder room. Below, Casa Tesoro offers a screening room with a 150-inch screen, laser projector and high-tech sound system; adults can additionally enjoy the tequila, mezcal and wine room (great for private tastings) and speakeasy-style club and bar. A separate living room has a billiards table and space for video games alongside a game room equipped with air hockey, Pac-Man and more. There is also a spa, complete with a steam room, sauna, whirlpool, massage tables and salon area, plus a yoga and cardio room.
To get around property, guests are given a five-seat MOKE and a six-seat golf cart.
But in case you’re not traveling 18 deep, the Two-Bedroom Family Casitas are also great for family vacations as they’re located near the resort’s family offerings, sitting adjacent to the Kids For All Seasons and Teen Container facilities. The suite’s oversized indoor and outdoor spaces are also good for spreading out. Younger travelers will make use of the bunk beds, beanbag chairs and hanging nests.
Other parts of the recent renovation include the free-form Nuna infinity-edge pool, the Tamai pool deck and the signature beachfront Bahia restaurant. Led by Chef Richard Sandoval and set among the manzanilla trees along the resort’s Cuevas Beach, Bahia has a seafood-centric menu and it’s a highly recommended dining experience. It’s only open for dinner.
One experience for the whole family is the resort’s private cooking class. Guests will learn to create locally inspired dishes with fresh ingredients. The lunch menu can be catered to your dietary needs and can include sodas or alcoholic drinks. Guests will be able to take home the recipes and the aprons they use in the kitchen.
Children can also enjoy a series of well-being-focused activities that foster connection with nature, promote focus and self-awareness, and encourage better sleep. As part of the KidsWell program, kids can participate in complimentary daily practices to relax the body and mind and reduce stress. It is also possible to arrange spa treatments for kids, including special pedicures, massages and healing workshops.
If you’re looking to get off property, popular options include renting a private yacht on Banderas Bay, ATV tours through the terrain that surrounds Punta Mita, a visit to Sayulita to experience its cafés and galleries, a sand dune buggy adventure and more.
Travelers should book their stays several months in advance. Reservations Manager Rafael Muñoz ([email protected]) is the best contact.
Heading to the country’s east coast, in the private luxury development of Kanai in Riviera Maya, Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection has debuted new culinary experiences—with several options targeting families.
With the “Nixtamal Family Experience,” guests can make their own corn tortillas on an ancient xamach (comal). Kids and parents will learn about the history of corn in Mexico and the traditional nixtamal process, from how to grind corn to mixing different types to create unique flavors and textures. Afterward, they can enjoy an assortment of Mexican corn and prepare personalized antojitos (street snacks) made with local Yucatan ingredients.
For those with more diverse palates, the “Ceviche Culinary Workshop” is led beachfront by Chef Hans. Guests can learn traditional techniques and sustainable practices to create their own ceviche dish. Parents can then enjoy the fresh ceviche along with a signature Changarro cocktail. Lastly, with the “Chili Journey,” guided by Chef Delfino, guests can discover the earthy, sweet and smoky flavors of 13 types of Mexican chilis, as well as the proper approaches to cooking with them. Note that this experience explores the “extreme heat levels” of the chilis and includes a wine pairing.
Elsewhere on the dining front, Mayan-inspired signature restaurant Itzam offers innovative flavors and ocean views from its lounge terrace, while outdoor eatery Che Che embraces Nikkei tradition via Japanese techniques and Latin American ingredients.
The best accommodations for families are the one- to three-bedroom suites. These rooms, ranging from 1,375 square feet to 3,925 square feet, include private terraces, plunge pools, an outdoor living space and butler service. We’re particularly fond of the Duplex suites, available in two- and three-bedroom accommodations. These suites are split between two floors with the lower level including the public spaces like the living room and kitchen, while the upstairs offers the bedrooms.
Etéreo’s kids club, Chavitos, entertains children aged four to 11 with new daily themes like Beach Day and Maya Day. Kids can enjoy activities ranging from nature walks on the beach and above the local plant life to crafting their own alebrije, or Mexican spirit animal.
While the spa is for guests 18 and over, younger guests can participate in SANA, an Auberge Spa’s “The Cleanse.” Here, they can step inside the modern-day cenote to create their own “do it yourself” ritual, lathering up with soaps, clays, scrubs, butters and oils available at reception. Note: “The Cleanse” is available for families on Thursday and Sunday at 8:15 a.m. only.
Families, alternatively, can partake in a “Sailing + Snorkeling Family Adventure.” Guided by the resort’s water sports experts, families will set sail on a snorkeling journey to discover the Caribbean Sea’s marine life and explore the ojo de agua, the underwater freshwater spring off the shore of Etéreo. (Pretty cool: The resort’s white-sand beach is also home to the region’s largest reef just 250 feet offshore.) Following, they can enjoy a family-style brunch spread on the beach and a photo session hosted by Etéreo’s in-house photographer. Another option takes guests “back in time” to discover the art and treasures of the Mayan civilization through a half-day museum experience. A local archaeologist will guide parents and children through the history of uncovered antiquities found in the two coastal archaeological sites.
Laurie Guidry ([email protected]), area director of sales, is the preferred contact for advisors. Bookings should be made three to six months in advance.
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