Family Vacation in Puerto Vallarta

"The Greatest Legacy We Can Leave Our Children Is Happy Memories"

Puerto Vallarta is one of those destinations where my whole heart feels excitement, especially when my loved ones are with me!  I was blessed to vacation last month with my three boys, my husband, my parents, and one of my son's girlfriends.   My oldest recently graduated, so this was an opportunity to have our family vacation without anyone missing school, have some family time after a crazy year, and get away from reality for a full 7 nights with the ones I love the most, in one of the most beautiful destinations!  For those of you that know me, Hawaii also has my heart; Puerto Vallarta reminds me a lot of Hawaii with the lush mountains, golden sand, amazing sunsets and Pacific beach waves.   It's truly a paradise that is quite easy to get to, most times of the year!

We stayed at the Marival Armony in Punta de Mita, which is north of Puerto Vallarta in the state of Nayarit, yet still along the Banderas Bay, surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains.  We were greeted with that exceptional Mexican hospitality and felt welcomed the minute we stepped out of our transfer.  I love that this property offers a variety of room types, including 1, 2, 3, and even 4 bedroom suites.  

Some of the highlights and important features of this resort to note:

• There's an adults only building
• Top notch restaurants (the main ala carte restaurant switches theme every night, along with buffet option, sports bar option and adults only dining)
• An outdoor wine and coffee bar that had karaoke and different things going on in the evening, but open all day
• Unique world spa concept (Japanese, Russian, Italian, and more treatment rooms - you pick!)
• A main infinity pool with a swim up bar
• Private plunge jacuzzi area with VIP cabanas you can rent or upgrade to with a magnificent ocean front view
• Lots of lush greenery
• On a beautiful stretch of beach- The sand is a variety of colors, but is soft under the feet and right now was the perfect temperature!
• The kids loved jumping the waves and body surfing on the boogie boards.  This is also why they love Hawaii - the ocean waves!

During our stay we did a tour as a family  to Las Caletas Beach Hideaway, on board a fun catamaran with Vallarta Adventures which included drinks, excellent lunch, and entertainment.  Another day we had a private driver for a half day trip into Sayulita, a village about 20 minutes away known for beaches and strong surf.  We enjoyed breakfast with a view of the beach and locals enjoying the surf, shopping, and some very colorful pictures of the village.

A couple things to note about Puerto Vallarta:

• Puerto Vallarta began as a fishing village before tourism began in the 1970's (google Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton and how they had a significant impact on the US noticing this beautiful town)
•  As with many tropical destinations, it's normal for the forecast to say rain (don't worry the chances of this happening are slim, and the thunderstorms are usually at night)
• If there is a thunderstorm, it's very loud and the lightning is incredibly vibrant!  (This is normal)
• The average temperature is about 82 degrees, so in the summer high around 90, and in the winter the high may be around 80 during the day
• Water temperatures in the bay average around 75 degrees in the winter, but in the summer rise to a warm 85 degrees
• Puerto Vallarta has unique architecture in town - definitely do a city tour!
• Puerto Vallarta is the capital of Mariachi Music
• Banderas Bay is one of the deepest bays in the world
• Puerto Vallarta is the backdrop from numerous movies

I could go on and on about our experience at this luxury resort, as well as the private dining experience we were spoiled with one evening, the spa, the views, and the family time.  We would love to help create these memories for you!  

- Katie Kapel, Owner and Founder of Mode Travel