Reflect Krystal Grand Nuevo Vallarta

The 410-room Reflect Krystal Grand Nuevo Vallarta appears compact compared to some of the other mega-resorts in the area, but this is largely due to effective design, with rooms in towers and other public spaces in low-rise buildings. The elegant informality of the lobby, with its plush white sofas facing out from a simple vertical sculpture under a palapa roof, sets the tone for the rest of the property, creating an aesthetic that is sophisticated, elegant, and soothing. Beautiful grounds lead from the lobby towards the beach, where there's a freeform infinity pool at the edge of the property that appears to seamlessly flow into the Pacific. This all-inclusive hotel does a good job at catering to both couples and families with kids, and there's enough to keep everyone occupied. 

This property is located in the northern area of Nuevo Vallarta, a 20- to 30-minute drive from the airport. It's only 10 minutes to the neighboring town of Bucerias. As of 2019, this stretch of Nuevo Vallarta is still under development, and so, along with some half-built hotel towers, empty lots, and other not-so-pretty signs of ongoing development along the way, you’ll find lush green jungle right across the road. There's not much to do in the area, but Puerto Vallarta can be reached in around 30 minutes by car. 

Rooms here are bright and modern, with stylish decor that pairs dark-wood furnishings with beige marble floors and white walls, and they get lots of natural light streaming through floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading to outdoor spaces. Large wooden accent walls behind beds feature eye-catching photos of plants, while beds are topped with crisp white sheets. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, safes, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Marble bathrooms have roomy vanities and walk-in rainfall showers, but no separate tubs. Robes, slippers, and hairdryers are provided.Entry-level Deluxe Resort Views Rooms start at 300 square feet (28 square meters), while Deluxe Tropical View and Deluxe Ocean View units clock in at 366 square feet (34 square meters). Junior Suites are 431 square feet (40 square meters) and add living and dining spaces, plus some have direct swim-up access. Altitude Club rooms get added perks including access to the Altitude Club lounge, with daily continental breakfast, coffee and pastries throughout the day, and hors d’oeuvres and wine in the evenings along with upgraded bath amenities. 

Highlights at this hotel include three beautiful outdoor pools, with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean that's particularly stunning. All three have lovely pool decks lined with wooden loungers and skirted in palm trees. Guests also have direct access to the hotel's stretch of sandy beach, which is lined with palapa-shaded loungers. There's even a wading pool with a slide for kids at the Explorer's Club, the hotel's kids' club, along with a daily schedule of activities. Activities for adults run the gamut from aqua aerobics to blackjack and dominos. In the evening time, the property offers poolside entertainment, DJs and karaoke at the Sky Lounge bar, and even movie nights and beach parties.Dining options include four a la carte specialty restaurants, a buffet restaurant, two snack bars, and a cafe, plus 24-hour room service. Guests can choose between Mexican fare, Pan-Asian cuisine and teppanyaki, a poolside grill, and an Italian restaurant, and all food and top-shelf liquor is covered under the all-inclusive package. There are also three bars and lounges, including an adults-only rooftop bar with great views of the bay. Food, however, receives mixed reviews.Other features include a lovely spa with a thatched roof and lots of windows overlooking the grounds, a beauty salon, sauna, and gym with a good variety of cardio and weight-training machines. There's also a business center with computers and printers, plus free property-wide Wi-Fi.