I sipped my complimentary welcome drink under 600 palm trees and let out a little sigh by the pool. “This is the life,” I thought to myself.
The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta sits on the grounds of an old palm tree plantation. Today, it’s transformed into a lavish beachfront resort with stunning oceanfront views. Soon to be the brand’s first all-inclusive resort in Mexico, the Westin Puerto Vallarta offers all the amenities you could ask for while on vacation.
At the time of publishing, the resort is under some final renovations, but from my 3-night stay, I can tell you they’re set up to become one of the hottest all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Whether you’re a couple browsing for your ultimate honeymoon destination or a family vacationing with kids, this resort has something to offer for everyone.
Location
Arriving at Puerto Vallarta International Airport, I expected a lengthy ride to my accommodations. After a long day of travel, I was eager to get to my room and unwind. You can imagine my surprise when my driver (arranged by the Westin PV) greeted me at arrivals and had me at the reception desk in less than 10 minutes.
Despite being so close to an international airport, you almost never hear any planes taking-off. As someone who lives just 30 minutes from O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, I was expecting constant booms from take-off. That wasn’t the case. The Westin’s beachfront location magically erases any sounds of airport chaos.
Secondly, the Westin Puerto Vallarta is just a few minutes’ drive to Marina Vallarta and Marina Puerto Vallarta. If you plan to book an excursion to places like Yelapa Waterfall or Majahuitas Beach, the Westin is a central spot for all of your day trips.
Accommodations
The star of the show in any room is the Westin Heavenly® Bed. I’m someone who frequently has a hard time falling asleep, and this bed easily transported me to my dreams each night. In fact, they’re so popular that the Westin brand even sells these mattresses.
Additionally, all guests will enjoy ocean-facing balconies and a Heavenly® Bath. I personally loved the rain shower head in the separate shower space.
Premium rooms with a whirlpool are available for those looking for a little more luxury. Anyone traveling with children or furry friends may also enjoy the Heavenly Family Suite.
Overall, the guest rooms are comfortable and spacious. The balconies are set back in such a way that you can still sit outside and enjoy the view even if it’s raining without getting wet. Visiting the Westin PV during the rainy season, I was treated to nightly thunderstorms that were truly relaxing to watch from my balcony.
Dining Options at the The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta
Slated to be an all-inclusive in 2025, the Westin PV will offer a total of 11 restaurants and bars. What struck me the most was the quality of the food. Crafted by Chef Hector Martinez, the Westin PV delivers a menu far superior to your average all-inclusive resort.
So much so that I would say the resort food single-handily made me believe the food in Mexico was some of the best food of any country I’ve ever been to (and I’ve been to over 30). Trust me, I didn’t expect hotel food to be good.
Guests can indulge in the following onsite restaurants and bars:
- Arrecifes Seafood & Steakhouse (Closed for renovations in 2024)
- Cebichería Arrecifes
- El Palmar Restaurant
- Westin Fresh by the Juicery
- Flora Bar
- Mini Latte
- Tlaquepaque Snack Bar
- 24-hour room service
Special Dining Experiences
In addition to the standard restaurants and bars, there are a few brand-new bookable dining experiences. Some are available to book today and others will be available to guests in 2025 as noted below.
Sunset Celebration Table Dinner
Available Now
It’s no secret that Puerto Vallarta is home to epic sunsets. One of the best ways to experience that jaw-dropping sunset is by enjoying a sunset meal outside. The Sunset Celebration experience is a multi-course meal best enjoyed by groups of 6-12.
Chef Martinez puts extreme care into his dishes. For example, I had filled out a form stating how I don’t prefer to eat fish, and he not only remembered me specifically but beautifully crafted alternative menu options different from my fish-loving companions. The table setting was stunning and an elegant way to spend an evening.
Enchilada Me, Please – Cooking Class & Lunch
Coming in 2025
The Westin PV and Chef Martinez are set to offer this new experience in 2025. With the Enchilada Me, Please class and lunch, guests have the privilege of joining the chef at a local market. During your time at the market, you’ll gather the ingredients that you’ll use that very day to prepare your lunch. Plus, it’s an excellent way to get off-property and really dive into the local culture.
Upon return, you’ll enjoy a specially handcrafted lunch outside as Chef teaches you how to make authentic Mexican enchiladas and sauces. He also showed us how to craft traditional margaritas, which we got to enjoy as well. Be sure to come hungry because you’ll leave stuffed and satisfied.
Sunset Boho Picnic Dinner
Available Now
There are no simpler delights than enjoying a picnic by the ocean. The Sunset Boho Picnic Dinner is an Instagram-worthy dream. With blankets, pillows, and candles scattered throughout your setup, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a romantic fantasy.
The picnic dinner includes a variety of dishes such as light sandwiches, veggies, dips, and desserts. The peaceful sounds of the ocean will be your background music as you dine on delicious food and enjoy the company of your loved ones. If the weather’s bad, the staff will transform your room into a magical indoor picnic haven.
Amenities and Services
The Westin PV offers a range of amenities and services to make your stay as comfortable and convenient as possible. From relaxing spa treatments to kayak rentals, this luxurious resort has something for everyone.
Cacao Ceremonies
Coming in 2025
Another experience set to begin in 2025 was the traditional Cacao Ceremony. Led by a mother/daughter team from KUKU Cacao Ceremonial, guests can partake in this ancient spiritual practice using pure cacao.
The ceremony encourages introspection, healing, and connection with oneself and others. It also includes guided meditation and sharing a circle where participants can express their intentions or gratitude. This truly local experience allows guests to immerse themselves in traditional Mexican culture.
Tlaquepaque and Periquillos Pools
These two pools are strategically built to complement the charming palm trees. The water is comfortably warm. Plus, you can enjoy delicious poolside dining options. For those traveling with little ones, there’s a Kids Club where they can play and have fun in the water.
Las Pergolas Beach Club
Rent one of the 13 open-air pergola-style huts and lounge in your own private paradise. With comfortable seating and ocean views, it’s the perfect spot for couples to relax and unwind.
Fitness Center
You can head to the on-site fitness center if you need to keep your routine on vacation. It’s fully stocked with modern equipment.
Spa
Is it really vacation if you don’t treat yourself? Book one of the relaxing spa treatments and unwind in paradise. From beachside massages to facials, you’ll feel rejuvenated and ready for your next adventure.
Kayak Rentals
Another great perk is the ability to rent kayaks and explore the ocean. Paddle through the crystal clear waters and take in the stunning views of Banderas Bay.
Customer Experience at the Westin Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta has repeatedly been named one of the world’s friendliest cities. During my short time in PV, it was easy to see why.
Every staff member at Westin Puerto Vallarta felt deeply invested in my personal experience. From the bell boys delivering my room service breakfast to the Destination Manager Miguel Arizmendi joining me for a meal, the staff made sure I felt welcome and taken care of.
As someone who gets a little social anxiety visiting new places, the team went above and beyond to ensure I always felt welcomed. The staff was truly one of the most friendly teams I’ve encountered during my many hotel stays.
