The palms are still the first thing you notice. They line the walkways, frame the pools and stretch toward the beach in long rows, more than 300 of them across the property. Beyond them, Banderas Bay opens wide, with steady Pacific water and the curve of the Sierra Madre mountains in the distance. Planes descend low over the marina nearby, a reminder of how close you are to Puerto Vallarta’s airport, even as the resort holds its own contained rhythm.
What used to be the Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta has reopened as something different: The Westin Playa Vallarta, an All-Inclusive Resort, and with it comes a first for the brand in Mexico.
This is Westin’s first all-inclusive concept in the country, following a full-scale renovation that reshaped the guest rooms, added new suite categories, expanded the dining program and reworked the public spaces. The result stays close to the brand’s emphasis on sleep, wellness and consistency, while stepping into a more experience-driven, all-inclusive format.
Rooms That Lean Into Rest
There are more than 280 rooms and suites, all redesigned, with the Westin Heavenly Bed 2.0 as a constant across categories. The base rooms feel brighter and more open than before, with lighter finishes and updated bathrooms that lean toward a spa-like look, including rainfall showers and clean-lined vanities.
The new additions are where the changes become more noticeable.
The Swim-Up Junior Suites are reserved for adults and sit at ground level, connected by a network of shallow water channels that run along the buildings. Guests in this category also get entry to Playa Dip Club, a swim-up social area that functions as both a pool and a gathering space, with drinks, small bites and a more relaxed daytime energy.
Higher up, the Sky Pool Suites include private plunge pools and unobstructed views of the bay. These are the rooms aimed at couples or small groups looking for more privacy, with terraces that face directly toward the water.
Families have a different option in the Wholesome Family Studios, which include kitchenettes and flexible sleeping arrangements. At the top end, the Heavenly Penthouse and Presidential Suite stretch across two levels, with large terraces and their own plunge pools.
Inside the rooms, small details tie back to the brand’s wellness focus: yoga mats, lavender balm, and lighting designed to support sleep cycles.
A Central Dining Hub
Dining is anchored by Gourmet Gallery, an open-air complex that acts as the resort’s main gathering point for food and drinks. It’s positioned with views across the palms and toward the water, with multiple venues arranged around a shared space.
There are 10 concepts in total, each with its own focus.
Flora Bar serves botanical cocktails, leaning into herbs and fresh ingredients. Agave Studio centers on mezcal, with tastings and pairings, including a house presentation of Mezcal Verde Amaras created specifically for the resort.
At Tanto, the menu turns to Japanese cuisine, with a more formal dining approach. Palma brings in Caribbean and Latin flavors, while Call Me Lalo Taquería keeps things casual with tacos and street-style dishes. Organic & Co Café covers coffee, smoothies and lighter fare throughout the day.
Another venue, Sabia, is set to open soon and is expected to become one of the more prominent dining rooms on the property.
The approach is consistent across the venues: smaller, more defined concepts instead of one or two large restaurants, with an emphasis on variety within the all-inclusive model.
Wellness Programming That Runs Daily
Westin’s brand identity has long centered on well-being, and that carries through here in a more visible way.
The daily and weekly schedule includes sunrise yoga, sound healing sessions, meditation, Aqua Fit, Fitdance classes, kayaking and paddleboarding. Guests can also follow the RunWESTIN route along the Marina Vallarta shoreline, a mapped running path that extends beyond the resort grounds.
The Heavenly Spa by Westin includes hydrotherapy circuits, aromatherapy treatments and a menu of massages and bodywork. The WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio has been updated with new equipment and offers guided sessions.
Outdoors, there are two main pools—one designated for adults and another for families—along with new pickleball and padel courts, which have become standard additions at many newly renovated resorts in the region.
Culture Inside the Resort
The programming extends beyond fitness.
There are scheduled workshops focused on regional crafts, including Wixarika art sessions, Alebrijes painting and Cantarito-making experiences, all tied to Mexican traditions. In the evenings, the resort rotates through live Latin music, karaoke, silent DJ events and outdoor movie nights.
These are not large-scale productions; the focus stays on smaller, participatory activities that fit into the overall pace of the property.
Location in Marina Vallarta
The resort is positioned in Marina Vallarta, a district known for its yacht marina, golf course and a mix of restaurants and shops. It’s one of the more convenient parts of Puerto Vallarta, particularly for travelers who want a short transfer from the airport.
From here, guests can head into La Zona Romántica, the city’s historic district, known for its cobblestone streets, galleries, restaurants and nightlife. The resort offers curated tours into this part of town, giving guests a way to spend time outside the property while still keeping the trip organized.
Events and Gatherings
The renovation also expanded the meetings and events offering.
There are now more than 11,800 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, with areas that open toward gardens and natural light. The resort is positioning this part of the property for weddings, corporate retreats and smaller group gatherings, particularly those built around wellness programming.
Where It Lands in the Market
All-inclusive resorts in Mexico have been evolving quickly, with more focus on design, food and experience rather than just volume.
The Westin Playa Vallarta enters that space with a recognizable brand and a location that has long been established, but now updated to align with newer expectations.
The changes are most visible in the room categories, the expanded dining options and the steady presence of wellness programming throughout the stay. The core idea stays simple: combine the ease of an all-inclusive plan with the consistency and detail associated with the Westin name, in a destination that remains one of Mexico’s most accessible coastal cities.
For travelers looking at Puerto Vallarta, this property adds another option in the upper tier of all-inclusive resorts, with a focus on comfort, variety and a location directly on Banderas Bay.
Prices at Westin
You can find rooms for as low as $301 per night right now, all-inclusive, based on what we found on Google Hotels.
Karen Udler
2026-05-05 20:38:00