Imagine this scenario: You finally have everyone finished with breakfast, teeth brushed and in swimsuits, sunscreen applied and all into the water. The kids are splashing away as you settle into your beach chair under an umbrella and you dig into your tote bag only to realize you’ve left your favorite book on the nightstand in your room. Do you really want to get up and walk back to get it?

At the St. Regis, you don’t have to worry about such minor inconveniences. Just touch a button on your phone and the personal butler assigned to your family will go to your room and bring it to the beach for you, lickety-split. That’s one of the personal touches that set the St. Regis apart from so many other resorts on the Riviera Nayarit.

The white sand beaches are another.

While all of the Riviera Nayarit is lined with beautiful sand beaches, just a few of those beaches are covered in the white powdery sand that’s cool on your feet. The St. Regis Punta Mita is located on that lovely sand, another one of perks that make this a good choice for your family getaway.

This 22-acre property is as comfortable — if not more comfortable — than your own home, with a staff as friendly as your next-door neighbors. The St. Regis designates one staff member to every three guests, ensuring you don’t have to trouble yourself with forgotten books or making few steps to the bar for another margarita.

The property has 120 guest rooms in spacious casitas, most of which were remodeled in 2015. A number of activities, such as biking and cooking classes, are offered at no extra charge, but if your energy and budget allow, you can take advantage of deep sea and spear fishing, whale watching, excursions to the Marietas Islands, or any number of activities throughout the region. The concierge can arrange just about any activity you can imagine. And if you have tennis players in the family, you’ll appreciate access to the ten courts and the services of the Peter Burwash International tennis program.

Of the 120 guestrooms at the St. Regis Punta Mita, about 80 were completely remodeled in 2015. All of the décor includes natural stone and timbers from the region in a spacious, bright design.

All accommodations have two sinks in the bathrooms, as well as extra deep bathtubs and an additional TV in the bathrooms. All of the bathrooms also have stepstools to help little ones in their personal grooming. There is an additional $75 fee for a crib or rollaway in your room. DVD players are not available in the rooms, but iPod docking stations are. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.

Deluxe Rooms
The majority of these rooms are ideally designed for two adults with a king bed, but a parent traveling with one child, or two adults with an infant will be very comfortable here. Four of the Deluxe Rooms are appointed with two queen beds, perfect for a family of four. Twenty of these rooms are connecting rooms.

Junior Suites
The Junior Suites are just a bit bigger than the Deluxe Rooms and offer a nice living space with a couch and reading area. King or two queen beds are available. No one will be crowded with a rollaway or crib in the room. If you have a toddler just beginning to walk, note that Junior Suites have two steps inside on ceramic tile floors that may be a bit of a hazard.

Deluxe Suites
The appeals of the Deluxe Suites are many: an outdoor shower, an in-room Jacuzzi, and the most inviting day bed on the terrace or balcony. If your family plans to enjoy in-room dining or enjoys working on puzzles or other projects together, a very spacious glass table makes your suite that much more appealing. Choose from two queens or one king bed.

One Bedroom Suites
If you prefer your own private pool, a One-Bedroom Suite overlooking the ocean is an option for you. A fully equipped kitchen and private Jacuzzi are among the amenities for a family of four.

Two Bedroom Suites
The St. Regis Punta Mita has four two-bedroom suites, each as comfortable as your own home and with as many amenities. An additional half-bath, private pool, Jacuzzi, private butler, and plenty of room for a rollaway bed make this the perfect choice for up to eight people traveling together.

Bike Tours
Everyone in the family ages 12 and up is invited to participate in hour-long bike rides around the Punta Mita community, which are offered several days a week. No additional fee.

Cooking Classes
Learn to make a better guacamole or the best Mexican cocktail. Anyone 10 and older can enroll in the guacamole class, but you have to be at least 18 for the cocktail class. No additional charge.

Dance Classes
Every Thursday afternoon, a dance instructor will tutor you and anyone in your family over 12 years old in the exotic art of salsa dancing. No additional charge for this class.

Golf
Guests at resorts inside the gated communities of Punta Mita, including the St. Regis, have access to two fabulous Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses. Practice your putting at the Bahia Course and your long iron game at the Pacifico Course, which is known for the world's only natural island green.

