This week we’re stepping away from our usual stomping grounds of the Riviera Maya and Los Cabos…welcome to Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit! A stunning coastal area in Western Mexico, home to the luscious Sierra Madre jungle and boasting a picturesque beach surrounded by mountains, Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit is the perfect spot for a luxurious vacation! Take a read of our top-pick of hotels in this stellar location and get inspired to start planning the Mexican vacation of your dreams…
Photo credit: DreamArt Photography
St Regis Punta de Mita
Vibe: Classic, boutique authentic Mexican experience
Guests: Children welcome
Type: European Plan
The St. Regis Punta de Mita, a part of the renowned Marriott group, promises exceptional service and high-quality amenities to ensure a memorable stay. From deluxe guest rooms boasting breathtaking ocean views to opulent three-bedroom Beachfront Presidential Villas, the hotel offers the perfect accommodation for your every need. With a little over a hundred exquisite hotel rooms, you can be sure to enjoy an unforgettable stay in comfort and classic elegance.
Every room is thoughtfully designed, complete with high-quality upholstered chairs and luxurious marble fittings in the bathroom. Enjoy a warm and stylish decor that will make you feel right at home. And for those who want to take their relaxation to the next level, booking a Villa means having exclusive access to your very own whirlpool on a private patio - the perfect way to unwind after exploring all that Punta de Mita has to offer.
Photo credit: St Regis Punta Mita
What we love about it:
Golf carts and bikes are available for you to get around the spacious grounds at this hotel! And if you're a fan of golf, don't miss out on playing at the award-winning courses that have made it to the list for Best Golf Courses in Mexico. Designed by renowned American golfer Jack Nicklaus, the two 18-hole courses offer a challenging yet enjoyable experience for players of all levels.
If golf isn't your cup of tea, fret not as there are plenty of exciting activities to keep you occupied in Punta Mita. Dive into the depths of El Morro and Los Anegados and explore their hidden caves, reefs, and rock formations through scuba diving. For a more laid-back adventure, take a bike tour around the scenic Punta Mita area. And if you're an animal lover, don't miss out on the opportunity to participate in a baby turtle release program - a heartwarming experience that will leave you feeling fulfilled. Awww.
The Dining Experience:
Whatever you choose, St. Regis Punta Mita has got you covered with an array of delicious dining options to fuel your vacation activities. Indulge in the best of Mexican flavors at the award-winning Carolina restaurant, which boasts a prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award. Alternatively, try out 'Sea Breeze Restaurant & Bar' for a taste of Latin or European-inspired cuisine that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. For a more laid-back dining experience that matches the beachy vibes, head over to Mita Mary Boat Bar & Bistro and savor their food-truck-style dishes of fresh fish and shellfish while soaking up the sun on the beachfront. With so many mouth-watering options available, dining at St. Regis Punta de Mita is a culinary adventure not to be missed!
Photo by St. Regis Punta Mita
Photo credit: St Regis Punta Mita
St. Regis Punta Mita is the perfect, authentic and tranquil destination for any family or couple getaways. The hotel can even provides you with personal butler service so that every aspect of your stay is taken care of to the highest standard.
5 star reviews for a 5 star resort…
Hotel W
Vibe: Artistic, trendy, Mexican-haven
Guests: Children welcome
Type: European Plan
The Setting:
If you're in search of an Instagram-worthy hotel for your Mexican vacation, look no further than this stunning artistic hotel inspired by the Huichol Indians of the region.
Photo credit: Hotel W
What we love about it:
From the incredible blue and green mosaic ‘Camino Huichol’ walkway of their main pool ‘WET’, where more than 700,000 tiles pay homage to the Huichol indigenous people of the area, to the more geometric blue tiles of the private pool in their suites, this resort is anything but your standard luxury resort. The resort's unique touches like hammock-style hanging chairs mixed with an authentic jungle setting add an extra level of comfort and charm to your stay.
