Amazing Puerto Vallarta All-inclusive Resorts

puerto-vallarta-mexico-opener — Photo: ©Douglas Peebles/Getty Images

You probably don’t need convincing that Mexico is amazing. In fact, one step into Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), with its cobblestone streets lined with cafes and boutiques, lively art scene, and traditional cuisine, will confirm that you’ll never, ever want to leave. So don’t — at least not for a while. Leave it to PV’s finest all-inclusive properties to take care of the basics, allowing for ample time to enjoy this coastal paradise without a care. Hugging the cerulean Bahía de Banderas (Banderas Bay), Puerto Vallarta is a sweet nook on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, offering travelers spectacular vistas, prime real estate for beach blankets, and even a thriving nightlife scene. It may be hard to believe that prior to the filming of The Night of the Iguana in the 1960s, when Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor’s love affair was in full swing (those looking to splurge can stay at Liz’s once-owned villa, Casa Kimberly), the town was merely a tiny fishing village. But Puerto Vallarta’s quaint history only adds to its charm, palpable in a stroll down the mile long El Malecón, a buzzing boardwalk rife with sculptures, street performers, souvenir shops, and some of the best restaurants and nightclubs in town. From there, head south to catch unmatched sunsets from Playa Los Muertos and its pier. Lest you forgot that PV is backed by verdant mountains, take a trip to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to admire exotic orchids and feed the hummingbirds. Many of the best all-inclusive resorts are well within reach of downtown and Marina Vallarta, an attraction in itself with harbor views and excellent shopping, just minutes from the airport. The neighboring towns of Nuevo Vallarta and Punta Mita in Nayarit have embraced the tourism spillover, with top-rated properties of their own. Wherever you decide to bed down on a trip to Puerto Vallarta, check in to one of these all-inclusives for the stress-free getaway of a lifetime.

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Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

Just 25 minutes north of downtown Puerto Vallarta, the 267-suite Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit sits on Banderas Bay. Families needing a break from everyday life can subject themselves to the Digital Detox program, where a Detox Concierge (yes, this exists) removes all electronic devices from the suite. In exchange, guests gain access to special tours and even facials and massages at the award-winning Spa at Grand Velas. The “Extreme Experience," on the other hand, gets you everything from the all inclusive rate (food and drink, access to kid and teen clubs, 24-hour personal concierge and suite service, and more), plus the opportunity to rappel down waterfalls, zipline through the jungle, and explore the Sierra Madre mountains. End the day with a 50-minute couples massage, also included in the package.

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Casa Velas

If serenity is what you’re after, check in to Casa Velas, an adults-only, 80-suite sanctuary that feels more like a private estate than an all-inclusive resort. The grounds are teeming with luxurious details: koi ponds, flourishing gardens, and fountains, while the suites are decorated with works by famed Mexican sculptor, Sergio Bustamante. Sip cocktails at the swim-up bar, or indulge in gourmet Mexican cuisine at Emiliano, all included in the room rate. The higher end suites even come equipped with terrace plunge pools or in-room jacuzzis. It's not a beachfront property, but Casa Velas does boast a private ocean club accessible by shuttle, complete with its own restaurant and infinity pool.

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Grand Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta

Situated on Banderas Bay just a short distance from PV’s Zona Romantica, each of the stunning Grand Fiesta Americana’s 443 whitewashed suites are filled with modern furnishings, rainfall showers, and spectacular ocean views. Be it for date night (this Fiesta Americana outpost is adults-only) or squeezing in a quick bite to fuel your night out, the resort has more than a dozen dining and drinking options to choose from, including a cevicheria and rooftop lounge with two Jacuzzis. Puerto Vallarta is no doubt one of Mexico’s best places to party, and look no further than the resort’s own pool, which often hosts themed events.

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Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa

Hotel Mousai’s sister property, albeit kid-friendly and a bit easier on the wallet, still delivers in the luxury department. Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa is located just 10 miles south of downtown, and is nestled on an 85-acre nature preserve, which offers guests a sense of seclusion. Opting for the “Ultra” suite package at this resort grants you a choice of a luxury experience to top off your stay — the “Sweetheart Treats” option, for example, includes sparkling wine upon check-in and a “bath butler." Other amenities include private beach access, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of activities for kids from crafting to snorkeling and photography lessons, all part of the all-inclusive plan.

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Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta

Where better to sample tequila than in its home state of Jalisco? Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta facilitates just that, with access to its tequila sommeliers built into the all-inclusive rate. Once you’ve decided on your spirit of choice, choose to lounge the day away on the property’s own private Las Estacas Beach, one of seven pools, or back at your swim-up suite, complete with unrivaled views of the Pacific. For dinner, travelers can nosh on esquites from one of the resort’s specialty food carts, or sip the daily margarita special from the on-site Casa Grande.

