If an excursion to the Mexican Riviera sounds like some well-needed R & R, then you’ll want to stay at one of our top 5 luxury hotels in Puerto Vallarta. As Steely Dan once sang, “… Guadalajara won’t do.”
Apparently, locals agree. It’s no secret Puerto Vallarta is also a major weekend getaway for the residents of Guadalajara.
On that note, we’ll follow Steely Dan’s lead and stick to exploring the pristine beaches and these top luxury hotels in the quaint and lovely town of Puerto Vallarta.
This Mexican beach resort city is situated on the Pacific Ocean’s Bahía de Banderas in the Mexican state of Jalisco. You’re in the tropics so you’ll get tropical weather.
This includes dry winters and wet summers, with the rainy season running from mid-June to mid-October and August getting the brunt of the rain. So plan accordingly.
Called “The Friendliest City in The World,” Puerto Vallarta attracts a huge international crowd of tourists.
The tourist season usually runs from late November through March, so that might be something to avoid if you’re not bothered by some seasonal rain while enjoying a siesta in a hammock. Here are our top 5 luxury hotels in Puerto Vallarta and why we love them.
With ultra-luxury suites and penthouse rooms, this adults-only hotel is the first and only AAA Five Diamond-rated resort in Puerto Vallarta and the state of Jalisco. So you know you are already off to a good start.
No detail is overlooked, including the bellman making sure you have a drink in hand while checking in. Somebody gets it, paradise waits for no one.
With 24-hour room service and stellar butler service that would give the Brits a run for their money, pampering is a non-stop sport at this luxury hotel in Puerto Vallarta. You know you’re in for a special stay when even the butlers get 5-star reviews on Trip Advisor.
Other amenities include an infinity pool on the rooftop with panorama views, an ocean-view gym, easy access to the Garza Blanca Beach, and the world-class Spa Imagine.
If you crave the white sandy beaches and an exotic location that is all-inclusive and couples-only we’d recommend Sandals Montego Bay in Jamaica.
Spa Imagine
The modern Spa Imagine sits like the crown jewel on the fifteenth floor with 360-degree views of the unspoiled ocean and lush rainforest.
Bask in a hydrotherapy whirlpool, pressure massage shower, cold plunge pool, and six-cycle vitality pool, or unwind in the relaxation lounge, beauty salon, and specialty therapy suites.
You might think this luxury hotel was built around a world-class spa, and everything else is just icing on the cake. Nothing like including a retreat within a retreat while you’re spending time at the beach.
Rooms – Ultra Mousai Suite
You can’t go wrong with these suites, boasting an average of over 1,000 SF of pure bliss. The private terraces have magnificent ocean and jungle views, where you’ll also find a gold-tiled jetted plunge pool.
the Ultra Mousai Suites come with a butler and are located on the top floors of this luxury hotel, guaranteeing the most impressive ocean views.
Dining – Japanese Cuisine, Steaks & Local Eats
There’s no problem finding something for everyone, including the mood you’re looking for with several in-hotel restaurants that go from casual to an upscale dress code. Locally, you’re in foodie heaven with Tuna Azul offering poke specials, along with other Mexican delicacies.
You’ll also want to discover Maria Baja, keeping it real with their Mexican and seafood cuisine. With their amazing mix of salsas, word on the streets say these are the best tacos around, hands down.
Garza Blanca Preserve, Resort & Spa – Chillaxing On a White Sandy Beach
+52 322 176 0718
Carretera a Barra de Navidad Km. 7.5
Puerto Vallarta , JAL. , 48390, Mexico
This Four Diamond luxury hotel and resort is tucked away and surrounded by 85 acres of lush tropical jungle cascading down to a chillaxing, white sandy beach. That location alone easily makes this one of our top luxury hotels in Puerto Vallarta.
Located on Banderas Bay, this area is famed for its soft white sand beaches and swimmable waters. The hotel further capitalizes on this location making sure you get beautifully designed spaces with awe-inspiring vistas at every turn.
