Jan 22 2010

Marival Residences & World Spa, Riviera Nayarit

I recently had the opportunity to experience the new Marival Residences and World Spa in Riviera Nayarit, short transfer of 25 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta Airport. Marival Residences offers 1, 2, 3 & 4-Bedroom Suites & Penthouses all with terraces. In addition, there are 3-Bedroom Villas. All units have full kitchens with stainless appliances & marble countertops. Cabinets were stocked with utensils, dishes, glasses, pots pans & coffee maker. If guests desire groceries in their suite upon arrival this service is available at an additional charge. 

My stay was in a two bedroom penthouse suite with a roof-top plunge pool and ocean view, ahh! On the roof-top one can enjoy a bit of solitude while lounging on a cushioned chaise lounge, dipping in your plunge pool or enjoying a meal at the patio table & chairs, all made of wicker. The master bedroom has a king bed while the second bedroom had two queens. The linens were of a high thread count (very comfy) and all rooms had flat screen televisions. A large sunken tub with whirlpool jets and separate shower were in the master while the second bathroom was shower only. The living room was equipped with another flat screen television. Love seat & chairs made for a comfortable seating area. The dining table adjacent to the living area could seat eight, great for enjoying a meal with family and friends. The terrace ran the length of the unit from the living area to the master bedroom…my 6th floor view was heavenly. 

There are three restaurants on property plus a wine bar. Marival offers both EP and All-Inclusive options. I experienced All-Inclusive, which is enjoyed a la' carte, no buffets here, just outstanding food and premium beverages. Every meal was better then the last. Omaggio is the International Restaurant, Insu Lounge Bar is a roof-top experience offering spectacular views, and The Lemmon Grass is a casual poolside snack bar/restaurant. There are no set menus at Lemmon Grass in the evening. Whatever fresh ingredients the Chef purchased that morning are used to create his menu. Fresh ingredients without proper execution does not make a great meal, but this was perfection. I enjoyed a wonderfully prepared piece of Sea Bass paired with a glass of Champagne, I was extremely satisfied. 

All-Inclusive paying guests of Marival have full exchange privileges with the Marival Suites Resort in addition to unlimited select tours. Active travelers wishing to enjoy some of Puerto Vallarta's adventure could spend a substantial amount on tours, having them included is a bonus. Our Whale Watching Tour was the best I've ever experienced. Two playful dolphins were swimming along side our Zodiac enticing a mother and her baby to show themselves within ten feet of us. Close enough to see the barnacles that made themselves at home on their backs.  They were not in the breeching mood but we did see plenty of fins appearing above the waterline. A perfectly mild January day in Banderas Bay, just amazing!

Although the Marival does not have beach access, guests can take the complimentary shuttle to the Marival Suites and enjoy the beach. The VIP Beach Club is exclusively for Residence guests. Bar service is offered beach side by an attentive server. I was not able to enjoy a Spa Treatment on this trip, but those that did raved. Staff were all gracious and accommodating.

I would not hesitate to recommend Marival Residence and World Spa for families or groups of friends looking for some of the comforts of home in a luxury resort setting.
 

About Laura Bonchonsky

Prior to becoming an agent, I was a Legal Secretary. While booking a cruise with a local travel agent, I asked what they thought about attending a travel school. The answer was "save your money," find an agency that will train you. And so I did. I've now been in the industry for 18 years. I've traveled to Australia, French Polynesia, Hawaiian Islands and Alaska. Most of my early travels were with my mother to her birthplace, San Luis Potosi, MX. I have traveled throughout much of the country that she lovingly referred to as "Mexico Lindo". From mainland Mexico to Baja California, including the Colonial Cities, to the beaches on the Pacific, Yucatan and the tip of Baja Peninsula, plus very busy Districto Federal, Mexico City. Cruising has taken me to such ports of call as the Bahamas, Aruba, Barbados, Grand Cayman, through the Panama Canal and Costa Rica. While in the Mediterranean, I visited unforgettable stops at Palermo, Barcelona, Tunisia, Malta, Monaco and several Italian ports to name a few. Land travels have taken me to St. Lucia, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, Ireland, The Eternal City and more.

I've sailed on Crystal, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and most recently the newest Celebrity ship, the Silhouette...modern Luxury at it's best. If you'd like to chat, I specialize in Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean, Contiki Vacations, SuperClubs, Escorted Vacations and most cruises. I've received award certifications from Sandals, Club Med, Holland America, Princess, Celebrity, Regent Crystal and Cunard. I enjoy this industry and it's satisfying to know you're the vehicle that helps people realize their dreams…Travel – who doesn't love it?