Category Archives: Puerto Vallarta

Most Romantic Hotels in Mexico – Beach Resort Edition

What do you search for when trying to plan the perfect couples getaway? What characteristics does a hotel need to have to create the perfect honeymoon, or anniversary? This month, over a hundred people chimed in on Twitter’s #MexChat conversation to discuss romantic destinations and hotels in Mexico.

With first hand knowledge of all the over-the-top, luxurious, and romantic hotels in Mexico, we decided to curate a list to take the guess work out of researching ’that perfect hotel’ for you and your honey. Here is a list of the most romantic hotels in Mexico – beach resort edition.

Best All-Inclusive in Riviera Maya

Zoetry Paraiso Riviera Maya

Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita
Located in Puerto Morelos, this all-inclusive boutique resort of only 90 luxury oceanfront suites is set on beautiful 14 acres that includes a private beach. The hotel is focused on wellness, serenity, and romance, catering to couples in a relaxed setting.

What makes it romantic: Intimate property, bottle of wine & fresh fruit delivered daily to room, many of the rooms feature a whirlpool and a private plunge pool, private catamaran rides and private candlelit dinner on pier can be arranged,

Runner Up: Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Adults Only: Secrets Maroma & Excellence Riviera Cancun

Most Luxurious in Riviera Maya

Maroma Resort & Spa
An Orient-Express property, this resort is located on a private beach of powder white sand and turquoise waters. It was once an adult-only resort, and although it now accepts children, the intimate ambiance is still present.

What makes it romantic: Privacy of suites and villas, shared beach loungers, romantic details (upon request), private candlelit picnics can be arranged

Runner Up: Viceroy Riviera Maya
Mayakoba Exclusivity: Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba

Best All-Inclusive in Los Cabos

Zoetry Casa del Mar
This hacienda-style boutique resort welcomes you with a gorgeous cobblestone pathway and fountain. It is situated on the Sea of Cortes just minutes away from Cabo San Lucas. The resort provides Endless Privileges® all-inclusive getaway that provides gourmet dining options.

What makes it romantic: Adult-only, bottle of sparkling wine and fresh fruit daily, oceanfront suites with private terraces, infiniti-edge jacuzzis available

Runner Up:Secrets Marquis Los Cabos

Most Luxurious in Los Cabos

One & Only Palmilla
One & Only Palmilla is an ultra-luxury resort that has won numerous of accolades. The hotel is an exclusive hideaway of refined tranquility, with an array of accommodations including suites, villas, and casitas.

What makes it romantic: Chilled bottle of champagne and fresh flowers upon arrival, newlyweds enjoy an assortment of chocolate truffles upon arrival along with a romantic turndown amenity, private cove experience available, all ocean-view suites, butler service

Runner Up: Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Capella Pedregal, Esperanza

Most Luxurious in Huatulco

Quinta Real Huatulco
Perched on a hillside overlooking Huatulco’s Tangolunda Bay, this resort’s design was inspiried by The Arabian Nights. With only 28 suites, each with their own balcony or terrace, the service is very personalized and attentive. Guests say there is a certain ‘magical’ feel to the hotel that creates the sensation of escape and intimacy.

What makes it romantic: Smaller property with dramatic views, marble jacuzzi tubs in each room, private beach club, suites available with private pools.

Runner Up: Camino Real Zaashila

Most Luxurious in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo

Viceroy Zihuatanejo
On the shore of Playa La Ropa is the luxurious retreat of Viceroy Zihuatanejo. The 35 guestrooms and 35 suites are housed in casitas providing a good level of privacy; and no two rooms are alike. The property spans a large amount of beach, and also has a private lagoon.

What makes it romantic: Canopy beds, private hammocks with large terraces, suites have an outdoor infinity-edy pool, dramatic setting throughout property and beautiful sunset views

Runner Up: Capella Ixtapa

Best All-Inclusive Puerto Vallarta/ Riviera Nayarit

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
This resort is continuously receiving accolades for its luxury and service. The property provides an array of suites that cater to every need, each over 1,000 sqft and with their own private terraces perfect for a romantic dinner.

