✈️ PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO

Amanda Rauh's Fifth Visit to the Hyatt Ziva, and umpteenth trip to Puerto Vallarta

When I first started in travel, I couldn't understand why people would return to the same resort year after year. In my early twenties, I thought the whole point of travel was to see somewhere new. Now, at 47, I get it. My fifth trip, staying at the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta with my husband, reminded me exactly why some places become part of who you are.

There's something profound about walking into a hotel and being recognized. The baggage concierge who greeted us has been at the property since my last visit 9 years ago. The beach vendors remembered us from previous visits and have conversations with us throughout the trip. This isn't just good service, it's a testament to how well the resort is run and how genuinely happy the staff are in their work. When employees stay for nearly a decade, you know you've found somewhere special.

An Unexpected Moment on the Malecón

We were walking along the Malecón during Day of the Dead season, admiring the Catrina displays set up by different hotels. Each one was more elaborate than the last, these beautiful tributes to the holiday. One display caught my attention: a Catrina with a dog, and a telephone. A local woman approached me and said, "You need to phone your Abuela." Abuela is Spanish for grandma, and my grandmother is in heaven. I started crying right there on the boardwalk, flooded with unexpected emotion. It's these moments that travel gives you, connections you could never plan for.

Every time I visit Puerto Vallarta, I'm struck by the sunsets and the scenery. It sounds simple, but it's not something you want to take for granted. Some nights, we would just pause at sunset, take a photo, and truly enjoy the view. The property itself is older but beautifully maintained, with multiple restaurant options and activities if you want them. And if you don't? There's a quiet adults-only pool where you can spend hours without interruption.

The Sea Turtle Secret

Here's something most travelers would might not figure out on their own: if you're visiting between July and early December, check in with the front desk to see if they'll be releasing baby sea turtles. Each night, leatherback sea turtles come onto the beach to lay their eggs. The lifeguards collect them and place them in a little nursery until they're ready to hatch. When that moment comes, guests can observe the release free of charge. The timing varies daily, but it's usually just as the sun is setting, giving the tiny turtles a chance to reach the ocean before birds can spot them. It's one of those experiences that stays with you.

Who Would Love This Trip

This destination is perfect for travelers looking for a short flight, especially with direct flights now available from Vancouver Island through Comox and Victoria. If you want hot weather, beautiful scenery, and a resort that feels like a second home, this is your place. I recommend it for families with young children, teenagers who want to play beach volleyball, destination wedding groups, honeymooners, couples, and friends traveling together. The only people I'd steer away are those looking for a party atmosphere. That's simply not what this property offers.

What I've learned after five visits is something I now share with clients who return to the same destination year after year: there's deep value in familiarity. Coming back to a place that feels like home, where the staff knows your name and you know exactly which sunset spot is best, that's not repetition. That's ritual. And I can't wait to help my clients discover their own version of that comfort in Puerto Vallarta!