6 Best Hotels in Riviera Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta

The original St. Regis in Mexico (there's now a sister property in Mexico City) boasts a nouveau Mexican architectural style combining geometric simplicity with the warmth of giant palapa roofs and other natural elements. Sleek white tubs, simple outdoor showers, and flat-screen TVs maintain the spare look of the overall design, but room decor is simultaneously cheerful, light, and charming. Separate adults-only pools and restaurants make the space welcoming for couples seeking quiet or romance. Punta Mita's two golf courses flank the property, which is a boon for golfers; the beach is pretty and private but rocky and not suitable for swimming. When reserving, request a partial-ocean-view room, as it's the same price as a garden-view room.

Architect-owner Marc Lindskog has created a nook of nonchalant elegance, with updated country furnishings of wicker, leather, and wood; rock-floor showers without curtains or doors; and cheerful Pacific coast architectural details. Mosquito netting lends romance to cozy, quilt-covered beds. Waves crashing onshore, their sound somehow magnified, create white noise that lulls you to sleep. In the morning, settle into a cushy chaise on your private patio to watch seabirds swim; at night watch the sunset behind Punta Mita. These simple pleasures make this hideaway a winner. It doesn't hurt that the food is truly delicious, the bar is well stocked with international labels, and it's all included in the room price.

The hotel and its fabulous spa perch above a lovely beach at the northern extreme of Bahía de Banderas. Spacious rooms occupy Mexican-style casitas of one, two, and three stories. Each room has elegant yet earthy furnishings and a private terrace or balcony—many with a sweeping sea view. One of the Jack Nicklaus–designed golf courses has a challenging, optional 19th island hole. The gym is first-rate, and a good variety of sporting and beach equipment is on hand. Just offshore, the Marietas Islands are great for snorkeling, diving, whale-watching, and fishing, and home to a romantic beach in a cove. This is the place for indulging golf and spa fantasies or just using the luxurious, top-notch facilities. It's a great spot for kids, too, with fantastic beaches, a doughnut-shape pool with current where you can float in inner tubes, and an excellent kids' playroom with Internet and lots of cool games.

The Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta is a luxury, all-inclusive resort 20 minutes from Puerto Vallarta with a gorgeous beachfront setting and everything you would expect from this well-known brand. 

Marival Armony Resort facing Banderas Bay boasts modern tropical decor, seven international restaurants, a spa, a kids' club, and five pools. Views from the rooms are nothing short of spectacular, and the hotel can organize tours and activities to keep you busy.

This secluded beachfront resort boasts spacious rooms with modern decor, a pool, six dining locations, and all the fun under the sun you can think of. The beach has fine white sand, and more often than not has a heavy shore break surfers will love. You can even rent surfboards right at the hotel. The rooms vary in size and there are several beachfront suites for families who want to splurge.