These Puerto Vallarta Resorts Are Perfect for a Winter Escape (and Whale-Watching)

One of Mexico’s premier beach getaways, Puerto Vallarta is uniquely positioned at the point where the lush Sierra Madre Mountains descend to the Pacific. After the hot and humid summers, winter brings relief with near-perfect weather, typically around the mid-70s, ideal for outdoor fun and open-air beachfront dining. This is also the time when Banderas Bay serves as a sanctuary for migrating humpback whales. They can often be spotted right from your beach lounger, or up close on a whale-watching excursion. 

With so many reasons to visit during the peak tourist season, booking well in advance for a winter stay is critical. The farther ahead you reserve a room, the better the deal and the wider range of choices you’ll have. Some of the most desirable, like swim-out suites, oceanfront rooms, and multi-bedroom units for families, often sell out months in advance.

Any of these Puerto Vallarta resorts is well worth booking now for this winter season. 

Why We Love It: Exceptional service and breathtaking ocean and mountain views from many vantage points, including the rooftop infinity pools. 

Quick Facts

Overview

Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta is a 5-star adults-only hotel that offers tranquil seclusion tucked onto a wooded hillside overlooking Banderas Bay. A short shuttle ride brings guests to a white sandy, swimmable beach at the neighboring Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa. Relax beneath an umbrella on a lounge chair or take part in non-motorized water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. Right on-site, there’s a luxurious, full-service spa with salon services and an ocean-view fitness center. Dining is available at nine venues on the property or at any of the restaurants at Garza Blanca. 

Key Amenities

Why We Love It: The stunning setting, nestled into a secluded cove with pristine white sands and exceptionally clear water ranging in shades of deep green to cool blue or vibrant turquoise, depending on the sunlight and time of year. 

Quick Facts

Overview

Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta is uniquely situated at the edge of lush, dramatic cliffs overlooking Banderas Bay and the Pacific. Tucked between jungle-covered peaks and soft, pale golden sands, it feels as if it’s cut off from the rest of the world, a slice of paradise for blissful relaxation. Spending time at the beach and enjoying the often calm, warm water draws many, but there are also five ocean-view pools, including an adults-only pool and a main pool with a swim-up bar. The spa is one of the largest in the area, complete with a hydrotherapy circuit and an extensive menu of treatments, including a tension-relieving organic coconut deep-tissue massage. Dining options include everything from poolside bites and a seaside grill to a Mexican and Asian fusion.

Key Amenities

Why We Love It: This luxury boutique hotel offers an alternative to the mega resorts, as an intimate, adults-only sanctuary with just 80 suites and a calming environment with koi ponds, botanical gardens, and free-roaming peacocks. 

Quick Facts

Overview

Built around the marina on the Marina Vallarta Golf Club Course, the luxurious Casa Velas is a serene adults-only boutique hotel renowned for its personalized service. While there isn’t a beach on-site, guests have access to a complimentary shuttle for the 5-minute ride to Táu Beach Club. It not only includes unspoiled, golden sands, but an infinity pool, Jacuzzi, Balinese beds, and full bar and restaurant service. The property itself has a pool with a swim-up bar and cabanas, and a spa where guests can relax in the sauna or eucalyptus steam room. Guests can also enjoy discounted access to the golf club and dining at Emiliano, serving gourmet Mexican dishes and international fare. 

Key Amenities

Why We Love It: Dreams offers something for the whole family, including a private beach, full-service spa, and unique programs for various age groups, from craft-making and cooking-baking to a rock climbing wall and bungee trampoline. 

Quick Facts

Set along golden sands lapped by the clear blue waters of Banderas Bay, Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa is an ideal choice for families with lots to do for all ages. Kids and teens can take part in unique programs designed for various age groups while parents relax at the beach or in the spa, which includes a sauna, hot tubs, steam cabin, acupressure shower, and an extensive menu of treatments. There are multiple pools right along the beachfront, including a central pool with a swim-up bar and poolside service, and a family-friendly pool with a water slide and shallow areas for the little ones. Dine on everything from authentic Mexican and Italian to fresh seafood in à la carte and buffet eateries.

Key Amenities

Why We Love It: The tranquil setting for honeymooners and romance-seekers of all types with a golden sand beach, an “Unlimited-Luxury Concept,” and staff that goes above and beyond.

Quick Facts

Located next to Dreams, Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta is a luxury all-inclusive beachfront resort providing easy access to swimmable waters and above-and-beyond service. The concierge can arrange day trips like a visit to the Southern Zone where The Arches and Banderas Bay meet the mountains, while complimentary gear like kayaks and snorkeling equipment make it easy to explore the underwater world. Plus, there are two ocean-view pools, one with a swim-up bar. In the spa you’ll find an indoor pool with waterfall jets, hydrotherapy hot tubs, a sauna, a full-service beauty salon, and a menu of pampering treatments.

Key Amenities

Why We Love It: The tropical jungle setting meets beachfront luxury with opportunities to snorkel, kayak, and hike right on the property.

Quick Facts

Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa is tucked into a cove with sugary white sands, located on a jungle mountain preserve. As the water is protected, it’s typically calm and ideal for swimming. Complimentary kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling can all be enjoyed right from shore. Land activities include guided hikes through the lush greenery. There are also three outdoor infinity pools, a spa with a menu of treatments based on ancient healing therapies, yoga classes, and a kids’ club for the little ones so parents can enjoy some alone time. Dining includes three on-site restaurants serving Japanese, Chinese, and upscale Italian-inspired dishes, plus the nine gourmet venues at Hotel Mousai.

Key Amenities

Why We Love It: It offers exceptionally personalized service and feels like an exclusive, private residence where stress melts the moment you walk through the door. 

Quick Facts

Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway is an urban boutique hotel tucked along Playa Camarones, where guests can enjoy service by dedicated beach butlers. It provides a serene oasis, yet it’s within walking distance of the lively downtown scene. There are two outdoor pools, most notably the infinity pool. Here, guests can lounge in the Bali beds, enjoying poolside service and an ocean view. The stress-melting Mind & Soul spa offers massages, facials, and whirlpool baths, along with daily beach yoga and a 24-hour gym. Dining includes the upscale La Corona, serving premium steaks and fresh seafood.

Key Amenities

Why We Love It: Its warm hospitality and stunning beachfront setting on Playa Mismaloya, surrounded by the lush Sierra Madre Mountains. 

Quick Facts

Barceló Puerto Vallarta offers affordable luxury ideal for couples and families overlooking the beautiful sands of Playa Mismaloya. Surrounded by lush mountains, there are even trails that can be hiked or biked right from the property. The beach includes a designated swimming area with calm water and a sandy bottom, while four pools provide a variety of options for adults and children. With a kids’ club, parents can enjoy a massage and other decadent treatments at the full-service wellness center. The wide range of dining options includes Mexican, Italian, Spanish, and international fare. Plus, in the evening there’s a nightly theater show and live music.

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