Pampering yourself in the hotel’s world-class spa suites is just one of many ways to take in the views, as you get both ocean and jungle scenery. They also offer guided hikes through the Sierra Madre mountains and kayaking along the bay.
With Garza Blanca Preserve, Resort & Spa fronting Mexico’s largest bay – Bahia de Banderas, you’ll find plenty of water to paddle around without worrying about getting lost at sea.
Rooms – 2 Bedroom Panoramic View
We find this suite a winner all the way around. With the jungle and amazing panoramic ocean views, why wouldn’t there be a hammock on your private wrap-around balcony?
If you’re looking for a home away from home, this 2-bed luxury accommodation also has a gourmet kitchen with a four-range gas stove and oven in case you want to take a stab at preparing your own slice of Mexican heaven.
Or you can just hire one of the locals to keep it authentic. With an astonishing 3,229 SF of living area, you’ll have no problem making this your private playground on the Mexican Riviera.
Fun Fact: Mexican Riviera sounds like a real place, but the phrase was actually made up by Princess Cruise Lines to add a little luster to the locale. Sounds sexy, right?
Dining – Blanca Blue
This oceanfront award-winning venue in Puerto Vallarta is a contemporary gourmet restaurant dedicated to the ever-evolving culinary arts and the latest trends in Mexican flavors.
The space is ultra-chic with indoor and outdoor dining. Evoking the flame-lit gatherings of the legendary Garza Blanca Club de Playa of days gone by.
The patio is enveloped by antorchas (flame torches) creating an intimate and enchanting atmosphere. Hopefully, you’re Spanish is improving as we carry on.
Casa Velas Resort – Adults Only
800-823-8802
Calle Pelícanos 311, Marina Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 48354
You’ll find this grand oasis, surrounded by Regal palm trees, offering exquisite escapism and access to the Táu Beach Club.
Koi ponds sparkle in the afternoon sun and resident peacocks roam the lawns. There’s also an organic garden that supplies the freshest herbs for the resort’s restaurants and bars.
Táu Beach Club
This offers exclusive beach access and fine dining for Casa Velas’ guests – featuring a bar and restaurant. Other club amenities include Bali beds, sun loungers, and towels.
That’s some awesome beach life, even if it’s only for a few days. Guests can also indulge in sushi during the day and enjoy an inspired menu in the evening, accompanied by handcrafted cocktails and a premium selection of wines.
Rooms – Wellness Suite
You had to see this coming after we mentioned endless sushi at the beach club. We opted for the Wellness Suite as our fave since too much of a good thing can only lead to trouble.
This 2-level suite has a private immersion pool in the garden and a private terrace with a spectacular view.
Lots of wellness-oriented amenities come with this room, as guests enjoy access to an exclusive concierge, as well as nutrition and fitness consultations.
This room also includes a relaxing massage on your suite terrace once per adult per stay and one hydrotherapy circuit at the Spa. Push-ups are completely optional, no one will be watching.
Dining – EMILIANO
This is the hotel’s signature AAA Four-Diamond restaurant. They feature gourmet Mexican cuisine served in an intimate and relaxed setting.
You can dine indoors or choose a table on the outdoor terrace surrounded by koi ponds where this beautiful atmosphere amplifies the exceptional meals and your dining experience.
Casa Kimberly – Celebrity Casitas With a Hollywood Story
+52 322 222 1336
Calle Zaragoza 445.
Puerto Vallarta 48300, Mexico
This getaway is the quintessential south-of-the-border experience, that combines the former homes of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to create nine suites, a spa, pool, and open-air dining.
Yes, but of course there’s a tequila bar. You’ll fall in love with this hacienda and understand why Richard and Elizabeth called this their home away from home, connecting the two with a bridge.
The lovebirds, who married and divorced each other twice, never lost their affection for Puerto Vallarta and Casa Kimberly. Maybe this is where we got the expression “just a stone’s throw away.”