Photo credit: Hotel W
The decor at Hotel W is bright and vibrant, and we love it. From bold murals painted in the bedrooms to quaint traditional decorations, this hotel is a feast for the eyes.
This hotel is certainly unique and full of colour and life; your motto for this vacation definitely will be “viva la vida”.
At the pool, sunbathe the day away in one of the Bubble cabañas, or on a chaise lounge, and sip on your favourite cocktail as you enjoy the musical vibe the resident DJ is bringing.
The Dining Experience:
Get ready for a tropical tasty feast at Spice Market Punta de Mita as you sample dishes with flavours from Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia in this intimate restaurant, providing calming silhouettes from the mosaic pillars and fairy lights, and nooks draped in tapestries. Or, push the boat out at Table 1, an International Kitchen located on Hotel W’s private island in the centre of a spring-fed lake where you can experience an unforgettable seven-course dinner. From king crab tartare with green gazpacho to lobster cannelloni with foie gras you really can eat like a king/queen.
Photo credit: Hotel W
Stay in Hotel W’s Wonderful Escape rooms with a Jungle View and enjoy a polished wooden balcony or terrace, a 48-inch Samsung Smart TV with Netflix streaming and a MixBar and Nespresso coffee machine. Relax and recuperate on your king size bed, decorated with a traditional Mexican bedspread, and enjoy a long hot soak in the freestanding soaking tub in your open-concept bathroom, which also feature a double vanity and walk-in rain shower. Yes please!
Photo credit: Hotel W
If you’re looking for more space Hotel W’s Oasis Suite with an oceanfront view is the perfect option. Feel the striking designs and bohemian beach culture in the living space, bedroom and granite finished bathroom, and even enjoy your very own open-air patio with a jacuzzi! Ultimate vacay vibes in 3, 2, 1…
Here’s what guests are saying:
One & Only Mandarina
Vibe: Eco-chic paradise
Guests: Children welcome
Type: European Plan
Photo credit: One&Only
The Setting:
Located in an ‘intimate’ new community found in a rare, undeveloped coastline along the Riviera Nayarit, the One & Only Mandarina hotel offers ‘unparalleled seclusion’ with their signature ‘One&Only atmosphere’. And with this hotel being surrounded by rainforest, lapped by ocean and framed by mountains, it’s the perfect hotel for any destination getaway. This hotel even boasts a swimmable white-sand beach!
And the accommodation at this resort is certainly not average. All room types at this stunning hotel follow the organic style of the environment that surrounds it: dark, rustic woods, beachy cream linens, and modern stone and metal accents… and there’s an option to please everyone!
Choose from a luxurious tree-house (yes you read it correctly), a stunning cliff villa, the grand villas, signature villas or the villa one. If you’re a bigger group or family, you might want to opt for the ‘Grand Villa’ or ‘Signature Villa’, as the Grand Villa sleeps upwards of 4 people and the Signature Villa 16 guests.
Photo credit: One&Only
What we love about it:
With sea and rainforest views, take a dip in your private pool and soak in the tranquil-eco vibes that this rainforest resort offers. The One&Only’s Signature Villas come with the option of a full-screen cinema, jacuzzi, BBQ and a firepit. Signature Villa guests will even get treated to an in-villa chef for two meal periods (is this heaven?), a 60 minute in-villa personal training session, a complimentary in-villa yoga session, four complimentary bottles of spirits, complimentary bottles of red wine and white wine and rosé (2 bottles of each!), so you really are in for the ultimate pamper-experience.
If instead you’re looking for the ultimate jungle experience, why not book one of One&Only’s luxury treehouses? Our favourite is the ‘Panoramic Ocean Treehouse’ which offers incredible views of both the rainforest and the Pacific Ocean. The floors, walls and ceilings of your luxury treehouse are carved in local Cumaru wood, but always with nature in minde - the One&Only made sure to replant any trees used to ensure Mother Nature’s natural resources are preserved!
