Hospitality

marriott puerto vallarta resort & spa

SCALE: 56.6 hectares
SCOPE: Masterplanning + Full Service Landscape Architecture
CLIMATE ZONE: Dry Tropical Forest
WEBSITE: Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

When long-term client ALÓJICA began considering the acquisition of an iconic hotel in Marina Vallarta, they engaged VIDA to help uncover its full potential. Known for breathing new life into underperforming hospitality assets, ALÓJICA’s model combines strategic repositioning with transformational capital investment, converting existing operations into high-performing all-inclusive destinations. VIDA joined the project in 2021, with the hotel formally acquired in 2022. Working in collaboration with Grow Arquitectos, VIDA led the development of the masterplan, including architectural programming, building massing, and the vision for a future expansion. This next phase introduces new event facilities and a Marriott Vacation Club component. Planned improvements also included a comprehensive renovation of all guestrooms, the addition of swim-up pool rooms, a reimagining of the food and beverage offering, and a complete transformation of the outdoor amenities. With VIDA's involvment, the vision shifts to nature-forward, where landscape becomes the protagonist and the building massing is calibrated to reduce scale and sit more harmoniously within the surrounding nature; guided by a constant return to why guests visit in the first place — the incredible ocean views that define the experience. 

At the heart of the intervention was the reimagining of the main pool, which, in its original form, felt too big for the space, missing nooks, shade and various entry points for guests. VIDA introduced a peninsula shape that reorients the entire site toward the sunset. Challenging the conventional operational mantra on “standard” ocean views, this design creates multiple view corridors and cross-axes toward the horizon, expanding the perceived scale of the property while offering varied vantage points and extending sightlines. This design also  creates a natural gathering point for events, optimizing the use of the space while expanding the pool’s edge to accommodate additional sunbeds and activate the perimeter. Given the scale of the pool, palms were strategically integrated to introduce shade, enhancing comfort and transforming the guest experience particularly for those spending extended time by the water.  This approach not only enriches the experience but also responds to the growing  shift towards reduced sun exposure, the integration of shaded corridors and shaded seating areas supports longer dwell times and a more comfortable, all-day use of the space.