Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican resort town on the Pacific coast known for its beaches and, combined with nearby Riviera Nayarit, offers luxury, charm, beauty and the ideal beach escape. We have partnered with Arizona-based Susan Lanier-Graham, of Wander With Wonder, who found the perfect wow moments during a recent visit to Puerto Vallarta.
I travel the world looking for wow moments. On a recent visit to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, Mexico with three girlfriends, it was a week filled with wow moments. I had the chance to visit three different hotels, and each one offered something quite unique.
Wow Moments at Hotel Mousai in Puerto Vallarta
If you are looking for a luxurious, adults-only stay in Puerto Vallarta, check out Hotel Mousai. Driving up to the AAA Five Diamond hotel is impressive enough—you wind up the mountain from the beach to a hilltop oasis. My first wow moment came when I opened my door and looked across my suite to a massive balcony. I had breathtaking ocean views and my own private hammock!
The Hammock on the Balcony is the Ultimate Luxury at Hotel Mousai. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham.
The balcony also featured a gold-tiled jetted plunge pool heated to about 100 degrees. It proved the perfect spot for four girls to spend an evening. Since the all-inclusive includes room service, we ordered dinner and drinks, ate on the balcony, and chatted the night away.
My Private Jacuzzi at Hotel Mousai. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham.
The views from my balcony were pretty amazing. It looked down on another pool and the family-friendly part of the resort. While Hotel Mousai is adults-only and quite exclusive, you can hop on the free trolley and visit other parts of Garza Blanca Resort to swim in the pools, visit the shops, eat at the restaurants and access the beach.
View from My Balcony at Hotel Mousai. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham.
Wow moments filled every corner of Hotel Mousai, from the incredibly fresh seafood at Hiroshi (try the tuna wonton tostada) and fun drinks (the Melrose was my favorite) to pampering at Spa Imagine. The spa’s relaxation room, which boasts a hydrotherapy ritual, is open to the ocean breezes.
Spa Imagine at Hotel Mousai. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham.
Rooftop Pool at Hotel Mousai
However, nothing beats the view from the Rooftop Bar and pool at Hotel Mousai. During the day, we nibbled guacamole and sipped margaritas. The infinity pool was a cool, refreshing respite under the warm, Mexican sun. I could talk about my stay at Hotel Mousai forever. It was luxurious, relaxing and the ideal vacation spot.
Rooftop Infinity Pool at Hotel Mousai. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham.
Wow Moments at Villa La Estancia
Just a few minutes from Puerto Vallarta’s International Airport—and across Banderas Bay from Hotel Mousai—is Riviera Nayarit. While Puerto Vallarta boasts a quaint downtown steps from its beaches, Riviera Nayarit is a bit more on the wild side, with Pacific coastline and luxurious resorts at the foot of rugged mountains. If you are traveling with a family, Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit is an ideal home away from home.
View of Bay of Banderas from Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham.
There are one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. The wow moment for me was the three-bedroom, ocean-front suite that would be ideal for a future multi-generational getaway for my family. And there’s a hot tub on the patio!
The Pool Beckons at Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham.
Note that, while there are full-size kitchens available, the all-inclusive packages let you indulge at any of the resort’s restaurants—enjoying anything from pizza and ceviche to Mexican cuisine or Italian food.
Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit is Family-Friendly. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham.
In addition to the friendly staff and beautiful rooms, I was really wowed at Villa La Estancia by the variety of things to do for everyone. From crystal pools to wide sandy beaches, there’s something to keep kids of all ages busy all day. Of course, when the adults want to escape, it’s easy to arrange a golf or spa day as well.
Wow Moments at Riu Palace Pacifico in Riviera Nayarit
Another beautiful resort in Riviera Nayarit is Riu Palace Pacifico. To say this resort looks palatial is an understatement. The exterior sits brilliantly against the blue Mexican sky on a pristine stretch of beach. It is another all-inclusive hotel that offers just about anything you can dream up for your vacation.
The Palatial Exterior of Riu Palace Pacifico. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham.
The first wow moment came when we entered the lobby. “Wow!” was literally the first thing all of us said as we walked inside.
The Lobby of Riu Palace Pacifico in Riviera Nayarit is a Wow Moment. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham.
There are beautiful wide, sandy beaches and the pool is abuzz with activity all day. Many of the suites offer private hot tubs overlooking the activity. After the sun sets, entertainment moves inside for live music and shows.
The Pool from the Jacuzzi Suite at Riu Palace Pacifico. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham.
Fun in the Sun at Riu Palace Pacifico
When you are ready to take to the water for some fun in the sun, Scuba Caribe onsite at Riu Palace Pacifico offers boogie boards, kayaks, windsurfing and catamarans—all included in the price of your stay.
Take to the Water with Scuba Caribe at Riu Palace Pacifico. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham.
Riu Palace Pacifico offers a little something for everyone. In a way it reminded me of a luxury cruise ship with themed nights, entertainment and buffets that were a feast for all the senses. But the magic of Riu is that it sits with Banderas Bay on one side and the rugged Sierra Madre mountains surrounding it. The scenery is breathtaking.
Sunset is Magnificent from a Jacuzzi Suite at Riu Palace Pacifico. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham.
And then there was dinner on the beach at sunset. How could that not be a wow moment? Whether it’s dinner for two or a few, this is a magnificent way to end the day. The chef prepared a tasting of some of the resort’s favorite foods as we watched the sun dip behind the mountains. What a perfect way to end a spring escape.
Indulge with a Sunset Dinner on the Beach at Riu Palace Pacifico. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham.
If You Go To Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit
I found so many amazing wow moments in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit that I can hardly wait to return. If you visit, you can arrange to fly into the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. Make certain that you arrange your transportation before you land. After picking up your baggage and clearing customs, do not stop for anyone inside the airport terminal. You will have people trying to arrange transportation as you walk through the terminal. Ignore them and continue outside the door to the curb, where your ride will be waiting with a sign showing your hotel or your name. Sit back and let the hotel do all the work for you.
Latest posts by Susan Lanier-Graham (see all)
- A Magical Fall Weekend in Sedona, Arizona - September 17, 2018
- America’s Most Romantic Cities - January 17, 2018
- 9 Bucket List Retirement Trips You Must Book Now - January 15, 2018
Travelocity compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.
