Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta
Adults-only resort in Puerto Vallarta. Green, Modern.
Atmosphere
Room Upgrades
Amenities
Traveler Insights(214 discussions)
Secrets Vallarta Bay is where travelers's all-inclusive community consistently sends couples who ask 'what's the best food I can get at an all-inclusive?' The food here gets praised in threads regularly and with genuine enthusiasm - one couple on their seventh Secrets property called it the best they'd ever experienced at any AI. For a brand that sets a high bar, Vallarta Bay sits near the top. The staff service earns similar marks, and the no-reservation dining policy is a small but meaningful quality-of-life upgrade over resorts that make you book dinner slots days in advance.
The setting is pure Puerto Vallarta - lush and tropical, with a beautiful lobby, great pools, and an adults-only vibe that actually holds. The beach is the weakest element; Pacific Mexico beaches don't compete with Cancun or the Caribbean for clarity and calmness, and several travelers guests coming from Canadian West Coast cities say the water is nicer than home but not what they expected from a premium resort. If ocean swimming is your main reason for going, look east. But for couples who want exceptional food, genuine service, and proximity to one of Mexico's most charming colonial cities, this resort earns its price.
At roughly 10 minutes from the Romantic Zone, guests regularly head into town for an evening meal or to catch the Day of the Dead celebrations in November - one of the best ways to experience authentic PV culture without abandoning the comfort of a good AI. Vallarta Bay competes in the same tier as Secrets Maroma and Secrets Akumal, and while it's the weakest of that three for pure beach experience, it edges them out on food and value pricing.
Pros
- +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
- +Only 10 minutes from PV's famous Romantic Zone / old town for authentic Mexican dining and Day of the Dead celebrations
- +Staff consistently praised as exceptional - multiple threads describe service as a highlight of the trip
- +Rooms are described as beautiful, clean, and well-maintained with genuinely comfortable beds
Cons
- −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
- −Price point can feel steep when beaches are considered weak relative to Caribbean Secrets properties
- −Pool activities tend toward quiet; if you want animated pool party energy, this isn't that resort
- −Couples who've done Secrets Maroma find Vallarta Bay doesn't quite reach that standard on aesthetics
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“Secrets is a beautiful resort to visit and stay. The staff was awesome the food was really good. We had great room service and the turn down at night was an added touch. I did have an issue it may have been a small one but it bothered me. So when goi...”
“We had a wonderful stay at Secrets Vallarta Bay. Every single person we encountered was incredibly kind, hardworking, and welcoming, truly exceptional service all around. Our favourite restaurant was Gohan Sushi Bar. Angel is beyond talented… hands...”
“ur experience at secrets was excellent. We had fantastic service with our favourite market, café buffet waiter, Caesar, and our seasoned and well educated Butler Jose Becerra. Caesar greeted us with smiles and laughs and entertainment and gave us tip...”