Secrets Vallarta Bay Hotel Review, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Are you looking to escape the cold of winter? Even in the so-called rainy season (June – October) it’s still sunny and warm in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. What makes the mountains so green? The 59  inches of rain that does fall annually in Puerto Vallarta typically happens at night, so you are good to go in the daytime.

I recently stayed at Secrets Vallarta Bay, a new Secrets Resort that opened in Mexico, April 2012. This 271 all suite, adults-only resort is dedicated to couples and singles with excellent customer service. The family-friendly Now Amber is located right next door and even shares some restaurants, offering guests more dining options on property.

All suites at Secrets Vallarta Bay

There are six levels of pricing from the uber-lux ocean front swim out rooms (there are two) to master suites and preferred club level rooms. My room, #1223, was a preferred club junior suite, garden view with king-size bed, outside/inside jacuzzi, bathroom with separate shower and bath, bathrobe and slippers, desk, in-room safe, premium bar and Secrets amenities such as sunscreen and a shaving kit – for those of us who fly carry-on and forget these necessary items. All suites are non-smoking.

The rack rate for this Jr. Suite garden view, all inclusive (two persons) was $374. per night, November 1 – December 21 – high season. Check the website for details, as the best rates are found on-line. An ocean view suite rented for $415 per night, with the Jr. Suite Swim out priced at $442.

Beach and water activities

There are four swimming pools and Jacuzzi on property with the requisite Manatees Swim-up Bar and Banderas Bay beach front access. The ocean is safe for swimming, but don’t expect to snorkel at Secrets Vallarta Bay. Instead, plan a day trip, via the concierge, to the Southern Zone, where the Sierra Madre meets the waters of Banderas Bay and The Arches.

While I’m not the golfer in the family, I should mention that Secrets Vallarta Bay offers complimentary green fees.

Secrets Spa by Pevonia

I tried the 50 minute Aromatherapy massage, $149. This fee included the water circuit, Jacuzzi, steam room, relaxation room and locker room, so be sure to arrive an hour early with your bathing suit, or save time for the water circuit after your treatment.

Secrets Vallarta Bay dining

None of the restaurants require reservations; some have a dress code for the men – long pants required, no sleeveless shirts or flip-flops.

Bordeaux (dinner only) Like the name suggests, this is a French cuisine restaurant.  We had a set menu featuring tuna, which was very moist.

Himitsu (adults-only) on Now Amber side. Asian cuisine with miso soup, sushi, tempura and Temppanyaki. You’ll need to make reservations in advance if you want a private Temppanyaki table.

Oceano is open for lunch and dinner and specializes in seafood. I ordered the mushroom turnovers and beef, chicken and shrimp fajitas – one fajita per serving.

Need to know:

If you prefer VIP and club lounge access, you may want to upgrade to Preferred Club status.  This is an exclusive area providing Concierge service, a private lounge, daily continental breakfast, afternoon hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, desserts, private bar, complimentary internet access in suite and up-graded mini-bar service.

In my bar cabinet; single-serving bag of peanut M&M’s and small tin of Pringles potato chips, in addition to a small size bottle of rum, vodka and Jack Daniels. The fridge was stocked with plenty of juice, beer and water.

Check in: 3 p.m.

Check out: 12 p.m.

Insider tip

If you are staying elsewhere in Puerto Vallarta, Secrets Spa by Pevonia offers day passes ($59.) to their water circuit.

For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter and follow Secrets Resorts  on Twitter.

Secrets Vallarta Bay +52 (322) 226-2900

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

Mexico 483333

Article written by and photos courtesy of  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. I was a guest of Secrets Vallarta Bay.

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