Planning a family vacay to the Puerto Vallarta region on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, but not quite sure which luxury hotel resort to choose as the setting for this fabulous family excursion? Don’t stress. This week we’re giving you our top picks on the best family-friendly resorts in Puerto Vallarta - think epic pools, never-ending activities provided by the hotel team to keep your little ones entertained, and a multitude of restaurants to satisfy even the pickiest of tastebuds. Let’s get stuck in…
Photo Credit: DreamArt Photography
1. Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
Think Marriot Puerto Vallarta think bright and modern rooms, contemporary architecture, stunning ocean views, delectable dining experiences and a vast variety of amazing facilities.
Delight on typical Mexican classics at their Ceviche & Tequila Bar or at Las Casitas, and try an authentic flavour of Jalisco with their ‘Honest Kitchen’ concept, where ingredients, flavours and textures of regional products are honoured.
And don’t miss Nosh Sunset Bar + Bites! Home to the most beautiful sunsets in Puerto Vallarta, during the day enjoy seafood bites and refreshing cocktails, and at night indulge in live music and signature cocktails in their pre-dinner space.
Photo Credit: Marriott Puerto Vallarta
After feasting at one of 8 of Marriott Puerto Vallarta’s dining options, head to the Ohtli Spa and experience contemporary techniques with ancient healing traditions and treatments that will melt all of your stresses away.
As for the little ones, Marriott Puerto Vallarta offers a Kids Club outdoor heated pool that features water slides! So they’ll be entertained all day long whilst you take a dip in one of Marriott’s three different pools: the whirlpool, the infinity pool, or the adults indoor lap pool.
Nearby you can discover the local attractions of the region; Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral, Cuale River, Los Arcos - Underwater National Park, the Puerto Vallarta Sea Turtle Conservation Program, and many more!
Photo Credit: Marriott Puerto Vallarta
2. Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa
Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa consists of 327 luxury suites located in a tower overlooking Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madres. This AAA Four Diamond resort offers guests 11 restaurants and bars, award-winning service with their Unlimited-Luxury® experience, and an endless list of activities. This all-inclusive resort will certainly fulfil all your expectations.
Photo Credit: Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa
With live nightly entertainment, a Chef’s Table dining experience, weekly tours of the restaurant kitchens with small bites and dessert, dance and Spanish classes, and seasonally available turtle release and whale watching, there’s a diverse range of activities to keep you occupied.
Visit Dream’s Spa by Penovia and indulge in a chocolate body wrap, jojoba oil body exfoliation, an aromatherapy massage, wine-therapy massage, coffee seduction manicure/pedicure or a hydrotherapy circuit! Now that certainly sounds like the perfect start to any vacay if you ask us…
Photo Credit: DreamArt Photography
After a busy day of activities kick back and relax in Dreams’ luxury accommodation. With private, furnished terraces, swim out access to the pool and a fully fitted bathroom complete with hot tub, a life of luxury awaits you.
And as for keeping the family entertained, Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa offers not one, but two Kids Clubs! Explorers Club for kids aged 3-12 offering crafts, video games, and even a camping adventure, and Core Zone Teens Club for ages 13-17, featuring video games, social events, table games and activities.
3. Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
Another incredible choice of hotel, we have the Hyatt Ziva in Puerto Vallarta! With an exclusive beach, Las Estacas, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta features ocean view accommodation, 10 unique restaurants, bars and lounges, as well as seasonal opportunities for whale watching!
The accommodation at Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta is nothing short of luxury. With ocean or garden view rooms featuring rainfall showers, modern and stylish furniture and furnishings, and with some rooms even being ‘swim-up’! (That means your own lounge chairs an access to a semi-private pool right from your terrace).
Photo Credit: Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
Photo Credit: Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
In fact, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta offers five infinity pools and a pool for kids that all can enjoy. If you’re seeking a moment of tranquility take a dip in Hyatt Ziva’s adults only pool or soak in the scenic infinity hot tub. And why not treat yourself to a cheeky pina colada at the swim-up bar overlooking Banderas Bay? It is all-included after all ;)
And of course there is a wide selection of live entertainment and activities on offer; from spectacular acrobatic performances, fun themed parties, incredible interpretations of Mexican folklore, or sightseeing via kayak, you won’t be short of things to do. Bring the family with you or let them have their own fun at Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta’s KidZ Club!
4. Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa
This stunning resort is located on Banderas Bay, just minutes south of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This area boasts soft white sand beaches and swimmable waters, and backs onto the luscious Sierra Madre jungle. You’ll even have access to a beautiful Blue Flag certified beach nearby the Garza Blanca resort.
Photo Credit: Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa
And the design of this hotel is certainly not underwhelming. Consisting of 156 suites, 7 Penthouses and 2 Grand Penthouses situated directly on the beach or cascading down the side of the mountain, merging with the luscious natural landscape.
