If youve ever embarked on the quest to plan a family vacation that caters to the whims of teens and tweens, you undoubtedly understand the challenge of finding a destination that offers a plethora of engaging activities, vibrant events, and spacious areas suitable for your kids. It can often feel akin to searching for a mythical unicorn. However, after a recent memorable stay at the Hilton Vallarta Riviera in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, I am thrilled to share that the elusive family-friendly vacation spot you've been seeking truly exists. Its so captivating that even teenagers may be tempted to leave their phones tucked away in their rooms.

Nestled along the breathtaking Pacific coastline of Mexico, the Hilton Vallarta Riviera is an all-inclusive resort that seamlessly strikes a balance between relaxation for parents and a sense of independence for their occasionally eye-rolling teenagers. From the moment I checked in, it was evident I had discovered a rare gemone where parents can unwind and explore while their teens find their own slice of vacation paradise, all within the secure confines of a luxurious resort that understands the needs of families with older children.

Now, lets explore in detail what makes this hidden gem so appealing for families.

What Does All-Inclusive Really Mean?

Being an all-inclusive resort means that once you secure your room, you can forget about reaching for your wallet for anything else during your stay. The Hilton Vallarta Riviera boasts an impressive selection of eight on-site restaurants where you can indulge in delicious cuisine without incurring any additional charges. This includes 24-hour room service, allowing you to either dress up for an exquisite meal at one of the fantastic restaurants after a day spent basking in the sun or simply opt for the comfort of your room. Even alcoholic drinks are included in the package!

Furthermore, your nightly rate encompasses a multitude of activities. Whether youre interested in attending cooking classes, participating in sunset pool parties, or enjoying karaoke nights, there's something for everyone. Outdoor activities such as kayaking and volleyball are also available, alongside cultural and artistic events that immerse guests in the rich local history and cuisine.

The only additional costs you might incur are for spa treatments at the resorts Eforea Spa, which offers a range of luxurious services including massages, facials, body treatments, and more. But we will delve deeper into that later.

The resorts layout features 444 rooms, each boasting stunning oceanfront views and private balconies where you can soak in the picturesque surroundings.

Activities Tailored for Teens

Lets get right to the heart of the matter: what makes this resort so appealing for teenagers? In addition to family-oriented activities like cooking classes and outdoor games, the Hilton Vallarta Riviera has created dedicated spaces exclusively for teens. This thoughtful consideration allows for a measure of independence and the chance for young guests to forge new friendships.

The eL Rincn lounge is particularly designed with older kids in mind. This vibrant space features a candy bar stocked with unlimited treats (including local Mexican candies), an ice cream station, and popcorn for movie nights. Teens can lounge comfortably, enjoy board games, or delve into the video game area, where they can engage in their favorite online games with peers.

Additionally, the lounge hosts nightly entertainment tailored for both teens and families, which can range from live performances and silent discos to gaming tournaments and sports competitions. There is no shortage of entertainment options.

During my visit, I participated in an array of exciting activities like a paella cooking class, an aguachile cooking session, a healing sound bath, and, of course, plenty of time spent relaxing at the oceanfront pools. The resort also features two food trucks by the pools that are included in your nightly rate and have proven to be incredibly popular among young guests. All of these activities provide teens with opportunities to engage with others, whether they choose to participate with family or venture out on their own.

Activities for Younger Kids

If youre traveling with young kids, you can rest assured that theres an abundance for them to enjoy as well. The Hilton Vallarta Riviera boasts a luxuriously equipped kids club, which parents can join in on or allow their children to engage with the attentive staff while they take some much-deserved time for themselves.

During my stay, I had the pleasure of meeting the dedicated staff at the kids club. The range of activities they offer is impressive. I witnessed young children taking part in a pizza-making class at the La Luce restaurant, engaging in crafts that taught them about the local culture, and making new friends. The staff is incredibly warm, welcoming, and attentive to each childs needs, making it a delightful space for parents to drop off their kids without worry. Best of all, these invaluable services and activities come at no additional cost.

