My sister and niece stayed at the Grand Velas a few months ago and said the food was so-so. We've stayed at the Four Seasons in Punta Mita twice and the food was very good for resort food. but nothing exceptional. The resort is beautiful and very relaxing, but quite expensive.

I have never done AI in PV, and wouldn't recommend it. There are so many wonderful (I mean, really, really good!) restaurants in that city. It's gotten somewhat of a reputation for being a foodie paradise.

I know that's not the answer you're seeking, but just another perspective.

We stayed at the Paradisus Cancun, Royal Service and loved it. The hotel was beautiful and right on the beach. The beach itself was gorgeous. We enjoyed the food, although I wouldn't say we frequent gourmet restaurants. We like All Inclusive and this checked all our boxes--decent food, beachfront room with a balcony, swimmable and walkable beach, plenty of shaded loungers, and close to area attractions. We did have Royal Service, and I would pay the surcharge again for that level of service. We took a day trip to Isla Mujeres, which is absolutely beautiful.

Below is a picture of the tuna sliders served on the lunch menu at the beachfront Royal Service Restaurant

Below is the Sushi restaurant

View from our room

If you go to Cancun, do take a day trip (20 minute ferry ride from Puerto Juarez) over to beautiful little Isla Mujeres. We've never stayed in Cancun, but have spent two solid weeks on Isla, several times. We love it there. It's about 4.5 miles long and less than 1/5 mile wide, but at last count there were close to 140 restaurants on the island!

Aunt Jen, We did a day trip to Isla Mujeres and loved it--so gorgeous!

Gooster...we have stayed in Nuevo P and riviera nayarit and while the resorts were nice the food wasn't very good. We were considering PV again as it is the group's favourite place but we are open to other destinations.

Mells..I am going to look into the four seas. in Punta Mita ...thanks

Furby..The Paradis Cancun sounds very promising. That is a beautiful pic of the resort and the tuna sliders look so good! We will check it out. We all loved Isla Mujeres also.

AuntJen..its been 20 yrs since we've been to Isla Mujeres...obviously it has really changed...140 restaurants is unbelievable. That is a beautiful pic.

Thanks so much for your input ladies

I agree with Jen about not going AI in Puerto Vallarta. There are soooo many wonderful restaurants. I'd hate to feel like I'm stuck eating at the resort. But if that is what works for your group, I suggest checking out the TripAdvisor Puerto Vallarta forum.

My husband and I stayed at Villa Premiere for our 25th anniversary. It's AI optional. While we didn't eat there, I've heard that the food is top notch. Next door is their less expensive sister resort, the Buenaventura, which is only AI I believe. A lot of people seem to like the Hyatt Ziva, which is a little bit south of town, in a beautiful area where the jungle meets the ocean.

If you are interested in spending time in Puerto Vallarta itself, which I highly recommend - it's a great walking town, then you probably wouldn't want to be way out in Nuevo Vallarta, though the beaches are very nice out there.

Hi Terriks...I will look into the Villa Premiere and the Hyatt Ziva..thanks. I agree PV is a great walking town and when we've stayed in Nuevo /Nayarit we get on a bus and get off around the Buenaventura and walk from there. To most of us PV has the feel of an old Mexican town unlike a lot of other destinations. Usually we are a group of 6 but this year will be 8 of us and it is so much easier to have our meals at the resort as opposed to going out of the resort to a restaurant...Lunches are often eaten out while away from the resort during the day and then we like to all get together for supper at the resort...so its so much nicer overall if the food is good. As for trip advisor ...haven't found it too useful.

Other resorts that I hear good things about are Now Amber, Secrets, and there is a new one, the Grand Fiesta Americana.