Recommend May 2016 - (Page 20)

Puerto Vallarta's Hotel Scene onsitereview Michelle Marie Arean This Mexican destination on the Pacific side isn't just overflowing with vibrantly colorful bougainvillea, it's also bursting at the seams with new hotel openings and revamps, ranging from all-inclusives to ultra-luxe and eco options. During my visit to the destination for Gala Vallarta-Nayarit, I learned that there are at least 11 properties in the area that either recently opened or underwent a revamping, giving you plenty of new booking options. Here's a sprinkling of recommendations: The All-Inclusives Let's start with the all-inclusives, so popular for agent bookings, including the family-friendly Hilton Puerto Vallarta. This property, which recently completed renovations across the entire property, including the guestrooms, offers expansive views of the ocean from just about any spot on property and that alone is reason enough 20 may 2016 to book. Then there are the amenities, including Ki Spa, various dining options, a nightclub, as well as an adults-only infinity pool and sushi lounge, both on the top floor (my favorite spot on the property). Those looking for a little more of an uber-modern feel should opt for the adults-only, 70-room Hotel Mousai, which opened January of last year. It features Asian-contemporary decor, rich colors, and suites complete with a soak-in pool and hammock on the balcony. The property also offers guests yoga, jungle hikes, a tennis court, and complimentary paddleboards for exploring the shoreline. And for multigenerational travelers, recommend Mousai's family-friendly sister property Garza Blanca, featuring 164 guestrooms. Although it's not new, it's one of the most popular resorts in the area, and is conveniently located across the way from Hotel Mousai directly on the beach. Encourage clients to send the kids to stay with grandma and grandpa for a little bonding time, while mom and dad enjoy the adults-only hideaway. Hotel Mousai guests have access to all the amenities, restaurants and pools at Garza Blanca, while guests of Garza Blanca have access to Hotel Mousai's spa and gym with reservations. Guests can delve into even more pampering at the recently renovated 83-oceanfront suite and -room Villa Premiere, an adults-only option that treats every guest with a 5-minute antistress massage upon arrival. Now doesn't that sound like the perfect way to start a vacation? This beachfront oasis features modern decor, and to me felt as if I'd stepped into a wellness retreat as it's filled with spa scents in every room (seven scent choices available). There's also a pillow menu with five options, 24-hour private butler service, and oh, those delicious beachside cabanas. The property also has two pools (one with recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend May 2016

Editor’s Notes
Hotel Desk: On the Waterfront
Tour Talk: A Peek at Our Peaks
All-Inclusives: Raising the Bar
Onsite Review: Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Scene
Onsite Review: Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
Onsite Review: Iberostar Playa Mita
Onsite Review: Moon Palace Jamaica Grande
Hotel and Experience Pairings
New Properties Beckon
Onsite Review: Cambodia
Southern Africa’s New Enticements
Onsite Review: Rail Europe
New Frontiers in Travel
Innovation on the High Seas
Mountain Resort Vacations
What’s New in Orlando
Onsite Review: Escape to Discovery Cove
Official Florida Travel Industry Education Program–Family Course

Recommend May 2016