A 5-star Puerto Vallarta retreat for adults only

Some vacations are meant for the kiddos and once in a while—or perhaps even more frequently—you need to heed the call for an adults-only getaway. Enter the luxury Hotel Mousai located in the bustling beach city of Puerto Vallarta but feeling a world away—given its mountain-side perch in 1,700 acres of lush jungle on Mexico's Pacific Coast. (Don't worry; there are trolleys to take you everywhere you want to go on the property.)

Get ready to plan one-on-one time with a significant other (or your bestie) and bask in the opulence of the 5-star escape offered by this expansive resort. While Puerto Vallarta has its share of all-inclusive options, Hotel Mousai sets itself apart. Travelzoo members who have stayed call it a “10-star experience” and rave about the “amazing views” and “superb service.” It's easy to understand why, given the all-inclusive fine dining, the infinity pool from which you can take in ocean views, the exclusive butler service, the alluring space of the TierraLuna Gardens and a host of activities—many of which are complimentary. 

Kick off your shoes

The suites and public areas at Hotel Mousai are spacious and cozy, and inspired by the original artist, Mother Nature, with pops of color, wood accents and gold elements. The suites in the newer South Tower feature more than 1,000 square feet of space—that’s larger than some apartments—and include an outdoor terrace where you can kick-start your vacation with freshly brewed coffee, then laze the rest of the day away in a hammock or lounger.

The Mousai Suites include an en suite bathroom with a rainfall shower and a private jetted tub on the deck ideal for an end-of-the-day soak. The Ultra Suites are on higher floors, providing the best views of the ocean and the mountains. Not only are the suites great for spreading out but they also offer features like curtains you can close with the touch of an iPad. Optimize your comfort by choosing a pillow from the specialized pillow menu, breathe easy with aromatherapy options and have additional needs met with the exclusive butler service.  

Delight your taste buds

Bring all five senses with you for mealtimes. Gourmet restaurants offer up Italian, Chinese, Japanese and American cuisine. High-quality ingredients are combined to bring you creamy risotto, fancy pot stickers and a wide variety of sashimi. Signature dishes are available at each restaurant, and some feature vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Casual dining can be found at The Terrace, and the rooftops are perfect for an afternoon bite and a fancy cocktail (not to mention the unparalleled stargazing if you’re there at night).

In addition to dining at Hotel Mousai, guests can take advantage of options within the Garza Blanca Preserve. These include a steak house, light snacks at Aquazul and Mexican fine dining at Blanca Blue which serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert—sign us up for the coconut mango mousse. The all-inclusive options cover all alcoholic beverages and in-room dining, so guests don’t need to leave their suites to indulge.  

Relax outside

If you’re looking for a place to contemplate nature, the TierraLuna Gardens with its colorful flora and fauna is the perfect spot. At first glance, it’s difficult to comprehend that this space also contains boutiques, restaurants and entertainment—including a carousel. The natural environment has been well preserved and even the outdoor theater where events are held blends into the landscape. The well-manicured paths that lead between the buildings don’t distract from panoramic views of Banderas Bay, swaying palm trees and bright flowering plants.

Shop for souvenirs, an afternoon pick-me-up Starbucks beverage and then visit the open concept Karuma The Art of the Grill where diners will find slow-cooked short ribs, vegan tostadas and specialty cocktails. We recommend getting a reservation well in advance for this unique steak house because it is a hot spot, ranked in the top 20 restaurants in Puerto Vallarta on Tripadvisor. 

Indulge yourself

For the ultimate relaxation, Spa Imagine goes over the top when it comes to pampering guests. Treatments are personalized so individuals receive exactly what they need in the way of massages, facials and other services. After your treatment, pause for meditation in a comfortable chair or soothe sore muscles in the large whirlpool, where you’ll be greeted with views of the Pacific out the massive windows.

The spa’s hydrotherapy ritual is thorough and brings you back to your center with both hot and cold stations including a steam room, sauna, pressure massage shower, six-cycle vitality pool, Jacuzzi and cold plunge pool. Make the rounds and leave renewed.   

Get active

Hotel Mousai offers a number of activities for guests. Try kundalini yoga, where you will stretch and use breathing techniques taught by a well-versed instructor. These classes are complimentary and held three times per week in varying locations including on the beach, near the river or on the mountain deck. For a different sort of chill vibe, wine tasting is also available. For a fee, a wine steward walks you and other guests through a selection of whites and reds and discusses the wine making and aging process, as you sample wines from the hotel’s award-winning cellar. 

For the more adventurous guests, there are jungle jaunts where participants hike the scenic trails around the Garza Blanca Preserve. These complimentary guided hikes occur daily and have varying levels of difficulty. Keep your eyes peeled for local plants and birds and sample juicy fruit and wild berries with directions from your guide. If you’re up for something a bit more challenging, we recommend “hiking 2” which takes adventurers to a gorgeous waterfall where you can immerse yourself and take a break to cool down (season permitting).

Another popular free activity is the Los Arcos Adventure where thrill seekers kayak or paddleboard to stunning rock formations that jut out of the ocean. From here, you have 360-degree views of green, mountainous terrain and the sparkling sea. Once at Los Arcos, you can snorkel or dive among colorful fish and spot other underwater life. Guests also have access to outdoor sports facilities like basketball and tennis courts, and unlimited gym access if you want to keep up your workout regimen.  

Move to the beat

Don’t be surprised if you hear music lilting in the breezes during your stay. The resort has a robust music calendar with live acts playing frequently throughout the day. From the lobby to the restaurants to the rooftops, sway along to Latin rhythms created by local artists. No Mexico vacation is complete without sun-kissed time spent at the beach pool where a DJ pumps out tunes several days each week.  

Slip into bliss

Speaking of pools, the rooftop infinity pool is the ideal spot to chill out and soak in 360-degree views of the surrounding area and the sea. Huge umbrellas shade towel-laden lounge chairs and guests can order tasty cocktails, chilled drinks and refreshments which are then delivered by friendly staff. Bright blue skies, low-hanging clouds and sunset views all seem even more stunning when viewed from this near heavenly angle. Just don't make the kids too jealous of all the fun you had without them.