7 Best All Inclusive Puerto Vallarta Resorts for Families

The first of the Velas all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, opened in 1990, the Velas Vallarta remains one of Puerto Vallarta"s best all-inclusive resorts for families. The property doesn"t just offer swimming pools, a beach, multiple dining options and a kids" programs; it is an all-suite property with fabulous accommodations. Families can find suites with up to three bedrooms that sleep eight, along with full kitchens and stocked refrigerators. Families will find a home away from home at Velas Vallarta.

The Now family of all-inclusive resorts is known for being upscale and luxurious, and Now Amber in Puerto Vallarta is no exception. The towering resort, which opened in 2012, offers an expansive collection of swimming pools overlooking a wide stretch of sandy beach. Connected to its sister property, Secrets Vallarta Bay, an adult-only property, multigenerational travelers enjoy this resort as grandparents can have some quiet and privacy at Secrets, yet enjoy the family time at Now. The property is also all-suite, providing plenty of room for large families. And an extra perk we love? The “no reservations” policy at its six inclusive restaurants; everyone is always welcome.

The familiar Hyatt brand ventured into the world of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, beginning with the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta at the end of 2014. All-inclusive rates are perfect for families looking for a beachfront hotel with a touch of home. The Hyatt is a large, tower of a property along a wide stretch of beach and while it provides the comfort of a trusted brand, it doesn"t resemble a traditional Hyatt. Rooms are airy and feature floor-to-ceiling windows. For fun, the resort features seven swimming pools, including two kids" pools, and a kids" program for ages 4 to 12, plus activities for tweens and teens.

Located in Riviera Nayarit, a good 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, the IBEROSTAR Playa Mita is secluded and luxurious in every sense. Choose from the oceanfront rooms that are nestled into a beach that extends as far as the eye can see for miles of walks, oftentimes not encountering other families except in passing. Your family can feel like it has truly escaped, but when returning to the large property, can enjoy all of its spoils, from fine dining to large swimming pools to a relaxing spa to kids" clubs. It"s definitely worth the drive!

Taking over the original Vallarta Hotels, the Hard Rock family of rock and roll hotels now appears on the shores of Nuevo Vallarta, 30 minutes from Puerto Vallarta. The area isn"t surrounded by the bustling city, but instead located in a secluded resort spot where families can enjoy miles of beaches and upscale shops and dining options. As a Hard Rock property, guests can expect to find musical memorabilia, live music and events, and a generally energetic vibe. This isn"t the resort for a quiet vacation but instead, a more active one. The Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta plans water sports excursions, offers high-energy dining, and delivers a rocking good time in its kids" club.

If it is a quiet getaway you"d prefer, the Royal Decameron is the perfect resort. While it features more than 600 guestrooms, eight restaurants and five swimming pools, it retains a sense of coziness. Its tallest building of rooms is no more than four stories, and the resort is wrapped around the Mexican landscape to provide an intimate retreat. The resort is more traditional, without all of the bells and whistles of other all-inclusive properties, but it also allows families to get a better sense of Puerto Vallarta and its Mexican culture.

Although Sunset Plaza Beach Resort is not a traditional all-inclusive resort, it does offer Deluxe Inclusive plans to provide all of its amenities and dining in one rate with accommodations. One-bedroom suites feature a living room with a queen-sized sofa bed and a fully equipped kitchenette to provide space for families to spread out. A large infinity-edge swimming pool overlooks the Pacific Ocean. When not playing in the water, kids will enjoy the kids" club with arcade games, crafts, mini-golf, a playground, a children"s pool and its own restaurant for snacks and meals.