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Now Amber Puerto Vallarta

Located right on the beach is Secrets’ family-friendly sister property, Now Amber Puerto Vallarta. Take one look at the open-air lobby (which features stylish seating suspended above pools of water) and you’ll know your vacation has officially started. Need an escape from the squeals of youngsters also enjoying their stay? Adult guests are permitted to head next door and partake in Secrets’ ample dining options, or send the kids off to the Explorer’s Club and kick back with a beer from your swim-out suite’s well-stocked mini bar. Enjoy three heated pools, a private beach, themed parties, and even dance lessons.

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Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta

Travel like a true rock star when you upgrade to the Rock Royalty package at the palatial Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta. You'll get an on-call personal assistant, iron and shoe shine service, a complimentary couple’s massage, late checkout, access to an exclusive beach area, and more. Set the scene for your stay by downloading the curated playlist you’ll receive upon check-in, or rent an actual Fender guitar and take in-room video lessons — all part of the generous standard all-inclusive rate. Bonus? There are nightly concerts and a robust activities calendar, along with four restaurants and in-room liquor dispensers, all of which will give you a VIP experience, regardless of the upgrade.

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Hotel Mousai

This ultra-luxe adults-only escape — outfitted with Italian porcelain floors and modern amenities like iPad-powered lighting and curtains — beckons Puerto Vallarta’s most discerning travelers. Hotel Mousai’s all-inclusive rate includes the standard all you can eat and drink deal (with three top-notch dining options). But the lavish property is already impressive, thanks to the suite’s terraces, each boasting a hammock and jetted plunge pool. Upgrade to an “Ultra” suite for perks like butler service, complimentary access to the spa’s Hydrotherapy Ritual, and specialized aromatherapy and pillow menus. Laze at the rooftop infinity pool before heading out on a guided kayak tour to the Los Arcos rock formation: a mus-see while in town.

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Marival Residences Luxury Resort

Sure, all-inclusive resorts are a vacationing family’s dream. But Marival Residences in Nuevo Vallarta takes the typical “all you can eat and drink” package to another level with its Family Emotion program. The wide range of accommodations (two- or three-bedroom suites, penthouses, or private villas) are all spacious, and come with either ocean views or pool access, making it easy for the whole gang to hang out together after a long day filled with complimentary activities like tours and family picnics. Parents in need of some adults-only time can use the resort’s nanny service — and yes, that's included, too.

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Secrets Vallarta Bay

Each marble-floored suite of the primely-located, adults-only oceanfront Secrets Vallarta Bay serves as the perfect retreat after a day at El Malecón. Enjoy unlimited cocktails on your private terrace or balcony, or at the property's infinity pool before heading out on a culinary adventure through The Sip, Savor & See program. Guests can also access the restaurants at nearby Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta, (Now Amber Puerto Vallarta), and Sunscape Puerto Vallarta. Activities included in the room rate abound: green fees are comped at three area courses, shows at the open air theater, snorkeling, and beachfront yoga.

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Velas Vallarta

The 10-acre, 345-room Velas Vallarta’s spacious suites are perfect for large groups, as they're all equipped with kitchenettes or full kitchens and balconies designed for admiring the Sierra Madres. Glide down the lazy river, or unwind at one of three pools, enveloped by tropical gardens inhabited by iguanas and peacocks. If you find a reason to leave the property, Marina Vallarta is within walking distance. Plus, keep an eye out for promotions that allow kids to stay free in addition to the perks of the all-inclusive package, like nightly entertainment and free Wi-Fi.

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Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive & Spa

Bringing the kids, but still want to enjoy the perks of a Fiesta Americana all inclusive? Head north along the coast to find this long standing family-favorite. Let the little ones enjoy a full day of activities at the extensive Fiesta Kids Club, while you unwind at the Nakawé Spa. Treatments come at an additional fee, but a splurge on the Kai Doctor treatment (where tiny fish remove dead skin cells from your feet) might be worth it for sandal-ready soles. Each of the resort’s 291 rooms come with balconies offering mountain or ocean views, and the 11 restaurants and bars leave you wanting nothing more than a nap by the sprawling pool.

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Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway

While not exclusively an all-inclusive, Villa Premiere’s plan puts the standard rate to shame, with a 5-minute massage and glass of champagne upon check-in, and all meals and premium drinks included with no restrictions. The 83 well-appointed suites feature vibrant design elements, ocean-view balconies, luxury bath products, and even scent and pillow menus. Certainly, the option to retire to a Honey-scented room with “Pleasure” pillows help this hotel live up to its name. What’s more, the 24-hour butler service can arrange your romantic dinner, or even help with unpacking so you can nab a beachfront Balinese bed.

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