When it comes to the Conrad brand of hotels and resorts, I know what to expect from the popular Hilton-owned properties. It doesn’t matter if it’s a hotel in New York City or, as in this case, a resort in the heart of the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico; I know that I’m going to experience unparalleled service with unmatched accommodations. Not to mention, a hypnotizing signature scent that’s bound to awaken my senses with a single whiff, like all their properties have.
The moment my family of four arrived at Conrad Punta de Mita, just 45 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta airport, I knew that we were in for a relaxing and memorable family vacation.
For me, balancing activities with tranquility is paramount for most trips. Plus, with a tween and teen in tow, it’s imperative to pack in the fun. After all, no one wants to hear the dreaded words: “we’re bored,” after shelling out thousands of dollars on a vacation.
While keeping the kids entertained is a top priority, they’re not the only ones who want to enjoy their time. That’s why squeezing in a bit of R&R is a must for me, and this property offers the perfect mix of thrill and chill.
Here’s everything you need to know about staying at the best luxury resort in Mexico for parents and grandparents traveling with teens.
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The Hotel: Natural World Meets Contemporary Coastal
The lush tropical landscape, coupled with sweeping views of the turquoise-blue sea, was the first indicator that the resort would be a lavish paradise. What’s more, the open corridors and thoughtful design featuring apertures that open to the sky and other spaces create an airy, nature-centric vibe.
Like other Conrad properties, Punta de Mita upholds the standard of catering to the cultured world traveler that marries bold, contemporary design that’s locally inspired and seamlessly connects guests with the place. It’s evident that the resort embraces and honors the region’s rich heritage.
In fact, it was the perfect backdrop for filming an episode of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, which aired in 2022.
The Rooms: Modern Luxury With Mexican Influences
With 265 guest rooms and 59 suites, the 55,000-square-foot property can accommodate a variety of travelers. My husband and two kids stayed in a one-bedroom suite. Our stay was comfortable and spacious thanks to the large patio, plunge pool, expansive bathroom, soaking tub and double vanities.
As someone who shamelessly travels with a ton of makeup and toiletries, the latter is a major plus. My husband is always happy when he can have his own side of the sink. While we had plenty of space in the bathroom, the kids slept on the pull-out sofa bed in the living room. Although they didn’t have separate beds, it was more than enough room.
Drenched in natural hues and thoughtfully outfitted with Mexican touches like decorative ceramic plates and eye-catching artwork, the living room also opened to the patio. Furnished with two loungers, a couch, a plunge pool and a table ideal for al fresco dining, the outdoor space is a great place to play games and spend time with family.
My husband and I stayed in the separate bedroom, which also led to the ample outdoor space. The property also offers two-bedroom suites, which are perfect for families traveling with extended family, like grandparents.
Related: 5 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico, According to Getaway Guru Darley Newman
Teen-Friendly Amenities and Activities
Finding ways to keep preteens and teens engaged while traveling is not always easy. After they’ve outgrown kids’ clubs, finding age-appropriate activities can be challenging.
So, when we spotted the water slide, we knew that it would make a splash with my water-loving kids. With three onsite pools, they had a couple to choose from (one is adults only). Trust me, they enjoyed every moment in the water.
When they wanted to beat the heat, they found refuge in the cool game room. They spent hours playing ping pong, foosball, air hockey and video games.
The resort also offers complimentary bikes. We took them out for a relaxing yet adventurous ride around the property. Throughout our journey, we spied a few coatis, also known as “red raccoons,” leaping in and out of the bushes. Startling at first, we soon found the long-snouted creatures to be cute—but of course, we didn’t get too close.
Additionally, we also visited the property’s tennis and basketball courts to keep our bodies moving while having fun.
The Spa: A Cultural Oasis
The moment I stepped inside the spa, my mind, body and spirit felt at ease. Greeted by a warm and friendly receptionist, I was handed a delicious detoxifying drink infused with natural fruits to promote hydration and support my body’s natural detoxification process.
While the spa offers a mix of treatments inspired by ancient Huichol culture, I opted for the traditional deep tissue massage. My massage therapist worked out all the tension, stress and knots, leaving my muscles and limbs fully relaxed.
Walking out of the spa, I felt light as a feather and rejuvenated. It was the perfect time to reconnect with myself and unwind while my husband and kids were in the pool.
Dining and Culinary Highlights
If there’s one thing about my family when it comes to food, it’s that they’re picky eaters. Although my daughter suffers from egg, nut and soy allergies, she’s still easy to please. However, my husband and son are the exact opposite.
Thankfully, Conrad Punta de Mita has seven onsite restaurants, including Codex, Tuki, Arbol, Aura, Mezquite, Colibri and Paleta, which boast a wide variety of cuisines.
Our favorite was Mezquite, which serves a fresh take on Mexican and American favorites in an open-air setting with a seasonal menu. I ordered a mouth-watering catch of the day, which left a lasting impression.
Among the variety of eateries, we were able to find something on the menu to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. My daughter is a self-proclaimed pizza connoisseur, so she was pleasantly surprised to see pizza on the menu at Paleta.
The best part? My 11-year-old son’s meals were all complimentary. Children 12 and under can order a dish from the kids’ menu for free when accompanied by a paying adult purchasing a main course in the restaurant.
Why It’s the Best Resort in Riviera Nayarit for Parents and Grandparents of Teens
Finding luxury properties that cater to families is no easy feat, especially when it comes to traveling with preteens and teens.
Conrad Punta de Mita mastered the balance: fun for the teens and five-star comfort for the adults. My kids appreciated the teen-friendly amenities and activities, while my husband and I enjoyed the elevated service and top-notch pampering.
From the water slide to the plentiful food options, everyone in my family left the resort happy, full and more than content. Not every trip is a success on all fronts, but this Mexico gem nestled along the Riviera Nayarit nailed it.
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