A LOOK AT PUERTO VALLARTA’S EXCITING CULINARY SCENE
February 5, 2026

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco’s leading sun-and-beach destination, is also one of Mexico’s most exciting culinary hubs. With more than 2,000 restaurants and over 40 international cuisines, the city blends local identity — mariachi, charrería and regional flavors — with the creativity of a new generation of chefs redefining what dining in Vallarta can be.
At the heart of this evolution is icú Cocina de México, a standout in the Zona Romántica led by chef Mauricio Leal. Known for its thoughtful tasting menus and modern interpretation of Mexican classics, icú offers a refined yet welcoming experience where tradition and innovation meet. Nearby, Tintoque, by Vallarta-born chef Joel Ornelas, continues to earn national recognition for its seasonal, sustainability-focused cuisine inspired by Bahía de Banderas and refined with Japanese techniques.
For a touch of old-Hollywood glamour, The Iguana Restaurant & Tequila Bar at Casa Kimberly pairs panoramic views with contemporary Mexican dishes and an exceptional tequila and mezcal selection — all within the former love nest of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Live mariachi nights add to its romantic appeal during the high season.
Rounding out the list are two distinctive experiences by the sea. Azul Botanas del Mar delivers Mediterranean-inspired seafood with a playful Pacific twist, while Sendo, overlooking the Malecón, offers an intimate omakase experience where chef Guillermo Butrón crafts up to 17 courses using premium seafood from Japan and Ensenada. Together, these five restaurants capture the energy, diversity and creativity that make Puerto Vallarta a must-visit culinary destination in 2026.

Hyatt is entering the final months of 2026 with a growing collection of luxury properties across some of Mexico’s most sought-after destinations. From the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur to the Caribbean shoreline of the Riviera Maya and the cultural heart of Mexico City, the company is expanding its portfolio with distinctive properties designed around their individual settings and guest experiences. The Park Hyatt brand is at the center of this growth. Following the opening of Park Hyatt Cabo del Sol in December 2025, Park Hyatt Riviera Maya is expected to open by the end of 2026 as the brand’s first all-inclusive property worldwide. Park Hyatt Mexico City Polanco, a 155-room hotel overlooking Chapultepec Park, is expected to welcome guests in spring 2027. Together, the three properties offer very different ways to experience Mexico, from coastal escapes to an urban cultural stay. Hyatt’s expansion also includes Alila Mayakoba, which opened earlier this year within the Mayakoba complex. Set across 60 acres of beach, lagoon, and jungle, the resort combines wellness, locally inspired design, and a strong connection to the Yucatán Peninsula. Meanwhile, three new Grand Hyatt resorts—Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman, Grand Hyatt Cancun, and Grand Hyatt Los Cabos—are scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2026, with Cancún and Los Cabos introducing all-inclusive experiences to the Grand Hyatt portfolio. For planners, this growing portfolio creates even more possibilities for designing programs around different sides of Mexico. Whether a group is looking for a sophisticated urban experience, a secluded Caribbean setting, or the landscapes and culture of Baja, Destination Mexico can help bring these new properties together with the authentic experiences, local connections, and seamless logistics that make a program truly memorable









