Rating8.2Adults OnlyRating8.3Adults OnlyGood
Based on 11.9k reviews
Exceptional Staff & Service
Guests consistently laud the resort's staff for their friendliness, attentiveness, and helpfulness, making every interaction a pleasure.
Gourmet Dining Experience
The wide variety of delicious, high-quality à la carte restaurants and the no-reservation policy are major draws, earning high praise for culinary excellence.
Prime Beachfront Location
The resort's position directly on Banderas Bay, with easy access to the beach and proximity to downtown Puerto Vallarta, is a significant advantage.
Luxurious & Spacious Suites
Guests appreciate the large, updated suites, many offering gorgeous ocean views and comfortable furnishings for a truly relaxing stay.
Comprehensive All-Inclusive
The 'Unlimited-Luxury®' program, including top-shelf spirits and 24-hour service, is highly valued for providing a truly carefree and indulgent vacation.
Main Pool Noise & Crowds
The main pool area and swim-up bar can be very lively and noisy, potentially not ideal for guests seeking a quieter poolside experience.
Bathroom Privacy
Some guests express concerns about the privacy level in certain bathrooms, often separated by thin partitions from the bedroom.
Chair Availability
Securing preferred pool chairs and umbrellas can be challenging, especially during peak times at the more popular pools.
Beach & Ocean Entry
While beautiful, the ocean at the beach can be rocky in some areas and gets deep quickly, advising caution or water shoes for swimming.
Inconsistent Room Upkeep
A few reports indicate occasional wear and tear or minor cleanliness issues like mold odor in older rooms, suggesting some inconsistency.
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AAA Four Diamond resort
AAA
Travelers' Choice Award
Top 10% worldwide
TripAdvisor
Gold Award
Travelife
Preferred by Nature™ mark
Significant sustainability milestones
Preferred by Nature
Safe Travels Stamp of Approval
WTTC
Gold Crown Resort Award
RCI
The most practical case for Secrets Vallarta Bay: it sits five minutes from Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), on the golden sand of Banderas Bay, within taxi distance of Puerto Vallarta's Malecón. For guests who want a luxury adults-only base close to a genuine city without committing to a remote resort, that combination is hard to beat in the Riviera Nayarit-PV market.
Opened 2012, renovated 2018, with a planned entertainment pool renovation in summer 2025 — confirm current status before booking if that pool matters to your stay. The property has 271 suites, modest by regional all-inclusive standards, which keeps it from feeling warehouse-sized. The free-flow access policy — Secrets guests can use the adjacent Dreams Vallarta Bay resort — meaningfully expands dining options when you want variety beyond the seven on-site restaurants.
The honest problem: the main pool gets crowded and loud. Multiple reviews flag noise from the swim-up bar area as significant, and chair availability at the main pool during peak season requires early-morning positioning. The quieter pools (the activity pool and the swim-out category's private pool) are the practical workarounds. The beach on Banderas Bay is Pacific-side — calmer than Atlantic-facing beaches in terms of wave energy, but the ocean deepens quickly and can be rocky in sections. Water shoes are advised for ocean entry.
Practically: 271 suites from 582 sq ft (Junior Suite Garden View) to the Preferred Club Master Suite with a private terrace hot tub. All suites have separate soaking tubs, double vanities, and marble floors. Preferred Club adds a private lounge with continental breakfast, afternoon hors d'oeuvres, evening desserts, and fine liquors. The Chef's Table is the only venue carrying a supplemental charge (prix fixe, reservation required). Banderas Bay water is generally calm and suitable for snorkeling and kayaking. PVR airport is 5 km away — 5–10 minutes by transfer.
High season November through April brings reliably dry weather and calm water. May and June heat up before rainy season July through October. Downtown Puerto Vallarta and the Malecón are accessible by short Uber ride — the proximity to an actual city is underutilized by guests who stay on-property for the full week.