The Best Resorts in Puerto Vallarta

Set in 85 acres (34ha) of lush tropical jungle and beach, Garza Blanca is a cool haven from the heat. The accommodation is divided into suites and “ultra” suites; the latter suites come with added opulence and better views of the bay. These elegant, multi-roomed spaces come with fully-fitted kitchens, oversized soaking tubs and entertainment centers. Elsewhere in the resort, you’ll find live musicians serenading you at every turn; they can be booked for private shows in your suite.

A winding drive through the verdant greenery of the mountain foothills is rewarded with the cool elegance of this resort’s marble lobby. Its lofty aspect, with panoramic bay views from bougainvillea-draped balconies, create an exclusive air at Grand Miramar. Set in the desirable Conchas Chinas neighborhood, the resort contains two modernist towers housing 80 luxurious suites and 20 residences. The luxury is in the detail: high-thread-count linens, granite countertops, marble bathrooms and handcrafted contemporary furniture made from tropical hardwoods.

Embrace the authentic Mexican spirit in the resort’s dedicated tequila bar, which boasts a library of 180 varieties of the agave elixir. Tequila sommeliers will guide you in tastings and serve a selection of mouth-watering ceviche to complement the drinks. If seafood is your thing, then Las Casitas, one of seven dining options, is the place to head for delectable lobster tacos. In the newly updated suites, fresh blue accents and white walls echo the sea-and-sky vistas of Bandaras Bay beyond the balcony.

Even the iguanas sitting on the little palm tree islands dotted around the swimming pool have chosen this as their preferred place to be. The 14-acre (5.5ha) tropical resort has 125m (410ft) of private Pacific coastline, best enjoyed from one of the enormous cotton curtain-draped cabanas on the sand – with the occasional short stroll to cool off in the waters. There are good options for couple time too; ramp up the romance at sunset with a lantern-lit massage for two in front of the ocean.

Just south of Puerto Vallarta, this family-friendly resort is backed by lush mountains and fronted by the clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Whales are often spotted from the beach during the winter season. Your own water babies will be in their element; there are four impressive outdoor pools in the resort, with the swim-up bar facilities likely to entice even the most reluctant grown-ups into the water.

The Hacienda is the new adults-only section at the family-friendly Hilton resort. Weary parents can stick the little ones in the complimentary kids’ club, before heading off to this grown-up haven with its swim-up bars, gourmet deli and child-free restaurant. For those seeking more peace, there’s even a library. Elsewhere you can enjoy all the usual Hilton highlights: 14 dining and drinking venues, a luxury spa and private hot tubs on your balcony.

Living the life of a rock star is encouraged at this vast oceanside resort set 20 minutes outside Puerto Vallarta. The hotel’s limitless, all-inclusive package covers more than the usual drinks and dinner options. Play a few rounds on the world’s only Hard Rock golf course before a Rhythm and Motion treatment in the spa, where bass vibrations ripple through the massage table while treble beats come from above, sending pulses through the body. Add in personal butlers, curated playlists that follow you around the room and jam sessions with a choice of 20 Fender guitars. It’s a resort experience like no other.

An LGBTQ-focused luxury resort, Almar offers a full pamper and party experience. Days can be spent lounging on oceanfront cabanas on popular Los Muertos Beach, dipping in and out of the water and sipping on cocktails brought to you by the attentive wait staff. Ramp up the romance with a couples’ massage, and then slide into a party mood at the hotel’s Mantamar Beach Club, an institution of Puerto Vallarta’s LGBTQ scene.

Party people get to soak up a full menu of entertainment, activities, cuisine and drinks at this all-inclusive adults-only resort. Attentive activity staff keep guests on their toes down at the beach with volleyball tournaments, soccer and paddleboarding. Things take a cultural turn in the evenings; there’s an open-air theater, and movies are screened on the sand. Despite its proximity to the famous bar-lined Malecon boardwalk, there’s little need to leave the resort. Its 24-hour dining and drinking options range from à la carte to steaks at the grill and a gourmet five-course chef’s table experience.