What makes it romantic: Amenities such as interior Jacuzzis or outdoor Jacuzzis with panoramic ocean views, sensual couples massages.

Runner Up: Secrets Vallarta Bay, Villa Premiere

Most Luxurious Puerto Vallarta/ Riviera Nayarit

Four Seasons Punta Mita
Located in Punta Mita, this Four Seasons property offers the absolute best in terms of hospitality, dining, spa, and everything you could ask for in an exclusive resort. There are several pools, a lazy river, private beaches and lounging cabanas that create romantic and secluded settings..

What makes it romantic: Suites have terraces with private plunge pools and hammocks, private 55-foot yacht available to charter, horseback riding and bonfires available for romantic dates

Runner Up: St. Regis Punta Mita

All-Inclusive AM Resorts in Puerto Vallarta Hotel Zone

Leave a reply

The new AMResorts, Secrets Vallarta Bay and Now Amber Vallarta, have been widely embraced and welcomed as all-inclusive resorts to Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Zone. Since opening in April of 2012, the hotels have been receiving great feedback and after closer Journey Mexico inspection and experiencing the services first-hand, we agree.

While both hotels are on the same property, just a few minutes from Puerto Vallarta’s Downtown, they feel completely separated. Secrets Vallarta Bay is adults-only, romantic, and elegant while Now Amber is family-friendly, fun, and exciting. Both all-inclusive hotels operate under the signature Unlimited-Luxury® plan which provides top-notch services, indulgences and leaves you with a “don’t worry about a thing– you are on vacation” attitude.

The are a limited number of quality options that are minutes away from Puerto Vallarta’s Centro, so these two additions make great options for families or couples visiting the area. At Journey Mexico, we know all the best places to stay in Puerto Vallarta and throughout the entire country. Give us a call today to plan the trip of a lifetime!

secrets vallarta secretsallarta secretsvallartabath

Luxury in the Riviera Nayarit

Leave a reply

Luxury in Mexico is easy to find, especially when the spotlight is shining on the 200-mile stretch of coastline along Mexico’s Pacific Coast called the Riviera Nayarit and the local CVB’s effort to market the destination as an upscale region. Riviera Nayarit – Mexico’s new hot spot, starts north of Puerto Vallarta’s border in Nuevo Vallarta and stretches almost all the way to Mazatlan. The coast is lined with beautiful beaches, hip towns, seaside villages and cultural gems. The local map highlights 24 towns along this stretch and has numerous high-end branded properties and boutique hotels along the way.

Known as ‘Mexico’s Pacific Treasure” the Riviera Nayarit has been drawing big investments from upscale hotel chains for some time now. Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita and St. Regis Punta Mita were the first of luxury branded hotels to enter Nayarit. Apple Leisure Group, based in Pennsylvania, USA, and owners of AMResorts, are nearing completion on two large scale, all inclusive projects, Secrets Litibu and Dreams Litibu. Other properties include Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Occidental Grand Nuevo Vallarta, Imanta Resort, Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta and Iberostar Litibu.

Four Seasons Punta Mita offers seclusion for complete relaxation, pampering services, and puts comfort at a priority.

Imanta Resort has 250 acres of property together with a half-mile private beach and a staff dedicated to solely making a vacation experience of a lifetime

According to Marc Murphy, Director of the Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau (as quoted in Travel Weekly), “More than 70% of our 15,000 hotel rooms are in AAA Three Diamond and above properties, and more are coming online this year and next.” The AAA Diamond awards are bestowed upon only a select group of hotels that offer the finest and most luxurious lodging, surroundings and hospitality. Some hotels in Riviera Nayarit have also been named Five Star Diamond establishments by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, a New York based organization that continuously monitors the quality standards of the best tourist destinations around the world.

In the most recent recognition, Riviera Nayarit was presented with the title ’Best Luxury Beach Destination in Mexico’ by Travelocity’s gnome. In an online competition called The Battle of The Destinations III, Riviera Nayarit won popular vote by a landslide.