Fun for Parents

So, while your teens are immersed in a Fortnite tournament in the family lounge and your younger ones are crafting Ojo de Dios in the kids club, what can you do with your day? First and foremost, you might want to consider relaxing by one of the Hiltons two oceanfront pools. The largest pool features a swim-up bar serving an unlimited supply of delicious margaritas, and while private cabanas are available for rent, you can comfortably utilize the beachfront or poolside chairs at no extra cost.

My personal favorite spot was the Eforea Spa. I began my spa experience with a rejuvenating sauna session, a soothing steam room, and hydrotherapy before indulging in what was undoubtedly the best massage Ive ever received (and Ive indulged in many!). The spa offers a variety of massage types, including relaxing Swedish massages, deep tissue treatments, Hawaiian-inspired Soffio dPolinesia, and a deluxe Fusion massage that combines techniques for a total-body escape.

If youre interested in experiencing the natural beauty that Mexico has to offer, the city of Puerto Vallarta presents endless opportunities for adventure. The resort staff is more than willing to assist in planning off-site excursions, enabling you to make the most of your stay. Once you venture into the downtown area, it becomes easily navigable on foot and is brimming with delightful dining options, rich history, shopping, and thrilling activities such as whale watching or zip-lining.

Cost Considerations

Ive visited several all-inclusive resorts in my time, and I can assure you that nightly rates can often skyrocket past the $1,000 mark, which is not feasible for most families. Fortunately, the Hilton Vallarta Riviera offers competitive pricing starting at around $380 per night for a king bed room. Rates do vary based on dates, but even during peak travel seasons, Hiltons all-inclusive prices remain significantly lower than those of comparable luxury resorts.

This resort accommodates families of varying sizes by providing a variety of room styles, including adjoining options. Each room comes with breathtaking ocean views and private balconies, ensuring a picturesque stay.

For those looking to elevate their experience, the resort offers an Enclave option, which provides upgraded amenities such as private check-in and checkout, access to a dedicated Enclave Lounge, enhanced in-room amenities, turndown service, and concierge services.

A Culinary Adventure

Lets revisit one of the most delightful aspects of the resort: its culinary offerings. The Hilton Vallarta boasts a remarkable eight on-site restaurants. While dining at these establishments incurs no additional costs, reservations are highly recommended. My suggestion is to decide on your preferred dinner spot early in the day to secure a table at your top choice.

The dining options include:

  • La Luce An Italian restaurant known for its authentic cuisine.
  • Maxal Showcases the rich diversity of traditional Mexican food.
  • Sunan Offers eclectic Asian flavors from locations such as Thailand and Vietnam.
  • Cocomar A cantina that serves classic Mexican dishes.
  • Seasalt Serves American classics with an innovative twist.
  • Vela Food Hall A buffet-style option catering to kids and teens, offering a variety of meals throughout the day.
  • Azulinda A bar featuring classic and fusion cocktails along with a wide range of beers.
  • Sunan Sushi Inspired by traditional Japanese cuisine.

As a food editor, I often find myself critiquing dining experiences, but I genuinely have nothing but positive remarks regarding the food at the Hilton Vallarta Riviera. Both La Luce and Maxal stood out as favorites, but I was equally impressed by the extensive room service menu. Every dish was fresh, vibrant, and of a quality that rivals high-end restaurants.

Is It Worth the Investment?

Without a doubt! Having visited numerous all-inclusive resorts, I can confidently say that none have matched the extensive range of activities available for family members of all ages. The activity calendar is packed with events for adults, teens, tweens, kids, and even infants. Considering the price and the fact that you wont need to spend money on anything else during your stay (unless you decide to venture off the property or partake in premium services), I can hardly imagine a better family-friendly travel destination.

If youve ever struggled to organize a family vacation that satisfies the demands of your increasingly independent teens and tweens, look no further than the Hilton Vallarta Riviera. This resort could be the peace treaty youve been searching for.