Fashion designer Mara Hoffman has a love of Mexico that draws her and her family back, time and time again. Here, she tells us why.
Who better to get family travel advice from than a parent who has been there and done it. Citizen Enfants asks travel-loving mums to give us the lowdown on destinations they know well; from where they stay and shop to their favourite restaurants and must-do activities.
Based in New York, Mara Hoffman, founder of the ethical and eponymous brand, finds family holidays to Mexico the ideal getaway with her husband and son.
Here she tells us what makes Mexico so special and why she recommends it for any family looking to relax and reconnect with nature.
What makes family holidays to Mexico so good?
Mexico is the perfect holiday destination for families looking for a relaxing break, but also somewhere to keep the kids entertained. Riviera Nayarit is particularly wonderful as there are so many activities for parents and children to enjoy, such as whale watching excursions on Banderas Bay, or surfing (which my whole family loves to do). The Riviera Nayarit area is so culturally rich, and a place to make special memories.
As well as beautiful beaches, Nayarit is also known for its rainforests and treetops making it the perfect destination to connect with nature. I love being surrounded by trees; meeting an ancient La Abuela tree was an incredible moment – and my kids loved and learnt a lot from it too. Mexico allows you to mix education with experiences.
When is the best time to visit Mexico?
Between December to March for the most ideal weather conditions – warm but not too overwhelming. Our travel times are normally scheduled around the school breaks of our son, Joaquin. Most of our visits are therefore either at the end of December or late March, and both months are excellent times to go. Our last trip was at the end of November – the perfect time to escape the cold of New York.
Which hotels should we check into for a family-friendly stay?
Our favourite is One&Only Mandarina. Our son, Joaquin, went wild for the kids’ club at the property. It’s a ropes course among the trees with a hanging tree house, and is so beautifully designed. There’s also a butterfly sanctuary on property with an expert on hand to educate guests; you really get to immerse yourself in the culture and nature which is why we are always drawn to staying here. Otherwise, we would recommend renting homes through VRBO, which is always nice for privacy.
What are the best things to do with children in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico?
When I was younger, I was always seeking deep moments of culture. Now, I long for a beautiful spot where I can just be – places where I can really unplug in a different environment and sink into beautiful nature. This is why we love going to the beach with the kids. But not just any beach; a rural, rustic beach where I can truly relax while the kids go wild. We are very much beach people and can easily spend several days just relaxing and playing on them. Joaquin loves surfing so if there’s good surf, we’re happy. There are so many beaches like that in Mexico and they are one of the reasons we are always drawn back.
Where can we take children to play nearby?
A great family activity is definitely native wildlife spotting. The cute Mexican raccoons (called coatimundi) were one of our favourite animals to meet. While staying at One&Only Mandarina, we made friends with a local raccoon – our son called it Boberto and he became a regular guest at our villa. He was extremely cute.
The insider place to know?
My husband and I love going to the restaurant Tuna Blanca by Thierry Blouet in Punta Mita. It’s on the seafront and is super romantic – the perfect getaway from the children.
What is your favourite family-friendly restaurant in the area?
I would highly recommend Carao. Chef Enrique Olvera’s food is just incredible, and there is an open kitchen, so you can feel the energy and the experience of the chefs, and how focused and serious their work is.
If mums have a few hours sans enfants where should they go?
We went for a horse ride at dawn across the Mandarina flatlands, just my husband and I. The stables at the Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club are gorgeous and the horses are beautiful. They are these wise, incredible teachers, and we felt a deep connection with them. We weren’t in charge of them, they were way more powerful than we are, and it felt as though they were truly guiding us. It was a divine experience of interaction as the sun came up over the grasslands.
Where are your favourite places to shop around Riviera Nayarit?
I had a peek in the cute shop Project Artefakto last time I was there. It’s great for finding handmade ceramics and candles. I bought quite a few items. They also have the most beautiful, delicate jewellery. I would highly recommend going, but be prepared to walk out with at least three different things because it’s all so lovely.
Any tips for visiting with children?
I’d highly recommend Mercado Benito Juárez, an area with true Mexican aromas and flavours. Here you can have a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine – tlayudas, tamales, atole, enchiladas, jerky, nopal salad, chaya water, and other products of the region – which makes it the best market for looking around.
What are your packing essentials for yourself?
I love to pack mostly easy, loose-fitting throw-on pieces for the day. I bring the Sydney dress everywhere warm. It’s Mara Hoffman and comes in many colours. I am a huge fan of sarongs, I wear them as skirts, shawls, head wraps, basically everything. I also love the brand Fouta Harissa. It’s women-owned and they make beautiful Tunisian foutas. For evenings I love to have a dressier option and the Mona dress or any of our popcorn pieces are wonderful for travel because they never get wrinkled. You can literally roll them, pack them, and you are good to wear them.
And what would you recommend packing for children?
My son spends so much time in the water that making sure he has a few good well-made suits is important. I’m a fan of Patagonia and their sustainability practices, they also make durable clothes. I also like to do a lot of second-hand shopping for him because he is still growing and we don’t get very long out of his clothes. TheRealReal is one of my go-tos. I feel much better buying there than buying brand new for him.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?