WHERE TO STAY
The Westin Resort & Spa
THE WESTIN RESORT & SPA, PUERTO VALLARTA
Arriving at The Westin Resort & Spa – one of the properties that hosted us – feels like an event. You’ll spot a cascading waterfall from the car on your drive in. What we loved the most about our stay here was how the hotel felt seamlessly integrated into the natural world. When you step into the lobby with soaring ceilings, you’ll be greeted with a tree as a centerpiece in the sunlight-filled lobby. A waterfall feature is located in the open-air hall on the way to the elevators that will take you to your room. Guest rooms include wood features throughout. The bathrooms are outfitted with wood columns and deep marble soaking tubs. Tiled showers have rainfall showerheads. Our room faced the ocean and included a patio and sliding glass door with sweeping views of the nearby beach. We propped open the door during our first afternoon to listen to the soothing sounds of the waves crashing on the sand.
The Westin Resort & Spa
Our absolute favorite feature here was the happening pools. There was one for families and another for adults that had a heavenly swim-up bar where we enjoyed more than a few beverages. The pools are mere steps from the ocean and are surrounded by tall palm trees. We relaxed in the pool, read a book on the lounge chairs and then headed back to the pools. The Westin brand also has a strong wellness focus and healthy offerings abound. Outdoor morning yoga just before sunrise on the grass with the ocean as the backdrop was a sublime way to start the day. We loved the green matcha pancakes that we had for breakfast. Our tofu salad was fresh, crisp and a refreshing lunch-time treat. We paired it with the resort’s epic and large guacamole. We also enjoyed a truly relaxing massage at the property’s on-site spa. Before and after our treatment, we took a dip in the spa pool and spent time inside the steam room and sauna.
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
MARRIOTT PUERTO VALLARTA RESORT & SPA
Sipping Tajin-rimmed margaritas from the swim-up bar at the oversized infinity pool filled with blue water overlooking the ocean at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa was downright heavenly. Other choice drink options include beverages served in a hallowed-out coconut that can also be enjoyed in the pool. And that was just the beginning of stellar culinary options at this modern hotel.
Nosh at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
Located beside the pool, the two-story Nosh Sunset & Bites offered stellar beach and pool views alongside fresh-from-the-ocean seafood like the fresh tuna ceviche. One night, we enjoyed a fabulous dinner alfresco at the open-air Las Casitas. Each course was better than the last. The meal kicked off with crunchy dry noodles served with chipotle avocado, cream, fresh cheese and continued with fried pasilla chile, fresh chayote salad, beefsteak with blue cheese and roasted jalapeno lobster tail and churros served with cajeta and vanilla ice cream. Another restaurant on property is Mikado, a hibachi and sushi restaurant. Enjoy lobster, filet mignon and ribeye cooked over live flames and watch the chefs put on a dinner and a show at this Japanese restaurant. This Marriott also has a special conservation program dedicated to sea turtles and has helped thousands of hatchlings survive. Hatching is from June to December, and you might be able to see these animals during these months. Ask the hotel’s concierge about this program.
WHAT TO DO
Downtown Puerto Vallarta
DOWNTOWN PUERTO VALLARTA
Stroll along the malecon boardwalk is a must-do when in Puerto Vallarta. The ocean is on one side of you and a slew of colorful shops (like the Rolling Stones Leather where you can find boots, belts and jackets all made in leather), bars and restaurants are on the other side. Walking through the municipal market is a colorful, lively experience. Stroll past vendors selling everything from clothing to fresh produce at the Mercado Municipal Rio Caule market that’s open every day of the year.
Downtown Puerto Vallarta
Don’t miss the Church of Our Lady Guadalupe. The church is an iconic symbol of the city. Step inside and admire the towering ceilings, white columns and gold altar. Nearby the church is Casa Kimberly – the former resident of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton – that’s now a hotel. There’s even a “love bridge” or Puente del Amor that connected their two separate villas that you can see from the street. Downtown is also home to a thriving arts scene. Find galleries aplenty. If you’re unsure of where to start, maps around town for the Vallarta ArtWalk are displayed all over and list many of them. We also loved seeing brightly colored public art throughout. Visit puertovallartaartwalk.com for more information.
Canopy River
CANOPY RIVER
Our group took a hike through the jungle that wound up at a rushing waterfall with Canopy River. Although we couldn’t go in the water since it was too forceful following a rainfall, we loved the feeling of being in the jungle. We saw many butterflies flying through the air and even spotted a familiar Arizona animal, a tiny scorpion. On the way back, we watched others soar high in the sky on a tall and long zipline. After our hike, it was time to relax. Canopy River is home to an outdoor bar located near the beginning of the trail with a stunning jungle view where we downed beers – we opted for a Corona, naturally – with the lush green trees all around. Canopy River also features a stunning infinity pool and a full-bar and restaurant so you can thoroughly rest post-activity.
Los Arcos
LOS ARCOS
Los Arcos (“the arches” in Spanish) is named after these towering granite arches in the sea. You can even see these from downtown Puerto Vallarta, but many travelers also will take a boat out to this site to swim, snorkel or scuba drive around these famed arches. As an added bonus, the bright, blue water here gives swimmers a crystal clear view of undersea life.
