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I was recently invited to participate in a Familiarization trip to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, formerly known as Nuevo Vallarta. Since I hadn’t been to Puerto Vallarta in some time, it was the perfect opportunity to see new properties, refurbished properties, and the changes in Puerto Vallarta in the last few years.
First and foremost our mission was to visit many resorts, to look at them as you, our clients, would see them, and to be able to assist you in choosing the best destination for your family vacation or reunion, or for your wedding and/or honeymoon. And to determine which resorts are the best for families, couples, and singles.
RIU Palace Pacifico was opened in 2008, in Riviera Nayarit, as an all-inclusive, family resort. It is a moderately sized resort with 445 rooms; not so big you can’t easily navigate, but not so small that you are constantly bumping into people! This resort has just about anything you could need: large pool, children’s pool, swim-up bars, a gym, a great children’s program, and 5 restaurants.
Rooms at the RIU Palace Pacifico are all Jr. Suites, same in size and amenities, and differ on by view, except the Jacuzzi Jr. Suite! This suite is amazing! In addition to the wrap around terrace, which would be perfect for a small wedding reception, there are 2 bathrooms, a Jacuzzi in one bathroom, and one on the terrace! The view, of course, is of the water!
Grand Velas Vallarta is also in Riviera Nayarit, also all-inclusive, but a much smaller resort, very romantic resort. Grand Velas is a member of the prestigious “Leading Hotels of the World” and offers first class accommodations and a world-class spa! This is a family resort, but as you can tell, it caters to honeymooners, couples, and wedding parties! Their ballrooms are perfect for large wedding receptions. There is also a small gazebo which is perfect for a wedding!
All of the accommodations at Grand Velas are suites, with goose down comforters and pillows, a separate living area with a sofa, private balcony or terrace AND Oceanview! A fully stocked mini-bar which is replenished daily and 24 hour room service add to the luxuriousness of this beautiful property.
With 4 restaurants and a snack bar, you will certainly not go hungry! Five open kitchens at the all-day casual restaurant Azul, ensure a very diverse menu. Chinese, Mexican, Italian, and Japanese, as well as grilled specials are all available. Azul is located in a Palapa overlooking Banderas Bay. As if 4 international cuisines were not enough Piaf Restaurant offers gourmet French dining. Reservations are required at this adult’s only (18 and over) restaurant. Samples of the menu offerings include Foi Gras Terrine with caramelized pears and port wine glaze, Snails Bourguignon style, Truffle Chicken, & Crème Brule.
Paradise Village has always been one of my favorite family resorts. Paradise Village is on one of the most beautiful and accessible beaches in the area. Kids and adults will love boogie boarding and body surfing off this beach. Para-sailing is available from a nearby vendor, and is lots of fun. The smaller kids can ride tandem with mom or dad.
Paradise Village is both all-inclusive, and EP (European Plan….no meals or beverages). Because it is about 20 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, and does require a $20 cab ride, (each way) I recommend purchasing the all-inclusive program. The food is great, and there are 5 restaurants from which to choose.
A children’s program operates from 9am-3pm, and has crafts and games for kids ages 4 to 12. They will love meeting and making friends with kids of different cultures. Maybe they can work on their Spanish, a little! Adults will enjoy a little time to enjoy a Spa treatment, or a tennis match.
Totem Travel has several all inclusive specialists on staff to help you choose the family vacation in Mexico. Please give me a call or send an email to sandi@totemtravel.com when you are planning your all-inclusive family vacation!
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