Disclosure: I was invited to collaborate with and stay at Casa Familia. All the opinions in this blog post are my own. This post may also contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Casa Familia, in Punta Mita, Mexico, is what dreams are made of. It is an 11-bedroom, ultra-luxurious oceanfront Mediterranean-style vacation rental that is so gorgeous it belongs in Travel + Leisure or Robb Report.
Located within the exclusive gates of Ranchos Estates in the secure 1,500-acre community of Punta Mita, Casa Familia is a stunning 20,000 sq ft oceanfront vacation rental that epitomizes privacy, luxury, and exceptional service. Designed to comfortably accommodate over 30 adults, this magnificent estate promises a vacation experience that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Based on my recent stay at Casa Familia, I can attest that it epitomizes ultra-luxury travel. The stunning sprawling property, with unobstructed ocean views, combined with the beautifully appointed guest rooms and excellent staff, will make you want to call Casa Familia your new home.
Ultra-Luxurious Villa Overview
Casa Familia spans an impressive 20,000 sq ft and features eleven exquisitely designed guest rooms that sleep more than 30 guests. The gorgeous villa was renovated in 2023 and is the perfect luxury vacation rental for large groups.
Behind the giant wood front doors is the two-story Main House, which showcases an outdoor living room that overlooks a stunning pool large enough to swim laps, a hot tub, several different seating and lounging areas, and 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean. I love the indoor/outdoor design, which creates a relaxing backdrop for an unforgettable escape from reality.
The Main House features nine guest rooms, several with ocean views, a commercial kitchen, and dining areas. A short walk from the Main House is the two-story Tree House, which has two separate guest rooms, a media room, a spa with two private massage rooms, a cold plunge and a hot tub, and a well-equipped gym with garden views.
Three acres of lush, manicured grounds ensure guests have ample space and privacy. The greenspace and landscaping around the property add vibrant pops of color that enhance an already breathtaking space. In addition, around the corner from the Tree House are pickleball/basketball courts that we enjoyed during our stay.
We loved everything about Casa Familia. Since it is a luxury villa for rent, you, too, can enjoy this dream getaway.
What is Punta Mita?
Punta Mita is a massive 1,500-acre private gated community within the City of Punta de Mita. Punta Mita boasts two five-star hotels (the Four Seasons Punta Mita and The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort), five beach clubs, two golf courses, and fifteen-plus residential gated communities. The residential communities include condos, houses, and rental vacation homes. There is never a shortage of things to do in Punta Mita.
Security is taken extremely seriously in Punta Mita. To pass through the exclusive gates, you must be on the guest list or show your Punta Mita identification card. Once inside the gates, each community has a separate gated entrance guarded 24/7.
Rancho Estates Community Within Punta Mita
One of the most exclusive communities within Punta Mita is Rancho Estates. The small community of ultra-luxurious compounds was designed to ensure maximum privacy while taking advantage of the unobstructed ocean views, including the prime view of the Marietas Islands.
Rancho Estates is on the southern side of Punta Mita and is set apart from the central section, which means there are far fewer people near this area. The secluded nature of this community is just one of the many reasons why Rancho Estates is an ideal location for those who prioritize privacy and security.
The highly sought-after villas in Rancho Estates are set along a secluded soft-sand beach with gentle waves ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddle boarding. The ocean floor is far less rocky here than at other beaches within Punta Mita.
Casa Familia is also a short walk or paddle to the well-known La Lancha surf break and El Surf Club.
Accommodations at Casa Familia
Punta Mita vacation rentals are prevalent. However, Casa Familia is one of the most spectacular rental properties in the area. It’s not just the size of Casa Familia that sets it apart from other vacation rentals. The attention to detail, thoughtful design, art selection, and use of materials that make the property stand out among its peers. Every element of the property tells a story, from the guest room décor to the tile in the pool.
