The golden beaches and majestic Sierra Madre Mountains of Puerto Vallarta have drawn visitors since Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton put this pretty Mexican resort town on the map way back in 1963.
Today, it's a mecca for sunseekers, surfers, and travelers who can admittedly be spoilt for choice when it comes to hotels. Whether coming for a family vacation or romantic getaway, thanks to a recent $20 million renovation and thoughtful signature experiences, Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa makes a superb choice. From tequila tasting and saving baby sea turtles to spa treatments – here are five reasons to make this landmark Puerto Vallarta property your home away from home on that next trip to Mexico.
Oh, So Suite!
Although you'll be spending the majority of your time enjoying the resort's gorgeous beach and bayfront location and lush grounds, a beautiful hotel room is essential. The property boasts 433 in total, including 28 suites, decked out with contemporary furnishings and fixtures. Located in adjacent towers, there's a definite feeling of privacy and seclusion – each has a balcony, and almost all have lovely ocean and pool views. The Grand Poobah here, though, is the Presidential Suite where everyone from Mexican and Hollywood movie stars to heads of state has enjoyed the uber discreet next-level luxury space. Wow-factors include gorgeous views across Banderas Bay, private terraces – one with swinging chairs – a baby grand piano in the living area, and a French soaking tub in the bathroom.
That Oceanview Infinity Pool
It goes without saying the oceanview infinity pool is a real highlight at Marriott Puerto Vallarta. Perhaps the new jewel in its multi-million-dollar refresh crown being Nosh – a clean-cut and very Instagrammable swim-up bar concept serving drinks and bites poolside with a breezy upstairs patio whose menus takes guests from breakfast to sunset. Be sure to reserve one of the new cocoon day beds at least once during your stay. Another must-do? Ordering an island-inspired drink from the castaway style Coco Bar whose menu offers both boozy and zero-proof options served in a coconut shell finished with a pretty tropical garnish.
… and Luxurious Spa
If you can drag yourself away from the pool for an hour or two, Ohtli Spa is well worth a visit. At 22,000-square feet, it's the largest in town and specializes in treatments inspired by local Huichol tribal culture -there's a concise menu of massages, facials, and therapies but the Fire Opal Balancing Stone Therapy is a signature. Come early for a pre-treatment Hydrotherapy Circuit or try the stress-busting Janzu Rebirth Water Massage. In addition to Guinot and Eminence products, the boutique carries a range of Ohtli branded scrubs, oils, and pillow mists made locally with natural ingredients like coconut, lavender, and rose.
Top-Notch Tequila
It would be impossible to talk about Mexico without mentioning the country's official beverage. Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco – home to the eponymous town of Tequila – so it makes sense the property developed its own brand of this storied spirit, CasaMagna Tequila. Named after the resort's former designation (fun fact: it's the only Marriott in the world to produce its own tequila), CasaMagna was developed in 2006 with agave grown in the on-site cactus garden and is available in three expressions: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. Whether you're a connoisseur or simply interested to learn more about this sipping spirit, resident Tequilier, Audrey Formisano, is the lady to meet. Sign up for a tequila tasting (Tequila 101, Tequila 2.0, Tequila Snob) or make reservations for a private pairing dinner.
For guests who prefer to sip and sample at leisure, the swanky lobby Ceviche & Tequila Bar serves 180 different tequilas alongside a wide variety of freshly prepared – and very delicious – ceviche.
Signature Local Experiences
Another touch that sets Marriott Puerto Vallarta apart is their thoughtfully designed signature guest experiences, all of which connect back to local and cultural touchpoints. On the culinary side, there's Jalisco at Your Table – a seven-course meal inspired by traditional and regional Mexican cooking, best enjoyed in the darling and very intimate Herb Garden.
While the Meet Me at the Mercado package (from USD$443 per night, four nights minimum) offers foodies and gourmands an immersive experience that runs the gamut from visiting local markets in Puerto Vallarta with the resort chefs to select ingredients for a special meal, and hands-on cooking classes, to a tequila pairing dinner, among other highlights.
Sea Turtle Conservation
Home to the city's only government-approved turtle sanctuary, Marriott Puerto Vallarta has been championing sea turtle conservation since 2004. The hotel works with a local marine biologist who finds and secures eggs that have been laid on the beach, safely placing them in the hotel's on-site nursery for their 45-day incubation period. Hotel guests fortunate enough to be on property when eggs hatch (hint: the best months are between June and December) can sign up to help release any turtles born that day just before sunset. Surviving turtles are said to return ten years later to lay their eggs on the same beach and perpetuate this incredible life cycle.
Last year, 70 to 90,000 baby Olive Ridley turtles were released, significantly improving their survival success rate.
COVID-19 Traveler Information
It's worth noting Mexico does not currently require a negative COVID-19 PCR for entry, making it a quick and easy getaway for U.S. travelers. While the state of Jalisco's recent two-week restrictions lifted on November 13, Puerto Vallarta was awarded a World Travel and Tourism Council Safe Travel Stamp in September – a testament to the destination's dedication to ongoing traveler safety. Marriott Puerto Vallarta implemented a raft of new cleaning protocols and procedures, but located less than two miles from the airport and 15 minutes from downtown, guests who prefer to remain on property during their stay can do so easily thanks to the wide range of all-inclusive packages, experiences and activities available on-site.
