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June 09, 2026
Some destinations age gracefully, while others are always reinventing themselves. Puerto Vallarta falls into the latter category.
Jalisco’s premier beach destination entered the second half of 2026 with great energy: new openings, major renovations, and culinary offerings that are propelling the destination to the forefront of travelers' minds, garnering praise from critics and specialized media outlets.
Now is the perfect time to start planning your trip if you've been planning a weekend getaway or your next winter vacation in Puerto Vallarta. The following is a list of the most recent and significant breakthroughs in the city during the first half of 2026.
It is, quite possibly, the biggest news in the hotel industry this year. On May 1, The Westin Playa Vallarta, an All-Inclusive Resort, officially opened its doors as the first all-inclusive resort under the Westin brand in Mexico.
Formerly known as The Westin Resort & Spa, this hotel in Marina Vallarta underwent a comprehensive renovation that included guest rooms, new adults-only suites with direct access to the pool, new dining concepts, and relaxation areas.
The social heart of the Westin Playa Vallarta experience is the Gourmet Gallery, an open-air space surrounded by more than 300 palm trees where ten dining and mixology concepts converge. These include: Call Me Lalo, inspired by a Mexican taqueria; Tanto, featuring Japanese cuisine; Organic & Co, with a nutritious and sustainable menu; and Rosa Madalena, offering ice cream, coffee, and pastries.
The approach is pretty comprehensive. In addition to the new social and culinary experiences, The Westin Playa Vallarta features a cultural program that includes Wixárika art and alebrijes workshops, outdoor cinema, and evening entertainment ranging from Silent Beats to live Latin music.
A few minutes south of Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone, another historic resort has closed one chapter and opened a better one—one that is more complete.
The new all-inclusive resort concept was launched at Costa Sur All Inclusive Resort in mid-May 2026. The resort is located on a private beach that is just ten minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta. It is now under the management of the hotel management company Remington Hospitality.
The Costa Sur All-Inclusive Resort is repositioning itself as a great option for those who prefer an all-inclusive experience in a prime location between the sea and the mountains of Puerto Vallarta. With 189 oceanfront rooms and suites, a natural saltwater lagoon ideal for snorkeling and kayaking, a fitness center, a spa, flexible event spaces, and food and beverages included in the rate, it's clear that this resort has what it takes.
Jalisco's premier beach destination has solidified its reputation as the ultimate foodie’s paradise, and the first half of 2026 has only elevated its standing. Evelina is a new restaurant in Puerto Vallarta that focuses on artisanal pasta, slow fermentation, and wood-fired cooking. The restaurant is led by chef-owners Maycoll Calderón and Marifer Durán.
Chef Calderón also owns Cuna NYC at The Standard hotel in the East Village, making the opening of Evelina Vallarta a high-profile event for lovers of contemporary cuisine. The menu includes standout dishes such as pasta stuffed with sweet potatoes and mint, wood-fired truffle pizza, and almond pesto pasta, among other signature items.
The Romantic Zone is home to Evelina Vallarta, a restaurant that has quickly become a top-rated establishment on popular platforms like TripAdvisor and OpenTable since its opening weeks.
In Puerto Vallarta's culinary world, some chefs make a big impact, while others build a lasting legacy. Mario Borja falls into the latter category. Chef Borja, who hails from Guadalajara, has made a lasting impact on the culinary landscape of the destination. He is renowned for his work in the Versalles neighborhood, where he has established two highly sought-after restaurants: Chá, a popular brunch spot; and Numoh, his signature dining venue.
Through his philosophy of “Cocina Libre” (or "free-style cooking,") Borja seeks to express a culinary approach based on the simple act of cooking what we love to eat, which means unpretentious cooking that respects the balance of flavors, the proper execution of technique, and fresh, seasonal ingredients.
That same philosophy, which has already proven its effectiveness at Chá and Numoh, now comes to Palomo Playero in the setting where it shines best: just a few steps from the popular Camarones Beach. The restaurant, situated in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood (or “5D”,) seeks to offer its ingredient-focused cuisine in a setting that exudes a sense of the beach, youthful vibes, and laid-back ambiance. This environment features local seafood, the daily catch, and distinctive cocktails, harmoniously accompanied by good music, cool people, and the vibrant energy of the Mexican Pacific.
