BONJOUR WORLD: A quick winter getaway in Puerto Vallarta

My first trip to Mexico years ago even before I was a travel writer was to Puerto Vallarta. 

The hotel was the Marriott Puerto Vallarta, and I will always carry happy memories of the place because it was a trip I won after being named Employee of the Year back in my corporate Human Resources Manager days.

Recently, I was invited to visit the Marriott and Westin properties in Puerto Vallarta, and I will be heading down that way in late February.

Both properties are having work done for the 2024 season. In the meantime, if you are looking for a spot to enjoy some warm weather may I suggest one or both properties for a quick non-stop trip from Dallas.

The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains and nestled on Banderas Bay. The mountain-meets-ocean resort is all about beachside fun, from kayaking and paddleboarding to swimming in PV’s largest infinity pool. 

For families traveling with little ones this sunny vacation spot has a Kid’s Club with locally inspired activities for kids ages 4 to 12 with fun, colorful outdoor and indoor play areas. The club’s staff teaches kids about Mexican culture with Spanish lessons, barro-clay pottery painting, bilingual folktales, Mexican cooking lessons, and other activities. 

And for the parents, you can be pampered at the expansive Ohtli Spa with ancient traditional treatments or indulge in some R&R with a cocktail in hand at Nosh, the sleek new beachside bar. Or, how about a tequila tasting experience led by the resorts' in-house tequila sommelier. 

Nearby at the Westin Resort & Spa (also a Marriott property) you will this resort is located on a former palm tree farm. In fact, travelers can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life on the serene property home to 600 palm trees (some living in the pool), a private beach with endless chaise lounges, a world-class spa and on-property dining with health-conscious and plant-based options for foodies of all kinds. With new programming like beach meditations and outdoor spinning classes, it is a fantastic way to pay attention to not only your mental but also your physical wellness in a tropical paradise. 

To learn visit puertovallartamarriott.com and www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pvrwi-the-westin-resort-and-spa-puerto-vallarta/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0.