Nestled within the lush rainforest of Las Cinco Cruces and perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit offers an all-inclusive escape tailored for nature enthusiasts.
This **Marriott-affiliated wellness resort** marks the first all-inclusive venture for Delta Hotels, a brand traditionally associated with business travelers. With competitive pricing comparable to nearby a la carte hotels, it offers a unique blend of affordability and convenience.
Intrigued by its value and as a Marriott loyalist, I decided to book a two-night stay with my aunt during a trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It was also my first experience at an all-inclusive resort. Here’s what you should know before booking a stay at Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit.
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### **1. It’s a Great Value**
For a AAA rate of $223 per night for a two-queen mountain-view room, this resort is a steal compared to other properties in the area. Even the standard rate of $265 per night is reasonable, but my AAA Plus membership helped me save about 15% on the nightly rate.
Unlike other similarly priced hotels, this property’s rates are all-inclusive. This means no extra charges for in-room minibar items, meals, or most alcoholic beverages (though select premium wines and liquors are excluded).
Additionally, the resort participates in the **Marriott Bonvoy program**, allowing guests to book stays with points. Award nights range between 42,400 and 65,000 points per night, aligning with **TPG’s current valuations**. Elite members also enjoy perks like bonus points and discounts on spa treatments, with Ambassador Elite members receiving a complimentary 25-minute massage.
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### **2. The Spa is a Must-Try**
The resort’s **Tzicuri Spa** is a standout feature, offering treatments inspired by the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. Based on glowing reviews, my aunt and I decided to indulge in spa services. I opted for the earth ritual, which included a foot bath, sugar scrub, a 50-minute aromatic oil massage, and a 30-minute foot massage.
Though the treatment cost 4,400 Mexican pesos (about $220), the experience was worth every penny. Ambassador Elite members receive a 20% discount, making the splurge slightly easier on the wallet.
The spa also provides access to top-notch facilities, including outdoor showers surrounded by lush greenery, a relaxation area with a pool, and teak chaise lounges. Freshly pressed passion fruit juice and tea served in elegant china add a luxurious touch.
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### **3. The Grounds are Untamed and Beautiful**
Set within the jungle of Las Cinco Cruces, the resort’s developers preserved much of the natural landscape. The 118 rooms are nestled against cliffs and surrounded by dense greenery, with a stream running through the property.
Navigating the steep hills between the lobby, main pool, and towers takes about 15 minutes on foot, but chauffeured golf carts are available for convenience. The serene, jungle setting makes the extra effort worthwhile.
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### **4. The Beach Club is a Highlight**
Located 10 minutes from the resort, the **Tonati Beach Club** offers a perfect spot for lunch by the Pacific Ocean. Guests can enjoy fresh mahi-mahi ceviche and piña coladas while lounging on reserved chaise lounges or relaxing in cabanas.
However, the beach is unraked, and local vendors may approach you to sell items like jewelry and hats. To avoid the hassle of driving on pothole-ridden roads, take advantage of the resort’s shuttle service, which runs three times daily between the property and the beach club in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.
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### **5. Arrive During Daylight**
The resort’s location in a mountainous area makes it tricky to find, especially at night. The drive involves winding, poorly lit roads shared with pedestrians. The entrance is tucked away on a gravel road that transitions to cobblestones, surrounded by chain-link fences.
While driving is an option, relying on a ride-hailing service or shuttle is recommended, as even local drivers can find the route confusing due to limited signage.
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### **6. The Food is Inconsistent**
Dining at the resort is a mixed bag. While the breakfast buffet at **Huichol Cocina Artesanal** impressed with fresh tropical fruits, made-to-order omelets, and specialty coffees, other meals were underwhelming.
Dinner at **Komorebi Teppanyaki** was more about the entertaining cooking show than the food, which lacked flavor and relied too heavily on salt and butter. Similarly, the themed dinner buffet at Huichol Cocina Artesanal fell short of expectations, with no standout dishes.
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### **7. No Room Upgrades (Yet)**
Currently, the resort only offers entry-level rooms, as its suites and upgraded accommodations are still under construction. Elite members accustomed to complimentary upgrades should manage their expectations.
The two-queen room we stayed in featured standard amenities, including white linens, a flat-screen TV, a mini fridge stocked with complimentary drinks, and a balcony overlooking the jungle. While the setup was basic, the balcony provided a peaceful spot to enjoy the surroundings.
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### **8. Friendly Staff and Guests**
The resort fosters a social atmosphere, with guests frequently striking up conversations in communal areas like the teppanyaki restaurant and beach shuttle. The staff is equally warm and welcoming. For instance, Oliver, the valet who helped with our luggage, greeted us by name throughout our stay and even shared his favorite book, “Oliver Twist.”
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### **Bottom Line**
Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit may not be the most luxurious resort in Puerto Vallarta, but its friendly staff, serene spa, and vibrant beach club make it a memorable getaway. If you’re seeking a tranquil jungle retreat with the perks of a beach vacation — all without breaking the bank — this property is worth considering.
With plans to expand by March 2023, including the addition of 100 rooms, suites, and a water park with a lazy river, the resort is poised to become an even more appealing destination.
Source: thepointsguy.com