The Dining Experience:
Looking for some delicious food to match the perfect vibes this vacation? The One&Only’s internationally renowned chefs Olivier Deboise and Enrique Olvera certainly won’t disappoint. At Carao restaurant, chef Enrique Olvera uses authentic Mexican ingredients with an artistic twist to offer a refreshing take on Mexican classes. At Alma restaurant you can enjoy Pan-American and Mediterranean cuisines with a garden-to-plate ethos. Last but not least, the Jetty Beach Club offers a fix of fresh seafood as you look out onto the serene blue of the Pacific Ocean. Finish off the evening with a cocktail at the stunning ‘Treetop’ bar and enjoy a Tequila Sunrise as you watch the sunset over Mandarina Mexico.
Photo credit: One&Only
This resort also offers a wealth of activities to help you make the most of all Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit has to offer. Watch humpback whales, discover volcanic reefs during a private dining course, fish with an expert local fisherman, get involved in an authentic Mexican cooking class or try a true flavor of Mexican culture with a tequila and mezcal tasting. Your vacation truly can be catered to you at the One&Only resort.
If you don’t believe us…
Hotel Mousai
Vibe: the ultimate contemporary, luxury, all-inclusive experience
Guests: Adults Only
Type: All-Inclusive
This Mexican-jungle paradise, located just a stones throw from the beautiful sandy beach and blues of the Pacific Ocean, is an adults-only hotel and the first and only AAA 5 Diamond rated resort in Vallarta.
The Setting:
Hotel Mousai is like a contemporary art museum - ‘an explosion of innovation’. This stunning resort welcomes you to experience its brand through its bold yet tasteful touches of purple, red, and gold in its suites. These bright hues are designed to evoke emotion and a sense of sensual luxury. The elegant gold and stainless steel finishes, all tied together by the sliding glass doors leading onto the expansive terrace, provide panoramic views of Puerto Vallarta’s stunning natural greenery and ocean views. Come and indulge in the splendor of Hotel Mousai.
Photo credit: Hotel Mousai
Elevate your vacation experience at Hotel Mousai's North and South Towers, where guests can enjoy exceptional 360-degree of Puerto Vallarta's stunning surroundings from a soaring height of 112m above sea level, all from the comfort of their own rooms. Each tower boasts unique facilities such as individual gyms and restaurants, adding to the exclusivity of your stay. And with the resort's main wealth of facilities accessible by trolley-service, you can effortlessly explore all that this impressive resort has to offer.
The Dining Experience: Get ready for a culinary adventure at Hotel Mousai, where over 10 top-rated restaurants and bars await you. Indulge your taste buds with contemporary Chinese cuisine and lounge vibes at Dao, perched high between the towers with breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest. For a beautiful partnership of delicious Italian dishes and modern art, head to Noi. And for those looking for a sizzling steak experience paired with a range of wines that perfectly complement each dish, Bocado Steakhouse is a must-try. Don't forget to check out the rooftop bars in both the North and South towers for stunning views while enjoying your favourite snacks and cocktails. At Hotel Mousai, culinary excellence meets breathtaking scenery for an unforgettable dining experience.
Photo credit: Hotel Mousai
What we love about it:
At Hotel Mousai, experience the ultimate in luxury with the highest quality facilities set against an unbeatable backdrop. With a rooftop infinity pool, panorama infinity pool and a gym all with ocean views, your stay at this stunning resort will be filled with that unmistakable feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation that only comes with a truly unforgettable vacation.
And it shows in the reviews. Hotel Mousai has endless 5 star TripAdvisor reviews, with guests praising the high food quality, the excellent customer service, as well as the exceptional facilities. Many guests even commend staff members by name (now that’s how you know it’s good).
