Written by Anna Patrick

Internationally recognized as a popular wedding and honeymoon destination, the picturesque beaches, charming restaurants, and tropical resorts on Mexico’s Pacific Coast city of Puerto Vallarta attract thousands of visitors every year. Puerto Vallarta can be divided into two sections:  The northern half features lavish resorts and alluring beaches, while its other half near the Rio Cuale is characterized by tranquil towns nestled along jungle hillsides. Puerta Vallarta is an ideal spot for a romantic getaway and couples searching for the perfect escape will find what they’re looking for at many of Puerta Vallarta’s exclusive, romantic hotels.

***Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

Encased in the Sierra Madre Mountains and surrounded by nearly 2000 feet of isolated white sand beaches, the Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa exudes romance and exclusivity in its own private cove. Boasting 337 expansive guest rooms, each space is decorated in vibrant Mexican décor, with vast marble floors and artwork by artist Manuel Lepe. The peaceful environment is enriched by the tranquil refuge of the five restaurants and lounges, both offering patio seating and serving Mexican and Italian specialties. With both of the two main buildings facing the ocean, the views of rolling waves and lush mountains combine to create an atmosphere of beauty and romance. (Playa Las Estacas; [tel] + (52) 322-226-5000; or check out the official website)

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***Presidente InterContinental

For the couple seeking a more stylish retreat, the Presidente InterContinental offers a sophisticated sanctuary located on one of the city’s best beaches. Each room is decorated in an elegant Mexican style, which complements the beautiful ocean views to provide a romantic and luxurious feel. Amenities range from chic shops, a fitness center, to kayaking and snorkeling. Each room also comes with a private terrace typical of a Mexican beachfront residence that offers guests their own private ocean view. (Carretera Barra De Navidad Km 8.5;  [tel] + (52) 322-228-0191; or check out the official website)

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***Casa Velas Hotel Boutique

Bordered by the sunny Bay of Banderas and emerald beaches, couples staying at Casa Velas Hotel Boutique can enjoy a romantic walk to Marina Vallarta and Puerto Vallarta’s El Centro and El Malecon, the famous mile-long oceanfront boardwalk. The rooms are warmly adorned with Mexican textures and colors, and feature private balconies and secluded plunge pools and Jacuzzis. The hotel also offers special honeymoon packages, allowing couples to experience a picturesque sunset cruise followed by a romantic tour of local Los Caletas, a private tropical beach rimmed with coastal views of the bay. (Pelicanos 311, Fracc Marina Vallarta; [tel]+ (52) 322-226-6688; or check out the official website)

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***Villa Del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa

Located on the tropical beaches of Banderas Bay, Villa Del Palmar offers a unique view of the tropical and enchanting nature of old Mexico. A typical suite is decorated with light sand walls and calming white accents leading to an outdoor terrace. Couples can get cozy at nightly themed shows and dinner. For those feeling adventurous, the multiple pools at the hotel offer an array of activities – like beach and water volleyball, shuffleboard, Guacamole and Mexican salsa-making, and even Spanish lessons. The hotel also offers romantic excursions, from horseback riding on the beach to sunset cruises. The pool is also an attraction in itself, featuring a water slide in the shape of a killer whale. However, the hotel also caters to couples looking to relax, and their Bay Breeze spa is open twelve hours a day offering outdoor massage treatments. (Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio Km 2.5; + (52) 322-226-1400; or check out the official website)

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***Hacienda San Angel

Couples looking to experience a traditional Mexican luxury villa will be attracted to the Hacienda San Angel Hotel nestled along the Sierra Madre Mountains and the azure Banderas Bay. The unparalleled lavish accommodations offer classic Mexican style, from the hand-woven rugs to the tiled bathrooms and include spacious outdoor gardens and pools. This is a truly unique hotel catering to couples seeking a traditional Mexican hideaway combined with tropical beaches and gardens. The hotel’s Puerto del Cielo, or private chapel, is also available for weddings and special events and is near Puerto Vallarta’s signature landmark, Guadalupe Cathedral. The romantic haciendas featured in this hotel are appointed with all of the amenities traditional of Mexican hospitality, with unique handmade linens and precious pieces of art. (Miramar 336, Col Centro; + (52) 322-222-2692; or check out the official website)

For more on Mexico, take a look at its safest neighborhoods in Mexico City. For more from this author, check out the romantic and dazzling beaches of Costa Rica.

Anna Patrick is a Communications major at Boston College and a frequent commuter between Boston and the Washington DC metropolitan area in Northern Virginia. A seasoned traveler, Patrick has lived in London and traveled extensively throughout Mexico, Canada, Austria, Germany, Italy, France, the Czech Republic, Greece, Scotland, England and Turkey.