Main House: Guest Room Overview
As mentioned above, nine of the eleven guest rooms are in the Main House. Three are on the south side of the pool, with one downstairs and two upstairs. The remaining six guest rooms are on the north side of the pool and are split between two floors, three on each floor. The upstairs rooms are accessible via a staircase.
Seven of these nine guest rooms feature one king-size bed, each with an ensuite that includes a shower. The two remaining guest rooms are bunk rooms, large enough to hold four beds each—two king beds and two queen beds. Both bunk rooms have ensuites with showers, but the downstairs bunk room also features a separate bathtub with grab bars. Each guest room in the house also has a TV.
The guest rooms are accented with wood furnishings, doors, and shutters that create a warm and elevated luxurious vibe. The wood décor throughout the house is a brilliant accent to the hues of the shimmering blue pool, the Pacific Ocean, and the resort-style patio furniture.
South Side of the Main House
The Primary Guest Room
The primary guest room is located upstairs on the south side of the property. We stayed in the primary guest room and enjoyed waking up to the unobstructed pool, ocean, and island views. The primary room features a sitting area, two separate balconies, one of which has two lounge chairs in case you don’t want to go downstairs, a walk-in closet, a dual vanity, and a separate room for the toilet and bidet.
The balcony/bathroom doors are plantation shutters that can open like nano doors, giving guests a sought-after indoor/outdoor feel. There is a second staircase dedicated to the primary bedroom that leads from the second balcony down to the pool area.
The shower area also has plantation shutters on top of a pony wall that can be opened so it feels like you are showering outside. One set of shutters overlooks tropical trees, while the other provides a tropical and ocean view.
Garden View Rooms
Several rooms on the property have beautiful garden views. The staff takes pride in cultivating the spectacular greenery and colorful landscaping throughout the property.
In particular, the southside guest room on the lower floor has its own private sitting area in a garden. The large, serene area would be a nice place to enjoy a cup of coffee or read the newspaper before joining the rest of your party for breakfast.
North Side of the Main House
On the opposite side of the pool are the six guest rooms I mentioned above—three upstairs and three downstairs. One of my favorite rooms at Casa Familia is what I will call the pool room. The wood-accented room highlights the contrast of the glistening pool seen just beyond two different sets of nano doors. For those who prefer more privacy, you can pull the doors and shutters closed to block out the rest of the world.
The pool room has a shower with an ocean view and plantation shutters that can be pulled back to provide an even better ocean view while giving you the feeling of showering outdoors.
The middle downstairs room has two showers – an indoor and a connected private outdoor shower.
Two of the upstairs rooms in the Main House also have ocean views. The southernmost room has two balconies, each with a view, and the middle room also has an ocean view balcony.
Tree House Accommodations
The Tree House, aptly named given the lush greenery that surrounds the property, has two guest rooms on the second floor. One has two queen beds, and the other has a king bed. These rooms are decorated similarly to the rooms in the Main House, and both have ensuites and TVs.
Features and Amenities at Casa Familia
At Casa Familia, whether you are sunbathing on a lounge chair overlooking the sparkling pool and the Pacific Ocean, enjoying one of the delicious meals made by the talented chefs, or exploring the on-site gym or spa, there is no shortage of things to do on the property.
Gorgeous Pool Area
One of the most striking features at Casa Familia is the newly remodeled pool and hot tub. The tile chosen for the bottom of the pool sparkles in the sunlight, creating a vibrant, clear blue hue of the water. The pool’s contrast against the cream color of the house, pink bougainvillea, and wood doors, all overlooking the ocean, creates a dreamlike state.
There are several different seating and lounging areas around the pool. Choose from a seat in the covered living room, relax on one of the outdoor couches, read a book on one of the many chaise lounges around the pool, or take a nap in the canopy bed in the grassy area. Every view is spectacular.
I loved being at the pool, drink in hand, enjoying the views. Everywhere I looked was beautiful.