Conrad Punta de Mita
Vibe: Luxury, inspired beachside resort
Guests: Children welcome
Type: European Plan
The Setting: Escape to a world of luxury and adventure at Conrad Punta de Mita, an exceptional hotel that's part of the renowned Hilton group. From seasonal experiences to exciting activities, there's always something new to explore here. And now, for a limited time only until March 31st, you can witness an otherworldly art exhibit featuring wire sculptures inspired by ancient Mexican heritage and symbolism, created by the acclaimed artistic duo behind Mascaras de Alambre. Don't miss your chance to immerse yourself in this unique cultural experience during your stay at Conrad Punta de Mita.
Photo credit: Conrad Punta de Mita
What we love about it:
Conrad provides guests with a unique list of experiences such as the temazcal ceremony (a sacred tradition of the Huichols of western Mexico), where a local healer will guide you through this ancient tradition. Experience tequila, mezcal, raicilla and sotol tasting with an agave expert at Conrad’s Agave Studio, or enjoy a private party on the beach where you will experience the ancestral culinary rituals of the Mexican Pacific. Fishermen will arrive with the fresh catch of the day and share a drink with you as Conrad’s culinary team prepares the seafood. Does it get much better than this?!
If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie, trying the exhilarating zip line just minutes from Conrad resort, where you can witness the wonders of the Riviera Nayarit rainforest from a bird's-eye point of view. And if heights aren't your thing, why not explore the breathtaking countryside on horseback? Take a leisurely ride through jungle trails and discover the picturesque beaches of the Mexican Pacific in a unique and unforgettable way.
The Dining Experience:
The Dining Experience waiting for you at Conrad Punta de Mita is a magical one. Sit back and take in the relaxing vibes of the Mexican Pacific as Conrad Punta de Mita’s culinary team strive to create authentic, bold and inspired dishes that honour the region. Choose from succulent seafood dishes at Codex, a restaurant inspired by an ancient Aztec manuscript. Enjoy a seasonal menu of grilled favourites at Mesquite and dine under the star-studded sky. At Tree delight in bold, flavours, a colourful presentation and a welcoming atmosphere of their abundant breakfast buffet and a la carte breakfast and dinner - think homemade tortillas, lobster tamales and aschilaquiles. Finally grab a quick poolside bite at ‘Palette’, a light menu for family dining at noon, with delicious hand-tossed pizzas, traditional tacos, poke bowls, fresh ceviche, gourmet burgers and more. Bon appétit!
Photo credit: Conrad Punta de Mita
And don’t forget to have a try of Conrad Punta de Mita’s local coffee shop Hummingbird Roasting Co! Offering sustainably sourced and locally roasted coffee, delicious treats and take-out homemade pastries, it is the perfect option for your afternoon sweet treat.
The decor at the Conrad is a world of modern contemporary elegance, with a soothing palette of blue and earthy tones that reflect the ocean and nature setting that surrounds this hotel. Its bright and airy interior, with stylish wooden accents reminiscent of a beachfront retreat, really bring the outdoors in here.
All of the Conrad’s rooms feature 55 inch flat-screen TVs, Nespresso coffee machines and a private balcony. If you fancy a private plunge pool why not stay in one of Conrad’s Signature Suites? The extra space and minibar that is restocked daily with water, soft drinks and beer is enough to convince us!
Photo credit: Conrad Punta de Mita
For a relaxing vacation, don’t forget to reserve a private cabaña! Located at the adults-only pool, these luxurious cabañas offer everything you need for a day of pure bliss. Lounge on two shaded sun-loungers or soak up the sun on two submerged sun-loungers within the pool. Enjoy a selection of drinks from the minibar, along with a basket of Mexican snacks and a seasonal fruit plate to satisfy your cravings.
Photo credit: DreamArt Photography
And there you have it - our top 5 picks for the most luxurious hotels in Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit!
If you’re thinking of vacationing at this stunning mountainous ocean paradise soon, then make sure to book a photoshoot with us and get incredible photos to remember your stay for a lifetime!