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One of our favorite beachside Westin properties in Mexico is becoming an all-inclusive resort next year

Sept. 03, 2025
•
3 min read
Westin Puerto Vallarta_MARRIOTT
One of our favorite beachside Westin properties in Mexico is becoming an all-inclusive resort next year
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If you're looking for a new beachfront all-inclusive that's points friendly and feels like a true luxury resort, there's good news to share from Marriott.

Starting May 1, 2026, The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta in Mexico will relaunch as an all-inclusive property, The Westin Playa Vallarta, an All-Inclusive Resort, with what the company says will be "a reimagined approach to all-inclusive luxury."

Related: TPG’s guide to the best all-inclusive resorts you can book with points

The property, set on 14 jungle-framed beachfront acres a short drive from the airport, is currently closed while it undergoes the transformation to the new format. But we've long appreciated the resort's all-inclusive packages, as well as its 410 feet of private golden beach.

It's also notable that all of the property's accommodations have ocean views. Not to mention, we've found this Westin outpost to be a top option for families in Puerto Vallarta, as it offers kid-friendly amenities that we hope will remain, such as a large shallow family pool and a kids club with its own outdoor play area.

Marriott is redesigning all of the 281 suites — some of which will have swim-up pools or private plunge pools. Other highlights of the relaunched property that the company has shared include a Westin Heavenly Spa, a Flora Mixology Bar for botanical elixirs and the Gourmet Gallery that features six dining venues, four of which are alfresco options (we spotted Mexican-, Japanese-, seafood- and burger-focused venues on the resort's website so far).

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How to book The Westin Playa Vallarta

When it reopens May 1, 2026, cash rates at The Westin Playa Vallarta will start around $423 per night for two people.

WESTIN

Marriott Bonvoy members can book award nights for two people starting at 188,000 points per night for most of the property's opening month.

WESTIN

Bottom line

We'll have to wait until May of next year to see the newly relaunched Westin Puerto Vallarta when it debuts as the all-inclusive Westin Playa Vallarta. But from what we can see so far, the opening rates seem reasonable for a beachfront location with a one-and-done pricing structure that includes all food and beverages, as well as kid-friendly amenities.

Related reading:

Featured image by MARRIOTT
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Annual Fee is $325.
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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 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.
4XEarn 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.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    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.