GRAND FIESTA AMERICANA: LUXURIOUS, ADULT ONLY, ALL INCLUSIVE.

Written by DLX contributor, Nancy Barkley, founder of Honeymoons and Get-A-Ways in reference to Grand Fiesta Americana.

I found Puerto Vallarta to be one of Mexico’s most romantic destinations and apparently so have others — Old Vallarta is now known as the “Romantic Zone.” This beautiful town has winding cobblestone streets lined with beautiful bougainvillea and stunning beaches. Add in the lush green Sierra Madre Mountains as a backdrop, and you have a postcard picture perfect vacation spot. Film buffs will recognize John Huston’s admiration for Puerto Vallarta as it is the setting for his 1964 film “The Night of the Iguana.” For the romantics out there, this is where Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton ran away together.

Puerto Vallarta is located on the western coast of Mexico, between jungle-covered Sierra Madre Mountains and beautiful Banderas Bay.

I stayed at the stylish Grand Fiesta Americana where you can forget about daily life and rediscover the romance of travel. It begins when you arrive; the lobby of this resort is magnificent and offers breathtaking views of Banderas Bay. We were whisked up to the 13th floor for our private check-in at the Grand Club. The champagne, cold towels, and friendly faces set the tone for our entire vacation.

All of the spacious hotel rooms have an ocean view and offer plush amenities. The large balconies are absolutely perfect for watching the legendary sunsets.

The strategically placed loveseats between the elevators might make you want to miss your ride as they offer magnificent views of the ocean.

If you do not want to lounge on the romantic Bali bed and gaze out at the crystal waters of the Pacific Ocean, there are plenty of activities to choose from. You can start your day at the Fitness Center where they have the latest equipment, offer group classes or sessions with a personal trainer. There are plenty of water activities to choose from including Paddle Boards, snorkeling, and kayaking. You can take a dance class, play volleyball or brush up on your Spanish with a lesson. After a glorious, busy day, you can then pamper yourself at the intimate spa beginning with the hydrotherapy pools.

There is a variety of sophisticated dining options to choose from. You can go bar hopping at themed lounges, such as the Martini Lounge, the Mojito Lounge, and the Tequila Lounge. Or you may simply want to call for 24-hour room service.

At night, this hotel comes to life. The party starts in the main lobby with performances and live music. Depending on the night, there are fashion shows, samba dances, and acrobatic shows… You won’t turn into a pumpkin at midnight but you might get wet while in the rooftop Jacuzzis listening to music at the Divina Sky bar.

This exclusive resort is also an ideal choice to begin your happily-ever-after together. The beachfront gazebo combined with the private beach club make for a destination wedding that guests will be talking about for years to come.