Punta Mita or Palmilla (cabo)
 

We are trying to decide about a rental house/villa for Xmas/New Years (10 days) in either Punta Mita or in Cabo (at Palmilla). Anyone have first hand experience with the condos/haciendas/casitas or villas at these places and which is a better bet for families and for 10 days (we are worried about going stir crazy at Punta Mita but also like the amenities and walking along the beach). Thoughts? anyone?

You are correct there is not much "to do" out around Punta Mita.

Ditto Suze-<b>Punta Mita</b> is rather isolated; in fact IMHO it defeats the purpose of traveling to Puerto Vallarta since you are SO FAR from town.
<b>The One and Only Palmilla</b>-in one word: spectacular! The location, the grounds, the staff-truly unbelievable. One of the most beautiful places at night. (Cannot speak to the rooms).
I prefer PV to Cabo San Lucas; but San Jose del Cabo is nice (better shops; galleries; restaurants)--less of the Spring break crowd that seemed to overtake Cabo San Lucas.

Unless you plan to drive into PV often; I think you'd find much more to do in Los Cabos (I was just there in March). :)

Thanks for the feedback. How is the weather in both of these places in late Dec/early Jan?

The weather is relatively comparable. As for rain it not an issue of more than showers, in general, but the days with showers (more than 30-45 min.) are more likely in Punta Mita. But not a reason to make a decision upon. Isolation of Punta Mita is true though the facility is beautiful it is isolated. If you wanted to drive to a &quot;real&quot; destination it is an hour away, namely PV and to visit the town can pass 2-3 hours unless you stay for dinner. The RT taxi on our last trip was $70+USD plus tip.
Palmilla is nice and family oriented. One and Only is a little less family oriented, in my opinion, but the class-place in Cabo and closer to town. A rental car for 3-4 days may be worth it though Cabo itself is fun it is a lot of tourists shops plus several very good restaurants. But vendors serve the main point of shopping interest with moany shops carrying the same items.
In either Punta Mita or Cabo do not expect snorkeling unless seeing a few fish is enough for you.
We look carefully at a site map when selecting a villa. If you are too far from the activity you could be alone with the families on an island unless that is what you want.

The weather in Puerto Vallarta area is typically BEAUTIFUL in December and January. Rain would be quite rare.

I think you would love Punta de Mita and all the area has to offer. It is true that it is much quieter than Puerto Vallarta, and that is truly by choice. You have the best hotel facilities, great golf, great surf beaches, great authentic Mexican fishing villages, and wonderful restaurants along the beaches of El Anclote. There are plenty of beach activities, from panga tours over to the Marietas, to whale watching, scuba and skin diving, bird watching, deep sea fishing for tuna, jeep tours,shopping trips into PV. There is something for everyone...the weather is fabulous at that time of year and there is lots to do...you can check out the new luxury boutique hotel in Punta de Mita at www.hoteldesartistesdelmar.com