Hotel Review: Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

I love being pampered, but as I followed a therapist into the treatment area of Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa’s Ohtli Spa, I was feeling nervous. I had signed up for a therapy treatment that’s performed in a pool — even though I’m not a good swimmer. 

There are only a few places in the world that offer the Janzu water rebirth therapy technique. Marriott Puerto Vallarta is one of them, so I couldn’t resist trying it. From the description, I understood that I would be floating in a womb-shaped pool. When the therapist handed me a snorkel mask, I realized there might be more to it. 

There are quite a few unique experiences and features for clients to enjoy (with or without a snorkel) at Marriott Puerto Vallarta. Last year, the hotel completed an $18 million renovation and just unveiled a spectacular upgrade to its infinity pool and swim-up bar. The enhancements included a complete overhaul of the 433 ocean-facing guestrooms; a full redo of the lobby, including the addition of an ice cream parlor and its new Ceviche & Tequila Bar; and a new raised pool deck with added amenities. The on-site restaurants and bars were also renovated, and new dining experiences were added. 

I was particularly impressed with the light, airy feeling of the new lobby. Neutral sand tones are accented by blue and silver — the colors of the agave plant, which is native to the area. The design elements can be seen throughout the property, including in guestrooms, where a striking abstract wallpaper depicts agave on a feature wall. 

After checking in, my first stop was the new Ceviche & Tequila Bar. The bar has a wall with 180 different tequilas, and guests can order a wide variety of freshly prepared ceviche. They can also sign up for a tequila tasting experience, held once per week, with the resort’s sommelier. The hotel even makes its own brand of tequila, CasaMagna, from agave grown in the on-site cactus garden. 

Although Marriott Puerto Vallarta is not an all-inclusive resort, guests can book all-inclusive packages that include food and beverages. The on-property restaurants are exceptional, including the new dining offerings. The Fresh Catch Dinner Experience is offered on weekends, when local fishermen drop off their day’s bounty. The chef lays out the offerings on ice, and clients choose how they want their fish prepared. Meanwhile, Jalisco at Your Table is a signature dining experience for small groups that provides a taste of traditional Mexican cooking; the seven-course meal is inspired by the childhood meals of the local chefs who work at the resort. Each dish is expertly prepared and artfully plated. 

The newly unveiled upgrade to the infinity pool means that the swim-up bar now has 180-degree views of Banderas Bay and its iconic mountains. 

In fact, there’s a lot to like about the refreshed resort and its special experiences. I even learned to like the spa’s Janzu water rebirth therapy. Some guests report having memories from their time in the womb resurface during the treatment. While that didn’t happen for me, I did feel the stress slip away as I floated underneath and on top of the water with complete calm.

The Details
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa 
www.marriott.com