Celebrities have been sneaking away to the area for years and many own gorgeous coast-line villas. In addition to the lavish properties, the area boasts of adventure and nature opportunities as well as the rich culture and the vivid art of the Huichol people, indigenous to the highlands that tower over the coast. Luxury in Mexico without a doubt can be found in Riviera Nayarit.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is a treat of lavish beauty and comfort that is also an all-inclusive with exceptional gourmet dining, world-class hospitality, and luxurious hotel accommodations.

Holidays at Las Alamandas

Leave a reply

Las Alamandas is inviting everyone to “Come Home For The Holidays” as they prepare special festive activities and amenities for the Christmas Season. Best of all, the 17- suit boutique property on Mexico’s Pacific coast bewtween Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta still has availability for the Christmas and New Years dates!

The resort, which will be decorated with twinkling lights and Christmas cheer, is providing everything for their guests to create their own holiday family decorating party – a home-away-from-home experience. In their suites they will find a vibrant red pointsettas, Christmas decorations, piñatas and ornaments, paper and window decorations. and a Christmas stocking that “Santa’s helpers” at the resort will fill with goodies on Christmas Eve! And of course, no holiday is complete without the delicious food. Cooking classes featuring special Mexican Christmas dishes will be offered as well as rich Mexican hot chocolate and delicious Christmas cookies !

Holiday rates range from $561 to $2,380 per suite, per night from Dec. 19 to Jan. 2. However if you book now, there is an additional 20% off and children 5 and under are free! A four-night minimum stay is required for Christmas week and a six-night minimum stay is required for New Years.

Can’t Make It For The Holidays?

Journey Mexico has scored an exclusive deal that is almost too good to be true! Imagine yourself at sunset on a deserted beach or in the privacy of your villa´s terrace and let the magic of nature´s unspoiled beauty create the mood for romance with the special Sunset Package offer created especially for couples.The Sunset Package includes:
- 4 Nights in an Ocean View Suite
- Ground Transportation to & from either Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo Airport
- Welcome cocktails upon arrival
- Tropical Fruit Platter & Beautiful Bouquet f Flowers freshly placed in your suite
- Complimentary Cocktails and Cheese Platter served at Punta de la Soledad
- Candlelight Dinner for two on the Beach
- An Evening of Exotic Tequila Tasting
- A couples Massage performed En suite or Under a shady Palapa beside the Ocean
- Daily Continental Breakfast in our Oasis or Palapa Beach Club Restaurant or in the privacy and comfort of your own Suite.
- Use of all facilities: Fully-Equipped/Air-Conditioned Gym with Ocean Views, Lighted Tennis Courts, Beach Volleyball, Half Basketball Court, Croquet, Lawn Chess, Mountain Bikes, Gallery and Kids’ Club
- PLUS all of our exclusive Las Alamandas AmenitiesPackage price per couple starting at $3,123 USD.

This promotion is valid until April 30, 2013. Blackout dates apply including December 19, 2012 thru January 2, 2013
*Packages are subject to availability and are available in other suite categories. Cannot be combined with other promotions. Taxes not included.

Top 15 Beachfront Vacation Rentals in Mexico

Leave a reply

If you’re looking for beachfront luxury vacation rentals, Mexico has some of the best. With it’s warm weather year-round, Mexico is a magnificent destination for winter getaways!

While others celebrate the holidays in the dreary cold, you can enjoy pristine beaches, beautiful weather and luxurious accommodations by renting a beachfront vacation home in Mexico. From private villas tucked away in lush jungles to full-service spas within walking distance of the hottest attractions, here are 15 of our top choices for this holiday season:

1.) A four-bedroom villa located in Ixtapa, La Casa del Sol combines stunning views and access to exciting night life with a luxurious space complete with a sand garden and pool.

2.) The beach-front property of Casa Rubia rests between Acapulco and Huatulco, providing visitors with a private waitstaff and relaxing tropical atmosphere

3.) Villa La Cascada, spanning two beachfront lots in Palmilla Caleta, features amenities like a gymnasium, movie theater and wet bar to accompany its beautiful ocean view; visitors can also take advantage of a high-tech video, audio and lighting system to set just the right mood during their stay.

4.) Steps away from Médano Beach, Hacienda Condo 501 balances state-of-the-art technology with comfortable furnishings, including a private balcony with views of the stunning surroundings; residents are also treated to a full-service spa.

5.) Villa Estero, located on Puerto Los Cabos, presents a stunning combination of elegant architecture and luxury fixtures, from its expansive gourmet kitchen to the infinity-style jacuzzi.

6.) Villa Taz, sitting just 100 feet over the Sea of Cortez, offers breathtaking views of the water, a relaxing atmosphere and private beach access.

7.) Located near Cabo San Lucas, Villa Miguel is both stunning and comfortable; this luxurious villa is surrounded by both gorgeous desert landscapes and fresh ocean air.

8..) Nestled within a 100 acre nature preserve south of Cancun, Casa Vela provides the perfect getaway for couples and families; visitors can enjoy the amenities or venture outside to enjoy beaches, hiking trails, rivers and jungles.

9.) On the shores of the Mexican Caribbean rests an activity-filled vacation destination for couples or families; Villa Albatros is both spacious and serene, providing visitors with ample opportunities for privacy and relaxation.

10.) Villa Del Mar provides five-star accommodations for visitors of Playa del Carmen; visitors who venture outside the luxurious villa can be treated to trendy shops, restaurants and clubs on famous Fifth Avenue.

11.) From family getaways to destination weddings, spacious Casa Salinas II offers the perfect mixture of privacy, stunning views and a full-service staff on the beaches of Puerto Vallar

12.) Casita de las Flores presents a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean and sits near the Playa Rosa beach club; true to its name, the village is filled with the perfume and bright hues of tropical flowers.

13.) Nestled in the exclusive Pontoquito area near Puerto Vallarta, La Caleta Villa offers access to nine nearby golf courses, several resorts and the La Cruz Yacht Club; the beachfront home itself offers the perfect mix of privacy and luxury.

14.) Nestled within the community of Santa Carmela, Villa Hayden features a striking entryway framed with waterfalls, and the rest of the villa is simultaneously soothing and majestic.
villahayden

15.) Tranquil Las Villas Akumal offers spacious accommodations nestled in the tropics; visitors can enjoy the gardens and beach or stay indoors to take advantage of the comfortable furnishings and gourmet kitchen.

Best Boutique Hotels on Mexico’s Pacific Coast

Leave a reply

Looking for the Best Boutique Hotels in Mexico?

Travelers who enjoy luxury but value the unique and different will love staying in boutique hotels. These cozy hotels are designed to offer visitors the best experience a given area has to offer. Mexico’s Pacific Coast is dotted with these gorgeous hotels, which offer travelers a world of amenities in a sophisticated-yet-cozy environment.

No two boutique hotels are alike. Discerning travelers who wish to experience the cultural diversity and hospitality of Mexico will enjoy visiting any — or all — of these gorgeous boutique hotels located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.

Las Alamandas

A true luxury getaway, the seven villas that comprise Las Alamandas are located in Mexico’s beautiful Costalegre. This beautiful retreat is generally considered the most private in all of Mexico. Honeymooning couples will enjoy the intimacy of the space and the attention that has been paid to every last decorative detail. Small families who are looking for a relaxed, high-class hotel for a reunion will enjoy spending their days exploring the 1,500 unspoiled acres that make up the resort.

Imanta Resort

Located on 250 acres of lush jungle and breathtaking coastline on Mexico’s Central Pacific Coast, Imanta Resort is perfect for an idyllic wedding or getaway. This oceanfront boutique hotel features 11 rooms, a spa, boutique and beach pavilions. Imanta’s friendly staff and adventure guides are delighted to accommodate the needs of all guests. Boasting a private beach and rooftop bar, every traveler can marvel at the breathtaking vistas from Imanta Resort.

Xinalani Retreat

Designed to cater to eco-chic guests with a taste for the luxurious, Xinalani was founded to offer peace and serenity to every guest. Xinalani Resort is located on the Banderas Bay near Puerto Vallarta. This small hotel, composed entirely of 11 suites, is the perfect getaway for a couple or for a small group seeking a wellness-oriented vacation. A beach club, dining room and full spa services cater to the needs of all guests. Travelers who are seeking balance and soul nourishment can use the yoga deck, which is situated in lush jungle area.

