One of the most irresistible destinations in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta offers it all, from lush greenery, idyllic beaches, and water sports to mouthwatering cuisine at top restaurants, with fare that includes everything from authentic street tacos to homemade Mexican dishes. Yet despite its popularity, the city still retains its local charm and distinct culture with cobbled streets where you might enjoy musicians playing drums or even encounter the flying Panpantla men participating in an ancient traditional dance.
It’s also home to quite a few impressive hotels that provide a luxurious base for enjoying it all, including 5-star properties. If you’re looking for the best of the best, you’ll want to book one of these hotels.
Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta
Nestled along powdered sugar-like sands in a jungle mountain preserve and considered to be one of the best resorts in Puerto Vallarta, the luxurious Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta offers a swanky high-end stay with a wide range of upscale amenities. There are three beautiful infinity pools, while paddleboards, snorkels, and kayaks are available for fun in the bay. Organized activities like bird-watching tours and hiking can be enjoyed, while the lavish spa is the perfect place to refresh afterward. Dining can be enjoyed at Bocados, an American-style steakhouse, or Blanca Blue, a seafood eatery. Rooms and suites are spacious, including options with three bedrooms and over 4,200 square feet of living space, complete with kitchens and whirlpool tubs. All have private balconies or terraces with hammocks.
One&Only Mandarina
Located along the Riviera Nayarit coast less than an hour from Puerto Vallarta’s airport, the One&Only Mandarina offers the ultimate in privacy and seclusion. It’s nestled among lush emerald cliffs and rainforest, providing accommodation in free-standing villas and treehouses spread throughout 80 acres of dense jungle canopy. All provide open-air living and were designed to maximize views of the ocean with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and massive sliding doors leading to balconies. There are two beaches, one that’s swimmable year-round, multiple infinity pools, and a world-class spa inspired by ancient healing practices. Yoga classes are available, and there are miles of picturesque hiking and biking trails too. Dining can be enjoyed at four open-air restaurants and a treetop bar overlooking the Pacific.
Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta
An adults-only, all-inclusive property and one of the world’s best hotels with swim-up suites, Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta is ideal for romance-seeking couples, including honeymooners. It sits on a beach with golden sands edging the Pacific, just minutes from the Malecon (waterfront promenade). Complimentary kayaks and snorkeling gear are included, and there are three ocean-view outdoor pools, one with a swim-up bar. The massive on-site spa has indoor pools, too, along with a wide variety of treatments, including many luxe options for couples. Unlimited premium alcoholic beverages are included while dining features everything from Pan-Asian cuisine to elegant French fare. All rooms come with private balconies, some with ocean views, swim-up pools, and whirlpool tubs.
Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa
As a sister resort to Secrets, when you stay at Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa, you’ll have access to the amenities at both resorts. This top-rated all-inclusive Puerto Vallarta resort is family-friendly with lots of luxuries and perks for the kids and teens who have their own unique programs, from making crafts and baking cookies to a rock climbing wall and bungee trampoline. There’s a private beach and a beautiful outdoor pool, and guests enjoy free access to the spa facilities, including a Swiss shower, acupressure shower, hot tubs, a sauna, and a steam cabin. Dining options include four à la carte restaurants, a buffet eatery, a grill, and a cafe, while rooms have terraces or balconies with ocean, pool, or garden views.
Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway Puerto Vallarta
If you prefer a more intimate stay with personalized service rather than a sprawling resort, you might want to consider the boutique all-inclusive Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway. This award-winning 5-star property is renowned for its exceptional service with an adults-only resort atmosphere that offers the opportunity for many romantic moments. You’ll get a glass of welcome champagne upon arrival, while a white sandy beach will be just steps from your room, all of which include private balconies with bay views. Some have rooftop terraces with hot tubs and hammocks too. There are two pools, a spa, and seasonal themed dinners with live music that can be enjoyed too.
Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta
Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta is a luxury boutique resort and the only adults-only option in the heart of the Garza Blanca Preserve, offering stunning views of the bay and the mountains and one of the most beautiful resort pools in Mexico. Dining is outstanding, with the primary restaurant serving Japanese fare with a breathtaking water view. There’s a gorgeous beach and two chic rooftop infinity pools, while the on-site Imagine Spa has a full range of hydrotherapy and aromatherapy treatments, massages, and beauty services like manis and pedis, along with saunas and plunge pools. Rooms include private terraces with jaw-dropping views over Banderas Bay or the mountains, large HDTVs and entertainment centers, iPad-controlled lighting and electronics, Nespresso machines, and robes and slippers.
Conrad Punta de Mita
A magnificent beachfront resort along the Riviera Nayarit just outside of Puerto Vallarta where the jungle meets the sea, Conrad Punta de Mita offers a secluded beach while all rooms and suites come with spectacular ocean views – some have their own private plunge pools too. It’s an excellent place for a stress-melting wellness getaway in Mexico that can include everything from snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, kayaking, sailing, and whale watching to temazcal ceremonies and blissful therapies at the spa, which includes a whirlpool and sauna. There are seven different restaurants focused on elevated Mexican recipes with healthy options available, and romantic private dinners can be enjoyed too.
W Punta de Mita
The most exclusive resort community in the Riviera Nayarit area, W Punta de Mita was inspired by local Huichol folklore, offering a fun and lively atmosphere with rooms that feature surfboard headboards, neon Acapulco rockers, and many luxe amenities, including iHomes, fully-stocked minibars, Nespresso machines Smart TVs and free bottled water. All have private outdoor terraces and bathrooms with deep soaking tubs. The Wet Deck is the pool area that includes a large pool, two hot tubs, free cabanas, hanging swings, and loungers, along with stunning beach views. The soft sands extend for miles and include free loungers and cabanas. Kayaks and boogie boards are available to rent. A spa, fitness center, and three outstanding restaurants are all on-site, with the signature eatery serving highly-rated South Asian street food.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Located on a miles-long beach, ideal for walking and enjoying a variety of water sports with complimentary boogie boards and snorkeling gear included, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit provides an all-inclusive retreat along the Riviera Nayarit coast. One of the best family-friendly resorts in Mexico, there are separate clubs for the kids and teens, with everything from sandcastle building to pool tables and video games. The spa offers holistic treatments, an ice room, hydrotherapy, and plunge pools, and it even includes a kids’ spa. Daily Pilates, Zumba, yoga, and Polynesian dance classes are available too. At the heart of the property, there’s a huge three-tiered infinity pool, with poolside service included. All rooms are suites and come with many amenities like Nespresso machines, pillow menus, iHomes, flat-screen TVs, well-stocked minibars, robes, and slippers.
Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta
Located right on a pristine, white sandy beach in the tranquil Nuevo Vallarta enclave where lavish homes have private docks with elegant yachts, the Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta is an all-inclusive property with two large free-form pools, a kids’ pool, and three whirlpools. Complimentary kayaking is available along with a variety of outdoor adventures like whale watching, sailing, dolphin swims, surfing lessons, jungle biking, hiking, and horseback riding. There’s an ocean-view spa for some pampering afterward and an amphitheater with live entertainment and bar service. Dining can be enjoyed at four different restaurants serving everything from Brazilian and Italian to Asian and international fare. All rooms come with double-jetted tubs by the beds, stocked minibars, wine and liquor dispensers, and French balconies with views of the ocean or lush grounds.
