Charmed in the jungle: 8 things to know about Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit, An All-Inclusive Resort
Surrounded by Las Cinco Cruces' rainforest on a cliff close to the ocean, Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit is an all-inclusive oasis for nature lovers.
This Marriott-affiliated wellness resort is the first all-inclusive property that's tied to Delta Hotels, a brand that typically draws business travelers. Here, guests will find reasonable rates on par with other a la carte hotels nearby.
Curious to see what this affordable property was about (in part due to being a Marriott loyalist but also because I've never stayed at an all-inclusive resort before), my aunt and I decided to book a two-night stay while traveling to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Here are eight things you should know before reserving a room at Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit.
It’s a bargain
For a AAA rate of $223 per night for a two-queen mountain view room, this Delta Hotels outpost is a bargain when compared to other hotels in the area. Even the property's standard rate of $265 per night was a decent deal, though I was happy to take advantage of my AAA Plus membership (which I mainly have for 24-hour roadside assistance) to snag a discount that took about 15% off the nightly rate.
Unlike other local properties charging similar prices, rates here are all-inclusive, so there are no additional fees for extras like in-room minibar items, meals and most alcoholic drinks (select premium liqueurs and wines are not covered).
Additionally, the property's participation in the Marriott Bonvoy program means you can book a stay with points. Costing between 42,400 and 65,000 points per night, award nights are roughly in line with TPG’s current valuations.
As an added perk, Platinum Elite and Titanium Elite members get 1,000 bonus points as a welcome gift, while Ambassador Elite members receive 1,000 bonus points and a complimentary 25-minute massage (or a 20% discount off other treatments).
Related: What is Marriott Bonvoy elite status worth?
The spa alone is a reason to visit
Given the excellent reviews I'd read and the endorsement of several fellow guests, my aunt and I decided to check out the spa treatments. In addition to the standard facials and massages, the property's Tzicuri Spa offered rituals based on the four elements: earth, air, fire and water.
I don't normally book spa treatments, but I was intrigued by the rituals, so I treated myself to the earth-focused ritual, which included a foot bath, a sugar scrub, a 50-minute massage with aromatic oils and a 30-minute foot massage.
While the hefty 4,400 Mexican pesos (about $220) price initially gave me sticker shock (even after remembering that I would receive a 20% discount as an Ambassador Elite), the treatment was transcendent and exactly what I needed to relax. I highly recommend the splurge if you can fit it into your budget.
Keep in mind that treatment fees cover access to several spa facilities, too, which are top-notch and well worth using.
You'll find sprawling changing rooms, double-stacked wooden lockers, outdoor showers that are surrounded by local botany and a relaxation area with an outdoor pool. The latter is where you can lounge on a teak chaise lounge covered in a warm towel as you wait for your treatment or enjoy freshly pressed passion fruit juice and tea served in upscale, elegant china after your service.
Related: 9 of the most amazing spas worth traveling for
The grounds are lush and untamed
Because of the resort's location in Las Cinco Cruces, developers were careful to leave much of the mature jungle intact while constructing it. As such, you'll notice that the 118 rooms are pressed against the cliffs and surrounded by greenery, with a small stream running through the property.
Going from the lobby to the main pool and towers, you'll encounter multiple steep hills that take about 15 minutes to traverse on foot. Luckily, chauffeured golf carts are available, should you need some assistance getting from point A to point B. It may be a bit of a trek, but the tranquil setting more than makes up for the extra effort required to get around.
There's a great beach club
A perfect place for lunch, the turquoise-painted Tonati Beach Club is situated 10 minutes away from the resort by the Pacific Ocean. Here, you can enjoy fresh mahi mahi ceviche and pina coladas when you're not swimming in the sea, sunbathing on one of the chaise lounges reserved for hotel guests or unwinding in a cabana.
Know, though, that the beach is unraked and empresarios (local vendors) will actively try selling you everything from silver jewelry to hats, so prepare to be approached from time to time.
Several parking spots are available for those who wish to drive. I don’t suggest doing so, as the roads are full of potholes (most of which are impossible to avoid) and wind through a number of back alleys and unmarked areas that make it hard to retrace your steps back to the resort.
