Parents’ insider guide to family travel: Four Seasons Punta Mita, Mexico

Sand, sea and sun in a lush, tropical paradise—that’s Punta Mita, Mexico, set on the enormous Bay of Banderas (the second-largest in North America after Canada’s Hudson Bay). While not too far from glitzy Puerto Vallarta, the area surrounding the enclave of Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, México is still largely undeveloped.

And the natural beauty is breathtaking. The place feels magical, even spiritual. Picture yourself greeting the day with yoga on a rock overlooking the ocean. Then, it’s off for a day of sports and water fun with the family.

Why go?

• The secluded, beautiful 1,500-acre property, right on the coast. (The ride alone from the front gates to your room takes 15 minutes.)
• Cultural and authentic—from the room décor to the cuisine and artwork.
• Your base for active outdoor adventures in the sun: surfing, sailing, snorkeling, the works.
• A safe, easy way to get to know Mexico. Four Seasons picks you up at the airport in an SUV and delivers you right to the front door.
• The place is gorgeous, luscious and private.
• Go to relax and recharge.

What the kids will love:

• The Lazy River pool, an adventure in itself. Kids board inner tubes and float down the meandering “river” around the Oasis complex (with a bar for smoothies and drinks for parents; plus, the Nuna pool and hot tub).
• Complimentary beach toys for sand castle building.

What you will love:

• Scuba diving, deep-sea fishing (some of the world’s best), sailing.
• Golf at two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses, one with a rare offshore atoll “island green.”
• Water aerobics in the Nuna infinity pool; hot tub after.
• An outside spa massage while breathing the ocean air.
• A foot massage poolside.
• Strolling the authentic little fishing village, a nice window into “Old Mexico.”
• The classic vacation setting: clear ocean lapping the sand, palm trees… You, with a paperback and frosty smoothie, under a thatched-roof umbrella; the hubbie on a hammock nearby, while kids build sandcastles.
• The resort’s complimentary Kids For All Seasons (KFAS)* club. Programming on-the-hour, plus no need to reserve.
• While the kids are at KFAS*, you hit the Apuane Spa for the signature full-body massage using indigenous ingredients, while he tackles surfing lessons—or you both head to the adults-only pool together.
• The high ratio of staff to guests
• The surprisingly approachable iguanas scampering around. You can even feed them.

Eat this:

Dine in—

• Customised dining: Three times a week, Chef Ramon Bramasco gathers guests on the beach for a catch of the day meal. You pick your dinner off the fishing boat (snapper? yellow fin tuna?) and the chef custom cooks it for you. Afterwards, cozy up together on a beach cabaña bed. (The resort also offers tequila tastings for mom and dad.)
• We loved the healthy, local fare spotlighting regional Mexican cuisine at oceanfront Bahía By Richard Sandoval among the giant manzanilla trees on the beach. The menu includes American and Mexican favourites—fresh fish tacos and guacamole made at your table. Kids will swarm to the quesadilla buffet.

Dine out—

• Rosa Mexicana – Authentic Mexican in a nice setting, simpatico staff, house made salsa and a mariachi band keeping it lively.
• Casa Teresa Ristorante Italiano – If you want a change from Mexican, try this much-lauded Italian eatery in Teresa’s small house with a back yard and Italian villa setting. A super friendly mom-and-daughter operation rolling out homemade pasta dishes: try the lasagna or seafood medley. (For Mom and Dad, the basil margarita.)
• Tino’s – A traditional seafood place starring fresh lobster, fish (snapper saraneado) and shrimp near Punta Mita (the original is in Puerto Vallarta).

5 family to-dos:

1. Whale watching – Take the kids on a motorboat group tour in search of migrating humpback whales; December to March. (Swimming with dolphins is also on offer.) Or charter the Four Seasons yacht and add in private snorkeling at Marietas Island: exclusive and chic.

2. Snorkelling – Try snorkeling in the warm water off the beach or down the coast. Glide by schools of colourful fish, dolphins, turtles, lobsters and manta rays. Swim into lava rock caves and coves. Pack your underwater camera!

3. Learn something new – Sign up for a family lesson and learn together: horseback riding, stand-up paddling, fishing. The resort offers complimentary Spanish lessons. Ask the concierge for suggestions.

4. Star gazing – Join the resort’s cultural concierge, Enrique, for star gazing to learn about the constellations and local lore.

5. Kids’ club – The resort’s colourful Kids For All Seasons* club is a big highlight for parents and kids. To-dos include traditional Mexican crafts, such as decorating a clay piñata or sombrero, and ceramics; plus, making a tie-dye shirt, friendship bracelet and Hawaiian necklace. Also: nature walks, beach crab hunts, sports and pool time; there’s a great outdoor playground. And for a break from the sun: lunch and a movie. Along with a comfy sitting area, there’s a big treehouse in the middle of the playroom for kids to run and hide in.

Kids’ fun by age group—best for…

• Babies: Lounging next to mom and dad in a shaded playpen on the beach. A boat ride. Pool time. Strolling the beach with baby in the carrier. The resort’s babysitting services for your date night (or day) out.
• Toddlers: Beach time—the resort has beach toys and kites available. Pool time. The KFAS* club for activities and fun (a parent or nanny must accompany children under five.)
• Kids 5-10: The KFAS* club—drop in for an hour or two, or stay all day. My daughter (five) really loved all the arts and crafts. Snorkelling. Swimming: pool and beach time. The resort’s games room with 12 flat-screen TVs, Wii, PlayStations, pool table and bona fide movie theatre. Try a daily Spanish language class with the whole family.
• Tweens & teens: Snorkeling, scuba, sailing, surfing, fishing, sea kayaking. Beach volleyball and Frisbee. Lessons: tennis, golf, basketball. Salsa dancing. Try a daily Spanish language class with the whole family.

Read more on Punta Mita in Four Seasons Magazine. 

Kids For All Seasons (KFAS) is a Four Seasons complimentary recreational and educational program for children of resort guests. Most KFAS clubs are designed for youth four to 12 years old, and open daily from 9 to 5. (Younger children can often join KFAS with a nanny or parent, or resorts can arrange for babysitting.) But details vary from property to property, so check the resort’s website for more information. 

Kids can go all day or just for an hour or two. Activities inside and out include games, sports, music, treasure hunts, swimming, arts and crafts, cultural education, environmental preservation work and yoga. Not your average camp, the VIP offerings are pretty extraordinary—for example, at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, kids can help the resort’s marine biologist graft coral in the lagoon sanctuary.