Located on 85 acres of verdant tropical jungle on Banderas Bay, Garza Blanca Resort & Spa caters especially well to couples with a secluded, tranquil vibe and a nice hiking trail. The beach, while quiet, is small and a little rocky (this has a strong negative effect on the Overall Beach Resort Rating, downgrading it from the upper A range to the lower A range), some rooms are across the road from the beach, and the resort trolley is needed to get around the sprawling grounds (an inconvenience for some); but the resort offers a beautiful infinity pool with views, great on-site restaurants (especially for a hotel that offers optional all-inclusive packages), on-site snorkeling, an excellent spa with an extensive treatment menu, a solid fitness center, yoga and stretching classes, personalized service, and a decent selection of activities for kids. The resort’s impressive accommodations are spacious and tastefully decorated; they come with dark wood furnishings, Mexican influences such as tile floors and splashes of bright color, flat-screen TVs, upscale bathrooms, and very spacious outdoor balconies or terraces with hammocks. Other activities include wine tasting, salsa-making classes, hiking tours, river swimming, tennis, squash, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. All-inclusive packages are available but not obligatory. Rates can fluctuate significantly, but are often reasonable for a luxury resort of this caliber.
On-site COVID-19 testing is available prior to departure, for a fee. In the event of a positive test, guests can extend their stay for up to 14 days at no additional cost.