Scheduled Beach
While staying at Casa Familia, we made our way down to the beach daily. A few steps away from the pool is a private staircase that winds down to the soft-sand beach. Even though the pool area was fantastic, we still wanted to play in the ocean. So, we headed down to splash in the waves and paddleboard.
We saw a few people snorkeling a decent distance from the beach, but we never swam that far to check out the area ourselves. We did see a turtle playing in the water, though.
Whenever we headed down to the beach, a member of the staff would set up chairs, umbrellas, and a table for us. We never asked, but they were like mind readers, anticipating our every need.
If you don’t love swimming in the ocean, you could still go for a nice walk along the soft-sand beach at the water’s edge.
Pro Tip: The sand on the beach is incredibly soft, but some areas of the ocean floor are a bit rocky. Since I get a little freaked out when my feet touch underwater rocks and plants, I started wearing water shoes. Once I put on the water shoes, I was able to relax and have fun in the ocean. While I wanted water shoes, Gary didn’t see the need.
State-of-the-Art Gym
If you like to work out on vacation, you will be happy to know that Casa Familia has its own private gym. You can maintain your fitness regime without leaving the comfort of your private paradise.
The fitness room on the second floor of the Tree House contains multiple cardio machines, free weights, yoga mats, and other workout accessories. The gym is large enough to bring your trainer.
Private and Tranquil Spa
Casa Familia also has a private spa with a cold plunge, a hot tub, two separate private massage rooms, and two large windows with calming garden views.
I quickly learned that the cold plunge is very, very cold. And that was after working up a sweat on the pickleball court. I lasted a little more than three minutes, but it was frigid. I know that’s the point, but talking about it and doing it are two different things.
We also took advantage of the spa’s private massage rooms. During our stay, the staff coordinated massages for all four of us. Additional add-on services, such as massages, body wraps, facials, manicures, and pedicures, are available for a separate fee.
To complete the spa experience, our friends wore the bathrobes provided in our guest rooms to the spa. So smart!
Ocean View Living Room
As you walk through the wood doors at Casa Familia, you enter an outdoor courtyard with lily ponds that lead directly to a covered living room with breathtaking ocean and pool views. The living room is nestled between the north and south sides of the Main House. It is ideal for those who still want the views but prefer to get out of the sun. The space is beautifully decorated with a larger than life art sculpture, a large sitting area, and a separate conference/dining table.
Recreational Facilities/Activities at Casa Familia
Pickleball/Basketball
During our stay, the four of us went to the private pickleball and basketball courts on the property. I wasn’t very good at either activity, but it was fun to give it a try. Casa Familia has all the equipment you need.
Surfing/Paddleboarding
Surfers flock to Punta Mita. The swell can be hit or miss, but when it’s good, surfers are stoked.
Casa Familia is conveniently located near the La Lancha surf break and El Surf Club, which Casa Familia guests can access. There are multiple breaks at La Lancha, but the closest one is accessible by either paddling or walking over to the break. You can even see the break from the backyard at Casa Familia.
Casa Familia has a few boards for guests at the house. However, the boards are not great for beginners. A foamy would be better. The staff can arrange for a board rental, surf guide/boat to check out other breaks, or surf lessons.
Sadly, on our trip, the waves were super small. This was good for me but not ideal for Gary. However, he and our friend made the best of the situation and surfed La Lancha a few times. Gary was on a surfboard, and our friend was on a stand-up. Even though the waves were waist-high, the long rides were still fun for Gary.
If the swell is not hitting La Lancha, surfers can head to one of the many other Punta Mita surf breaks.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Kayaking
The activity options at Casa Familia are endless. If you are not into surfing, you can take one of the house stand-up boards or kayaks out for a paddle. The stand-up I used was super easy to balance. It was like an RV—big and stable.
Snorkeling
We saw people snorkeling while we were staying at Casa Familia. I would have liked to have swam out to see what was going on, but the distance was a little too far for me. In addition to snorkelers, we saw what looked like a free diver or someone spearfishing in the same area.
