Puerto Vallarta is a coastal jewel nestled along Mexico’s Pacific coast, where the Sierra Madre Mountains meet the sparkling blue waters of the Bay of Banderas. This charming town offers warm hospitality and vibrant flavors. One particular gem in this tropical haven is the Marriot Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, where relaxation, luxury, and delicious gastronomy collide, creating a vacation experience like no other.

From the moment you arrive, you are embraced by an atmosphere of relaxed serenity. We were greeted with smiles and “Welcome home!” – after travelling, what better words to hear.

The hotel’s architecture, inspired by traditional Mexican haciendas, effortlessly blends with the lush tropical gardens and palm trees, setting the stage for an unforgettable vacation. The spacious guest rooms are reliably comfortable, and we slept like babies after spending our days at on the private hotel beach basking under the golden Mexican sun.

One of the highlights of the Marriot is its gastronomic offerings, with 5 dedicated restaurants to chose from. The hotel’s signature “Jalisco at your Table” tasting menu showcases the best of Jalisco’s regional cuisine. Guests are treated to a 7-course symphony of flavors that truly capture the essence of Jalisco’s rich culinary heritage. We opted to try these classic dishes, elegantly elevated by Executive Chef Kelvin Valenzuela.

“To me it is very important that our guests enjoy the balance of Mexican flavours – a perfect balance of salty, sour and sweet.”

A great example of that is the Nopal-cactus, a Mexican staple but unknown to us. Crunchy yet soft with just the right amount of tartness, it makes an appearance in the second course. The menu starts with a tamal with atole – a classic Mexican street foods that is a fond childhood memory for many, here accompanied by a rich, velvety atole—a traditional Mexican beverage.

The Zarandeado Fish course celebrates the coastal flavors of Nayarit and Sinaloa regions. The fish, marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, garlic, and chilies, is grilled to perfection, resulting in a tender, smoky, and flavorful dish.

And for meat-lovers, the Birria from Los Altos course offers a taste of Jalisco’s highlands. This slow-cooked beef stew is infused with a symphony of spices, creating the tenderest meat enveloped in a rich and complex sauce. It was so delicious, we drank every last drop of the sauce.

To accompany all that deliciousness, all you need to do is soak in the sun and take a dip in the Pacific ocean. Water temperatures are pleasant, with 300 glorious days of sun a year. But what if you still feel worried about getting chilly in the sea? Worry not, you too can splash to your heart’s content as this hotel boasts a large heated pool, surrounded by lush gardens and swaying palm trees.

Guests can unwind on comfortable sun loungers, sipping refreshing cocktails from the swim-up bar (after all, Jalisco is home to that most famous of Mexican drinks, Tequila) or nibbling on pool-side snacks. There’s even a dedicated sports bar that will ensure nobody misses that all-important match, game or race.

The Marriot Hotel in Puerto Vallarta offers an exceptional holiday experience, combining luxury, relaxation, and exquisite culinary experiences. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in its enticing offerings and discover the paradise that awaits you in Puerto Vallarta – you won’t regret it.