Vidanta: Nueva Vallarta, Mexico
Planning a vacation can feel daunting when you’re gluten-free, but my recent trip to Vidanta Resort Nueva Vallarta proved that it’s not only possible—it can be absolutely wonderful and relaxing! Nestled along Mexico’s stunning Pacific Coast, this sprawling luxury resort offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and, most importantly for me, delicious gluten-free dining options. We stayed at the Grand Luxxe, an upscale tower within the Vidanta complex, which elevated our experience with its spacious suites and top-notch amenities, though all of the residences here are beautiful. Here’s a rundown of my journey, from preparation to poolside tacos, that might inspire your next gluten-free getaway.
Pre-Trip Prep: Setting the Stage for Success
Before heading to Vidanta, I did a bit of homework. Since the resort isn’t all-inclusive, I knew I’d be exploring its many restaurants and possibly venturing off-property. I have been here before, but still reached out to the concierge via email to inquire about gluten-free dining and to make reservations in advance. Their response was reassuring: all on-site restaurants could cater to gluten-free needs. That gave me peace of mind, but as a seasoned gluten-free traveler, I still packed some essentials—granola bars, gluten-free pretzels, and shelf-stable snacks—just in case.
Staying in a 2 bedroom suite with friends was a game-changer, as our suite came with a full kitchen. I planned a quick stop at a nearby Walmart in Puerto Vallarta to stock up on basics but never got there as we found everything we needed on site. Pro tip: while corn tortillas are a Mexican staple, double-check labels, as some brands mix in wheat flour. I grabbed a pack of clearly labeled gluten-free tostadas, bottles of water and some fresh produce at the resort market.
Dining at Vidanta: Gluten-Free Gems
Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta boasts over 25 restaurants, and I was eager to see how they’d handle my dietary needs. Our favorite spots—Gong, The Burger Custom Made, The Green Table, and Tramonto—stood out as gluten-free havens. Here’s why they stole the show:
Gong: This Asian fusion gem brought bold flavors to the table. The staff guided me to gluten-free options like stir-fried rice dishes and grilled meats, steering clear of soy sauce marinades. They do have GF tamari, so be sure to ask for it! The Peking Duck is made with no soy sauce. We have spoken to the chef who developed the recipe. They will serve it with lettuce wraps instead of the traditional pancakes. The ambiance, with its sleek design, food and service made every bite feel special.
The Burger Custom Made: A burger joint that gets it right! They offered gluten-free buns that didn’t crumble, paired with juicy patties and fresh toppings. I opted this time for the salmon which was fantastic, but the beef, lamb and chicken burgers are definitely a meal to remember.
The Green Table: Perfect for a lighter bite, this spot focused on fresh, wholesome ingredients. I savored a fresh ceviche and crudité —naturally gluten-free and bursting with flavor. It was a refreshing break from heavier resort fare.
Tramonto: The Italian steakhouse was a standout, offering gluten-free penne that I had as a side to my filet, but could easily serve as an amazing entrée. They even brought out a house-made gluten-free baguette so good I double-checked it was safe (it was!). This place nailed the balance of indulgence and dietary care.
One area for improvement across the resort? Dessert. Gluten-free sweets were scarce—maybe a single option per menu, if any. I’d love to see a rich chocolate cake or brownie added to the lineup next time. Still, our favorite restaurants more than satisfied my savory cravings. There were several options for sweets at Jade, the resort market. We visited for GF macarons, chocolate, sweet or savory crepes as well as GF muffins on several occasions.
Beyond the Plate: Exploring the Resort
Vidanta isn’t just about food—it’s a playground of pools, beaches, gorgeous golf courses, pickleball/tennis, spas and wonderful evening entertainment. With nearly 46 pools, I spent lazy afternoons floating in the Lazy River and splashing under waterfalls at the Grand Mayan’s water park. The resort’s SkyDream Park’s Gondola, a first-of-its-kind beach resort gondola, offered jaw-dropping views of the property and Banderas Bay—perfect for a break from eating.
We stayed at the Grand Luxxe Tower within the resort which also meant access to its exclusive pool areas, where plush loungers and attentive service made relaxation effortless. I could’ve spent the whole trip just soaking in the serene vibes of our tower’s private oasis. We couldn’t come to Vidanta without a little bit of golf, pickleball and a massage as well!
One day we ventured off-property for a day in Nueva Vallarta. A short walk landed us in a cute area where there were shops and restaurants. We had lunch at a small family run taco stand, Tacos Yoba, with out of this world flavors! The tortillas were all corn and they assured me there was not gluten in the meat or sauces. I had no symptoms after eating there! We went back after changing for dinner to Dona Tere, known as the Pink House to locals, for amazing fajitas and margaritas!
Tips for Your Gluten-Free Vidanta Trip
Communicate Early: Contact the concierge ahead of time to flag your needs. On-site, don’t hesitate to ask staff to confirm ingredients or preparation methods.
Leverage the Kitchen: Stock up on gluten-free staples at Walmart or a local market to save money and ensure safe snacks—especially handy with the Grand Luxxe’s full kitchen.
Pack Backup Snacks: Even with great options, having a stash of trusted goodies eases any anxiety.
Explore Off-Site: Nearby towns like Bucerías or Sayulita offer authentic, often naturally gluten-free Mexican fare—think corn-based dishes and fresh ceviche.
Final Thoughts
My gluten-free trip to Vidanta in Nueva Vallarta was a triumph of flavor and fun. Gong, The Burger Custom Made, The Green Table, and Tramonto became our go-to spots, proving that gluten-free dining can be both safe and sensational. Paired with the resort’s luxurious amenities it was a stress-free escape. Whether you’re lounging by one of the countless pools or savoring a custom burger with a view, Vidanta shows that gluten-free travel doesn’t mean missing out—it means diving into a world of delicious possibilities. So, pack your swimsuit and your appetite; paradise awaits!
Have you traveled gluten-free to Vidanta or another resort? I’d love to hear your tips in the comments!