Mesmerized in the jungle: 8 things to know about Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit, an All-Inclusive Resort

That’s a bargain

At an AAA rate of $223 a night for a room with two queen beds with mountain views, this Delta Hotel outpost is a bargain when compared to other hotels in the area. Even the standard hotel rate of $265 a night is a good deal, although I’m happy to take advantage of my AAA Plus membership (which I mostly have for roadside assistance). 24 hours) for a discount of about 15% per night rate.

Unlike other local hotels that charge similar rates, the rates here are all inclusive, so there are no extra charges for add-ons such as in-room mini-fridge drinks, meals, and most meals. all alcoholic beverages (excluding some premium wines and liqueurs).

Spa alone is a reason to visit

With the excellent reviews I’ve read and the endorsements of several fellow travelers, my aunt and I decided to check out spa treatments. In addition to standard facials and massages, the hotel’s Tzicuri Spa offers rituals based on the four elements: earth, air, fire and water.

I don’t usually book spa treatments, but I was intrigued by rituals, so I treated myself to an earth-focused ritual that included a foot soak, sugar scrub, cool- 50 minutes away with aromatherapy and 30-minute foot massage.

Although the hefty price of 4,400 Mexican pesos (about $220) initially shocked me (even after remembering I was getting 20% ​​off as an Elite Ambassador), the treatment was great. Great and exactly what I needed to relax. I highly recommend splurging if you can fit your budget.

Remember that the treatment fee also includes access to some of the spa facilities, which are top-notch and well worth using.

You’ll find spacious changing rooms, stacked wooden lockers, outdoor showers surrounded by local plants, and relaxation areas with outdoor pools. The latter is where you can lounge on a teak couch covered with a warm towel while you wait for your treatment or enjoy fresh passion fruit juice and tea served in luxurious, post-translational porcelain. your service.

The grounds are lush and unspoiled

Due to the resort’s location in Las Cinco Cruces, the developers were careful to keep much of the mature forest intact while building it. As such, you will notice that the 118 rooms are pressed against the cliff and surrounded by greenery, with a small stream flowing through the property.

Going from the lobby to the main pool and towers, you will encounter many steep hills that take about 15 minutes on foot. Luckily, chauffeured golf carts are readily available, should you need assistance getting from point A to point B. It may take some walking time, but the tranquil surroundings make up for the effort required. needed to travel.

There’s a great beach club

A perfect spot for lunch, the turquoise-painted Tonati Beach Club is located 10 minutes from the resort by the Pacific Ocean. Here you can enjoy fresh ceviche mahi mahi and pina coladas when you’re not swimming, sunbathe on one of the hotel’s dedicated loungers or relax in a tent.

However, know that the beach is not hidden and company (local sellers) will actively try to sell you everything from silver jewelry to hats, so be prepared to be approached from time to time.

Several parking spots are available for those who wish to drive. I don’t recommend doing so, as the roads are full of potholes (mostly unavoidable) and wind through some back alleys and unmarked areas making it difficult to get back into the area. vacation.

Instead of driving, plan to use the resort’s shuttle, which travels between the resort and the beach club at La Cruz de Huanacaxtle three times a day.

It’s easiest to find during the day

Even during the day, getting to the resort can be a challenge. Because the property is spread out over a steep mountainous area, much of the driveway will consist of small, winding, bumpy, poorly lit roads shared by pedestrians. The entrance is on a cobblestone street surrounded by a chain link fence.

You can try to drive yourself. However, given how difficult it is to find the property — even for a local like my Uber driver, who sometimes finds the route confusing due to the lack of signage — your best bet might be rely on third-party shuttles or ride-hailing services.

Food is hit or miss

As a foodie, I look forward to dining at every property I visit, so I was curious to see what the culinary options would be like. Although I was surprised at times, overall, the food is mostly unappealing, so you may want to choose another accommodation if special dishes are your top priority.

On our first night, my aunt and I had dinner at Komorebi Teppanyaki, a Japanese inspired restaurant. Instead of offering a traditional menu, the diner invites guests to sit around a metal grill while the chef cooks fried rice, a variety of vegetables and sautéed chicken, shrimp and steak in front of them, juggling knives and transparent eggs. experience . The entertainment saved the meal as the food was disappointing due to lack of flavor and too much salt and butter.

Fortunately, the breakfast buffet made up for our bland dinner. Unlike most breakfast shops that have an omelet stand with egg concentrate, Huichol Cocina Artesanal’s omelet stand had cracked eggs right in front of us.

It also showcases a variety of delicious tropical fruits like papaya and pineapple, as well as specialty coffees and mimosas, all with all-inclusive pricing.

Although excellent in breakfast, Huichol Cocina Artesanal was not very pleased when we arrived for dinner on our last night.

While the nightly options varied depending on the culinary theme (think: Italian, Asian, or Mexican) introduced at the time, the dishes available when we visited were not what we were. expect to find at a high end resort. Every dish we tasted from the buffet was mediocre at best, none of which stood out to be memorable.

You cannot upgrade

The hotel is currently building upgraded suites and rooms, so only low-end rooms are available for booking at this time. Because of this, you’ll want to manage your expectations—especially if you have elite status and are used to free upgrades.

Entering the room with two queen beds, we found a fairly standard layout. Inside there are two beds covered with white linens, a flat-screen TV attached to one of the walls, a desk and a small dining table with two chairs.

Next to the door, there’s a mini-fridge stocked with complimentary sodas, juices and water, plus a coffee machine. There is also a small wardrobe with space to hang a few items.

Opposite the closet is a bathroom with two faucets, a separate water closet, a collection of toiletries from various brands, and a frosted shower that’s partially exposed to the room. sleep.

Just outside the sleeping area is a balcony equipped with a wooden and stone table and two metal chairs. Although the chairs were uncomfortable, the balcony was a great place to enjoy the lush view when we wanted to get some fresh air.

Staff and guests are very friendly

Immediately upon arrival, it became clear that this resort was for socialites. We often encounter guests chatting with each other, especially in teppanyaki restaurants and on the beach shuttle. In addition, the hospitable staff regularly strike up conversations with the people staying at the hotel.

For example, Oliver, the kind waiter who helped us with our luggage when we arrived, always greeted me with a smile and warm words, “Hello, Señor Olsen.” He makes sure we remember his name and shares that his favorite book is “Oliver Twist”.

bottom line

Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit is not the most lavish resort in Puerto Vallarta. However, the kind people, relaxing spa and tropical beach club make this place so memorable.