The Perfect Pair in Puerto Vallarta

Our custom dining experience at the Westin included a romantically-lit low table and comfortable ground cushions with finger foods and champagne. Photo courtesy Bronwyn Knight.

Written by Amelia Jeffers

Dusting off my passport last fall, I prepared for my first post-pandemic excursion beyond the borders and into the sunny west coast of Mexico with friends. Our week-long trip coincided with the Día de Muertos festival, when art installations and stunning traditional shrines would transform the streets of Puerto Vallarta. Despite its status as one of the world’s top vacation spots, Puerto Vallarta (PV) boasts a rich history of prosperous commerce thanks to a robust agricultural industry and an active port that has served inland communities for more than 200 years. Perhaps because tourism represents only fifty percent of the local economy, PV retains an authentic charm and warmth noticeably absent in some of its Mexican counterparts. Quaint shops and lively restaurants line the malecón (boardwalk), many of which cater to the international audience of visitors, but wander just a few streets away for a more local experience. The “Romantic Zone,” also known as Old Town, is often cited as a must-see, and the historic buildings and cobblestone streets do not disappoint. Seeking both a restful retreat and an opportunity to let loose a bit, our group decided to split our time between a pair of properties owned by Marriott. For the first several days of our stay, we celebrated Day of the Dead at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, where the staff hosted a memorable celebration that included personalized and elaborate ofrendas and sugar skull makeup artists for the more adventurous among us.

Situated on a sandy strip along Banderas Bay, with the Sierra Madre Mountains as a stunning backdrop, the freshly renovated resort is nearly a one-stop shop for fun activities and great food with its six restaurants, a water-sports center, kids club, and programming for the whole family. A seasonal sea turtle release program, when nature permits, invites guests to learn and take part in the conservation of the region’s Ridley Sea Turtle. A 22,000 square foot onsite spa is the largest in Puerto Vallarta. In terms of venturing off the property, our helpful concierge arranged a driving tour of culture-rich barrios for some of our group and a deep-sea fishing expedition for others. We decided to save a boat tour to Las Caletas (a private cove for swimming) and snorkeling off Marietas Island for our next trip.

The freshly-renovated Marriott PV includes a stunning bi-level eatery overlooking the beach on one side and an infinity pool on the other.

Strategically constructed around the palms (and preserving as many as possible), the quiet pools seem like hidden natural lagoons at the Westin PV.

A gracious concierge guided our group through a number of local excursions. Photo courtesy Bronwyn Knight.

From yoga classes to afternoon naps, the lush lawn at the Westin PV is a picturesque setting for rest and relaxation.

Both properties offer opportunities for customized private-dining experiences.

The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta drew us in with its mountains-meets-theocean landscapes and open-air decor spread across 14 tranquil acres. Food options at Marriott Puerto Vallarta range from simple bar fare to exquisite culinary sensations.

A beach spa hut at Marriott Puerto Vallarta.

We never ventured off the property for a meal because everything we had was just too good -and convenient - to beat. Ceviche & Tequila Bar overlooks the pools and serves up one of my favorite dishes. It was perfect for a solo late lunch and cocktail on my arrival when my travel mates were catching a game in the sports bar, Champions. Availing ourselves of a tequila tasting and cooking class at Nosh, a bi-level, open-air eatery just steps from the beach, gave us an unmatched view of the iconic PV sunset.

After we had our fill of several action-packed days of eating, drinking, and exploring, we packed our bags and headed just a few doors down for a restorative break before our return home. A former palm tree plantation converted to a luxury wellness resort, The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta drew us in with its mountainsmeets-the-ocean landscape and open-air decor spread across 14 tranquil acres that personify the resort’s holistic focus on well-being. Strategically constructed around the palms (and preserving as many as possible), the quiet pools seem like hidden natural lagoons with tiny islands and partially-submerged lounging beds, inviting total relaxation. Curtained pergolas fitted with luxury furnishings provide a private retreat on nearly half a mile of gorgeous beach. Consistent with the Westin brand, the resort carries workout gear available for loan, so you can keep packing to a minimum without sacrificing fitness. Speaking of fitness, the gym is extraordinary - with soaring ceilings and lots of light, I was motivated to squeeze in several workouts, including a beach-side yoga class.

Determined to make the most of the amenities, every member of our party indulged in stress-relieving spa treatments. Protecting the tranquil environment is one-to-one service from entry to departure. My guide escorted me to a changing room and provided a cozy robe, fresh water, and directions for maximizing my visit. A steam sauna and cool bath prepared me for a thoroughly regenerative fullbody massage and the (guest favorite) Seaweed Wrap with Guarana, which promised to detoxify my system. The natural, mineralrich seaweed deeply hydrated and noticeably firmed my dry skin.

We spent the last night of our trip on the expansive lawn (again with that sunset!), seated on comfortable cushions surrounding a low table filled with finger foods, champagne, and lots of candlelight. The custom dining experience left no detail unchecked and gave us the perfect evening to recount a spectacular week - while planning for the next one. sl