Gary saw a bunch of turtles when he was paddling over to La Lancha.
Available Bikes
The house has four bicycles that guests can use to explore the scenic surroundings and use on the Punta Mita bike paths.
Additional Activities in the Area
For those wanting to go off-property (although it’s hard to leave), there are active adventures the Casa Familia team can plan for you, like horseback riding, a trip out to the islands, fishing, diving, jet skiing, ziplining, and ATV adventures.
Outdoor and Eating Areas
Casa Familia offers several spacious outdoor lounging and eating areas. There are more than five separately designed lounging areas.
When it comes to meals, we generally ate our delicious meals crafted by Chef Raul at the outdoor covered table for six next to the kitchen. However, there are two other main eating areas: a large square concrete table in the barbeque and pizza oven area that seats twelve and a large dining room in the covered living room.
If you prefer a more casual meal, you can use the sitting area with a table next to the pool or eat at the bar.
The house’s design gives guests multiple areas to spread out. Even if the house is full, guests can relax in comfort on the spacious property.
Media Room
On the bottom floor of the Tree House is a large media room with multiple couches and a long bar table with seating for another five guests. The room also features a wet bar, a dining table with seating for four, and a patio. It’s an ideal place for a family or friends to gather and screen a movie.
The Gracious and Amazing Staff at Casa Familia
One of the best things about Casa Familia is the staff. We experienced unparalleled service with our dedicated team, including private chefs, servers, bartenders, housekeeping, and a concierge, ensuring that our every need was met with the utmost care and attention.
When we arrived, we were greeted by warm smiles and freshly made cocktails. The staff was extremely welcoming and went out of their way to ensure we were well taken care of.
For example, one day, we causally mentioned we were planning on playing pickleball. As we walked down to the pickleball court, the staff was already making sure the already clean court was pristine and getting the rackets and balls ready for us. They were able to anticipate our requests and were eager to assist us.
Guest-to-Staff Ratio
We were originally supposed to be a group of six, but unfortunately, my mom got sick and was not able to travel. So, my dad stayed home to take care of her. She’s fine now, but that meant that we were a party of four instead of six, with nine staff members helping us during our stay. Had we been a larger party, the staff-to-guest ratio would have increased accordingly.
Even though we had more than a 2:1 ratio of staff to guest count, the staff was savvy at making themselves available without encroaching on our personal space. We found the staff to be discrete, helpful, genuinely nice, and always willing to go that extra step to make our stay incredible.
Dining at Casa Familia
As a full-service Punta Mita vacation rental, Casa Familia had two chefs daily. We had a morning chef, Luisa, who prepared a wide variety of breakfast options (always delicious), and Raul, our lunch/dinner chef. Raul has been with Casa Familia for almost twenty years. His experience is evident from the selection of fresh ingredients to the preparation and variety of the delicious food he serves the guests.
Raul used his expertise to create culinary delights. He has developed an expansive repertoire of menu options. You can request the sample meal list, but the list is just a sampling. Raul can make you anything your stomach desires.
On our way out, he made us fresh chicken sandwiches (some with gluten-free bread) to take with us to the airport, ensuring we had a healthy meal option while we waited to board our plane. While you might not think this is a big deal, we did. He had the forethought to anticipate our needs, knowing we would not like the airport food options, and opted to go above and beyond for us.
Dietary Restrictions
Raul took our dietary restrictions seriously. He always had tasty alternative options that met our requirements. It can be challenging not to be able to cook with gluten or dairy for only some of the guests, but every meal he made was fantastic. I am still thinking about our dining experience at Casa Familia as I hit the gym to work off the extra food I ate.
