11 Best Resorts in Puerto Penasco
Believe it or not, Arizona has a stunning beach town, and it's just across the border in Mexico. Puerto Penasco, in the Mexican state of Sonora, is one of the best-kept secrets as far as beach destinations in Mexico go, and it's a vacation favorite for Southwest U.S. residents. Home to beautiful beachfront resorts that line the waterfront, Puerto Penasco is certainly a Mexico destination to add to your bucket list.
The best resorts in Puerto Penasco swing from stunning beachfront luxury resorts to condominiums that can be rented out. This offers families, couples, or solo travelers a little bit of everything, whether they want to be fully pampered, or have a more home-style vacation in accommodations that are equipped with full kitchens.
Regardless, most of the best resorts in Puerto Penasco enjoy prime beachfront locations and access to so many of the destination's top activities, from high-octane adrenaline activities to shopping, cycling, and ATV riding.
Are you ready to begin planning your vacation? Read on to discover the best resorts in Puerto Penasco.
1. The Grand Mayan Puerto Penasco
Accommodation: The Grand Mayan Puerto Penasco
One of the top resort brands in Mexico is Vidanta, known for their luxurious resorts in the Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, and more. But they also have gorgeous resorts in Puerto Penasco, the finest of which is The Grand Mayan.
The Grand Mayan has beautifully modern, clean, and spacious suites, many of which have kitchens, a living room, private terrace, and plunge pool. Most rooms overlook the chic pool deck and prime stretch of beachfront, as well. The location of The Grand Mayan is truly superlative, and the high-end services and amenities make this one of the very best resorts in Puerto Penasco.
The main pool is truly spectacular, lined with plush lounge chairs, featuring two fire pits and surrounded by Jacuzzis. A lazy river winds its way throughout the grounds, as well.
Guests can dine at Bakal, the fine-dining restaurant, which serves beautiful steaks and Mexican specialities. But for something a little more barefoot-elegant, there are two beachfront casual restaurants.
A luxurious spa offers a long list of treatments. A state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the ocean has considerable bragging rights, as well. Vidanta is known for its 18-hole golf course, with spectacular views and the much-praised The Tides Social House, which is a popular spot to gather after a round.
Address: Caborca, Sonoyta - Puerto Peñasco km 424, Ejido Miramar, 83550 Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico
2. Mayan Palace at Vidanta Puerto Penasco
Accommodation: Mayan Palace at Vidanta Puerto Penasco
Vidanta has a second resort in Puerto Penasco. Called Mayan Palace, it's the sister resort to The Grand Mayan and shares many of the same facilities and amenities.
Rooms are spacious and well-designed, though not as luxurious as the rooms at The Grand Mayan. Still, they range from standard to two-bedrooms. Two-bedroom suites have two bathrooms, a balcony, kitchen, and dining table.
Mayan Palace has two pools: an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. The outdoor pool overlooks the Sea of Cortez and is surrounded by lounge chairs. The indoor pool is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows and overlooks the beach.
Mayan Palace features the same restaurants as The Grand Mayan. Both resorts have access to the Jack Nicklaus Design Course, which has rolling sand dunes, views of the sea, and the famous The Tides Social House at the 19th hole.
Address: Sonoyta - Puerto Peñasco Km. 24, Ejido Miramar, 83550 Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico
3. Sonoran Sun Resort
Accommodation: Sonoran Sun Resort
What's fantastic about Sonoran Sun Resort is its iconic location. The beautiful beachfront resort affords direct beach access and superb views from most of its rooms and public spaces. The decor swings traditional Hacienda-style, with wrought-iron balconies, clay tile floors, archways, and beautiful wooden accents. It's regal, yet understated and comfortable.
The resort is equipped with an on-site restaurant, three pools, and more than 650 feet of prime beachfront. There is also a gym, several Jacuzzis, and beachfront palapas available for guests.
While there is only one restaurant on-site, the resort is within walking distance to several other local and international restaurants.
Rooms are equipped for short- or long-term stays, with refrigerators, microwaves, stoves, dishwashers, and dining areas. All rooms have terraces with either sea or garden views.
