Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

Beach resorts can have a generic quality—wherever you are in the world, there’s an infinity pool surrounded by canopy beds and a swim-up bar serving mai tais. The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa features those familiar luxuries, but the resort also has a deep sense of place informed by Mexican culture. For example, the resort’s landscaping is inspired by the different biomes of the surrounding state of Jalisco. Turndown service features a locally-made handicraft to take home or a platter of Mexican confections. Guests can even book a private tequila tasting in the herb garden, surrounded by twinkling lights and chili plants.

The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is located in the Marina Vallarta neighborhood, with panoramic views of the geographic features that define the city: the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay. The resort’s 433 guest rooms and suites overlook the infinity pool and ocean, and each room has a private balcony or terrace. Room decor features soothing brown and blue tones, with floor-to-ceiling windows that give guests top-notch views of the area’s natural beauty.

Likewise, the hotel’s public spaces promote relaxation and highlight the gorgeous setting. Thanks to the open-air lobby, I had a view of the ocean from the moment I arrived. Swings, couches, and cozy nooks throughout the lobby provide space to unwind alone or connect with your travel companions. 

The resort’s infinity pool has a swim-up bar as well as submerged lounge chairs positioned so guests can watch the sunset without leaving the water. Reserve a Bali bed to lounge in style while sipping on a fresh coconut. On the adjacent beach, I sunk my toes into a cushion of white sand and read a book to a soundtrack of waves—I haven’t felt that relaxed in years. If guests want a more active beach experience, the activity center offers kayak and paddle boards, as well as bikes to explore beyond the resort. The resort’s most unique activity is available from June through November: a sea turtle rescue program to incubate hatchlings, which guests can release into the water.

The highlight of my stay was waking up early, wrapping myself in a plush robe, sitting on my balcony, and watching the changing light on the mountains as the sun rose. I could hear the rhythm of the waves below and feel the gentle ocean breeze, and the fuchsia-hued flowers lining my balcony added a joyful pop of color.

The resort has six unique restaurants serving Mexican, American, and Japanese fare. I started my days with the Mexican breakfast buffet at La Estancia, which offers an impressive spread of items including conchas, made-to-order quesadillas, chicken mole, pozole, and fresh fruit. For lunch, I enjoyed the ocean view and fish tacos at Las Casitas or had ceviche delivered to my beach chair from Nosh, the poolside bar. 

Other dining options include Deli Los Mangos, which serves grab-and-go pastries, sandwiches, and snacks, and the lobby’s Ceviche & Tequila bar, which boasts 180 different tequilas and a wide-ranging ceviche menu. Champions Sports Bar serves up comforting American classics, and the Japanese-themed Mikado offers teppanyaki cuisine in an elegant setting.

The resort’s Ohtli Spa is the largest spa in Puerto Vallarta, and guests can book services including massages, facials, and body treatments. I unwound with a deep tissue massage, arriving early to take advantage of the spa’s wellness area, which features hot and cold plunge baths, a steam room, and a sauna. Signature spa treatments include Janzu Rebirth Therapy performed in a pool of warm water to promote meditation and relaxation, and the Fire Ritual, which incorporates Mexican fire quartz and warm basalt stones.

The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa combines the luxurious amenities of an upscale beach resort with local charm. From your first glimpse of the mountains and ocean to your last sip of tequila, the resort celebrates what makes Puerto Vallarta such a special place.