Do you get tired of scrolling through endless hotel reviews, hoping to find the perfect getaway spot? I’ve been there! When planning my trip to Puerto Vallarta, I didn’t leave anything to chance. I’m the type to spend hours reading every hotel review on Booking.com until I find the right one. It might seem extreme but it’s always worth it! There’s nothing worse than shelling out for a disappointing hotel stay.
Puerto Vallarta has a huge number of all-inclusive resorts, which can be overwhelming when trying to find a good hotel . For my trip, I knew exactly what I wanted. A luxurious stay in a remote area with top wellness amenities, local culture and direct access to the beach. A tall order, I know! Most resorts are concentrated in Downtown PV but they don’t have direct access to the beach and they are anything but remote. I specifically did not want a soulless hotel with several tall building blocks, crowded facilities and loud entertainment all day long so Downtown was not an option.
Punta de Mita
A Mexican colleague suggested I look in Punta de Mita, Riviera Nayarit. A quick google search returned the most stunning images of turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches and dramatic coastal vistas. I focused my search on this area and when I stumbled upon The Grand Palladium, I didn’t hesitate and booked it on the spot.
Grand Palladium Puerto Vallarta Resort review
The Grand Palladium Resort and Spa Puerto Vallarta is part of the Spanish group Palladium Hotel Group.
Nestled along the picturesque shores of Banderas Bay, the hotel is fronted by a secluded private sandy beach of untouched nature and backed by a jungle, in one of the most unique settings in Mexico’s Pacific Coast.
The 5-star hotel offers a sanctuary of tranquillity and elegance for travellers seeking the ultimate relaxing and luxurious experience.
Location
The Grand Palladium Resort and Spa Puerto Vallarta is located in the Riviera Nayarit region of Mexico, specifically in the town of Punta de Mita. Punta de Mita is situated on the Pacific coast of Mexico, approximately 26 miles (42 kilometers) northwest of Puerto Vallarta.
Getting there
The Grand Palladium Punta Mita is just 45 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta international airport. There are several ways to get there:
Taxi or Ride-Sharing Service: Upon arrival at Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), you can easily find taxis or ride-sharing services available outside the terminal. Simply exit the airport and look for the designated taxi or ride-sharing pick-up area. Be sure to negotiate and settle on the fare with the driver before starting your journey. A journey by taxi would typically cost $120 one way.
Private transfer: You can arrange a private transfer through the hotel or book one yourself using Puerto Vallarta Airport Transportation.
Grand Palladium Puerto Vallarta amenities
Grand Palladium Puerto Vallarta rooms
We felt in paradise the minute we arrived at the hotel. The reception staff greeted us with large smiles and chilled glasses of Mexican lemonade which we sipped in the sun while they completed the check in process.
The hotel is huge and spread out so definitely not for the sedentary. It has a rainforest theme and I loved walking among giant palm trees, lush jungles and crossing wooden bridges to get from one section to another.
We stayed in a junior suite with garden view and enjoyed the quiet settings and relaxing views of the lush grounds. The room was fully air conditioned and had great amenities such as a memory foam mattress and black out curtains. The hotel puts a lot of emphasis on wellness so all bathrooms are equipped with Hydromassage bathtubs which was much appreciated after long days of walking and exploring.
Other types of rooms include the Deluxe rooms with garden or ocean view, the signature suite with ocean view and the Ambassador Suite Panoramic Ocean View.
The hotel also has a separate wing exclusively for families called Family Selection where guests enjoy unique perks like personalised service by the pool and on the beach, a family butler, and access to exclusive restaurants, bars, and pools. Note that while families can upgrade to stay at the Family Selection, There is no adult only as a part of the resort.
Grand Palladium swimming pools facilities
The hotel has several pools located in different sections. The main one is a large swimming pool for adults and children. It has a swim up bar and daily entertainment including a live DJ and aqua fitness classes. This was a busy and popular pool with families but if you went there before 10 am you could have it all to yourself.
Next to it is a mini waterpark for the little ones, with slides and a splash pool to keep them entertained for hours. A lifeguard sits there constantly so parents can relax or swim as well knowing their kids are safe.
On a separate and slightly elevated area of the hotel you’ll find the quiet pool, which is an infinity pool overlooking the wonderful beach. This is an adult only pool and gets busy around sunset time but is fairly quiet during the day especially before lunchtime. This pool also has its own bar which serves adults only.
The hotel also boasts a saltwater naturally formed pool on the beach. Saltwater pools are gentler than traditional chlorine pools and great for people who have respiratory problems or skin allergies.
Family Selection has its own pools which are separated from the main resort.
Grand Palladium Puerto Vallarta beach
I absolutely loved this picturesque stretch of golden sand that gently sloped into the turquoise ocean. Surrounded by swaying trees and tropical vegetation, this was one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen and the reason I picked this hotel.
You can pick a lounger bed and sunbathe under the cliffs or sleep under a straw parasol. The beach is entirely private and secluded so there’s plenty of room for privacy.
