A Piece of Paradise: Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta

When it comes down to it, there are two very different types of travelers. There are those in search of an intimate getaway, eager to bask in the peace and quiet found in the most quaint of destinations, and then, there are the others.

For some, a worry-free vacation entails having everything under one roof, but too often we turn our noses up when the word “mega-resort” is mentioned. When planning to stay somewhere that’s on a much grander scale, the focus ultimately shifts from where you’re traveling to, to the actual size of the property, the range of amenities and the overall quality of the resort. Although it’s not uncommon to adapt a “more is more” mentality while on vacation, these over-the-top hotels tend to bring up thoughts of chaos, something that sacrifices subtlety for grandiosity. For some guests, especially ones bringing their whole family, narrowing everything down to one place alleviates the burden of factoring in trivial concerns and allows for more independence. In the end, it’s up to each guest to decide how they’ll spend their time, but just know that there’s a place that caters to this sort of “bigger is better” attitude, and it’s brought to you by Mexico’s leading luxury resort developer, Vidanta.

Just 10 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta International Airport sits Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta, the region’s largest and most luxurious beachfront resort, spanning a total of 2,500 acres and boasting five hotels, 27 pools, and 38 bars and restaurants. The sheer magnitude of this property
alone is a triumph for mega-resorts, but what really makes this a one-of-a-kind destination is Vidanta’s dedication to detail. From a staff that anticipates your every possible want and need to unrivaled amenities and spacious accommodations, staying at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta is like having your own personal piece of paradise. While the property itself has been around for years, it has undergone several recent renovations including the addition of its Grand Luxxe Towers, a Convention Center, an on-site organic farm, new indoor/outdoor wellness centers and two signature golf courses. During VUE’s recent stay, we were able to experience these enhancements firsthand and came to understand the carefully crafted vision behind Vidanta’s most exclusive Mexican destination.

Back in December, the resort debuted two new Grand Luxxe Towers, and in 2017, received AAA’s Five Diamond Award, one of only few other Mexican resorts to earn this recognition. Combining the Vidanta brand’s commitment to both comfort and luxury, the towers were artfully designed to reflect traditional Mexican culture and contemporary architecture. Sitting along the Ameca River, the towers are their own private retreat from the rest of the property and offer guests stunning vista views from either their own personal balcony or outdoor plunge pool.

Accommodations at Tower Residence and Tower Five range from single- to multi-bedroom suites and villas or residence-owned bedrooms, all
equipped with open floorplans, dining space, lounge areas, private terraces and jacuzzi-style tubs. At minimum, each hotel room can sleep two adults and two small children making it the perfect spot for family-friendly getaways. As an added perk, Grand Luxxe members have exclusive access to Tower Five’s Sky Lounge, a rooftop panoramic pool lounge with sunbeds and an adjacent restaurant, Quinto, overlooking the rest of the property.

While it’s no question that mega-resorts are well-known for being a haven for children, Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta wants each guest, no matter what age, to experience the type of vacation that they desire. During the day, parents can drop their kids off at the Kids Club or Aqua Park for a day of activities and at night, quality family time can be spent at Santuario where entertainment options range from live music to acrobatic acts. Along the lines of something you might find at Disneyland, the resort also has a light display known as The Lake Show, where every half hour after sunset, a synchronized water, lights and music show begins, allowing guests enjoy the view while wining and dining lakeside.

If you’re looking to engage in more than just sitting by the pool, Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta also serves as a unique destination for golfers with two signature golf courses designed by industry pros Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus. Training programs are available at the on-site golf academy where you can sign up for either group or private lessons. And if golf isn’t your forte, guests also have full access to two tennis courts, indoor/outdoor spas and a fitness center to recharge.

The Brio Spa and Fitness Center offer standard services such as massages, manicures, pedicures, facials and waxing but also houses a multi-purpose gym, spinning room, weight area and exercise classes. Spatium, on the other hand, is Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta’s way of taking your
typical pampering to the next level and offers treatments which incorporate ancient Mayan ingredients and healing practices with modern techniques. This particular spa experience is not only an exploration of Mexican culture, but restorative to both your body and mind.

Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta’s approach towards a healthy lifestyle extends beyond just physical amenities and carries over to their food and beverage programs as well. With the addition of an on-site 50-acre organic farm, almost everything that guests eat on the property is grown just a few minutes away. For a traditional Mexican-style meal, La Cantina offers guests a playful and casual atmosphere coupled with regional dishes along the lines of queso fundido and an assortment of tacos. For those looking for something more upscale, Quinto is the resort’s newest steakhouse restaurant and our personal favorite dining experience. Located on the rooftop of Grand Luxxe Tower Five, Quinto has an extensive wine list which was specially curated by a sommelier for perfect steak pairing, alongside USDA Top Choice cuts which come to the table on a slab of pink Himalayan rock salt ensuring you get a properly seasoned bite every time. Contemporary cocktails are crafted by Quinto’s own mixologists who specialize in “Quintonics” which combines creativity and unique flavors with premium tequilas.

Without having to sacrifice quality for quantity, Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta has struck the ideal balance between achieving the ultimate level of luxury and creating an all-encompassing coastal community.