Hotelito Desconocido

Located in Costalegre, Hotelito Desconocido is a welcoming resort snuggly located in a nature reserve. Guests are invited to soak in Mexican art, culture and history during their stay at Hotelito Desconocido. The hotel is located inside El Ermitaño, a lagoon listed by UNESCO as a bird paradise and aquifer. Guests will enjoy watching an assortment of birds and turtles on a daily basis. This eco-friendly resort is comprised of 27 rooms. Hotelito Desconocido offers guests a spa, full restaurant and variety of outdoor adventure opportunities.

Best Golf Vacations in Mexico

2 Replies

Mexico is known as a haven for vacationers who want to hit the beach and explore ancient Aztec and Maya ruins. This beautiful, ecologically diverse country is also the perfect location for a relaxed golf vacation. If you are interested in exploring oceanside courses by day and kicking back in a luxurious villa at night, you are well-served by visiting Mexico. Review these top Mexican golf courses and the beautiful hotels near them before making your next vacation plans.

Golf in Gorgeous Los Cabos at Cabo del Sol

Called one of the “Top 100 Courses in The World” by “Golf Magazine,” Cabo del Sol offers something for every golfer. Located in beautiful Cabo San Lucas on the Sea of Cortez, the ocean and desert courses are designed for golfers with discriminating tastes.

The Ocean Course
Jack Nicklaus has boasted that the Cabo del Sol Ocean Course is the best strip of golf property in the world. “Golf Digest” has ranked this course 24th on the list of the top 100 gold courses outside of the U.S.

The Desert Course
Cabo del Sol’s Desert Course, designed by Tom Weiskopf, combines the beauty of the desert with breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez. “Golf Digest” has ranked the Desert Course one of the top 10 courses in Mexico.

ME Cabo Hotel
With steps leading down to the sea and a scattering of pools, gardens and Bali beds, ME Cabo Hotel is a perfect getaway after a busy day on the course. Enjoy the best amenities and world-class restaurants in this hideaway.

Las Ventanas al Paraiso
Known in English as The Windows to Paradise, this beautiful resort lives up to its name. This acclaimed resort beckons to visitors with a full-service spa, excellent restaurants and luxurious suites.

Follow The Course in Beautiful Puerto Vallarta and The Riviera Nayarit

Puerto Vallarta and The Riviera Nayarti are located due west of Guadalajara on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. This beautiful area has long been a favorite among discriminating tourists and golfers.

Vista Vallarta Jack Nicklaus
Set in the foothills of Puerto Vallarta, this Jack Nicklaus course is considered a must-play course by serious golf enthusiasts. Fresh breezes and stunning mountain views make this course as relaxing as it is challenging.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Located on the Banderas Bay just outside Puerto Vallarta, this high-end resort has received Condé Nast’s “Most Excellent Spa Hotel” award. Visitors can relax in luxury and enjoy the best in hospitality while visiting Grand Velas.

Enjoy Beautiful Play on The Riviera Maya

Located on the Yucatán Peninsula on Mexico’s Caribbean Coast, the Riviera Maya is a beautiful getaway for the discriminating traveler who loves breathtaking nature and world-class luxury.

El Camaleon Riviera Maya Golf Course
Designed by Greg Norman, almost every hole on this beautiful course boasts water features. Located in an area recognized by the Audobon Society, golfers will enjoy stunning nature views while playing this challenging course.

The Fairmont Mayakoba
Only 45 minutes from the Cancun International Airport, this luxury hotel is tucked into a forest canopy. The Xcaret Preserve and Cozumel are located within 30 minutes of the hotel, which offers a full complement of world-class amenities.

