If you've ever looked at all-inclusive resorts and immediately thought of swim-up bars, spring break revelry, and buffet lines, Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit is the antithesis. Situated in stunning Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, I whisked my mom away for a birthday trip last fall, and from the moment we arrived, it was clear this resort operates on a different philosophy.
It has an old-world feel with stunning, timeless decor and an expansive view of the Pacific. In fact, when I walked into the lobby, I said, “This is like Sperry’s on the beach.” After a weekend of eating, drinking, and lounging my way around the property, my initial assessment was only solidified.
This hybrid-model property has a mixture of owned units and vacation rentals, making it a property worthy of a second home as much as a weekend away. Here’s what you need to know before you book.
Suite-Style Accommodations
Our suite had a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, a living room, and a balcony facing the ocean. The resort-style bathroom had a beautiful bathtub, separate shower, and a double vanity, and there was a separate guest bath with its own shower. This made a case for never leaving your room, but trust me, you’ll want to.
The property itself is split between two sides—Villa La Estancia (ours) skewed calm and laidback, while Villa del Palmar Flamingo resort next door had more energy with families and organized fun. Both sides share amenities, which means you get twice the restaurants and pools and can choose your own adventure each day.
The Food, Included
Because of Villa La Estancia’s hybrid model of owners and renters, the all-inclusive package is an optional add-on for anyone visiting. When some guests may be paying as they dine around, there’s an automatic expectation that food will be worth the purchase. And let me assure you, it was.
Dining outlets span upscale steakhouses, Japanese sushi bars, and poolside grills. For breakfast, we had beautiful parfaits, chilaquiles, and fruit smoothies. For lunch, we dined on wood-fired pizzas and mojitos beachside, or on super-fresh shrimp tacos sprinkled with avocado and citrus. For supper at La Casona (the flagship steakhouse), we had beef tenderloin, which the sommelier, Hugo, paired with a boutique Mexican wine, while a server sang opera during the pianist's breaks.
Wellness Add-Ons
While you can certainly spend your time unwinding at the resort-style pools or sink your toes in the sand right on the property, Villa La Estancia has an onsite spa that shouldn’t be missed. Tatewari Spa offers a collection of packages from massages to body treatments.
I opted for deep-tissue; my mom chose a traditional relaxation massage. Afterward, we sipped aloe vera and moved through a hydrotherapy circuit: sauna, steam room, hot tub, cold plunge, cucumber eye masks, and aromatherapy wraps.
The property’s hybrid model also means Villa La Estancia operates vacation ownership options. If you find yourself thinking, "I could spend serious time here," like us, just know that could certainly be a reality.
Now, I’m not skirting over the fact that Puerto Vallarta has been in the headlines recently. But the destination is certainly up and running and open for tourism. Just like American towns hit by natural disasters rely on visitors to get back on their feet, so do cities abroad. This summer, Puerto Vallarta is back, better, and ready to welcome guests with open arms and plenty of tequila. RivieraNayarit.villalaestancia.com