8 Cool Spots and Hidden Gems at Marriott Puerto Vallarta

How to make the most of your stay.
evening view of Nosh at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
(Photo: Christine Sarkis)

One of the best parts of getting to know a resort is discovering its perfect vistas, cool offerings, and surprise treats. At the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa, these can’t miss spots are hidden in plain sight all around the property. Here are some of the most magical spots not to miss during your stay. 

1. The Lobby Swings

close up of the swinging chairs in the lobby at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta
As you’re walking between the lobby and the pool, take some time to kick back in one of the swing chairs (Photo: Christine Sarkis)

When you walk into the lobby for the first time, the first thing you see is the beautiful ocean beyond the resort. And while you’ll turn left to check in, once you’ve unpacked, head back to the lobby and walk toward the pool and beach. There, you’ll find ultra-comfy swinging chairs–the perfect place to kick back and relax. Early in the day and late afternoon are perfect times to grab a swing, as the sun won’t be glaring down on you and the temperature is just right. There are also swinging chairs at the bar at Nosh, with great views of the bay.

2. Fresh Coconuts at Coco Bar

Next to the pool, just outside Las Casitas restaurant, sits a thatched-roof stand selling cool drinks to sip by the pool. If you’re a fan of coconuts, order one and they’ll prepare it for you complete with the straw. Once you’ve finished the coconut water inside, bring your coconut back to the stand and watch as they cut it up so you can snack on the fresh coconut pieces. It’s a perfect way to cool down between dips in the pool. 

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3. Swim-Up Bar at Nosh

the swim-up bar at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta
(Photo: Christine Sarkis)

Nosh, the open-air bar and eatery that sits between the pool and the beach, has two perfect spots to spend an afternoon: its swim-up bar and its swing chairs. Whether you’re pulling up a seat in the pool or swaying gently in the breeze coming off the ocean, you can order drinks and snacks without missing a beat. Pro tip: If the swim-up bar is seeming a little crowded, paddle over, order your drink, and then wade back to one of the in-pool tile chaise lounges to settle in and enjoy. 

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4. Coffee at Los Mangos Deli

Yes, you can get coffee at spots all around the resort (including in your room). But the baristas at Los Mangos serve up what many consider to be the resort’s best cup of coffee. Whether you’re looking for an iced latte or a shot of espresso, you can find it here, along with local snacks and pastries. 

5. Sunset at the Jetty (or Beach)

view of the jetty, which is sometimes used for weddings and small events, at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta with a kayak and a cruise ship in the background
Walk to the end of the jetty for a fantastic view of Banderas Bay (Photo: Christine Sarkis)

Spectacular sunsets are standard here, but for a backdrop where there’s nothing but natural beauty between you and the setting sun, head to the jetty along the beach on the left side of the resort if you’re looking out toward the water. This is a prime spot for proposals, selfies, and moments of reflection (and has been a backdrop for more than a few small weddings). 

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6. Spa Ritual at Ohtli

Even if you’re not getting a spa treatment, you should still make time to head to Ohtli Spa to enjoy the hydro-circuit of therapeutic showers, Roman tub soaks, cold plunge pool, foot bath, sauna, and steam rooms. Access is included with the resort fee, and it’s a lovely way to unwind at the beginning or end of the day. 

7. The Turtle Nursery

Turtle nursery at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa’s turtle nursery has hatchings between July and November (Photo: Christine Sarkis)

Tucked into peaceful corner of the Marriott Puerto Vallarta is its turtle sanctuary, where each year, the hotel safely shelters eggs that turtles lay on the beach. When baby turtles hatch during the July to November season, guests can watch as the tiny turtles are released back onto the beach to make their way into the surf. It’s a remarkable sight, and even when there’s no hatchings going on, it’s still cool to pop over to the nursery to see the buckets and sand keeping those turtle eggs warm and cozy.

8. Splurge: Private Dinner in the Herb Garden or on the Beach

private dinner set up on the beach at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
Private dinner options include the beach and the herb garden (Photo: Christine Sarkis)

The resort’s restaurants are good, but for a truly memorable dinner, you can book a private dinner for not much more than the cost of a restaurant meal. The Marriott Puerto Vallarta has two popular spots for private dinners: the peaceful and lush herb garden and on the beach near the Jetty. On offer as of publication is a five-course Sensory Menu featuring tuna sashimi and slow-cooked short rib. The menu is available for private dinners in the herb garden for about $60 a person.

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Christine Sarkis
A traveling parent and longtime travel writer and editor, Christine Sarkis is the co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of FamilyVacationist. She is the former Executive Editor for TripAdvisor travel magazine SmarterTravel.com, she has spent nearly two decades finding and sharing the best places to go with an audience of enthusiastic travelers. Her stories have appeared on USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Huffington Post, and Business Insider. Her expert advice has been quoted in dozens of print and online publications including The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, and People magazine. She has also shared travel tips on television and radio shows including Good Morning America, Marketplace, Here & Now, Life Kit, and California Now. Her stories have been published in the anthologies Spain from a Backpack and The Best Women's Travel Writing 2008, and she is working on a travel memoir. Christine and her husband first met in Paris, and travel remains a big part of their shared experience. With their two kids in tow, they have piloted a barge down canals in France, befriended llamas in Peru, tended olive trees in Italy, and gone snorkeling with sea turtles in Hawaii. The family lives in California and loves traveling around the state. Their California favorites include Yosemite National Park, Point Reyes National Seashore, and the West Shore of Lake Tahoe.