It’s great for swimming and suitable for both families who can enjoy splashing in the shallow waters near the shore and thrill-seekers who can partake in the various water activities available at the hotel, such as paddle boarding and surfing.
I decided to channel my inner surf pro on the seemingly gentle waves of the Pacific Ocean but the strong winds sent me tumbling into the water. I had only ever surfed in the Atlantic ocean but these waves were not for a beginner and despite my best efforts to stay upright, I found myself repeatedly thrown into the ocean in a series of comical manoeuvres which left my husband and my son in stitches of laughter. Next time I’ll book a lesson first.
The beach is a popular spot with surfers and one of my highlights was heading to the beach every evening just before sunset and watching surfers carve through the crystal-clear waters with skill and grace.
Spa services at Grand Palladium
The wellness and spa services are nothing short of luxurious and rejuvenating ast The Grand Palladium Puerto Vallarta. The resort’s spa facilities are designed to provide a holistic approach to relaxation, incorporating traditional healing techniques, modern amenities, and natural ingredients to soothe the body, mind, and soul.
The spa menu features a comprehensive range of treatments inspired by ancient healing traditions from around the world, including massages, facials, body wraps, and beauty rituals.
In addition to the spa services, the hotel offers a range of wellness amenities including a sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy circuit.
Kids clubs
Kids are spoiled at The grand palladium. The hotel has a baby club for infants between 1-3 years old. The club is led by a team of experienced caretakers and comes complete with cribs and play areas.
A mini club is also available for children aged 4-12 with indoor and outdoor areas for fun games, arts and crafts, etc. The club staff also organise nature tours for the kids and trips to the kids’ pool and the theatre, where the children put on a nightly show.
Juniors and teens can socialise and enjoy a laidback space equipped with Xbox games, computers and a pool table.
Entertainment at Grand Palladium
All-inclusive resorts are known for nighttime entertainment which can be loud, repetitive and not to everyone’s taste but The Grand Palladium Puerto Vallarta breaks this stereotype by offering high-quality shows and entertainment that are not only enjoyable but also thoughtfully designed to enhance the guest experience. These include traditional dance and theatre shows that showcase Mexican culture.
Unlike resorts where loud music blares into the early hours of the morning, the entertainment venue at The Grand Palladium Puerto Vallarta is strategically located away from the guest rooms, ensuring that those who wish to retire early can do so without being disturbed.
Weddings at Grand Palladium
Thanks to its magical setting on the beach, the hotel is very popular choice for weddings. Our room was opposite an enchanting little church located within the resort grounds, where we had the privilege of witnessing wedding ceremonies almost every day.
In the evening we could sit by the pool and watch couples dance on the beach celebrated by their families. Weddings at the Grand Palladium are nothing short of a fairytale.
Grand Palladium Puerto Vallarta restaurants
With an array of dining options to choose from, you will be treated to a gastronomic adventure at the Grand palladium.
The resort boasts several restaurants offering a unique ambiance and international menus.
La Adelita is the hotel’s most popular restaurant and was also my favourite. The restaurant serves traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist in a wonderful setting facing the beach. Don’t miss the guacamole which is prepared and served fresh at your table.
Portofino serves classic Italian dishes. While the setting was nice and bright, I did not really enjoy the food which was bland and lacked flavour.
Those looking for a taste of the Far East can enjoy sushi and Asian-inspired cuisine at Bamboo which has an expansive menu of sushi and Japanese main dishes.
El Bosque is the hotel’s main restaurant where guests have breakfast and an international buffet menu for lunch and dinner.
Las Terrazas is a smaller version of El Bosque serving the same menu and located closer to the main pool and beach.
The hotel also has 4 bars located in different sections including a sports bar, a lobby bar and a stone bar right on the beach.
Missed lunch? Worry not. Just head to the pool area and grab a burger made a la plancha or some tacos and tortillas and enjoy them in the sun. watch out for the iguana, he’s a pet of the hotel and is very friendly.
Occasionally, the hotel organises a Mexican buffet for all guests on the beach but these are seasonal so check with the hotel before you book.
Are are there any cons to staying at the Grand Palladium Vallarta?
There really were none for me but the hotel’s remote location might deter some travellers who like to be close to the action and the bustle of a city. The resort is located in Punta de Mita, which is about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Puerto Vallarta’s city center. This did not prevent us from visiting Puerto Vallarta twice using Uber.
We also visited Bucerias and Sayulita which are very accessible from Punta Mita and can be reached by Uber, taxi or local bus.
Hiring a car can be a good option for visiting Puerto Vallarta and other remote villages and beaches.
The hotel can be crowded in the peak season which is between October and December in PV. I travelled in May and had an incredibly relaxing time.
conclusion
I made some unforgettable memories at the grand palladium. From the lush grounds of the hotel to the enchanting facilities and beach to the excellent customer service and generosity of staff, every aspect of this experience exceeded my expectations and left me longing to return to this tropical paradise once again.
