All Inclusive Resort Review: Iberostar Playa Mita

Finally, we made it back to the Pacific side of Mexico!  I’ve been wanting to check out the Iberostar Playa Mita for a few years now.  We had honeymooned in Puerto Vallarta in 2009 and I remember watching some incredible sunsets and was really craving that experience again.  The Playa Mita is Iberostar’s only resort currently on the Pacific side.  Come to find out they will be building a new resort next door in the near future.  We truly enjoyed our 10 night stay and I’m happy to share some highlights of our stay including: room, food, activities/entertainment and the grounds.

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Room

For the first time ever we had a ground floor room, which was located both near the front of the resort and the pool area, best of both worlds.  The room was nice and simple: king size bed, big closet, large bathroom with a walk in shower.  The patio was a nice space too.

Iberostar Play Mita Pool

Food

For being a single resort property I was very happy with our food options, especially dinner.  Breakfast was the main buffet and they also have a cafe with many coffee/tea options along with sandwiches, muffins, pastries, and desserts.  There was a lunch buffet by the pool, which we ate everyday and really enjoyed.  There was always pizza, pasta, chicken, steak, salad bar, and so much more.  There was even sushi on certain days that was pretty good!  There was also a snack bar by the swim up bar that served hamburgers, fries and other sandwiches.  Over by the snacks there was soft serve ice cream as well.

Dinner is always my favorite.  We only ate at the main buffet one night when it was their Mexican theme night.  Otherwise we enjoyed all 4 of their ala carte restaurants multiple times.  Tsuba was the Hibachi and did not disappoint.  It’s a set menu which makes it easy and watching the chefs cook your food right in front of you is always a delight!  One night we even got to try some sake and I didn’t hate it.  The Pacific Express is their gourmet/French restaurant and we really enjoyed their train car theme.  The food was delicious and the presentation, right on point.  I’ll be honest at first I wasn’t going to go to the Mexican restaurant because in the past I just wasn’t that impressed, but with only 4 options and 10 nights I knew we had to give it a chance.  El Cuate Pancho Mexican restaurant was a very pleasant surprise; the atmosphere was so fun and the food was fantastic.  The chicken enchiladas were something I would not have tried at home and they  had the best margaritas on the resort!  La Bahia Steak House was great!  Iberostar really upped their Steak House restaurants and I have not been disappointed with the food since.  We always get the caesar salad that they make right at the table for you.  The prime rib I got was so good and the last time we ate there my husband ordered the New York New York which was a thicker cut steak and he loved it.

Activities/Entertainment

There was always something to do or watch at the Iberostar Playa Mita.  I am used to the big elaborate shows at night, but the only one they really had was the Mexican Folklore show.  Otherwise in the theater there were shorter type things such as trivia and karaoke to name a couple.  Almost every night they did have live music in the lobby bar which we enjoyed a few times.  On the one Sunday we were there it was their Mexican theme and a mariachi band was set up by the laguna.  One night they had a circus show setup near the Sunset Bar.  During the days you can take part in a Yoga class, water aerobics, archery, bingo, and Zumba just to name a few.  On Friday afternoon there’s wine tasting. We did that on our first Friday there.  If you’re looking for something to do just check the Iberostar app.

The Grounds

The location over the Iberostar Playa Mita is truly special.  You’re surrounded by mountain views on 3 sides and the Pacific Ocean.  The mountain chain you’re looking at is part of the Sierra Madre mountains.  The resort was built up, so the beach is actually about 4 stories down from the pool area and the main lobby area is actually slightly higher.  By building this way it gives you even more beautiful views.  Being a single resort it has an overall smaller footprint which makes getting around very easy.

Tip: Head up to the 4th floor of the hotel to get some truly breathtaking views of the sunsets and nearby Sierra Madre!

View of the Sierra Madre at sunrise from the 4th floor.

We thoroughly enjoy the Iberostar Playa Mita and will put this on our list to come back one day.  The location made it extra special.  Great food options and plenty to do will make this a great all inclusive option for anyone’s next vacation.