Two years into our COVID 19 pandemic, we were all going a bit stir crazy and yearning to jettison ourselves to a tropical climate where the margaritas flow and the beach beckons. Mexico to the rescue! Yes, we are triply vaccinated; yes, we wore masks on the 5 hour plane ride down to Puerto Vallarta; yes, we had to shell out almost $400 for our COVID tests to return to Canada. Was it worth it? Absolutely!
This time, a group of friends (4 couples) enjoyed the hospitality of the folks at Iberostar Selection Punta de Mita. This all-inclusive resort is about 50 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. The hotel is located right on the beach and it was wonderful to go to sleep listening to the sounds of the waves crashing against the shoreline every night.
We have been to a number of all-inclusives. Mexico does a very good job of keeping a nice balance between quality, service and value. Our first several days were especially great as the hotel was only at 40% capacity. There was no trouble getting a poolside chaise-longue in the shade (and we needed 8 together).
There are 5 different restaurants to choose from – Mexican, Japanese, Steak House, French and Buffet. All had their strong suits – although I will say that the French restaurant was our least favourite. The Japanese restaurant does a teppanyaki style cooking on the grill in front of the guests. It was a lot of fun.
Iberostar has properties all over the world as well as throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. This one was similar to others we have visited. Lovely grounds; lots of birds; nightly entertainment and a live band in the lounge. Two of the musicians in our group even got up to play with the band (way to go Don and Colin!)
The rooms were comfortable and clean with daily maid service and a fridge stocked with mostly non-alcoholic beverages.
Although masks were required to enter the restaurants and when getting up to the breakfast buffet, mostly they were not worn by guests on the grounds, by the pool and throughout the common areas.
Two of our members also went for a bird-watching tour with Vidal Prado of Sayulita Birding Watching Tours. They saw 64 different species in one day! (And a few scarier animals!)
The weather was fabulous and the company was great and there was lots of delicious food! And. . . I got to practice my Spanish! (I am happy to say that I was understood and able to communicate without any guffaws of laughter!)
If you go: (Information accurate at time of writing January 2022)
Iberostar Punta de Mita has some excellent deals to lure Canadians during this crazy pandemic.
Both WestJet and Air Canada fly direct to Puerto Vallarta daily.
NO PREENTRY COVID TEST REQUIRED – thank you Mexico!
Canada currently is testing one member per family for Covid upon arrival.
Yes, there is COVID in Mexico. If you go off of the resort grounds use caution and keep your mask on.
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