Head to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for sparkling blue beaches, dramatic sunsets and excellent nightlife. NYC based travel blogger Sher of SherSheGoes.com recently returned from her second visit to Vallarta in two years, so we asked her to share her experience.
Puerto Vallarta has made a name for itself as one of Mexico’s most romantic coastal destinations, due to its location along the Bahia de Banderas bay. With sandy beaches, picturesque streets filled with quirky shops and stylish restaurants, all set against a lush backdrop of palm covered mountains, Puerto Vallarta’s natural landscape offers a picturesque charm that keeps travelers coming back year after year.
Photo by Sher She Goes
During my most recent visit, I stayed at the Grand Fiesta Americana, an adults only all inclusive hotel. Secluded in the lush green Sierra Madre mountains, its a short 15 minute drive from downtown Puerto Vallarta.
From the moment we stepped into the lobby, I felt a sense of awe. Huge ceiling heights, direct ocean views, a well stocked bar and decadent espresso cafe are just a few of the features at the Grand Fiesta Americana’s front door!
Here are 5 reasons why you’ll love staying at this property!
Every Room Faces the Ocean
The hotel is laid out to take advantage of the dramatic Vallarta coastline, with two towers connected by a central lobby. All rooms at the Grand Fiesta Americana feature ocean front views. Not only is it a treat to be lulled to sleep by the crashing waves, it’s not uncommon to see dolphins playing in the waters in the early mornings, right from your in-room balcony.
All rooms have unlimited 24-hour room service as well! Whether you have a late night craving or an early morning wake up call, warm staff deliver exceptional personalized service.
Unwind in Utter Relaxation
The Grand Fiesta Americana has two beautiful swimming pools and its own lagoon in the crystal clear waters of the Bahia de Banderas. You can join a morning yoga class on the ocean front deck, take out a kayak in the afternoon, or join any number of organized activities throughout the day.
One of my favorite ways to unwind is with a massage treatment and the Haixa Spa didn’t disappoint! After a talented masseuse removed all my back tension with a Swedish massage, I relaxed in the heated pools and steam rooms in utter bliss.
There’s also a sky bar if you prefer to unwind in a hot tub. On some nights, the Grand Fiesta hosts DJs by transforming the roof deck into a fun dance club party.
Unwind with a Cocktail, or Two!
The Grand Fiesta Americana is an adults only resort and offers a slew of fun bars to take advantage of. There’s the circular swim up bar for those who love the water, a rooftop pool bar with a Jacuzzi for late night drinks, as well as 3 themed lounges for local specialty cocktails.
My personal favorite was the mojito bar, which had a boho-chic design complete with swing chairs and potted plants.
Then there was the Tequila bar, designed in homage to Mexican cinema with warm desert vibes, saloon swing doors and vintage Mexican film posters.
For those looking to catch up with their favorite game back home, the Martini bar offers drinks in an air conditioned environment with tv screens, comfy lounge chairs and pool tables.
Lots of Excellent, On Site Dining Options
Sometimes all-inclusive resorts can be hit or miss with the food, but Grand Fiesta Americana truly exceeded my expectations! The resort offers a wide variety of dining options, whether you like casual or formal dining, and all of them are excellent.
For relaxed meals, you can choose from:
- La Cevicheria: for seafood-focused fare like tacos and ceviche
- Shore Grill: for burgers during the day but Mexican favorites at night! The grill transforms into a taqueria and serves my favorite tacos al pastor once the sun sets
- Serrano Station: an open air tapas bar on the lobby floor
- Sweet & Deli: for your java fix. They can make every type of espresso drink you crave and have a large selection of pastries and baked desserts throughout the day
- D’Brick, a buffet restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with lots of options
At night, we opted to try each of the fine dining restaurants on site:
- Rojo Corazon: a Mexican themed restaurant with a guacamole cart, lots of seafood options and excellent dessert
- Yuu: an Asian fusion restaurant serving great sushi and sahimi in addition to mains from around Asia
- Gulietta: the on-site Italian restaurant for antipasti, risotto and pastas
Fiesta Club members can also take advantage of the VIP members Club on the 13th floor. We spent an evening here sampling sushi and top shelf liquor.
Dramatic Sunsets
Perhaps the best part was enjoying the dramatic sunsets at Puerto Valllarta each evening! Whether I was on my room balcony, dining at one of the restaurants, or relaxing by the pool, every angle from the Grand Fiesta Americana provided an excellent view of the glowing skies. Our visit coincided with the tropical season but even the clouds couldn’t hide how beautiful the sunsets were!
I can’t wait to return to Mexico and hope that you consider Puerto Vallarta for your next getaway.
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Nightlife in Puerto Vallarta is amazing. There are so many options to choose from, nightclubs, bars, clubs, beach parties and more. It is the best place to celebrate your bachelor, bachelorette parties.
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