{"id":93475,"date":"2026-05-08T20:06:35","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T20:06:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/first-look-the-westin-playa-vallarta-an-all-inclusive-resort\/"},"modified":"2026-05-08T20:06:35","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T20:06:35","slug":"first-look-the-westin-playa-vallarta-an-all-inclusive-resort","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/first-look-the-westin-playa-vallarta-an-all-inclusive-resort\/","title":{"rendered":"First look: The Westin Playa Vallarta, an All-Inclusive Resort"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Walking into the open-air lobby of the newly minted Westin Playa Vallarta, an All-Inclusive Resort captures the essence of what many hotels aim to impart on their guests: leaving stress at the door and stepping into a state of all-encompassing relaxation. It’s fitting for a Westin, as the brand weaves an ethos of wellbeing throughout each of its distinct properties.<\/p>\n

Here, perched against the glimmering waters of Puerto Vallarta’s Banderas Bay, a consistent ocean breeze ambles through the sunlit halls, lush greenery cascades from every corner of both the interior and the exterior, and, perhaps most notably, the warm staff members are willing to help with any request or just stop to have a friendly chat. Thoughtful details throughout the property \u2014 like local art, spa experiences borrowing from centuries-old traditions and a plethora of cultural activations \u2014 ensure that a sense of place is paramount.<\/p>\n

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\"Westin<\/div>
ELLIE NAN STORCK\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“We are thrilled to welcome travelers to this new chapter in upscale all-inclusive travel,” Hugo Lecanda, the property’s general manager, said in a recent statement from Marriott<\/span>. “As more travelers opt for seamless, elevated experiences that nourish both the mind and body, we invite our guests to embrace a new way to experience Mexico’s Pacific Coast.”<\/p>\n

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\"Adults-only<\/div>
ELLIE NAN STORCK\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And nourish both the mind and body the resort did. The original hotel opened in 1993 and has since welcomed back many returning guests \u2014 everyone from multigenerational families to adult friend groups to couples \u2014 seeking that hallmark sense of nourishment over the past three-plus decades. Following this multimillion-dollar renovation, which has touched nearly every part of the on-property experience, many of those repeat guests have the same question: Will the all-inclusive model work as the resort enters a new era?<\/p>\n

Based on the time I spent at the hotel just days after it entered Marriott’s ecosystem as The Westin Playa Vallarta, an All-Inclusive Resort, I think the answer is yes. With renovated guest rooms, the addition of adults-only swim-up rooms, redesigned pools, and refreshed wellness and dining programs, The Westin Playa Vallarta certainly felt nourishing to both the body and the soul.<\/p>\n

Here is a first look at The Westin Playa Vallarta, an All-Inclusive Resort.<\/p>\n

A biophilic design brings the outdoors inside<\/h2>\n
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\"Hallway<\/div>
ELLIE NAN STORCK\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the open-air lobby to the wide sun-drenched halls to the guest rooms with panoramic windows, sunlight and greenery set the tone throughout The Westin Playa Vallarta, which was exactly the intention of Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos, the agency behind the renovation and remodeling.<\/p>\n

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ELLIE NAN STORCK\/THE POINTS GUY<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Afternoon light pours in from slats in the ceiling, casting beautiful patterns onto the stone and marble floors. Dappled sunlight drifts down between palm fronds and tree branches onto the glistening waters of the side-by-side pools. Vegetation is abundant both inside the resort and across its lush grounds \u2014 once a coconut farm, the property is home to some 300 towering palm trees that lead you straight to a soft swath of quiet beach along Banderas Bay’s gentle shoreline.<\/p>\n

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\"Aerial<\/div>
ELLIE NAN STORCK\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With the Sierra Madre mountains in the distance beyond the water, it’s a stunning scene, whether you’re looking out from one of the top floors or a poolside cabana.<\/p>\n

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Refreshed interiors from Uribe Krayer and Vida Design Studio complement the light-filled property, with subtle splashes of deep reds and vibrant blues throughout in the form of tastefully upholstered chairs, patterned pillows and statement walls.<\/p>\n

The room<\/h2>\n
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ELLIE NAN STORCK\/THE POINTS GUY<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

My Heavenly Pool Panoramic Suite, one of 280 guest accommodations, measured in at 581 square feet. Like the rest of the property, the room was all about what lies outside: bountiful sunlight and that striking waterfront location.<\/p>\n

Inside, I was delighted to find a king-size Westin-branded Heavenly bed with soft white linens (it did, as promised, deliver a blessedly heavenly slumber). There was a spacious seating area with a comfortable couch and a small table that looked out over the balcony and to the idyllic view beyond, the scene itself almost like a massive mural. Next to the window was a sizable flat-screen TV (though with that<\/em> view, I didn’t feel the need to turn this on even once). The room also featured a minifridge with refreshments like soft drinks and water, as well as a coffee machine with coffee pods, tea and some light snacks.<\/p>\n

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ELLIE NAN STORCK\/THE POINTS GUY<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The crown jewel of the suite was certainly the water-facing balcony, which drifted out from the room beyond sliding glass doors. From there, I could enjoy magnificent views of the resort grounds, Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre mountains from one of two comfortable lounge chairs. The heated plunge pool (with adjustable temperature and lighting) was almost too good to be true, serving as an ideal place to start and end every day.<\/p>\n

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\"Bathroom<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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ELLIE NAN STORCK\/ THE POINTS GUY<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The bathroom was similarly an experience in and of itself, honoring the property’s theme of natural light. A huge skylight over the glassed-in shower and the chic stand-alone soaking tub allowed sunlight to pour into the space, reflecting off the dual vanity’s clay-hued, marbled surface that sat below a wall-spanning mirror. The closet contained all the necessities, including plush Westin-branded bathrobes, slippers, a safe and plenty of space to hang clothes. Toiletries were Westin-branded, with a refreshing white tea scent.<\/p>\n

Dining at The Westin Playa Vallarta<\/h2>\n
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ELLIE NAN STORCK\/THE POINTS GUY<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

You won’t find the cookie-cutter buffets at The Westin Playa Vallarta \u2014 though there certainly are options aplenty when it comes to dining, from casual spots to grab a locally inspired bite to more refined outlets. Guests can enjoy six restaurants and four open-air dining and drinking outlets. Unique to this Westin is the Gourmet Gallery, a large food hall-style area that contains six restaurants. (I recommend making a reservation ahead of time, as it could get quite crowded.)<\/p>\n