With many direct flights available from both YVR & Abbotsford airports, Mexico will always be British Columbians’ tropical playground with millions going every year. I had a great experience last year when we went to Cancun and got my first all-inclusive resort experience (note: In the many beach resorts I’ve stayed at in Asia (where I grew up), the all-inclusive concept is unheard of).

For this year we decided to check out Puerto Vallarta (PV), another popular destination (mostly for the LGBTQ2 community) with a direct 4.5 hour flight from YVR Airport and we flew via Flair Airlines.

We opted again to stay in an all-inclusive resort (because how can you not) and chose Hilton Puerto Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive located in the Conchas Chinas zone, a bit further up from the downtown area, but only 20 to 30 minutes away. Our toddler was coming with us so our other must-have was that the resort should be kid-friendly.

Hilton Riviera PV did not disappoint – first class amenities, attentive customer service, thoughtfully designed guest rooms, great kids club, couple of pools to choose from, and the beach front was “swimmable” as they put up rocks to break the current (but definitely swim with your kids).

My most favorite part were the many restaurant and bar options that the resort offered:

Breakfast buffet at Vela Food Hall – mostly continental with bagels, crepes, waffles, bacon, sausages, pastries and a couple of Mexican options. The omelet station was very good along with the traditional tostada station.

Cocomar Seafood Cantina – a seafood restaurant. Aside from their salmon dishes, their aguachile shrimp dish was so good.

Seasalt Steakhouse – best for carnivores. They have a great selection for both lunch and dinner. Steaks, ribs, chicken, fish options were all good but our favorite was the tuna sandwich (it’s not flaked tuna and first time for me so I remember it distinctly). However, you’d need to pay extra for the steaks with better cuts or more premium wines. But otherwise, the “basic” steaks and wines are all still part of the all-inclusive deal.

Food trucks – perfect lunch option if you’re coming in and out of the pools and beach and they have burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and salads with lots of vegan options.

And last but not the least, the Italian restaurant La Luce – it’s a crowd favorite so definitely reservations are encouraged. The food was fantastic from appetizers to the mains. A whole giant wheel of parmesan cheese is grated in front of you to top your dishes. It just elevates your dining experience.

Unfortunately we did not get to try their other restaurants (Maxal Mexican restaurant & Sunan Asian restaurant) due to lack of time and we did not get to go to the mojito and martini lounges (so exhausted after a full day of being in the water) but everyone else dressed up and partied the night away after dinner plans.

Our 5-night stay at Hilton Riviera PV was definitely a memorable one and we had a positive experience. We also checked out the PV zoo where you can feed the animals, which my toddler enjoyed. If you’re planning to  go, insect-repellant is a MUST.

This time around, we opted to stay in the resort most of the time rather than take excursions like we did in Cancun last year. The goal was to get away from the grind to a beautiful beach destination, stuff our faces with great food and drinks, and leave with beautiful memories of PV. Hilton Riviera PV allowed us to tick off all those and definitely a place we would like to go back to!