So, the Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa is certainly stunning and ideally located, but how perfect is it for families? Well with daily activities for kids and adults, and an all-inclusive plan, there’ll certainly be a lot to do! And if you’re in need of a day to yourself without the little ones then make sure you try Garza Blanca’s Kids’ Club! Their team receives kids aged 4 to 12 and provides hours of fun and creative activities, so you can enjoy your me-time with no worries! More info about the Kids Club activities on Garza Blanca Puerto Vallarta’s website…
Photo Credit: Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa
And while your little ones are having a blast at the Kids Club why not try a Wine or Tequila Tasting from the comfort of your hotel! Or if you’re a whizz in the kitchen and want to experience a taste of traditional Mexico, don’t miss Garza Blanca’s ‘Catch of the Day’, a gourmet activity where you can watch one of Garza Blanca’s talented chefs prepare ceviche with freshly caught fish and a secret ingredient…
You can then purchase fresh fish by the kilo and schedule the chef to prepare it however you prefer, and then eat it wherever and whenever you like!
Or, if you’re more of an activity person and looking to let off some steam get stuck into all things snorkelling, outdoor tennis and squash, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding and more!
At Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta, there’s plenty of activities and facilities for the whole family, so you can really focus on making quality memories with your family, having the most fun possible in stunning Mexico.
5. Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive & Spa
At this all-inclusive resort get ready to feast your eyes on an impressive array of facilities to make this your best vacay-yet.
Photo Credit: Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta
Activities & Facilities:
With this resort’s perfect location in the Hotel Zone of Puerto Vallarta, you are a stones throw from activities such as diving in Los Arcos Marine Park, or exploring the city’s diverse craft market. If you’re a golf fan there are various championship fields located within walking distance of the hotel, or if you’re more of a nature type, soak in the natural beauty of the Botanical Garden of Vallarta or get involved in an immersive bird watching excursion, diving or scuba diving in the Natural Reserve of the Arches.
But if you’re looking for the ultimate relaxed vacay and aren’t fussed about leaving the resort, there’s really no need at Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta! With the Fiesta Kids Club and Teens Club, the kids will all be entertained whilst you can relax and unwind at the rooftop SONNE Beach Club (for adults only!) or take a trip to the Nakawè Spa for the ultimate pamper day - you can even enjoy a couple’s massage.
Wondering about all the delicious dishes that will accompany your vacation and become your hyper-fixation food memory? Luckily Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta offers 6 different dining options for you to choose from. Fancying some seafood? Don’t miss the freshest taste of Mexico at La Cevichería. Or, for those looking for something a bit more Mediterranean we recommend Rosato, where you’ll be able to sample Mediterranean plates with an Italian touch.
Or, for the full culinary experience make sure you book a meal at the VIP Chef’s table and enjoy a gastronomical spectacle as your food is made in front of you!
Wherever you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy the five-star bars and restaurants on offer for you with a spectacular view of the sea.
And the rooms are no exception to the life of luxury and lavishness you will experience at Fiesta Americana. With marble floors, classic and elegant furniture and furnishings with modern accents, and all rooms offering breathtaking views of the ocean or mountains from your very own balcony or private terrace.
Photo Credit: Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta
Photo Credit: DreamArt Photography
6. One&Only Mandarina - Puerto Vallarta
This incredible resort close to the Punta Mita is nestled within a new, intimate community on a rare, undeveloped coastline along the Riviera Nayarit.
Photo Credit: One&Only Mandarina
Here, the whole family can bask in the relaxing and tranquil vibe of Mother Nature that is at the very heart of this hotel resort.
At One&Only Mandarina your little one’s dreams of living amongst the treetops can become reality, as your accommodation for this vacation is an eco-designer treehouse, complete with a private terrace and a plunge pool that can be found 12-metres above volcanic rocks and trees.
Photo Credit: One&Only Mandarina
The best part about it? One&Only Mandarina follows a conservation philosophy with an architectural design that blends with nature rather than imposing on it. In the process of building their treehouses and villas, no trees were erased, but instead replanted to protect the earth’s natural resources. So you can leave this vacation with a clear conscience and the feeling that your kids have had a truly organic experience of nature and the wider world!
As well as this, One&Only Mandarina has plenty of attractions and activities to please both the kids and the adults! From their 42,000 square foot playground designed by award winning art director Brigitte Broch, which features jungle tree houses, hanging bridges and slides, climbing walls and nature trails, to action-packed adventures at sea such as kayaking, scuba diving and more.
There’s even a range of foodie experiences available for all you wanna-be chefs! Learn how to make an authentic Mexican taco from scratch or be introduced to some unique spirits in one of One&Only Mandarina’s culinary courses. There’s even celebrity chefs ready to chef you up a storm at this hotel resort…
Photo Credit: DreamArt Photography
And there we have it! A few of our favourite family-friendly hotels in the Puerto Vallarta region. And don’t forget, even though we don’t have photography lounges at these hotels, it doesn’t mean you can’t get your hands on those incredible vacay shots you were after. We can come to you at whichever resort you choose to stay at across the Puerto Vallarta area! Get ready for dreamy vacation pics in 3, 2, 1…