Food Preference
We requested light and healthy meals, and Raul delivered them in spades. One of my favorite meals was the grilled red snapper prepared Zarandeado style, a 500-year-old method for grilling fish that originated in the Punta de Mita area. The snapper was accompanied by a salad, grilled vegetables, freshly made tortillas, grilled steak, potatoes, and sides like guacamole and salsa. Because all the ingredients were so fresh, it was much lighter than it sounds—unless, of course, like me, you overate.
I also loved the shrimp ceviche served in a pineapple. It was the perfect lunch dish, and again, I probably ate more than my fair share!
Bartenders
During our stay, our bartenders offered to make us whatever cocktails we wanted. We mainly opted for wine, tequila on the rocks, and their spectacular margaritas. But, if we wanted something else, all we had to do was ask. The bartenders are well-versed in making cocktails and can create whatever concoction you dream up.
Housekeeping Staff
I also want to recognize the housekeeping staff that kept the property shining. The property was immaculate, which can be challenging to maintain when doors and windows are constantly open to the outside elements.
On a side note, laundry service is also available.
Concierge at Your Service
During our stay, we opted to spend almost all of our time at Casa Familia. The property is so incredible that we didn’t want to leave. Instead, we had a few services come to us.
The staff arranged for a morning yoga class by the pool. We enjoyed the class, which was a little different from what we were used to, using a ball as a prop instead of blocks. For my yoga audience, this was helpful for staying present in the moment, and it was refreshing to try a new yoga style.
Casa Familia also arranged a massage for each of us. As I mentioned above, we had four massages in total in the spa. We only had to walk a few feet to a private spa, where we took a cold plunge, and relax during a massage.
Casa Familia also arranged our transportation to/from the airport, a dinner reservation at one of the best restaurants in Punta de Mita, and drove us to/from our dinner.
I cannot say enough good things about the kind and genuine people working at Casa Familia who work hard to make your stay effortless.
Cars/Golf Cart Access
The property has two chauffered cars for guest use, including a jeep and a large SUV.
In addition, guests can use the golf cart to get from place to place within the gates of Punta Mita. We always love zipping around in a golf cart to check out the beach clubs and other Punta Mita amenities.
Fully Stocked House
Casa Familia is also a fully stocked house. When we arrived, it had necessary amenities like sunblock, aloe, and bug spray. Each guest room was also stocked with high-end shower products.
The bar was also fully stocked with alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages, including an excellent wine selection.
However, you can request any food or beverage item, and the staff will procure it for you. Before arriving, we asked for a specific bottle of tequila, which the staff picked up for us.
Add-On Activities
The staff at Casa Familia can make your dreams come true or cater to your specific needs. For example, they can arrange a beautiful coastal chic beach picnic, a fireworks show over the beach below, or even bring in a rabbi to certify that the kitchen is Kosher.
To experience the local culture, guests may want to bring in a Mariachi band, Aztec dancers, or even someone to teach a Spanish class. These activities can all be arranged for you!
Casa Familia is Family Friendly
If you are traveling with your kids, Casa Familia can make the house family-friendly as well. They have arranged for magicians, face painters, giant pool slides, a jungle gym, and even set up a perimeter fence at the back of the property. In addition, they have car seats that can be used when transporting your family.
Private Events at Casa Familia
In addition to being a dream vacation destination, the staff at Casa Familia can also host your next event or party. The unforgettable venue offers a picturesque setting for weddings, corporate events, product launches, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and other special occasions.
You can host an impressive and memorable event for up to 200 of your closest friends and colleagues. Party planning services are available to help you coordinate everything from adding a dance floor that covers the pool to assistance with décor, food, entertainment, and more.
Casa Familia has partnerships with other property owners in the area and can help secure additional guest rooms for your event.
Access to Punta Mita Amenities
As a guest at Casa Familia, you will have access to exclusive amenities like tennis courts, beach clubs, the golf club, and two golf courses in Punta Mita.
Tee off at one of the two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses, Bahia and Pacifico, known for their stunning ocean views and challenging layouts. The famous Tail of the Whale hole – a natural island green – is on the Bahia course.