Address: Choya km 4, Fraccionamiento Costa Diamante, 83550 Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico
4. Sonoran Sea Resort
Accommodation: Sonoran Sea Resort
As you're exploring Puerto Penasco, you'll see that Sonoran Resorts is one of the main players. Their second development was the Sonoran Sea Resort - two condominium towers with a total of 228 spacious condominiums available for rent.
The condominiums are arranged in one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom configurations. All rooms have access to Wi-Fi, three beachfront pools, Jacuzzis, a snack shack, convenience store, fitness center, tennis court, and a playground for kids. Additional amenities include an on-site dive shop, restaurant, basketball court, and 24-hour security.
Because all the condominiums have separate owners, they are all decorated differently. But all have ocean-view terraces, fully equipped kitchens, a washer and dryer.
The favorite perk of the Sonoran Sea Resort is the wide stretch of Sandy Beach just out front. Puerto Penasco's most popular beach, Sandy Beach is known for its golden sand, great kitesurfing conditions, and swimmable water.
Address: Blvd. Dr. Ernesto Guevara del Campo, Playa Arenoso, 83550 Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico
5. Sonoran Sky Resort
Accommodation: Sonoran Sky Resort
Sonoran Sky Resort is the newest member of the Sonoran Resorts empire. Located right on Sandy Beach, the rooms at Sonoran Sky are among the biggest in the family. The single-tower resort has stunning views out to the beach and over the cobalt-colored Sea of Cortez.
Guests are greeted with classic design, from dramatic stone arches and marble floors to wrought-iron accents and fountains throughout. Just off the lobby, guests will find the convenience store, computer center, and fitness center. On the higher floors is a spa, children's play area, and barbecue grills.
Near the beach is the gravity-edge pool, waterslide pool, and a Jacuzzi. Guests love to kick back on one of the hammock chairs or under a shady palapa and while away the afternoon gazing out to the picture-perfect sea.
Address: Blvd. Dr. Ernesto Guevara del Campo 600, Bella Vista, Ferrocarril Playas, 83550 Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico
6. Hotel Playa Bonita Resort
Accommodation: Hotel Playa Bonita Resort
Clean, bright, spacious and directly on Playa Bonita, the Hotel Playa Bonita Resort is one of the most convenient and comfortable hotels in Puerto Penasco.
Rooms are spacious and clean, with terraces overlooking the sparkling Sea of Cortez. Some rooms have their own whirlpool tubs within the room, as well. But the best perks of the resort are its amenities, from the beachfront access to the outdoor pool and hot tub. A spa and wellness center are available, as well as barbecues, a garden, and more.
The hotel can help arrange for snorkeling, horseback riding, and fishing trips. The resort's Puesta del Sol restaurant is a popular hangout for guests to meet, mingle, relax, and watch the sunset.
Address: Paseo Balboa 100, Playa Arenos, Bella Vista, 83552 Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico
7. Sonoran Spa Resort
Accommodation: Sonoran Spa Resort
Sonoran Spa Resort is the first in the Sonoran Resorts chain. The iconic Puerto Penasco seafront resort has 202 condos that range from one to three bedrooms. All condos face the beach, which is a huge selling point for the property.
Down in the public area, the resort has two Jacuzzis and three beachfront swimming pools, including one with a small waterslide. A spa and restaurant is on property, as well as two barbecue areas, a tennis court, business center, and grocery store.
Outdoor adventures are a huge draw to Puerto Penasco, and Sonoran Spa Resort is able to help guests arrange them. From golf and hiking to ATs, jet skiing, and snorkeling, there is so much to do in this northern Mexico beach haven.
Address: Camino a la Choya Km. 3.7, Blvd. Costa Diamante Fracc, 83550 Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico
8. Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort
Accommodation: Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort
Perched right on Sandy Beach, Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort is one of the most beloved resorts in Puerto Penasco. The 800-room condominium complex has rooms that range from one to four bedrooms, each one with a terrace or balcony that overlooks the water.
Resort amenities include one of the best golf courses in the area. The 18-hole, par 72 course called The Links, is renowned, and visually stunning. Other amenities include a restaurant, infinity-edge pool, a lazy river, barbecue areas, a boutique, fitness center, and a full-service spa.
The resort has a calendar of activities, as well, from beach stretching to aqua aerobics to Zumba. Guests can arrange for cycling trips, fishing, hiking, jet skiing, scuba diving, and much more.
