So you want to come to Puerto Vallarta for an anniversary. Good choice.
But let me save you some headaches first. I work at Villa La Mansión. I see couples show up here all the time. Some planned really well. Some… not so much.
Here is what you actually need to know. No blog fluff.
First thing – resort or villa?
Everyone asks this.
Resorts are fine. Really. Places like Hotel Mousai or Villa del Palmar Puerto Vallarta – they are nice. Clean rooms. Decent pools. You show up and they feed you.
But here is the thing nobody tells you.
On your anniversary morning, do you really want to walk past fifty strangers to get your eggs from a buffet? Do you want to fight for a lounge chair at 8 AM?
Probably not.
That is why more couples are renting private villas now. Not because they are fancy rich people. Just because they want some peace.
At a villa like ours, you wake up. Walk outside in your pajamas if you want. Jump in your own pool. A chef makes you breakfast. Just you. No line. No noise.
We do all inclusive too. Means you pay one price. We handle the food and drinks. Easy.
What does all inclusive really mean here?
This confuses a lot of people. So let me explain it plain.
All inclusive means your room, food, drinks, and tips are all in one price. You do not pull out your wallet every time you want a beer.
But there are different kinds.
- Cheap all inclusive – Buffet food. Basic drinks. Sometimes the food is just okay. You wear a wristband.
- Nice resort all inclusive – Better food. Premium drinks. Adults only usually. Places like Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta. Quiet. No kids.
- Villa all inclusive – A private chef cooks for you. Whatever you want. Whenever you want. No buffets. No wristbands. No strangers at your pool.
For an anniversary, villa all inclusive wins. You are not paying for two hundred other people. You are paying for just the two of you.
Where should you actually stay?
Let me break it down simple.
- If you want bars and action – Stay in the Romantic Zone. Lots of restaurants. Lots of noise. Fun for a night or two. Can get old fast.
- If you want quiet and views – Stay in the south hotel zone. Hotel Mousai. Garza Blanca. Up on a hill. Gorgeous views. Very chill.
- If you want privacy and space – Rent a villa. Villa La Mansión is beachfront. Full staff. Private pool. No shared walls. No neighbors above you stomping around.
- If you are watching your budget – Stay at a smaller hotel. Not all inclusive. Pay as you go. Just know that food and drinks add up faster than you think.
What to do besides sit by the pool
Look, you can just stay at your villa the whole time. I would not blame you. The pool is right there. The ocean is right there. Drinks keep coming.
But if you want to get out a little, here is what is actually worth your time.
- Walk the Malecón at sunset. It is the boardwalk downtown. Street performers. Art. Little shops. Go around 6 PM when the sun starts going down. Bring your phone for pictures.
- Take a boat to Las Caletas. It is a hidden beach. Only boat access. Very pretty. Very quiet. Some tours include lunch.
- Go to Sayulita for a day. Small surfing town about 45 minutes north. Very colorful. Very hippie. Good for shopping and watching interesting people.
- Eat street tacos. Not at your resort. Go to a cart. Get al pastor with pineapple. Stand there and eat it. Messy. Cheap. Delicious.
- Literally just do nothing. This is your anniversary. You do not need a schedule. Sleep in. Order food to the pool. Talk. That is the whole point.
Real talk about money
Let me be honest with you.
Puerto Vallarta is cheaper than the US or Canada. But it is not dirt cheap like some people think.
A beer at a bar costs three or four dollars. A nice dinner for two costs sixty to eighty dollars. Street tacos cost a dollar each.
If you book all inclusive, you do not worry about any of this. One price. Done.
If you book a villa with a chef, we handle the groceries. You do not go to the store. You do not cook. You do not clean. Just eat.
This is random but people always ask about real estate
I swear, at least once a week a guest asks me about buying a house here.
They come for a week. They fall in love. They start looking at Puerto Vallarta homes for sale on their phones by the pool.
And yeah, I get it. You can buy a beachfront place here for way less than you think. Puerto Vallarta real estate is popular for a reason.
If you are curious, just search Puerto Vallarta houses for sale or PV Mexico real estate. Look around. But honestly? Rent first. Make sure you actually like it. Then worry about buying.
A few honest tips so you do not have a bad time
I have seen too many tourists make these mistakes. Do not be them.
- Do not drink the tap water. I know you know. But I have to say it. Brush your teeth with bottled water too.
- Bring bug spray. Especially if you stay near the jungle. Mosquitoes come out at sunset. They love gringo blood.
- Book your airport ride ahead. Taxis at the airport are expensive. Book a private driver. Costs less. Saves hassle.
- Do not overpack. You need shorts. T-shirts. Swimsuits. Sandals. Maybe one nice outfit for dinner. That is it.
- Learn two Spanish words. Gracias and por favor. That is all you need. People appreciate the effort.
How to book a villa without getting ripped off
Not all villas are good. I have heard horror stories. Photos look amazing online. Then you show up and the place is falling apart.
Here is how to protect yourself.
- Read recent reviews. Not the five star ones from three years ago. Look for reviews from last month.
- Ask about the staff. Are they included? Do you tip them separate? What exactly do they do?
- Get the total price in writing. Some places add fees and taxes at the end. Ask for the final number before you pay.
- Look at Google Maps. Street view. Is the villa actually where they say it is? Or is it in a weird alley behind a construction site?
At Villa La Mansión, we keep it simple. Price we quote is price you pay. No hidden fees. You can check our Google profile. 4.8 stars. Real reviews from real people who actually stayed here.
Last thing – just book it
You can read guides for weeks. You can watch YouTube videos until your eyes hurt. You can compare resorts on TripAdvisor forever.
But at some point you just have to pick a place and go.
Puerto Vallarta is ready for you. Weather is almost always good. Food is great. People are friendly.
And if you want to do your anniversary right – no crowds, no buffets, no stress – come stay with us at Villa La Mansión. We will take care of everything. You just show up and relax.