The luxurious nine-suite boutique hotel, with an open-air rooftop restaurant, was lovingly created from the quaint side-by-side houses once owned by the star-crossed couple.
Between the affairs and fighting, the bridge they built connecting the two homes is still standing and preserved, known as Puente Del Amor (Bridge of Love). Considering they divorced each other twice, someone’s trying to add a little positive energy to that bridge.
Rooms – Elizabeth Taylor Suite
With a wrap-around terrace, you can access this sanctuary by a private elevator to the 2500 SF room. You’ll find panoramic views of the sparkling waters of Banderas Bay and the majestic Sierra Madre mountains just outside this mountaintop haven.
The bath, nearly as spacious as the bedroom, features the original pink-marble heart-shaped tub that Taylor commissioned for Casa Kimberly.
Don’t be too judgmental on the shape of the heart, rumor has it Elizabeth’s Spanish wasn’t very good when she ordered it and she ended up with a shape like a real heart, not of the Valentine’s Day type she wanted. But if you’re a heart surgeon, you’ll surely appreciate it.
Dining – The Iguana Restaurant & Tequila Bar
This lovely open-air restaurant has a wrap-around patio where you can take in views high above the city. Gentle coastal breezes and crystal chandeliers add soft light creating an ambiance worthy of an Oscar.
Executive Chef Jesus Suastegui has created a menu blending traditional Mexican dishes with modern culinary influences. Fresh, local, and seasonal are his guiding principles so you’re in good hands.
Secrets Vallarta Bay – Adults Only
1-866-GOSECRETS
David Alfaro Siqueiros No. 164 Col.
Zona Hotelera Las Glorias
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 48333 Mexico
Palm trees and pristine beaches enhance this AAA Four Diamond resort where overindulgence is in lockstep with luxury when it comes to the top hotels in Puerto Vallarta.
Secrets Vallarta Bay is within easy walking distance of the famous El Malecon boardwalk. A short hop skip and a jump and you’ll find yourself immersed in restaurants, bars, and shops. Definitely a destination worth taking in.
With butler service on upgraded rooms and over 54 restaurants within walking distance, you could easily miss your siesta on these golden sand beaches along the Pacific. But remember, that’s what you’re there for.
You’ll find a tranquil spa experience in an exquisite setting at Secrets® Spa by Pevonia. With award-winning, all-natural Pevonia® skincare products.
You can close your eyes and slip away inside this expansive spa covering over 14,000 sq. ft. of pure indulgence (which can be substituted for the beach siesta).
Rooms – Preferred Club Master Suite
These spacious rooms come with a private, furnished terrace with a solarium and hot tub along with a Swim Out and a garden view.
So instead of grabbing a towel and walking over to one of the many pools, you just open the garden door, jump in and swim over to the pool. Since preferred club amenities are included, you’ll find your butler has taken care of that towel chore.
Dining – French, Italian, and A Casual Outdoor Grill
After enjoying a cocktail at the swim-up bar, you can find an assortment of casual and fine dining inside this luxury hotel.
This also includes Mediterranean cuisine and seafood but don’t miss out on grabbing a bite along El Malecon boardwalk so you can take in some of the local culture.
In Conclusion
These top luxury hotels in Puerto Vallarta are easy to get to and offer the best lodging and perks, second to none anywhere in the world. From the moment your plane lands to checking out, you’ll know why they call Puerto Vallarta the friendliest city in the world.
Although a lot of the top luxury hotels are adult-only, there are plenty of kid-friendly luxury hotels along the coast with endless activities specifically catered to the little ones.
Just a heads up if a hotel is adults-only, that doesn’t mean there may be a wedding party in for the week where the adults can quickly digress to acting like children.
We kid, more like unruly teens which still might be what you’re trying to get away from. So you might want to ask about the location of the room you’ll be staying in. You can learn more about luxury hotels in at the official Puerto Vallarta tourism website here.
