Hotel Review: Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit, An All-Inclusive Resort

Gorgeous mountain views aren’t generally a standard feature at all-inclusive hotels in Mexico, but they’re one of the biggest selling points at Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit, An All-Inclusive Resort, where I enjoyed postcard-perfect views of Nayarit’s verdant landscape.

Indeed, this family-friendly Marriott brand resort, set in the Riviera Nayarit about 15 miles from Puerto Vallarta International Airport, is proof that not all all-inclusive resorts are alike. The standard setting for an all-inclusive property in Mexico is a sprawling, flat plot of land on the coast. Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit, however, is tucked into the lush foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, and the property is designed to complement the natural curves of the topography. 

I loved strolling the shady walkways lined with towering trees and spotting butterflies that flit about the property. There are several kinds of creatures that call this region home, in fact, including iguanas, black-throated magpies and chachalacas, birds known for their morning calls. Signage around the hotel property provides details about these species, making it easier for guests to spot and identify the animals.

With its abundant natural beauty and local wildlife, this hotel is ideal for guests who want to feel close to nature while enjoying all the amenities of a family-friendly, all-inclusive resort. Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit's multiple swimming pools, lazy river and waterpark also seemed to be a big hit with the families I saw vacationing.

While I found the property to be wonderfully walkable, those who prefer to avoid the hilly walkways can call for a free golf cart transfer; transportation arrives quickly and can take guests anywhere within the hotel grounds.

The hotel also happens to be a first-of-its-kind in several ways. It’s the first all-inclusive property within the Delta Hotels brand, as well as the only fully all-inclusive property in the Marriott International portfolio on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Marriott International acquired the Delta Hotels and Resorts brand in 2015, and since then, this property has continued to undergo a series of enhancements. An expansion was completed in 2023, adding a new tower and 95 guestrooms, and plans call for yet another expansion in 2025 that will raise the room count from 212 to 300.

Hotel Amenities

Even with its growing room count, Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit manages to feel blissfully uncrowded thanks to its unique hillside layout. Rather than being built around one, giant public pool area, for example, the property has several smaller pools carved into various picturesque spaces, so it’s easy to find room to relax.

Some of my most memorable moments at the hotel took place at Tzicuri Spa, which is beautifully designed with 10 private cabanas in a leafy setting. After a rejuvenating massage, I relaxed on a chaise longue next to the spa’s own shaded pool. I also spent some productive hours at the large, 24-hour fitness center.

While this property is primarily a tropical mountain resort, guests can also enjoy the amenities of a beach resort. Tonati Beach Club, located in the town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, is the hotel’s dedicated private club, and is free to access for guests. It’s about 15 minutes from the hotel via a free shuttle service and offers lots of seating on the sand, as well as covered seating for dining; a full lunch menu is available throughout the day. For a splurge, travelers should consider renting one of the comfy beach cabanas (that’s how I enjoyed my beach time).

Dining and Other Activities

Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit features two main indoor restaurants; my favorite culinary experience was at Komorebi Teppanyaki, where the chef’s tableside performance is part of the fun (reservations are required at this venue). I also frequented Huichol Cocina Artesanal, an attractive Mexican eatery offering a generous buffet for both breakfast and dinner. Media Luna Pool & Snack, meanwhile, is an open-air venue that’s ideal for a poolside lunch (don’t miss the fish tacos). 

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Another interesting feature at the property is Delta Pantry, a 24-hour facility stocked with non-alcoholic beverages, fresh fruit, cereal and even packages of noodles that guests can heat up on-site. There’s also a coffee machine and an ice cream dispenser. 

The hotel hosts a variety of activities every day of the week, including karaoke, family-friendly movie screenings, live music performances, Zumba classes and numerous children’s activities. The easiest way to keep track of the offerings is the Marriott Bonvoy app that’s also a good resource for general hotel information and allows guests to reserve spa treatments, beach cabanas and seats at Komorebi Teppanyaki. 

My favorite place to enjoy the view was my own room, which had a large balcony that allowed me to look out on the leafy hills and even as far as the Bay of Banderas. I inspected other room categories and found them to be equally spacious and well-designed for families; there are many connecting-room options and many guestrooms have a sofa bed. The large showers are a plus, too.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by how the all-inclusive concept works so well in such a unique, beautiful setting that’s especially good for families. It was certainly hard to say goodbye to that view.