10 Best Puerto Vallarta Resorts
Some of the best Puerto Vallarta resorts sit right on Banderas Bay, the wide Pacific-coast crescent that gives this Mexican beach town its calm, swimmable water and those famous sunsets. Whether you’re after an adults only escape or a family friendly base with room for everyone, Puerto Vallarta packs a lot of range into one easy-to-reach destination. You can compare stays across the country on our Mexico all inclusive page before you book.
What sets the area apart is how walkable it is. The cobblestone streets of the Zona Romantica and the seaside Malecon are lined with galleries, taco stands, and rooftop bars, so you’re never far from the action even when you’re staying at a quiet luxury resort. Here are 10 of our favorite Puerto Vallarta resorts, from boutique hideaways to big beachfront all inclusives.
Why Stay in Puerto Vallarta
- Banderas Bay beaches. The bay’s calm, swimmable Pacific water and long golden sand make for easy beach days.
- A walkable Old Town. The Malecon boardwalk and the Zona Romantica put restaurants, art, and nightlife within strolling distance.
- A resort style for everyone. The area runs the gamut from adults only boutique hideaways to big family friendly all inclusives.
- Easy flights from the U.S. Puerto Vallarta’s airport is a short, well-connected hop from many North American cities.
1. Melia Puerto Vallarta
Set on the beach in the Marina Vallarta district, Melia Puerto Vallarta is a large, easygoing all inclusive that works well for just about any kind of traveler. You get direct beach access, big pools, and a location close to the marina’s restaurants and golf. It’s a dependable all-around choice if you want a trusted brand and plenty of space, and it makes a great home base for exploring the rest of Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Book and SAVE on Your Vacation to Melia Puerto Vallarta
2. Casa Velas
Tucked into the greens of the Marina Vallarta golf course, Casa Velas is an adults only boutique hotel built for couples who want calm and privacy. It’s a quick shuttle from the resort’s beach club on Banderas Bay, and the grown-up, garden-wrapped setting makes it feel like a genuine retreat. If a quiet, intimate stay is the goal, this is one of the most relaxing adults only resorts in the area.
Book and SAVE on Your Vacation to Casa Velas
3. Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway
Right on the sand near downtown, Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway is another adults only pick that keeps you within walking distance of the Malecon. The oceanfront setting and boutique scale make it easy to slow down, and being this close to town means you can wander into Old Town for dinner whenever the mood strikes. It’s a longtime favorite among adults only resorts for couples who want both beach and city in one trip.
Book and SAVE on Your Vacation to Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway
4. Hotel Mousai
Hotel Mousai raises the bar as an adults only luxury tower on Puerto Vallarta’s south shore. Perched on a hillside above the Pacific, it’s known for sleek, design-forward rooms and sweeping bay views. This is the pick for couples who want a polished, sophisticated stay and don’t mind being a little removed from the downtown bustle. It ranks among the standout luxury resorts on this coast.
Book and SAVE on Your Vacation to Hotel Mousai
5. Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta
Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta brings the adults only, unlimited-luxury formula to a beachfront spot just north of Old Town. Grown-ups get multiple restaurants, a spa, and pools without a kids’ club in sight, plus an easy walk or short ride to the Malecon. It’s a natural fit for couples and groups of friends who want adults only energy with the city close at hand.
Book and SAVE on Your Vacation to Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta
6. Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa
Sharing its beachfront setting with its adults only sister property, Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa is the family friendly half of the pair. A kids’ program keeps the little ones busy while parents relax by the pool, and the whole family enjoys generous all inclusive dining and drinks. Its spot near Old Town makes it easy to mix resort days with strolls along the Malecon, and it’s one of the friendliest bases on the bay for family vacations.
Book and SAVE on Your Vacation to Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa
7. Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta sits on its own peninsula with water on three sides, which gives it some of the best views in town. It’s an all-ages, family friendly all inclusive with pools, a beach, and dining that spans casual bites to sit-down dinners. The dramatic setting and roomy layout make it a top choice for family vacations where everyone, from little kids to grandparents, finds something to love.
Book and SAVE on Your Vacation to Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
8. Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa
On the lush south shore where the jungle meets the sea, Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa is an upscale escape surrounded by a nature preserve. Expect roomy, modern suites, a serious spa, and a quieter, scenic setting a short drive from downtown. It suits travelers who want luxury resorts with a side of nature and don’t need to be right in the middle of the action.
Book and SAVE on Your Vacation to Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa
9. Sunscape Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
Overlooking Banderas Bay, Sunscape Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is the fun, value-minded, family friendly option on this list. The casual, easygoing vibe keeps things low-key, and between the pools, the beach, and daily activities there’s plenty to fill a week. Puerto Vallarta’s walkable Old Town and Malecon are close by when you want to explore, making it an easy pick for budget-conscious family vacations.
Book and SAVE on Your Vacation to Sunscape Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
10. Barcelo Puerto Vallarta
Barcelo Puerto Vallarta anchors a long stretch of beach with big pools and a family friendly, all-ages atmosphere. There’s a wide range of dining and activities on site, and the central location keeps you within easy reach of both the marina and downtown. If you want a large, dependable beachfront all inclusive with something for the whole crew, this Barcelo delivers a great Mexico all inclusive value.
Book and SAVE on Your Vacation to Barcelo Puerto Vallarta
Tips for Planning a Puerto Vallarta Vacation
- Fly into PVR. Puerto Vallarta’s Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz airport is a quick, well-connected hop from many U.S. and Canadian cities.
- Pack your passport. Puerto Vallarta is in Mexico, so U.S. travelers need a valid passport to fly there and back.
- Build in an Old Town day. Leave time to wander the Malecon, browse the Zona Romantica, and catch a sunset over the bay.
- Time your trip. The dry season from about November to April brings the sunniest weather, while summer is hotter, greener, and often more affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Puerto Vallarta good for families or couples?
Both. Puerto Vallarta has a deep bench of adults only resorts for couples and just as many family friendly all inclusives with kids’ programs and pools. The walkable town and calm Banderas Bay beaches suit every kind of traveler, so it’s an easy destination whether you’re planning a romantic escape or a trip with the whole family.
What’s the best area to stay in Puerto Vallarta?
It depends on your style. Marina Vallarta and the Hotel Zone put you near golf and the airport; the south shore offers quieter, scenic luxury; and staying near Old Town and the Zona Romantica keeps the Malecon, restaurants, and nightlife right at your doorstep.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
The dry season, roughly November through April, brings warm, sunny days and is the most popular time to visit. Summer and early fall are hotter and more humid with a chance of afternoon rain, but they also tend to be quieter and more affordable.
Do you need a passport to visit Puerto Vallarta?
Yes. Puerto Vallarta is in Mexico, so U.S. travelers need a valid passport to fly there and back. It’s smart to make sure your passport won’t expire within six months of your travel dates.
What’s included at a Puerto Vallarta all inclusive?
Most Puerto Vallarta all inclusive resorts bundle your room, all meals and snacks, unlimited drinks, non-motorized water sports, and nightly entertainment into one price. Flights, spa treatments, and off-site excursions are usually extra.
Book Your Puerto Vallarta Resort Vacation Today
Puerto Vallarta pairs easygoing Pacific-coast charm with resorts for every kind of trip, so the hardest part is choosing just one. Compare stays, dates, and deals across the country on our Mexico all inclusive page and lock in your spot on Banderas Bay.
Maggie Sabin
Maggie started as the SEO Manager at DestinationWeddings.com in 2024, where she works to drive organic traffic and conversions while creating meaningful, SEO-optimized content for the website. Previously, Maggie’s career spanned from Human Resources & Recruitment to teaching at international schools for almost 10 years. Maggie spends her free time traveling, learning new languages, reading non-fiction books, working out, going to the beach and spending time cuddling her dog, Lola!