Pools
The three beautiful pools are always busy, but never crowded. Adults have one pool to themselves, which includes cabanas and butler service that can be reserved by day. The Family Pool is a two-tiered play land that ranges from about 4.5 to 8 feet deep. The children's pool has zero-depth entry and is about 2.5 feet deep at its center. There's also a little sprayground for kids -- or the occasional rambunctious adult.

Spanish Classes
Take this opportunity to improve your language skills or give your kids a boost in their classes at home. It's an hour-long course three times a week, and it's free.

Soccer Field
It's not quite regulation size, but it's a place where kids can practice their foot work and join in with others at the property for a quick game under the palm trees.

Tennis Center
The Punta Mita Tennis Center includes 10 courts, lit for evening play. Five of these are hard-surface; the others are synthetic grass. Save some money by bringing your own rackets and balls from home.

Tortuga Children's Club
This bright, colorful space is sure to engage your children ages 5 to 12 years old, allowing you time to enjoy the sun, a game of golf or tennis on your own. There is no extra fee for this service, which includes nature walks and a petting zoo with rescued animals.

Remède Spa
This is certainly one of the highlights of a stay at the St. Regis. The Remede Spa has services for all ages and lovely outdoor cabanas for your treatments and relaxation. A spa luxury suite is an extended service option for meals or for a family spa day together.

In addition to those great services at the spa, you'll find massage chairs set up around the grounds, under palm trees, or on the beach. Drop in for a 5-minute chair massage at no extra charge.

As a Starwood Preferred Resort, you have the option of enrolling your children in the SPG Kids Pass, which guarantees a children's menu at a predetermined rate. It's a good deal, particularly if your children are picky eaters.

Las Marietas Restaurant
Adjacent to the pool with a fabulous ocean view, Las Marietas is the super casual destination for breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the afternoon. For breakfast, choose from a la carte service or a buffet. Lunch and snacks are also offered a la carte. It opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m.

Mita Mary Bistro Boat
This is about as casual of a beach bar that you can imagine. It is literally an old fishing boat with some tables strewn around on the beach nearby. The local catch of the day is grilled up as fresh as you can imagine and served with a tasty margarita or another age-appropriate beverage.

Sea Breeze Restaurant & Bar
From noon until 11 p.m., this is the fun spot for live music and great pizzas, ceviche or hamburgers -- even a steak. It's casual, right on the beach and just right for dinner if you don't feel like dressing up after a day at the beach.

Carolina
How often have you experienced a 5-Diamond restaurant that welcomes children? This one does and offers a children's menu, as well as children's portions of the signature dishes, such as pozole verde ceviche, suckling pig, and tascalate. Bring some nicer clothes for everyone in the family for dinner at Carolina. Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner only.

In-Room Dining
In-room dining is available 24 hours a day.

Fitness Center
This lovely fitness center with garden views is equipped with TechnoGym cardio equipment, numerous strength training equipment and free weights. A separate room is dedicated to spin classes and yoga. Aquaerobics are offered every day at noon in the Las Marietas pool.

Pets
This is the place to be a dog. A special dog menu, turn-down treat, play toys and of course, his/her own bed and water dish are provided. Cats are treated equally well and are provided with a little box. Only one pet is allowed in your room, with a maximum weight of 18 pounds.

Special Occasions
If someone in your family is celebrating a birthday or other special event, let the staff know in advance for a cake or other special in-room treat.

Welcome Amenities
At check-in, children receive non-alcoholic fruit drinks and a gift bag that includes a hat, water bottle and coloring book.

The Art of Smart Timing
Christmas and Easter are very busy times here, in part because of the weather, but also because of the family friendly nature of the St. Regis and its many amenities that make the holidays brighter. Slow time is late summer/early fall, which is the rainy season, but don't think it rains all day. It's usually an intense burst for about an hour or so, and then the sun comes out again.

Getting There
Punta Mita and the St. Regis are about 40 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta (PVR) International Airport.

Getting Around
A private taxi or private automobile are your best choices for exploring the Riviera Nayarit. If you choose to rent a car, there is no parking fee at the St. Regis.

For Mom and Dad
The Remède Spa offers lunch in its private luxury suite, where you can also enjoy a couples' massage and other treatments. Spend the day relaxing together here while the kids are in the Tortuga Kids Club.