As the weather cools down in many parts of the U.S., the idea of basking in a warmer clime next to a shimmering hotel pool becomes more and more attractive. Fortunately, the Mexican Pacific coast destinations of Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit, with their wide variety of resort hotels and beautifully designed swimming pools, provide decidedly appealing options.
Here are a few top options for water-based bliss at resorts on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
Take a Dip: Best Hotel Pools in Riviera Nayarit
One of the newest hotels in Riviera Nayarit provides an especially exciting options for sun-seeking swimmers. Susurros del Corazon, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, will open its doors in November with three scallop-shaped pools on the beach, alongside Garden Suites with plunge pools.
The W Punta de Mita, meanwhile, has two especially Instagrammable pools: the Wet deck, which is lined with stylish lounge chairs, and Wet Too, a raised infinity pool on the beach with a transparent glass wall on one side that’s perfect for photos.
Infinity pools are a big draw at properties such as Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort, which has a rooftop infinity pool, and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, where the three-tiered infinity pool provides lots of room for swimmers. Travelers looking for more privacy can opt for one of Grand Velas’ suites with plunge pools.
Lush flora and fauna set the stage for water-based relaxation at Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit, an All-Inclusive Resort, which has two large pools tucked amid the foliage. At Conrad Punta de Mita, guests can find their ideal ambiance at one of three venues: the family pool, which has a waterslide and is complemented by a children’s plunge pool; the main infinity pool, which offers memorable ocean views; and the adults-only pool, a picturesque place to relax.
Marival Armony Punta de Mita is yet another property with multiple areas for water lovers. The five pools at Marival include the Canada Jacuzzi, which is set in a quiet area amid the jungle canopy; hydro-jet sessions are among the ways to relax in this special section. And at the One&Only Mandarina, guests can enjoy quality time in the private pools that accompany each villa, in addition to taking a dip in the six pools that grace the expansive property.
Sublime Soaks: Best Hotel Pools in Puerto Vallarta
Infinity pools provide some of the most striking outdoor backdrops for a Puerto Vallarta vacation. The Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort, for example, has two oceanfront infinity options: one that’s designed for families and one with a pool bar for adults, both of which are furnished with cabanas.
The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, meanwhile, offers multiple swimming venues, including an expansive infinity pool that’s billed as the largest in the area, complete with a swim-up bar, a terrace, lounge chairs and a Jacuzzi. Guests can treat themselves to poolside dining with seafood specialties from Las Casitas, as well as tropical cocktails from Nosh Sunset Bar + Bites.
The Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta also scores big in the infinity pool category, with a total of five, as well as an infinity hot tub and two children’s pools. Additional options for water enthusiasts include the adults-only Swim Up guestrooms, which are located on the ground floor of the main tower and provide direct access to a semi-private pool from the terrace. Travelers looking for even more comfort and amenities can consider room categories such as the Club Ocean View Swim Up suites, which feature Hyatt Club tower amenities; the One Bedroom Plunge Pool Suite, which has its own private plunge pool and terrace; and the 1,500-square-foot Presidential Suite, which has a private swim-up pool.
For rooftop pools with a view in Puerto Vallarta, noteworthy choices include Hotel Mio, a budget-friendly option in the heart of the Hotel Zone, and the chic Hotel Mousai, which is home to The Rooftop, an 18th-floor venue with a beautiful infinity pool, as well as full bar and restaurant services.
It’s no surprise that beautiful scenery enhances the swimming experience at The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta, since it’s set on the grounds of a former palm tree farm. The massive Tlaquepaque Pool is a freeform structure that curves around towering trees and other vegetation, with a swim-up bar that allows for more quality time in the water.
Velas Vallarta Puerto Vallarta is yet another hotel where the area’s natural beauty blends perfectly with the swim setting; its three pools include an oceanfront swim-up bar and a lazy river.
Travelers looking for action-packed water experiences will do well to look on the border between Puerto Vallarta and the state of Nayarit. Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta is home to multiple pools, as well as a lazy river and an Aqua Park with slides, fountains, waterfalls and wave pools. The pool at companion property Vidanta Puerto Vallarta, meanwhile, hosts an array of activities including Aquagym sessions, water polo and swimming races.