Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay in Mexico’s New Mazatlan

Located in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains, Mazatlan is one of Mexico’s premier tourist destinations. The Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort and Spa, overlooking Olas Atlas Bay, occupies 20 acres of New Mazatlan’s picturesque landscape. The hotel is designed as a hacienda of villas, situated amongst a grove of 150-year-old mangrove trees.

Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Beach and Pool

While it is my understanding that all of the beaches of Mazatlan are open to the public, the Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay has its own beach, simply because it is not easily accessible to anyone except resort guests. The secluded swath of beach fronts the main restaurant for easy dining access with an ocean view.

The ocean is not the only aquatic option, as the resort also features two outdoor pools and a hot tub. You don’t even have to get out of the water to grab a drink, since the Pueblo Bonito has a swim-up bar. And while the resort is sprawling, The Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay does cater to those with mobility issues, offering golf cart shuttle service around the property, as well as complimentary shuttle service to and from the original Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan in the Golden Zone.

Emerald Bay Restaurants and Bars

Even though most guests at this luxury Mazatlan resort are on an all-inclusive plan, you won’t have to worry about boring meals. Or an uninspired setting. Three of Emerald’s Bay’s restaurants have outdoor dining with a view. 

The Bistro is the main restaurant serving all three meals, with a mix of Mexican and fusion cuisine from different parts of the globe. It overlooks one of the pools and has nice sunset views. 

The fanciest restaurant is French-themed La Cordeliere, serving breakfast, Sunday Brunch, and dinner. You can expect a good wine list, an interesting cocktail menu, and attentive service. For a casual lunch, there’s a restaurant located next to each of the swimming pools.

Kelly’s Bar references a “bygone era” in its description and that can be a positive or a negative. On the downside, it’s not exactly politically correct with its mounted hunting trophies from Africa and two giant elephant tusks. It certainly is an atmospheric place for a drink though, with its tropical ceiling fans and wood furniture. It’s a nice change of pace from the norm. 

Other bars are scattered around the property, including two you can swim up to at the two pools. Waiters are coming around regularly also to see what you need.

Oceanview bedroom at Pueblo Bonito Resort and Spa

In-room Features at Emerald Bay

Each of the 337 suites comes with a kitchenette, which is useful for families or those who don’t wish to dine out. For many it will be kind of redundant because of the all-inclusive plan, but it is good to have a few kid favorites on hand and stock some cold drinks.

All suites have a private balcony or terrace, as well as beach or ocean views. Most are far larger than your average hotel room. Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay also offers 24-hour in-suite service.

All rooms are Wi-Fi accessible, but some rooms have better service than others. If you are planning on needing the internet, I suggest you request a room closer to the main building, where the signal is stronger–or ask if the router situation has improved for others.

Unique Mazatlan Activities

Do you like to try new things on vacation? Pueblo Bonito offers several unique ways to spend your day. Immerse yourself in local culture by taking a Spanish lesson or exploring a nature preserve. Staffers can set you up with lots of local activities in the area, from mild to hair-raising, the latter including zip-lining and ATV rides through a jungle area. They can get you onto the closest Mazatlan golf course for a round if you’re interested. 

You can also learn a new skill in a cooking or bartending class, kick back with a game of Bingo, or get some exercise in a water aerobics class. If water aerobics isn’t your thing, the large and well-equipped fitness center is open from 7:30 am – 9 pm, with an extra charge now eliminated for those who are on the all-inclusive plan.

R&R at Pueblo Bonito

Are you a spa gal (or guy?) Book a massage at Armonia Spa during your vacation. At over 16,500 square feet, Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay offers the largest day spa in Mazatlan. If you do decide to go for a spa treatment, remember to bring your bathing suit for the hot tub and multi-step circuit with steam rooms, cold water plunges, showers, and a relaxation lounge; or you can go in your birthday suit: each locker room has its own, same-sex sauna and hot tub.

Regular activities are scheduled as part of the all-inclusive plan, including yoga classes some days. The resort has its own tennis courts, plus grounds that are extensive enough for a stroll. You can also take a walk down the beach, which is not very crowded this far out (for now anyway). 

Rates at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay run from $247 to $547 double all-inclusive for the junior suites and master suites. Check prices at Emerald Bay Resort & Spa  1-800-990-8250. You can also book online through Hotels.com.

See more hotel reviews from Mazatlan, Mexico

Hotel review by San Francisco-based travel, food, and wine writer Nancy D. Brown.  I was a guest of  Mazatlán Hotel Association. Large photos and updates by Tim Leffel.