Overview
Planning the Vacation
Our first family vacation didn’t go very well. My husband and I planned a week-long trip to Copenhagen last August when our son, Luca, was eight months old, thinking that the weather would be amazing and that Luca was young enough to just go with the flow. (Hear that? It’s the sound of more experienced parents laughing at our naivete.) While the first of our conjectures proved true, the latter did not. Between learning to crawl, experiencing major jet lag, and catching a nasty cold, Luca spent the whole trip completely out of sorts. Consequently, we were all sick and exhausted by the end.
Eager for a do-over, my husband and I agreed that we should keep our second attempt super simple, opting for a beach resort. We had been considering Mexico, so I suggested checking out the new Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection, located near Punta de Mita on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. With a direct flight from New York and minimal time difference, it felt perfect, especially given the rave reviews about how well the brand caters to young travelers.
Arrival at the Resort
On a Thursday in mid-December, just before the holiday travel rush, we flew down to Puerto Vallarta, the gateway to Riviera Nayarit. After a 45-minute drive north, we arrived at Susurros, welcomed by staff members offering ice-cold glasses of tepache, a drink made from fermented pineapple.
“Welcome to Susurros — welcome home,” said Rodrigo Trejo, our assigned cuate (good friend). During the short walk to our room, we shared stories about our upbringings and experiences during the pandemic. I began to realize how accurately the title friend reflected the atmosphere.
Stepping into our room designed by Glazier Le Architects, I was awestruck by the elegant design. Susurros boasts a collection of 28 rooms, 33 suites, and 30 villas, all overlooking the Bahía de Banderas. I rushed out to our terrace to soak in the bay views, pointing out the Islas Marietas in the distance. Inside, the airy, minimal decor featured Mexican crafts and natural materials such as terracotta figurines and woven basket masks, creating a warm and inviting environment.
Dining Experiences
After freshening up, we opted for an early dinner at Casamilpa, the farmhouse-inspired restaurant along the 2,000-foot-long private beach. Luca, being a somewhat new and messy eater, made me apprehensive about how he’d handle dinner after our journey. However, the staff was incredibly attentive. They swiftly provided a high chair and kids’ menu, as well as a deep plate that suctioned to the tray table to keep Luca amused while waiting for his meal.
With Luca enjoying his dinner, Prashanth and I explored the menu crafted by chef Tonatiuh Cuevas, who draws inspiration from local vendors and the Indigenous Huichol nation. We started with chili mezcal cocktails and a ceviche featuring a mix of shrimp, scallops, and octopus, followed by a fileted red snapper served with roasted vegetables and pliant corn tortillas. The dishes reminded me of something the general manager, Jose Adames, had expressed earlier: they aimed to provide a unique culinary experience rather than the standard fare visitors expect.
Wellness Opportunities
The following morning began with a delightful pot of fresh coffee spiced with cinnamon, delivered to our room. After breakfast at Casamilpa, we spent the day at the family pool, designed with toddler-friendly shallows. I also took the opportunity for self-care with an energy healing session led by local healer Azucena Medina.
During my treatment, Azucena combined traditional massage and reiki therapy, guiding me to uncover and release areas of trapped stress. Her gentle reminders about motherhood and the importance of nurturing oneself resonated deeply, creating an atmosphere of rejuvenation. When the session concluded, I felt significantly lighter, both physically and emotionally.
Cultural and Recreational Activities
That evening, Prashanth and I participated in a wine tasting, leaving Luca in the capable hands of Janeth Pérez Sandoval from the kids’ club. Our private beach table was set up with a spread of local meats and cheeses for an introduction to Mexican wine. Through samplings led by sommelier Luis Fernando Villega, we uncovered unique producers such as Puerta del Lobo, located in Querétaro.
After yet another delightful breakfast ritual the next morning, where Luca eagerly embraced scrambled eggs instead of his usual pancakes, we enjoyed time on the beach, even dodging cool waves. Our experience continued with a vibrant lunch at La Boquita, where we indulged in various mouthwatering tacos while connecting with fellow guests.
As our remarkable journey approached its conclusion, I reflected on all the memories made and the deeper connections formed with my family. By setting the intention to experience travel differently—with a focus on family, self-care, and cultural insights—our time at Susurros felt enriching and fulfilling.
