We have all been to Punta Mita, Mexico and love it. Gretchen and Laura most recently headed down for Spring Break 2022 and it is now one of their favorite new vacation spots! Here is everything you need to know to have a relaxing and memorable vacay in this Mexico gem.
*Four Seasons beachfront
General Information
Punta Mita is a 1,500-acre private peninsula located south of Cabo and a 45-ish minute drive from Puerta Vallarta. The peninsula is surrounded on three sides by nine-and-a-half miles of Pacific Ocean, beaches and coves. It’s the same latitude as the Hawaiian islands, and has a similar climate and tropical feel – but with a much shorter flight depending on where you’re coming from! What also makes Punta Mita unique is the large-scale gated development that takes up much of the peninsula. “Inside the gates” are two luxury hotels, as well as over 15 condo developments and several beach front houses available for rent and sale. In addition to lodging, inside the gates there are also two golf courses, tennis courts, several restaurants and a variety of different “beach clubs” available for day visits and activities. We felt very safe inside the property, as all gates are manned by security with security cameras. Whether you are traveling with just adults or children, there is something for everyone in Punta Mita.
Where to Stay
There are two ways to go about lodging in Punta Mita. One is the hotel route and one is the condo/house rental route. Both are wonderful options and have advantages, depending on what you are looking for. The two hotels inside the gates are the St. Regis and the Four Seasons. Both are luxury hotels and have everything you need on property including several restaurants, beach front activities, pools and hot tubs. The Four Seasons has two game rooms for the kids. One room was geared for younger children (think 7-14 years old) and the other was more of a ”teen hangout” spot (think 14+ years old). Staying in a hotel can be nice for a family with “older kids” as the game rooms are open until later at night and can keep the kids happy and entertained while the adults enjoy a dinner (or drink) alone!
In our opinion, staying at the St. Regis is a great spot for an adult only vacation. The Four Seasons is a great when traveling with kids. The easiest way to explain this is not only the two game rooms at The Four Seasons but the fact that the main pool at St. Regis is “adult only” and the main pool at The Four Seasons is “kid friendly”.
If you rent a condo/house (a great option for those traveling with kids 10-and-under) there are numerous rentals available. Most condos/houses come with a concierge service that can help you book everything including: rides to and from the airport, dinner reservations, beach activities such as snorkeling, fishing or swimming with dolphins, massages or help answer any questions you have throughout your stay. In addition to a concierge, condos/houses often come with a cook and housekeeper. Laura stayed in a condo with both of these, and she never cooked, cleaned, did an ounce of laundry or lifted a finger – it was a true vacation! Another fun perk of a rental is that many come with a golf cart – which is all you need to cruise around to the different “beach clubs,” restaurants, golf or other hotels, all located inside the gates. Every spot in Punta Mita has golf cart parking for this specific reason – so fun! If staying in a hotel, inquire about golf cart rentals if you’d like to venture out for dinner. Here are a few links to help you get started with accommodations:
*St. Regis
Mita Residential Luxury Vacation - Concierge Service to Help you book a rental, etc.
VRBO Punta Mita - The Top 50 Vacation Rentals in Punta Mita (several of these come with a concierge service)
Golf Carts, Beach Clubs and Activities
One perk about renting in Punta Mita is taking your golf cart around to the different “beach clubs” inside the gates (see list below). Most rentals come with access to what is called "Club Punta Mita," - an overarching membership that allows you access to all the various beach clubs on the peninsula. You do not need a reservation for these clubs, they are first come, first serve. Each day, Laura and her family would head to a beach club around 11 (after sleeping in and eating a slow breakfast). Arriving around 11 was perfect, as the staff was just getting going and others were arriving as well to "claim their chairs." Each club offers pool/beachside chair service for food and beverage.
*Golf cart ride
If going during high season (Spring Break, etc.) get there early when they open (11 am) to reserve seats for your party. Each beach club offers lunch and drink service to your chairs, as well as beach activities for kiddos like rentals/lessons for kids, like surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking and fishing. Most clubs also have at least one swimming pool – but they are simple (think rectangle in the ground!).
You can also schedule half-day activities through a touring company such as snorkeling, a visit out to Marietta Island, deep sea fishing, zip line and swimming with dolphins. You can book these through your concierge or directly through a tour company like Punta Mita Adventures - linked below. You can also inquire at your hotel for tours and activities. Laura and Gretchen did a snorkel trip and visited Marietta Island and highly recommend! They also released baby sea turtles, which they booked through the Four Seasons. There is a turtle hatchery there and it was so fun! Allison and friends secured a boat from a company referred by St. Regis and had a beautiful tour with ocean swimming off the boat.
Below are links to the various beach clubs and the company we booked our snorkel tour with. Also, if you stay at the St. Regis - be sure to pack a pair of water shoes and walk out to the little island when the tide is low. Allison did this when she was there and recommends! The water was waist deep the whole way.
Pacifico - Beautiful sand beach,1 pool, beach activities for kids. A great option for kids.
Kapuri - Beautiful sand beach. 2 pools, a kids club, teen room, and beach activities for kids. A great option for kids.
Sufi - Fancier, has an infinity edge pool. No "sandy" beach, only rocky. Not the best for kids. There is a pier you can walk out on and jump in the ocean for a swim.
Sea Breeze - Fancier, as it's part of the St. Regis. But beautiful sand beach, and kid activities. Good option for kids.
Punta Mita Adventures - Touring company we used to book a private snorkel tour
*Kiddos releasing sea turtles at The Four Seasons
Where to Eat
All beach clubs in Punta Mita can be visited for lunch and dinner. Dinner reservations are required, but lunch is first come, first served. Beach clubs also have restaurants in addition to beach/poolside service. Check out all of the beach clubs and what they have to offer by way of food here...and they are also listed below. There are also several restaurants located in the little town or "pueblo" just outside the gates. You have so many options inside and outside the gates.
*Allison at Sufi
Sufi - Part of Sufi Beach Club, more upscale but delicious. Perfect for an adults only dinner.
Mita Mary Seafood Boat - Part of St. Regis. On the beach and can go in a bathing suit or dress.
Pacifico - Lovely outdoor restaurant and great for kids. Right next door to Four Seasons.
Kapuri - Lovey outdoor restaurant and great for kids.
Four Seasons - Our favorites were Dos Catrinas and Bahia. Don’t miss the shrimp tacos for lunch and the churro cart for an after dinner sweet!
St. Regis - Our favorite was Mita Mary’s Seafood Boat.
How to Get There
Fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) and then it's about a 45ish minute drive.
*The Four Seasons beachfront
Check out our post "What We Wore on our Mexico Vacation" for some outfit inspo!
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