Punta Mita Hotels
If a Punta Mita vacation rental is not your style, there are several five-star hotels nearby. Within the gates of Punta Mita are two resorts, including the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita and The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, pictured above.
Outside the secure gates and in the town of Punta de Mita is the Susurros del Corazón, an Auberge Resorts Collection resort.
Located further up the coast near Sayulita is the One&Only Mandarina. In addition, the Rosewood Mandarina is also set to open in 2025.
So, if ultra-luxury is not in your budget, you cannot go wrong with one of the high-end Punta Mita, Mexico resorts or a luxury vacation rental, like Condo Azul, a 3,000 sq ft single-level three-bedroom condo with a private pool and unobstructed island and ocean views.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Punta Mita?
The best time to visit Punta Mita is November through January when the weather is warm and the humidity is low. The rainy season runs from June through October, and the storms can be intense. During a September visit, every night after 8:00 p.m., there was a torrential rainstorm complemented by a fantastic lightning show. But the days were hot and perfect.
Similarly, during a July visit, it rained one out of the five nights, and the overnight storm and lightning show was impressive. We also had a heat-lightning storm during that same trip. However, none of these storms impacted our experience.
Overall, the best time to visit Punta Mita is whenever you can make it work for your schedule.
Are there bugs in Punta Mita?
Visitors should understand that Casa Familia is in a tropical location with an indoor/outdoor design, which means there will be bugs. Bugs are unavoidable in Punta Mita, just like any other tropical destination. But they did not impact our visit.
Is there a difference between Punta Mita and Punta de Mita?
Punta Mita is an exclusive gated community within the town of Punta de Mita.
Where is Punta Mita?
Punta Mita is located in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, on the north side of Bahia de Banderas.
What airports are near Punta Mita?
The closest airport is Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, also known as the Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Those flying private can take advantage of Aerotron FBO, which is located inside the PVR.
The airport is about 45 minutes from Casa Familia.
Key Takeaways
I have only one key takeaway. If you can swing a stay at Casa Familia, you should. The ultra-luxurious Punta Mita beach vacation rental is heaven on earth, and every detail has been thoughtfully considered to provide an unparalleled experience. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, savoring gourmet meals prepared by your private chef, or playing on the secluded beach, every moment spent here is destined to become a cherished memory.
Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected], and I can help you book your next dream vacation at Casa Familia. Be sure to follow the property’s Instagram page at @casafamilia_puntamita.
Other Punta Mita Blog Posts You Might Enjoy
Based on our experience in Punta Mita, I wrote several blog posts to help you learn more about the exclusive gated community and things to do in the area, including the following:
- The ultimate guide to Punta Mita
- The best things to do in Punta Mita
- Condo Azul – a luxurious 3,000 sq ft Punta Mita vacation rental
- The best restaurants in Punta Mita and Punta de Mita
- A review of The St. Regis Punta Mita
- The best surf breaks in Punta Mita
- An epic one-day Punta Mita itinerary
- The best things to do in Riviera Nayarit
- The complete guide to Monkey Mountain
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Casa Familia looks like an absolute dream! There’s so much to do and the food looks fresh and delicious. Paddle boarding, massages and outdoor dining would be right up my alley.
I am more of a low budget kind of gal, but I this review is making me want to save for the rest of my life, just so I can stay here.
Casa Familia is an amazing place to stay. I cannot recomend it enough!
Wow this place looks incredible 🙂 would absolutely stay there !
Wow! This looks like an amazing experience. I am usually a resort type of gal when I’m in Mexico, but your review of Casa Familia totally changed my mind. This would be awesome for a girls trip, and I love how they take of every detail for you!
Casa Familia would be perfect for a girls trip!
wow this looks SO epic!!! 11 rooms!? This is so helpful because while I always see in-depth hotel reviews I feel like large group vacation villas are not written about as frequently so it can be tough to research. Definitely saving for my upcoming trip to Mexico!