Family Life in Punta Mita

What began as an Anniversary getaway in 2011 to the St. Regis Punta Mita became something much more than Justin and Creighton Hartanov could have ever imagined —it is now a place their family calls home in a cherished community filled with local relationships and endless opportunities to enjoy life. After their initial visit, they began coming to Punta Mita at least annually as they loved the relaxing vibe, fantastic food, colorful downtown and friendly people. After their daughter, Aniston, and son, Grady, were born they quickly realized Punta Mita was not just an escape from city life in
Chicago for them, but a place filled with memorable moments for family.

The growing family began renting condos, bringing family, and fully embracing golf cart life—cruising between beach clubs, golf, and dinner. As their family grew, so did their love for this place. In 2018 they bought their first condo in Hacienda de Mita, eventually settling in a home in El Encanto shortly after spending much of covid in paradise. In these homes they have built a life full of memories, friendships, and vacation routines.

A typical day in Punta Mita might start with a traditional Mexican breakfast made by Guille at home, an early bike ride on the trails, or Justin’s favorite: snagging the first tee time so he’s back in time for a family day at the beach club. As the kids have grown more independent, they have started taking their bikes to Tail of the Whale for breakfast dates together where the staff know them by name, what they are likely to order and treat them like family…even filling up their tires with air when needed.

Late morning, you will find everyone loaded up on the golf cart headed to a different beach club each day. At Pacifico, Aniston began surfing with Cruz at the age of 4 developing a strong friendship. He and Manuel taught her to respect the water and challenge herself while making sure to have fun. At Surf Club, Aniston and Grady spend hours jumping waves and boogie boarding. At Kupuri, it’s a little of everything: ocean swims, baseball on the beach, and family games in the pool. At the St. Regis, they love catching up with their friends from when they began visiting 15 years ago. And finally, at Sufi, they love diving for hermit crabs early in the morning and walking the pier.

Late afternoons the Hartanov’s typically swim in their pool or play a round of family golf. It’s the perfect afternoon foursome where the staff collects colored balls for the kids and makes sure they are well supplied with lemonades, M&Ms, and cold towels. Evenings begin with cocktail hour by the pool with a game of cards or a few rounds of Putterball—a recent Hartanov family favorite. And then there’s the food—fresh fish, vibrant Mexican cuisine, and endless local flavor. Between the restaurants downtown and throughout the gated community, you can get some of the best food around. The owners and servers have become friends over the years watching their family grow and mature.

Grady, once known by several servers as ‘the Blonde Boy” and Aniston who they still remember eating out of the big wooden highchair at Pescadora, are now greeted by name wherever they go. Each night looking for Karla from Samaras Trio, hoping to get a round of dancing to La Bamba and Despacito. After dinner, evenings are not complete without running to get ice cream with JC, a warm brownie with Nadia and Martin or a trip to visit Desi at Dulce Churros.

Holiday celebrations in Punta Mita are next-level, and the Hartanovs have created unforgettable moments here. At Christmas and Easter, they celebrate the Holidays with brunch at the club and a visit from Santa and the Easter Bunny. After attending the first White Party on New Year’s Eve in 2020—where friends, fireworks, great food and dancing all come together under the stars, they will never miss another. One of their favorite times to come is for the 4th of July Summer Fest where the Punta Mita Ocean Sports staff create a day of fun competitions on the water.

Over the years, they’ve hosted spring breaks, birthdays (including a huge family bash for their 40ths), 4th of July trips, family New Years celebrations and countless other reasons to get together with family and friends from all around the country. Carl and his team are continuously creating new events combined with top-notch long-term staff that create the magic and experiences in Punta Mita.

The Hartanov’s shared, “Punta Mita is a beautiful place but even more important are the memories and feeling you get when you are here. Everyone is welcome and there are activities for everyone to enjoy- young and old! It’s a place we feel loved, safe and comfortable as a family.”