After the hectic pace and undercurrent of danger in Mexico City it seemed comforting to be heading towards Punta Mita, the lush 1500-acre gated estate where the Four Seasons resort is located, offering security, privacy and absolute waterfront.

The gated entrance is impressive and you could tell that it is an exclusive, moneyed community from the private homes that we passed along the way, partially hidden by their own lush gardens. The anticipation and excitement made the rest of the journey to the coastline resort itself seem to take forever. Time just really expands when you’re dying to get there.

On arrival you are immediately uplifted by the resort’s stunning setting on Las Cuevas beach, where four poster day beds and oversized round wicker sofas with concertin’d linen shades are scattered, pointing out to sea. Although the interior does have that “Four Seasons”, neutral touch of class that is not particularly Mexican, there is enough detailing to give a sense of place and save it from being too generic, which was my worry. Clues like big metal studded doors, local sculpture, bursts of bougainvillea and the simplicity of claypots by stark timber frames framing the ocean all build a mood.

SUITE DREAMS

We got a really nice welcome. I like the new hotel trend I have started seeing of having one point person who greets you, organizes your luggage and takes you to your room (whereas before there was so much split focus it took about three people). A very nice lady accompanied us to our two Beachfront Casitas. Originally we had a suite booked for the boys on a ridge atop a small cliff. There’s actually a drop of about 24 ft. Being higher these suites have the better views but my vote is usually for right on the beach, especially with a younger child of 6. I like that pleasant feeling of ambling right out onto the sand.

Originally I had only been able to book one terracotta tile roofed BEACHFRONT CASITA set further down in the gardens but due to a last minute cancellation I was able to switch and get us all down by the ocean front. The casitas are nicely appointed, with hammocks, walk out terraces, deep tubs and up to date hi-tech features. The décor is polite rather than distinctive and exciting; the look is international so you could be anywhere. But there is that hallmark of Four Seasons comfort. And being able to stroll over lawns and sand right into the Pacific Ocean is the standout feature: it’s pretty much the best way I know to unwind.

The top resorts in Mexico are not cheap because their proximity to the States will always attract Americans with money who will keep paying.

Around US$1500 a day seasonally room only

MONEY TO BURN

FOUR SEASON PRIVATE VILLAS

Sheira and I toured one of the beautiful private villas (4 or 5 bedrooms). They are big enough for groups that are sharing - or expansive and private enough for guests with the means to have their own stand alone beachhouses. In high-end resorts the ultimate luxury is having your own world apart. These have a private pool and courtyard, beach access and airy Mexican coastal architecture. The expansive outdoor patio under a high, sloped timber roof with oversized timber columns and knockout views onto the bright blue Pacific is all made for entertaining, even if it’s only yourself! A full gourmet kitchen, dining room with huge balconies and wrought iron chandeliers make it even less like a hotel and more like a private home. The outdoor spaces are pretty special and you can choose absolute beachfront or a hillside setting with ocean views.

From US$ 7072 a night Oceanfront

From US$ 7900 a night Beachfront.  There is also the incredible beachfront CORAL suite, described as perfect for “reunions and entourages” - which has its own media room with giant screen and reclining, theatre-style chairs, wrap around pool, fitness centre and private driveway. With your own host looking after you the spell never has to break!

From $7390 a night

HALL OF FAME

KID FRIENDY

Special mention must be made of how the Punta Mita Four Seasons is so much more than child tolerant (which is already pushing your luck in so many high end retreats) – it is truly child friendly. That is their point of difference. They actually promote themselves that way, encouraging children to come and making it so easy for parents along the way.

The KIDS FOR ALL SEASONS CLUB

We love being with our kids; Sheira and I wouldn’t put Zoe in a daycare club unless she chose to go, but she enjoys it and usually signs up. As well as family time most kids need a hit of playful fun from others their own age.

The Punta Mita club has special touches like a carved, fairytale-like treehouse and tie-dye T-shirt making, plus all the traditional drawing, painting style activities as well as Mexican elements. The children make piñatas along with creating and painting their own clay pots for collecting the lollies and candy that rain from the sky when they crack their piñatas open. It is so stimulating and creative that your kid is running out the door each morning to get there.

The Four Seasons have placed the daycare near the beach, conveniently close to parents, so you can easily check in or keep an eye on the high jinks. By early afternoon the kids smash the piñata to smithereens on the lawns so we went over to watch Zoe have a go. She is independent enough to be happy to see us and then continue on with the kids and highly motivated, fun staff.

THE NUNUTZI GAMES ROOM

The boys were absolutely hooked on this teen retreat. It is boy heaven: arcade games, air hockey, pinball, ping pong and fussball all afternoon and into the evening.

POOL POSITION

After the initial leg of our journey, which involved cold weather, different cities, shopping and culture-heavy itineraries, the pool area was the perfect finale – and is really a destination in itself.

The Tamai Adults only pool complex is luxurious, with its own staff and decadent cabanas that already come with drinks and wifi access. We spent our downtime in a whole other area by the family pool, able to enjoy the casual feel, reading our book while the kids did their own thing or joined us for snacks. There were lots of other under-10s for Zoe to splash around with and all our kids were always jumping in and out. Josh had become quite fit and strapping and was spending time in the sun working on his tan. It was a welcome opportunity to relax; usually as a family we are always on the run doing something. The beach is very quiet, so for us the focus was on being able to see the kids at play. They really bond and bridge the age gap when they are away which gives Sheira and I such a lift to see. At home they all go their own separate ways with their own schedules.

It’s clever for chic places to designate grown up / family areas so that both can be done well and everyone can enjoy the resort. And the setting, with the Southern, Mexican sun and empty horizon, is such a pleasure to linger in. It is the coral base on this part of the Pacific coastline that gives the ocean here its spectacularly bright blue colour.

The look around the pool and long strip of beautiful pearl beach lining the hotel is so well maintained, with a sandy stone pathway and manicured lawns. There is a lovely area, ‘the rock’ that juts out on a small peninsula, making a nice beach walk. You can look back and get a great view of the family pool and resort. Beautiful, four-poster day beds on stilts, with sun sheets blowing in the sea breeze make the beach scene even more picturesque. I like distinctive design elements and pieces that help a place stand out.

The resort had a few nice aesthetic touches like this but I have a general criticism: it wasn’t particularly rich in local texture (as opposed to the full-tilt hacienda heritage of our next stop at The One & Only in Cabo). I felt the furniture fabric and accent colours by the pool were far too neutral for this culture and strong light. There was so much beige and white, but we’re in Mexico, a culture with one of the brightest, punchiest colour palettes on earth! Your eye craves hot pinks, electric blues and lime greens. The modular furniture was too generic also - not sharply designed, but with that chunky, retirement - in - Florida feel. This is quibbling because it is a gorgeous spot. All they need is that extra 10-15% of local texture and they would really get it right.

And they made up for that slight lack with extraordinary service - some of the best that we have experienced in any resort style hotel. From check-in the staff call you by your name and keep the personal touches, which is impressive for a big hotel. A lot of hotel employees treat their jobs as just that, a job. At the Four Seasons, when you walk by, the smiles and eye contact from the staff make you feel like everyone is on holiday with you.