So if you are an avid golfer, Mexico has amazing resorts that not only offer luxury, privacy and serenity but also award-winning golf courses, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Travel Fair 2012 – Largest in Mexico to be held in Puerto Vallarta in March

Leave a reply

Puerto Vallarta Travel Fair Puerto Vallarta is pulling out all the stops for the 37th annual Tourism Tianguis Mexico travel fair 2012 that is being held in the Puerto Vallarta Convention Center from March 25th through March 28th of 2012. Every year, this event is held to find new ways to strengthen tourism in Mexico.

According to the director of this exciting event, Miguel González González, this year’s travel fair will focus on Mexico’s core attractions including beach destinations, adventure tourism, luxury resorts and business travel. If you’re attending Tianguis 2012, you will also be presented with a wide range of hands-on activities that will make this event the most successful Mexican travel fair to date. Depending on your interests, you can take part in a golf tournament, view a fireworks show and attend numerous cultural events. You can view the site for the Tianguis Turistico here.

To keep everyone organized and make sure they don’t miss a thing, this year’s Tourism Tianguis is going hi-tech. Participants will have access to an interactive website, a new appointment system, streaming information to their mobile devices and a number of other organizational and Tourism Tianguis Puerto Vallarta communication tools.

This year’s event is already demonstrating a heightened level of interest in Mexican tourism. Here are a few numbers that illustrate this increase year over year:

Buyer participation has increased by 50 percent.
Business appointments have increased by 25 percent.
The number of registered countries has increased by 30 percent.
This year’s venue offers 67 percent more space.

So far, the Mexican government has invested 65 million pesos to this event, but they expect the payoff to local businesses to approach 118 million pesos. Part of this effort includes the new Malecon, improved access roads and a restored historic center. With this preparation, Puerto Vallarta is positioned to impress both the travel industry and visiting tourists.

If you’re planning to attend this travel fair or visit Puerto Vallarta for any reason, give Journey Mexico a call. Both Matteo and Rene will be attending from Journey Mexico. We can help you choose the best accommodations for your stay and give you valuable inside information about the best things to do in this lovely part of Mexico.

November Food Festivals of Mexico

Leave a reply

November brings two of Mexico’s most cherished food festivals: The International Gourmet Festival in Puerto Vallarta (Nov. 10-20th) and the Taste of Playa in the Riviera Maya (Nov. 20th).

The International Gourmet Festival in Puerto Vallarta is a ten-day, annual event that has been attracting thousands of people from around the world every year since 1995. Founded by master chefs Thierry Blouet, Heinz Reize and Roland Menetrey, the International Gourmet Festival gives food enthusiasts an incredible opportunity to sample cuisine, taste wines from around the world, and watch cooking demonstrations in the finest restaurants of Puerto Vallarta.

The video below gives a nice overview of previous years’ events, and more. The full schedule and pricing for 2011’s Gourmet Festival in Puerto Vallarta can be found here. Be sure to contact one of our expert planners to build a trip around this world-renowned event!

True culinary fanatics can leave the Gourmet Festival a day or two early and hop over to the gorgeous Riviera Maya to savor the flavors of Taste of Playa. Only in its second year, this international event is quickly gaining recognition as reason to visit the Riviera Maya. Last year’s event attracted over 3,200 attendees eager to sample the best of what local chefs from over 25 of the area’s restaurants had to offer. For more information about the even, visit the Taste of Playa’s website and to book a trip for the event, contact one of Journey Mexico’s expert trip planners.

Journey Mexico Blog

In Mexico: What's Going On, Where To Go & Journey Mexico Updates

Category Archives: Puerto Vallarta

Most Romantic Hotels in Mexico – Beach Resort Edition

All-Inclusive AM Resorts in Puerto Vallarta Hotel Zone

Luxury in the Riviera Nayarit

Top 15 Beachfront Vacation Rentals in Mexico

Best Boutique Hotels on Mexico’s Pacific Coast

Best Golf Vacations in Mexico

Golf in Gorgeous Los Cabos at Cabo del Sol

Follow The Course in Beautiful Puerto Vallarta and The Riviera Nayarit

Enjoy Beautiful Play on The Riviera Maya

Travel Fair 2012 – Largest in Mexico to be held in Puerto Vallarta in March

November Food Festivals of Mexico