Instead of driving, plan on using the resort shuttle, which travels between the resort and the beach club in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle three times a day.
Related: Beyond the beach: Mexico's 6 best inland destinations
It's easiest to find during daylight hours
Even during the day, getting to the resort can be a challenge. Because the property is spread across a steep mountainous area, much of the drive will involve winding, smaller roads that are bumpy, poorly lit and shared by pedestrians. The entrance itself sits off a gravel road that turns into cobblestones surrounded by chain-link fences.
You could attempt to drive yourself. However, given how tricky it is to find the property — even for a local like my Uber driver, who found the route confusing at times due to the lack of signage — your best bet will likely be to rely on a third-party shuttle or ride-hailing service.
The food is hit or miss
As a foodie, I look forward to dining at every property I visit, so I was curious to see what the culinary options would be like here. Although I was pleasantly surprised at times, overall the food was mostly underwhelming, so you may want to choose a different property if having exceptional cuisine is a top priority.
For our first night, my aunt and I dined at Komorebi Teppanyaki, a Japanese-inspired restaurant. Instead of offering a traditional menu, the eatery invites guests to sit around a metal grill table while the chef cooks fried rice, an assortment of vegetables and stir-fried chicken, shrimp and steak in front of them, juggling knives and eggs throughout the experience. The entertaining show saved the meal, as the food was disappointing due to a lack of flavor and too much salt and butter.
Fortunately, the breakfast buffet made up for our lackluster dinner. Unlike most breakfast joints that have omelet stations stocked with egg concentrate, Huichol Cocina Artesanal's omelet station had eggs that were cracked right in front of us.
It also featured an assortment of delicious tropical fruit like papaya and pineapple, as well as specialty coffees and mimosas, all of which the all-inclusive rate covered.
Despite excelling at breakfast, Huichol Cocina Artesanal was far less satisfying when we visited our final night for dinner.
While nightly options varied depending on the cuisine theme (think: Italian, Asian or Mexican) being featured at the time, the dishes available when we visited were not what we expected to find at an upscale resort. Every item we tasted from the buffet was mediocre at best, with no dish standing out as memorable.
You can't get an upgrade
The hotel is currently building its suites and upgraded rooms, so only entry-level rooms are available to book for the time being. Because of this, you'll want to manage your expectations — especially if you have elite status and are used to complimentary upgrades.
Walking into our two-queen room, we found a fairly standard setup. Inside were two beds dressed with white linens, a flat-screen TV mounted to one of the walls, a desk and a small dining table with two chairs.
Next to the entry door, there was a mini fridge stocked with complimentary soda, juice and water, plus a coffee maker. There was also a small closet with space to hang a few items.
Across from the closet was a bathroom with two faucets, a separate water closet, a collection of toiletries from various brands and a frosted rainforest shower partially exposed to the bedroom.
Just beyond the sleeping area was a balcony outfitted with a wood-and-stone table and two metal chairs. While the chairs weren't comfortable, the balcony was a nice place to take in the lush setting when we wanted some fresh air.
Related: 14 of TPG's favorite points hotels on the beach in Mexico
The staff and guests are friendly
Shortly after arriving, it became clear that this resort is made for those who like to socialize. We regularly spotted guests chatting with each other, especially in the teppanyaki restaurant and on the beach shuttle. Also, the hospitable employees frequently struck up conversations with people staying at the property.
For example, Oliver, the kind valet who helped us with our luggage when we arrived, always greeted me with a smile and a warm, "Hello, Señor Olsen." He made sure we remembered his name by and shared that his favorite book is "Oliver Twist."
Bottom line
Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit isn’t the most extravagant resort in Puerto Vallarta. However, its kindhearted people, relaxing spa and tropical beach club make it memorable.
If you're craving a dose of the Mexican jungle plus the comforts of a lazy beach vacation without breaking the bank, this is a property you'll want to consider.
Once the resort finishes its expansion, which it aims to do by March 2023, it will be an even more impressive retreat, as it will offer an additional 100 rooms and suites, and a water park with a lazy river.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.