Address: Blvd. Dr. Ernesto Guevara del Campo No.150, Playa Arenoso, 83550 Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico
9. Laguna Shores Resort
Accommodation: Laguna Shores Resort
Intimate, quiet, and peaceful, Laguna Shores Resort enjoys a unique location overlooking a tranquil lagoon and the ocean.
The resort consists of condominiums that range from one to three bedrooms. The largest rooms are the Villa Playa Three Bedrooms with two bathrooms. Decor is simple and minimalist, clean and bright.
Resort amenities are abundant, from the 5,000-square-foot infinity pool to the direct beachfront access, a game room, restaurant, gym, sports activities, kayaking, beachfront palapas, and so much more. The spa is a guest favorite, as well, especially for its massages and facials. The resort offers bicycles to rent, which can be a great way to explore the area.
The restaurant, Infusion del Golfo, is one of the best restaurants in Puerto Penasco and is open to the general public. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Address: Colonia, Carretera Peñasco al Golfo de Santa Clara, km 4, Laguna Shores, 83550 Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico
10. Penasco del Sol Hotel
Accommodation: Penasco del Sol Hotel
Centrally located close to downtown, still with a direct beachfront address, Penasco del Sol Hotel offers the best of both worlds. The resort features stunning views of the Sea of Cortez and is a top choice for both leisure and business travelers because of its location.
The resort has 208 rooms and suites, all of which are bright, airy, and clean. It's a pet-friendly resort, as well, but that comes with a daily fee. Several dining experiences are available, from the casual pool dining, pastries at Dulce Cafe, or the hearty breakfasts at Miguel's Restaurant. Guests love El Takito for the casual Mexican favorites, grilled specialties, and relaxed vibe.
Families will appreciate the kids' club. Other amenities include golf nearby, cabana rentals, and an oceanfront pool with a Jacuzzi. The resort can help arrange activities and tours, from ATVs and kayaking to jet skiing, scuba diving, parasailing, volcano hiking, and more.
Address: Paseo las Glorias #1, Bella Vista, Centro, 83550 Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico
11. Las Palmas Beach Resort
Accommodation: Las Palmas Beach Resort
In a gated community directly on Sandy Beach, Las Palmas Beach Resort is one of the best resorts in Puerto Penasco. The sprawling resort has beachfront condos available for rent, and its amenities are top notch, from the three pools, waterslide, and clubhouse to 24-hour security, restaurants, and spectacular views over the Sea of Cortez.
Rooms are either condos or luxury villas, spread across four buildings and stand-alone units down closer to the beach. The rooms in the four main buildings can accommodate four to six people. They have kitchens, laundry facilities, and balconies. The villas are a little more spacious and have direct beach access.
The Grille Restaurant is a popular spot for guests, open for breakfast and dinner. The resort grounds have barbecue areas, too. A spa and gym are on property, and guests are close enough to town to be able to take advantage of the shopping, restaurants, live music, and activities that Puerto Penasco is known for.
Address: Paseo las Palmas 1, 83550 Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico
12. Esmeralda Beach Resort
Accommodation: Esmeralda Beach Resort
With an enviable location directly on Sandy Beach, Esmeralda Beach Resort is one of the most luxurious options in Puerto Penasco. The modern design features sleek, clean lines; blue-glass windows; modern amenities; pools; and palapas.
Rooms at the resort come in two- and three-bedroom configurations. For those who really want to splurge, the three-bedroom oceanfront penthouses are always a crowd-pleaser. The penthouses feature 2,800 square feet of indoor space with 1,200 square feet of outdoor space. Within the rooms are three master suites, three full bathrooms, a laundry, whirlpool tub, and full kitchen.
But you don't have to spring for the penthouse in order to feel the luxury here. The three-bedroom and two-bedroom condominiums are equally spacious, and also include full kitchens, whirlpool tubs, a laundry, and an outdoor kitchenette with a barbecue grill.
The resort has a gorgeous pool that overlooks the beach, and some of the best sunset views can be snagged from right here. Because of the resort's location, a bit of a distance from the rest of the resorts in Puerto Penasco, you can trust that the experience will be quiet and relaxing.
Address: Blvd. Paseo de la Duna, Playa Arenos, 83550 Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico
