Spring Break Destination Decision: Punta Mita vs. St. Maarten

Spring Break for my kids is just a few weeks away, and we’re going on a cruise. Can’t wait! But that means Spring Break 2026 is only a year away, so for me that means it’s time to plan and start looking at award flights.

Next year, we’re planning to return to Switzerland in the summer and tack on a few days in London. For Spring Break, my family has brainstormed a few ideas including:

• Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
• Universal Epic Universe, Florida
• Branson, Missouri
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (repeat trip)
• “Anywhere I can jet ski” (oldest kid)

I’ve been wanting to visit Dollywood and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area for years. However, I also like to visit a warm beach once a year, and Switzerland and London won’t give us that experience. We’ve visited a lot of Florida beaches in the past, and we’re looking for something a bit different. So, I’ve narrowed Spring Break 2026 down to two beach destinations: Punta Mita, Mexico and St. Maarten (island in the Caribbean).

Punta Mita, Mexico

My family visited Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in 2016 (see my trip report here). We stayed at an all-inclusive resort (which is now part of Hyatt). While we loved the pools and views from the resort, the beach area left a lot to be desired. Punta Mita is a smaller town about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, and from what I’ve read, the beaches are far superior to those in Puerto Vallarta proper.

Pros of Picking Punta Mita:

• We can fly nonstop from DFW on American Airlines or Frontier in less than 3 hours
• Even if we can’t use miles for flights, the cost of flights isn’t outrageous
• Using hotel points is an option (Grand Palladium Vallarta with Wyndham Rewards points, Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort using World of Hyatt points)
• Plenty of condo/home rentals are available with ocean views
• Tennis, jet skiing, pools and beach clubs available

Cons of Picking Punta Mita:

• Prices of hotels/home rentals/food are on the expensive side compared to other destinations
• Ocean water is not as clear/turquoise as some Caribbean beaches

St. Maarten, Caribbean

I’ve been to St. Maarten twice on cruises, but only stayed for the day. On our first visit, my family fell in love with Mullet Bay Beach as part of an all-day private tour. The second time I visited on a cruise with my sister, I returned to Mullet Bay Beach for the day. The water at the this beach is very hard to beat! And, there are many condo rentals nearby.

Pros of St. Maarten:

• The beaches are amazing! Swimmable, clear water
• Cost of condo rentals with ocean views are budget-friendly compared to other beach destinations
• Easy public ferry for day trip to picturesque Anguilla
• Tennis, jet skis, pools, beach clubs

Cons of St. Maarten:

• No nonstop flights from DFW. Flight time is at least 7 hours with a layover.
• Flights are more expensive than flights to Puerto Vallarta (although still plenty of options for award flights)
• Lack of all-inclusive resorts (not necessarily a con though)

Have you been to Punta Mita or St. Maarten? What is your favorite beach destination in the USA, Mexico or the Caribbean?