The wellness scene in Puerto Vallarta also takes center stage in 2026. ALMAR Resort has unveiled a new exclusive concept for LGBTQ+ travelers called 888 Connection Wellness. This initiative offers three integrated experiences designed to nurture the body, mind, and spirit, including the 888 Connection Wellness Spa, Studio 8 Fitness, and BeatRoot Energy Bar.
The spa, which commenced operations in May 2026, has since introduced a novel dimension of wellness to ALMAR Resort, offering experiences meticulously crafted for rejuvenation and equilibrium. The ecosystem draws inspiration from the infinity symbol, integrating cutting-edge therapies, organic design, and a holistic approach that surpasses the conventional massage experience.
The BeatRoot Energy Bar offers functional beverages, smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and superfoods designed to recharge your energy after a workout or treatment.
The Taco Lovers: Pitillal tour is the newest addition to the Vallarta Eats lineup, offering a rare and deeply authentic glimpse into one of the city’s most traditional, "non touristy" neighborhoods. This experience is made truly special by being led by a guide who actually lives in El Pitillal, providing guests with a genuine neighborly welcome and an insider’s perspective that only a local can offer.
As the group explores the bustling streets of this vibrant neighborhood, they discover why El Pitillal is considered a hidden culinary treasure, far removed from the typical resort areas. The tour focuses on high quality, local favorites where the recipes have remained unchanged for decades, allowing travelers to taste the same dishes that Puerto Vallarta families have enjoyed for generations.
Beyond the exceptional food, the guide shares personal stories and historical insights about the neighborhood’s growth and its tight-knit community, making the walk feel like a visit with an old friend. Guests get to see a different side of Puerto Vallarta, where life moves to a traditional rhythm and the hospitality is as warm as freshly made tortillas.
It is a flavorful and heartwarming adventure that connects visitors to the real, hardworking heart of the city, leaving them with a newfound love for this charming area and its incredible food. This tour is the perfect choice for seasoned travelers or adventurous foodies who want to get off the beaten path and experience a slice of authentic life in Vallarta.
A signature botanero (a blend of casual bar, cantina, and restaurant) that reflects the highly personal perspective of Chef Joel Ornelas, the mastermind behind Tintoque (one of the most highly regarded restaurants in Mexico, according to the Guía México Gastronómico Guide) and El Puerco de Oro (renowned for its pork belly tacos on handmade blue corn tortillas.)
In 2026, the Ornelas universe keeps growing. His new restaurant, Chon (205 Alameda 205, La Bobadilla) is located away from the tourist crowds, in the upper part of El Pitillal, offering a genuine connection to Vallarta's traditional side. The name and the choice of neighborhood are all in sync: wood-fired cooking, fresh seafood, and a narrative that celebrates the popular flavors of Banderas Bay.
It's the most Instagrammable taquería in Versalles, Puerto Vallarta's up-and-coming foodie district. Tacos & Camaradas (292-B Yugoslavia St.) has arrived to fill that need in every neighborhood: a taco place with its own special style, great looks, and, most importantly, a menu that's worth the wait. Crispy and tender chicharrón (pork rinds) and carnitas are the house specialties, and they're served on handmade, freshly prepared, nixtamalized corn tortillas.
The kitchen is run by Señor José, a lifelong butcher by trade; his wife, Señora Adriana, is the hostess; and their friendly son, Abner, runs this family-owned taqueria with great diligence, serving up authentic gems of home-style flavor such as the Taco Regio (with crispy, golden pork rinds on a guacamole bed), the Taco Boris (made with a generous piece of lean pork with soft chicharrón, and a citrus sauce), and the black al pastor taco with pineapple. Pair them with a refreshing tamarind and ginger agua fresca or a "suero" (sparkling water with fresh lime and a pinch of salt) to beat the Vallarta summer heat.
Puerto Vallarta is a destination that knows how to reinvent itself. It values its heritage while also being open to change.
The first half of 2026 is proof of this: hotels that take the all-inclusive concept to the next level, restaurants that bring world-class cuisine to the Pacific coast (and beyond), and wellness experiences that make every stay unforgettable.
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