Shortly after arriving at Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort, the first thing I noticed was that everyone seemed to know each other.
There was a large group at the edge of the infinity pool — mudslides and margaritas in hand — laughing and sharing travel stories. Two men, one from Canada and the other from the U.S., were battling for national bragging rights in a game of ping-pong. And when the breakfast rush at Vela Food Hall began and tables started to fill, couples were inviting others to join them. I soon learned the relaxed atmosphere and staff-led activities here make it easy for guests to connect.
Hilton Vallarta Riviera is located on a small stretch of sand, up a curvy mountain road, just three miles (a 10-minute drive) from the Puerto Vallarta boardwalk. Walking into the lobby, I felt the ocean breeze coming off the Bay of Banderas and immediately gravitated toward it. Looking out from this perch, a few stories up, I could see the entire grounds, including two infinity pools, a swim-up bar and a secluded beach where I would be spending the next couple of days.
The relaxed atmosphere and staff-led activities here make it easy for guests to connect.
The action here centers around, or in, the pool — with games, activities and trivia scheduled throughout the day. Morning yoga on floating mats challenged my balance, while the water aerobics class got my heart pumping. Later, the pool turns into a mini-Las Vegas as activity staffers serve as dealers and push around floating blackjack, poker and roulette tables (just for fun).
The resort, which opened in August, has 444 rooms and suites — all with a private balcony and ocean view. My premium oceanfront room came in at 538 square feet and had plenty of space. A daybed in the corner of the room made for great lounging, while a dining table came in handy doubling as a workspace. The bathroom had both a rain shower and a separate Jacuzzi tub.
Hilton Vallarta Riviera opened in August.
Credit: 2021 Ryan SlatteryThe resort features 14 all-inclusive restaurants, plus room service. The breakfast buffet at Vela was impressive: Omelets, eggs and breakfast tacos were cooked to order; a popular crepe and waffle station created quite a backup; and beef and chicken stews added a flavorful touch to the offerings.
Of course, there are a range of lunch and dinner options to suit your mood, as well. Light Mexican dishes such as cactus salads and shrimp tacos can be found at Maxal, while pasta and pizza are on the menu at La Luce. Cocomar serves tacos; several seafood ceviches; tasty shrimp, salmon or octopus tiraditos (a Peruvian raw fish dish); and a fish burger. The resort’s Asian eatery, Sunan, specializes in sushi and sake (and I highly recommend the duck breast with char siu sauce).
Come sundown, clients may gravitate upstairs to Skybar, an open-air lounge with two hot tubs. Here they can meet up with all their new friends and toast to a great vacation, while making plans for even better days ahead.
The Details
Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort
