Tanise Robinson's Multigenerational Puerto Vallarta Adventure
When you're planning a trip that needs to work for your 92-year-old grandmother and your 10-year-old at the same time, you quickly realize most destinations won't cut it. That's exactly why I packed up my family (all ten of us, including my husband, three youngest kids, my oldest's girlfriend, my dad and his girlfriend, my aunt, and my grandma) and headed to Puerto Vallarta. I needed to experience firsthand whether this corner of Mexico could truly deliver for multigenerational groups.
We booked through WestJet Vacations and stayed at the Occidental Nuevo Vallarta for a week, though some of our group extended to ten days. The resort immediately proved its worth. It was large enough to keep my energetic ten-year-old entertained with pools, boogie boards, and ocean waves, yet compact and manageable enough that my grandmother never felt overwhelmed or left behind.
The Moments That Made the Trip
I keep telling everyone about the sea turtle release on the beach. There's something profoundly moving about watching these tiny creatures make their way toward the ocean for the first time. It's the kind of experience that connects every generation, and watching my grandmother, my kids, and everyone in between share that moment together was worth the entire trip.
We also ventured to the Malecon, Puerto Vallarta's famous seaside boardwalk, where we took countless family photos. The market nearby was an adventure in itself, requiring us to cross what I can only describe as "the crazy bridge" (trust me, you'll know it when you see it). Our whale watching excursion didn't deliver any actual whales, but the marina was absolutely teeming with iguanas, which turned out to be an unexpected highlight the kids loved.
One thing that genuinely surprised me was how easy it was to get from Nuevo Vallarta into Puerto Vallarta proper. I had assumed we'd feel isolated at the resort, but a quick Uber ride connected us to the town center without any hassle. That accessibility made all the difference for a group our size with such varied interests and energy levels.
Practical Insights I Can Now Share
The resort food was decent, with solid buffet options, though I'll be honest with future clients that seating ten people together isn't always guaranteed at mealtimes. Planning ahead for that helps manage expectations. The pool was excellent, and we spent hours with the free boogie boards, riding the ocean waves. I was also relieved to discover there were no crocodile concerns at this particular beach (yes, that's a real consideration at some Mexican resorts).
Here's my biggest travel tip for anyone in the Fraser Valley area: fly direct from Abbotsford when WestJet offers that route. We skipped the pre-flight hotel, paid less for parking, and drove just minutes from our home to the airport. It transformed what could have been a stressful travel day into something genuinely easy.
Who This Trip Is Perfect For
This destination is ideal for multigenerational families who need a resort that can flex across ages and abilities. If you're traveling with grandparents, young children, and everyone in between, the Occidental Nuevo Vallarta strikes that rare balance. It's also perfect for families who want access to authentic Mexican culture (the Malecon, local markets, wildlife encounters) without sacrificing resort comfort.
What I now know in my bones is this: Mexico will be loved by everyone if you love the people you're with. The destination becomes secondary to the connections you make. That said, having experienced the sea turtle releases, the iguana-filled marina, and the ease of getting around, I can now match clients to specific experiences with complete confidence. I cannot wait to send the next family here, knowing exactly what awaits them.
