La Dulce Vista: A Hidden Nature Retreat Near Puerto Vallarta

Looking for an authentic escape from the typical tourist experience? During my recent explorations of the region, I discovered La Dulce Vista in Puerto Vallarta, a serene sanctuary nestled in the lush mountains just outside the city. This hidden gem offers a perfect retreat from Puerto Vallarta’s bustling beaches and provides a genuine connection with Mexico’s natural beauty.

What is La Dulce Vista and Where to Find It

La Dulce Vista in Puerto Vallarta is a multi-purpose retreat located in the outskirts of the city, approximately 30-40 minutes from the airport. Unlike the coastal resorts that Puerto Vallarta is famous for, this unique destination is tucked away in the mountainous jungle surrounding the city, offering visitors a completely different experience of the region.

What makes La Dulce Vista in Puerto Vallarta special is its unique positioning as a “destination retreat” rather than just accommodation. The property functions as a day-trip destination, overnight accommodation, and natural sanctuary all in one. Its remote jungle setting creates an immersive nature experience that’s increasingly hard to find in more developed tourist areas.

Accommodation Options at La Dulce Vista

One of the most interesting aspects of La Dulce Vista is its flexible approach to visiting. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an overnight stay, the retreat offers multiple options to accommodate different preferences.

Day Pass Experience

For those who just want to spend a day enjoying the facilities, La Dulce Vista in Puerto Vallarta offers a day pass option. This allows visitors to access all the main attractions of the property—swimming pools, thermal waters, restaurant, and recreational areas—without staying overnight. The property is open from morning until 6:00 PM for day visitors.

Cabins and Vacation Homes

What surprised me during my visit was that despite being called “cabañas” (cabins), the accommodations at La Dulce Vista in Puerto Vallarta are actually more like full houses. They range from smaller units perfect for couples to larger homes that can accommodate entire families or groups of friends. Each accommodation is designed to provide comfort while still maintaining a connection to the natural surroundings.

If you’re planning to stay overnight, I recommend making reservations well in advance, especially during high season, as the limited number of accommodations can fill up quickly.

Activities and Amenities

What makes La Dulce Vista in Puerto Vallarta worth the journey is the range of amenities and activities available to visitors, all set within a stunning natural environment.

Swimming Pool and Thermal Waters

The centerpiece of La Dulce Vista is its swimming pool area, which includes access to natural thermal waters. These warm, mineral-rich waters are said to have therapeutic properties and provide a relaxing experience unlike what you’ll find at beach resorts. The thermal pools offer a unique opportunity to unwind while surrounded by lush jungle vegetation.

Restaurant and Dining Options

The on-site restaurant at La Dulce Vista in Puerto Vallarta specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine. During my visit, I enjoyed traditional dishes prepared with local ingredients. The menu offers a variety of options that showcase the rich culinary heritage of the region.

One point to note – during my visit, the service at the restaurant was slower than expected, even though the venue wasn’t particularly busy. This is something to keep in mind when planning your day, especially if you’re visiting with children or have a tight schedule.

Recreational Facilities

For those looking to stay active, La Dulce Vista in Puerto Vallarta offers a variety of recreational facilities. During my exploration of the property, I discovered:

• Bicycles available for exploring the grounds
• Basketball courts
• Soccer fields
• Children’s play areas with bouncy castles
• Natural hiking trails through the surrounding jungle

These amenities make La Dulce Vista particularly well-suited for families with children who need a range of activities to stay engaged throughout the day.

My Personal Experience at La Dulce Vista

Visiting La Dulce Vista in Puerto Vallarta was a refreshing change from the typical beach resort experience that the region is known for. Here’s my honest account of what I found during my stay.

The Natural Setting

The most striking aspect of La Dulce Vista is its location. Literally “in the middle of the mountains,” as locals would say, the property is surrounded by lush jungle vegetation on all sides. The remote setting creates a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for disconnecting from the bustle of everyday life.

One interesting aspect of this seclusion is the lack of cell phone coverage. While this might initially seem inconvenient, I found it helped create a more immersive experience. The property does offer Wi-Fi in common areas, so you’re not completely cut off from the outside world.

Service and Facilities

The facilities at La Dulce Vista in Puerto Vallarta are well-maintained and designed to blend with the natural environment. The swimming pools and thermal waters were clean and inviting, and the common areas were comfortable places to relax.

As mentioned earlier, the restaurant service was somewhat slow during my visit, which was surprising given the relatively small number of guests present. This is something management might want to address, as it slightly detracted from an otherwise pleasant experience.

The Unexpected Mystic Element

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of my stay at La Dulce Vista in Puerto Vallarta was an unexpected experience in one of the accommodation units. The friends who accompanied me to La Dulce Vista had an unusual encounter in their room that’s worth mentioning for those interested in the paranormal.

My friend, who describes herself as sensitive to spiritual energies, reported feeling a presence in their room during the night. She mentioned seeing shadows and feeling uneasy to the point where they eventually moved to sleep on the terrace instead. When they mentioned this experience to staff the next day, they were told that similar reports had been made by previous guests, including instances of doors slamming unexpectedly and other unexplained phenomena.

While I can’t personally verify these claims, it adds an interesting dimension to the property’s character. For some visitors, this might be an intriguing aspect that adds to the mystique of the location; for others, it might be something to consider when choosing which accommodation to book.

Planning Your Visit to La Dulce Vista

If you’re considering a visit to La Dulce Vista in Puerto Vallarta, here are some practical tips to help you plan your trip.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit La Dulce Vista in Puerto Vallarta depends on your preferences. The high season (November to April) offers the most reliable weather, but also tends to be busier and more expensive. The shoulder seasons (May and October) can provide a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

If you don’t mind occasional rain showers, visiting during the rainy season (June to September) means you’ll experience the surrounding jungle at its most lush and vibrant. Plus, the thermal waters experience can be even more enjoyable when contrasted with cooler, rainy weather.

What to Bring

Due to the remote location and natural setting of La Dulce Vista, I recommend bringing the following items:

• Swimwear and towels
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the grounds
• Insect repellent (essential for the jungle setting)
• Sunscreen
• A good book or offline entertainment (remember the limited connectivity)
• Cash, as credit card facilities may be limited
• Reusable water bottle
• Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings if staying overnight

Transportation Options

Getting to La Dulce Vista in Puerto Vallarta requires some planning due to its remote location. The most convenient option is to rent a car, which gives you the flexibility to arrive and depart on your own schedule. However, if you prefer not to drive, taxis and ride-sharing services are available, though you should arrange your return journey in advance.

At Discover PV, we can help arrange transportation to and from La Dulce Vista, ensuring a smooth experience without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads. This is especially valuable for expatriates who may not be familiar with the mountainous terrain outside Puerto Vallarta.

Is La Dulce Vista Worth Visiting?

After spending time at La Dulce Vista in Puerto Vallarta, I can offer my perspective on whether this hidden retreat is worth the journey for different types of visitors.

Pros and Cons