On a secluded cove ringed with jungle cliffs, this is one of Puerto Vallarta's best mainstream values and attracts a far younger crowd than many of the more geriatric hangouts to the north. Unfortunately, it has succumbed to the same time-share lure snagging the other resorts in this area, so one section of the property is now consumed by owners, and the salespeople try hard to lure everyone else who passes through.
The self-contained property is made up of an 11-story white arc and a time-share club tower, both of which are simple, functional and superbly situated for maximum ocean views. The professional but harried reception staff welcomes guests in an open-air lobby fronting meandering (and confusing at first) common areas that open to blue-water views through a sea of palms.
Five restaurants are on-site, offering not only variety, but
beautifully prepared and served Mexican, Italian, Pan-Asian, international and seafood specialties. The dinner-only options are surprisingly small and inviting, but the cliff-hugging Seaside restaurant says no to swimsuits and yes to dramatic views and cocktails. The Mexican restaurant and Portofino Italian restaurant also have (casual) dress codes and views of the ocean. A poolside bar pours sodas and libations until the evening, and a casual buffet restaurant works hard for the swimsuit crowd. Entertainment, theme nights and local cultural events are frequent.
Two pools linked by a waterfall are the graceful centerpieces of the gardens. The waterslide keeps children happy, while parents relax at the swim-up bar. A small, adults-only pool one level above is seldom crowded. Attractive landscaping runs down to a shaded semiprivate beach fringed by palms and shade palapas, with boulders at each end of the bay. This beach is one of Puerto Vallarta's best; 
it is scenic and usually swimmable.
Two artificial-grass tennis courts are playable day and night, a full-service spa is now on hand, use of a fair-sized gym is included, and golf can be arranged. Seven meeting rooms offer a function capacity of 1,200 people, and a well-equipped business center with high-speed Internet access is open until 10 pm.
Keycards open heavy carved wooden doors, revealing rooms that are typical for the region: tiled floors, tropical fabrics on king or paired double beds, plain white wooden furniture, louvered white closets and sofa beds. In an odd bit of numbering, the floors start at 12 (on the first floor) and go to 19. Rooms have all the expected amenities: 27-inch TVs, electronic safes, minibars stocked with beer and soda, and roomy combination baths with robes. In most rooms, sliding-glass doors open to ocean-view 
railings.
The best rooms are on the corners, as these open to real balconies. First-floor rooms are less desirable, because plants block the views, and the glass doors cannot be left open for security reasons. Guests can pay an upgraded price to book in the newer tower housing the Club Studios—but only if they are not filled by time-share guests. Rooms from the sixth to the 11th floors are the best choices for their better views and whirlpools on the balconies.
Although this is a standard all-inclusive vacation factory with a rather average pool, the wide dining choices, more interesting beach and secluded location put it on a level above most of the competition in the region, especially considering the rates.
