Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta vs Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta's two most-recommended upscale all-inclusives serve different masters: Hyatt Ziva occupies its own dramatic private cove south of town, while adults-only Secrets Vallarta Bay sits close enough to walk to the Malecón.
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta
At a Glance
| Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta | Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta | |
|---|---|---|
| Google Rating | 4.5 ★ | 4.5 ★ |
| Google Reviews | 3,939 | 3,801 |
| Price Range | $$$ | $$$ |
| Resort Type | Family | Adults Only |
| Location | Puerto Vallarta, Mexico | Puerto Vallarta, Mexico |
| Rooms | 335 | 271 |
| Brand | Hyatt | Hyatt |
| Vibe | Business, Quiet | Green, Modern |
| Room Upgrades | Adults-Only Rooms, Swim-Up Rooms, Plunge Pool Rooms | Swim-Up Rooms, Preferred Club |
What Real Travelers Say
Distilled from real traveler discussions and reviews for each resort.
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
What travelers love
- +One of the best hotel beaches around Puerto Vallarta - protected cove setting creates calmer swimming conditions than open-ocean PV beaches
- +Completed $20M renovation with all 244 North Tower rooms refreshed - new AC systems, Smart TVs, Nespresso machines, and sliding glass doors make every room feel contemporary
- +New Tamari restaurant (Asian-fusion with live Teppanyaki) adds a standout dining concept alongside the already-praised Blaze restaurant
- +Swim-up suites are among the most celebrated room features in Puerto Vallarta all-inclusives
- +New pickleball courts added as part of the renovation - a genuine recreation upgrade that fills a gap in the activity roster
Common complaints
- −Food consistency remains hit or miss outside the headline restaurants - some meals impress while others significantly disappoint
- −Pool and beach staff reportedly prioritize cabana customers over regular lounger guests - non-paying guests describe feeling ignored
- −Couples massage priced at $450 - spa upsells are aggressively priced
- −Impeccable service from some staff contrasts sharply with disappointing experiences from others - inconsistency is the core issue
- −Puerto Vallarta has a Pacific ocean character different from Caribbean all-inclusives - stronger waves, less turquoise water
Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta
What travelers love
- +Food quality consistently described as the best of any all-inclusive guests have tried - one poster on their 7th Secrets called it 'nothing short of stunning'
- +Adults-only atmosphere attracts couples and professionals looking for a genuinely relaxed, mature environment
- +Beautiful open lobby and resort architecture that takes advantage of Puerto Vallarta's lush tropical setting
- +No dinner reservations required - you can walk into any restaurant any night, a meaningful advantage over many AI competitors
- +Adjacent to Dreams Vallarta Bay (family side) but the noise is well-separated - families rarely intrude on the Secrets experience
Common complaints
- −Beach is acknowledged as subpar for Mexico - multiple guests from Pacific Canada note the water and sand aren't as impressive as Caribbean destinations
- −Rumors that the property may be leaving the Secrets/AM Resorts group in the future, creating uncertainty for loyalty members
- −Vacation club sales pitches are persistent - some guests feel pressured during their stay
- −Compared unfavorably to some other Secrets properties for overall polish - described as 'just ok' by guests who've done Maroma or Akumal
- −Wayfinding within the resort can be confusing - several guests mention poor signage to restaurants
Amenity Differences
Only at Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
- Adults-Only Pool
- Babysitting
- Diving
- Family Vacation
- Fishing
- Kids Club
Only at Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta
- Anniversary
- Babymoon
- Girls Trip
- Honeymoon
- Nightclub
- Room Service
- Snorkeling
- Solo Travel
- Walk-In Dining Available
The Verdict
Ziva's setting is the star — a secluded cove with genuinely beautiful scenery, all ages welcome, and rates that often come in well under Secrets. Secrets answers with an adults-only guarantee, strong rooms, and the walkability that lets you spend evenings in Puerto Vallarta's restaurants and old town without a cab. Scenery-and-value families (or couples fine with kids around) pick Ziva; couples who want grown-up quiet plus real access to the town pick Secrets.
Choose Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta if…
The private-cove setting and lower rate win, and you don't need the resort to be adults-only.
See Full Details & ReviewsChoose Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta if…
You want an adults-only base within walking distance of the Malecón for real Puerto Vallarta evenings.
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