The Grand Mayan at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta

The Grand Mayan Nuevo Vallarta Resort is one of four sprawling properties in the massive Vidanta resort complex that’s so huge, it feels almost like a small town in its own right (it even has its own exit signs on the highway). Six different shuttle lines transport guests in golf carts to the different resorts and between the various amenities of the complex. Even at the Grand Mayan itself, things feel very spread out and there’s lots of walking to be done to get around.

Once settled, though, guests are in for a lively party atmosphere. A mix of adults and families with small children keeps the beautiful, sprawling pool complex busy. Whether at the swim-up bar or the kids’ water park, everyone seems to be kicking back and having a great time. The wide lazy river is a particularly nice feature, winding its way through the large property under groves of palm trees. And in case guests forget they’re at a Mayan-themed resort, they can look for larger-than-life reminders -- like the replica pyramid outside and the mysterious dark room with towering Mayan statues inside. The Grand Mayan is a great place to unwind, though guest might have to tolerate some time-share sales pitches in the process.

The Vidanta resort complex sits off of busy Highway 200 in Nuevo Vallarta, an area of predominantly hotels and resorts 12 minutes north of the airport and 30 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta. The complex has its own intense security gates to pass through (guests have to leave IDs during their stay, and many forget to retrieve them) before driving for a few more miles to the valet parking area. From there, six different shuttle lines drive the additional miles to the various resorts. The Grand Mayan itself is on a lovely stretch of beach on the Bay of Banderas.

There’s not much in the surrounding area of Nuevo Vallarta beyond other hotels and resorts, many owned by the same parent company, which has continued to dominate the area with resorts and time-shares in recent years. Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport is a 10-minute drive from the resort’s main gate, and the cruise ship terminal in Marina Vallarta is five minutes further. The center of Puerto Vallarta’s old town, home to shops, restaurants, bars, and the lively Malecon oceanfront promenade, is about a half-hour away by car.

Because the rooms at The Grand Mayan were designed to be sold as time-shares, so they have a more residential, apartment-like feel than you might find at other traditional resorts. Sleek marble floors, comfortable, contemporary furnishings, and a muted color palette combine to create an air of casual elegance. Half of the rooms face the ocean, while the other half offer mountain views.

Rooms come in two varieties. Grand Master Rooms are contained in a single room and include small living areas and balconies. Air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and Wi-Fi (for a fee) come standard. Luxe marble bathrooms include walk-in showers and whirlpool bathtubs, as well as hairdryers, baskets of fluffy towels, and bio2 toiletries.

The one-bedroom Grand Suites feature similar bathrooms and sleeping areas, but add a second room with a larger living area and a modern full kitchen outfitted with slick marble countertops and stainless steel appliances. Big furnished terraces include small private pools. For groups or guests who simply want more room, the two room types can be combined to form what’s called a Grand Master Suite.

The Grand Mayan offers all the high-end amenities that guests would expect from an upscale mega-resort, and then some. The entire Vidanta resort complex features over 40 restaurants and bars for guests to choose from. Eight of those restaurants and four of the bars are at The Grand Mayan. Dining choices span the globe: Gong for upscale Asian fare, Tramonto for steak and Italian dishes, Chiringuito for Spanish food, and Havana Moon for Caribbean favorites. On the more casual front, La Cantina is a fun Mexican restaurant and bar, Samba offers international fare, and Ola Mulata serves seafood and snacks on the beach. Balance coffee shop and deli is also on hand for guests on the go. In addition to the restaurants, there are four bars at The Grand Mayan -- one lobby bar and three swim-up bars. Food and drinks are on the pricey side, especially by Mexico standards, and there’s no all-inclusive option offered.

The gorgeous pool complex is the center of life at the hotel. The sprawling main pool area features kid-friendly and adult-only areas spread out over a vast amount of space. A lively volleyball game takes place by one of the swim-up bars, and tiled sun loungers built directly into the pool allow guests to relax in the shade of huge white orbs. An inviting lazy river starts at the base of a replica Mayan pyramid and lets guests wind their way around the whole property, floating under palm trees and past all the other pools. Two large wave pools sit by the beach, and a massive kids’ club has its own water park for the little ones.

The resort sits on a stretch of beach over a mile wide that extends for hundreds of feet before reaching the ocean. A private area is packed with lounge chairs and thatched palapas. A world-class 18-hole golf course sits in the middle of the resort complex. The large and luxe Kaana spa features several treatment rooms, a sauna, a hot tub, and cold plunge pools. It offers wide range of massage, wellness, and beauty treatments. There’s also a big, modern fitness center that features a yoga and Pilates room, plus spinning equipment. Valet parking and Wi-Fi are both offered for a fee.