My short silk handkerchief dress flutters in the ocean breeze as the sun descends against placid waves. My photographer for the moment is Otto — one of the waitstaff at our hotel, Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection in Punta de Mita, Mexico. He directs me to lean against my husband’s tall frame. I’m one large happy-hour margarita deep and could use the support. Otto is holding a portable table lamp over my iPhone, a hack that keeps us from looking backlit against the sunset. On cue, we flash our pearly whites. We got the shot.
I feel youthful and carefree — not like I’m about to turn 40 in a month — more like my pre-kids self. The one who works out before breakfast, can read a book poolside without interruptions, and has a full 45 minutes to get ready for a dinner out.
When it came to planning a vacation to celebrate entering my fourth decade, the last thing I wanted to do was run around. It was time to embrace my “slow travel” era, focusing on being more mindful and relaxed during trips, letting my type-A energy take a seat. Trips in my 20s and 30s were about packing in as many life-altering experiences as possible — spending two days in a European city before hopping to the next, squeezing in a sunrise hike in Bali, or even riding elephants in Thailand. But now, as a working mom of two preschool-age children, I crave relaxed, unstructured time. Empty itineraries (minus a spa treatment or workout). Lazy afternoon naps. Doing nothing and not feeling guilty about it.
In Mexico, my mission was simple: breathe easy, relax by the water, and indulge in margaritas and tacos. No pressure to read a certain number of books, listen to productivity podcasts, or anything else. Just be.
Settling In
Upon arrival, we were greeted with kombucha and rum, and I immediately felt my shoulders drop, releasing that New York hustle energy. Big dreams of leaving the hotel (even for dinner) quickly faded. Though it’s technically not an all-inclusive resort, there’s just enough to do, eat, and see to keep us satisfied for five days. Many of the other guests we made friends with during our stay — like the Brooklyn-turned-West Coast couple or the Cali-cool duo in an older-kids phase — made similar choices. I easily got the lay of the land and was able to slip into relaxation mode
The hotel is thoughtfully designed, with neutral hues that don’t trigger visual fatigue or overwhelm the senses. Our garden suite, set on a cliff, offered a glimpse of the ocean from the patio. By 5:30 p.m., rose-gold light poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows as the sun dipped behind lush palm trees. Completely private, it was perfect for a romantic getaway.
The airy room featured modern Mexican-chic decor with much to discover. Design highlights included a raffia end table concealing an ice bucket and a dream catcher made of beach wood and local shells, inspired by the handcrafts of the Bahía de Banderas area. I enjoyed the healthy Mexican mini bar snacks (take my word and try the dried pineapple with chili). There’s also a complimentary locally made caftan, woven beach bag, and wet bag to use during your stay.
As a longtime beauty editor and product snob, I was enthused about the bathroom stock. There was a locally crafted after-sun balm (featuring wild rose, ylang-ylang, and vitamin E) and the most gorgeous organic body oil that smelled of rosehip and rosemary, and gave my skin a sexy sheen. (Both came home with me.) The open-concept, bohemian-tiled bathroom boasts a rain shower and soaking tub, turning my nightly routine into a spa-like ritual (complete with mood lighting).
Feeling Well and Working Out
There was one part of the vacation though where my type A-ness returned: working out. If 40 is the new 30, I need to keep my metabolism and general health in check. I kicked off each morning with movement, starting with a private tennis lesson (ask the concierge to book Hugo!). The hotel has two tennis courts and two pickleball ones. The rest of the week included an energizing yoga class and a sculpting barre class, both taught in the dreamy bohemian studio. On the final morning, we took the “famous” on-land surf fitness class. Guided by Ezekiel, the gorgeous instructor from Argentina, we used our core to do full-body movements (think squats and planks) while balancing atop a surfboard hooked to a medicine ball. I also never leave travel without a pair of goggles and squeezed in 20 minutes of refreshing laps in the pool.
I couldn’t leave the property without visiting the spa. The building looks unassuming but once inside, it morphs into a tropical oasis. The indoor-outdoor space features a placid reflection pond as well as treatments in standalone huts — the ultimate privacy.
During my deep tissue massage, my masseuse, Jennifer, got into every tight nook and cranny utilizing hot stones, heat therapy, and essential oils. I added on a mini facial so my skin was treated to a scrub, sheet mask, cryotherapy, and gua sha. I left feeling detoxed, unwound, and sculpted.
After my late afternoon treatment, I headed to the women’s wet therapy area featuring an outdoor cold plunge pool, hot tub, shower, salt-room sauna, and steam room. As my muscles melted into the hot tub, right at dusk, I watched the moon peek through the palms and felt the evening breeze contrast against the steamy water. It was one of those tranquil moments I’ll replay in my head long after I land back in New York.
Wining and Dining
We quickly became friendly with the bartenders, who were apt to whip up off-menu drinks (ask for a hibiscus and basil margarita that’s refreshing and deceptively strong). Instead of rushing through dinner with my kids to get them into baths and ready for bedtime stories, we were able to linger and mingle. And that’s when we became buddies with our favorite server, Otto (remember him?).
There are two restaurants onsite, both overlooking the beach and completely outdoors. For a more casual dinner, try La Boquita, which feels like you just stumbled upon someone’s extravagant deck for dinner complete with raffia lanterns and cacti. You won’t necessarily sit at a table, but rather cozy couches, bar seats overlooking the water, and stadium seating with pillows. Menu highlights include a fresh salad with coconut and avocado, flawlessly executed tacos (don’t skip the gringa, octopus, or lobster), and the pesce fajitas (featuring a soft, meaty piece of sea bass, spiced rice, soft flour tortillas, and roasted vegetables).
The more upscale restaurant, Casa Milpa, incorporates Mediterranean influences. Yes, you’ll sit at a proper table with chairs here. Some of our favorite dishes included the lobster tagliatelle which is just the right amount of spicy, the whole fish meant to share, and a couscous salad with perfectly diced cucumber, onion, tomatoes, and roasted artichokes.
During the day there are lots of casual options, be it grab-and-go pastries with Mexican coffee, savory egg dishes, and tropical juices. Whether you’re ordering homemade chips and fresh guac or sushi, you can eat pretty much anywhere — from your beach chair to the swim-up bar in the pool. We also enjoyed the treats, such as the make-your-own chocobanana experience, roaming ice-pop cart, and bonfire beach s’mores (complete with coconut marshmallows).
Agua Fun
The aquatic setup is effortless with a trio of tiered pools. The top pool is adults only, featuring a hot tub, luxe cabanas, and the famous swim-up bar. Below is the family pool followed by the relaxation pool that hugs the beach. As soon as the pools end, the beach begins. So you can seamlessly transfer from one to the other. The beach is intimate with soft white sand, warm waters, full food and drink service, and different places to relax from traditional lounge chairs to couches.
I wish I could tell you I felt the need to do anything — explore town, try a restaurant, or go shopping — but I didn’t. The combination of daily movement, followed by resting and reflecting, was enough to fill my days and nights. Maybe one day (in my 50s?) I’ll book us a family vacation packed with cultural workshops and town tours, but until then — while I inch towards 41 — I will feel satisfied just being.
Featured image courtesy of Auberge Resorts Collection.
