Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

The huge property appears to stretch as far as the eye can see in every direction. Indeed, it’s so large that it can feel difficult to navigate at times, though that grand feeling is part of what helps separate this from Mazatlan's other, underwhelming all-inclusive resorts. The architecture draws on Mexican design details and classically elegant motifs -- expect ornate fountains, marble tiling, and lots of wrought iron accents. Every interior and exterior design element (pools, decorative pillars, even the spa) is purposefully oversized to create a sense of awe. While the resort isn't exactly cutting edge from a style perspective, the public areas are well-kept and attractive. The three large pools and three restaurants with alfresco dining serve as the main gathering areas, providing more than enough space for the nearly 400 rooms worth of guests to relax. With so much room to spread out, it’s difficult to imagine anyone feeling overcrowded. The hotel targets a broad audience -- in short, anyone seeking Mazatlan’s top-shelf lodging while sparing no expense. No matter the season, the resulting atmosphere is quiet and reserved, never rising above a lively tenor.

The property’s location away from the hustle and nightlife of downtown Mazatlan ensures a quiet, secluded atmosphere. However, that seclusion also means venturing off-property requires at least a 20-minute taxi ride to the center of the Golden Zone. Guests looking to experience the area’s historical district can reach the lovely cathedrals and original town squares of Old Mazatlan, a 30-minute drive south.The nearest airport -- Mazatlan International (MZT) -- is less than 40 minutes away by car. While the hotel does offer paid shuttle service, guests can find taxis or private buses cheaper and just as easy to arrange. Rental car service is likewise available in the airport terminal and several downtown locations. However, the area of Sinaloa outside the city has been wrought with drug violence in recent years, and tourists are strongly encouraged not to venture away from the city center.

Room decor is a tasteful blend of traditional French country and Mexican colonial styles. Coastal colors like white, blue, and yellow keep things bright, while antique silhouettes in the furniture contribute to the overall classic appeal. Patterned tile in-lay floors add just a touch of authenticity, and louvered panels in cabinets and closets are a charming -- if slightly out of place -- detail. We also like the way bolder patterns and colors complement details like sharp black-and-white photography on the walls.The hotel’s two room categories -- Junior Suites and Master Suites -- are both oversized. The former has 425 square feet (39 square meters) of floor space that includes separate sleeping, dining, and living areas. Master Suites are more than twice as large, with 973-square-foot floor plans (90 square meters) that include a private bedroom with a second bathroom. Every room also includes a well-equipped kitchenette with a mini-fridge, sink, microwave, and electric cooktop. Private, furnished balconies with lovely water views are also nice additions. Flat-screen TVs with satellite service are standard, however, Wi-Fi comes with fees and can be spotty.The bathrooms are relatively small with every feature -- the bathtub, sink, and toilet -- located in a separate “nook.” Fit and finish is excellent, however, and includes colorful tiling, marble, and crown molding. The hotel’s own Armonia Spa bath products are standard.

The property features almost every amenity imaginable in a massive tropical resort -- three pools, alfresco dining via a handful of restaurants and bars, and a large, modern spa. However, the lack of any usable beach could be a deal-breaker for some. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi is free in the hotel's common areas, but not in rooms, and it can be spotty. There's also no kids' club here, which has surprised some previous guests. While all-inclusive rates are available, it's worth noting that they do not include gratuities. A free shuttle runs to the hotel's sister property.

The hotel’s main pool is a sprawling, freeform complex that incorporates dedicated children’s play areas, a series of short, cascading waterfalls, and a swim-up bar. A second adult-only pool is situated in a quiet area of the property that feels far more secluded than it is. It also has a swim-up bar. The aptly named Bistro Pool -- located adjacent The Bistro restaurant -- is a relaxed space that’s a bit livelier than the adult-only pool, but tamer than the main pool. Ample chairs and umbrellas line the edges of all three spaces, providing more than enough shaded seating. Poolside drink service is also available throughout.

There are three full restaurants at the resort, plus additional snack bars and a swanky, vintage cocktail lounge. The Bistro -- the main restaurant -- offers an all-day a la carte menu of mixed cuisine in a chic, modern atmosphere. Adjacent the main pool, Sunset Grill serves a midday menu of mostly Mexican fare (enchiladas, ceviche, and tostadas) in a casual, open-air space. La Cordeliere offers casually elegant dining in a mixed indoor and alfresco space. The breakfast and dinner menus focus primarily on French cuisine with additional general and themed fare served buffet-style. Just off the lobby, the intimate Kelly’s Bar serves upscale cocktails and light finger foods amid a dark, classy, Hemingway-inspired atmosphere. 

Armonia Spa is arguably one of the best, largest, and most full-featured in Mazatlan. The 16,500-square-foot (1,533-square-meter) space dwarfs the spas at most nearby properties. In addition to conventional massage treatments, a long list of additional services -- aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, reflexology, cold water plunge pools, ice fountains, and Swiss showers -- are all available. An adjacent salon provides additional beauty treatments, including hair, manicures, and pedicures.

The on-site fitness center is bright, modern, and well-equipped. Several dozen cardio and weight machines, plus stacks of free weights are all scattered below a tall, ornate tray ceiling creating a look and feel that’s a step above the gyms at most area hotels.

The hotel’s wide soft sand beach is beautiful. However, due to severe erosion issues, there’s little usable space. Indeed, the hotel does not offer any permanent seating or facilities of any kind. As of mid-2016, the staff was working to renovate the entire beach.

Valet parking is provided free of charge in a secure, staffed lot. A regular shuttle bus also provides free transportation to the nearby Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan property where guests have access to an additional five restaurants, two bars, and a beautiful, semi-private beach.