As a travel advisor, I visit several resorts each year, and Secrets Vallarta Bay stands out for its blend of luxury, service, and location. Here are my top five favorite things about this adults-only, all-inclusive gem in Puerto Vallarta.

My Top 5 Favorite Things About Secrets Vallarta Bay

1. Stunning Oceanfront Location

2. Gourmet Dining Options

3. Exceptional Service

4. Relaxed Yet Sophisticated Atmosphere

5. Thoughtful Amenities

If you’ve ever been to Maui—or are planning your very first vacation to this beautiful Hawaiian island—you may have heard about the iconic Mama’s Fish House.

Located on the north shore of Maui in Paia, Hawaii, Mama’s Fish House is about 20 minutes from Kahului Airport and sits right at the beginning of the famous Road to Hana. If you're staying in Wailea, expect about a 45-minute drive. If you're based in Ka’anapali, plan for roughly an hour on the road.

Mama’s Fish House got its start in the 1960s, thanks to the Christenson family and their first trip to Maui. When they opened the restaurant at its current location in 1973, most dining options on the island were steakhouses. They wanted guests to know that they served primarily fish.  Not only fish, but LOCAL fish.  Soon after, a loyal following began, and now some 50 years later, the restaurant is not only iconic, but very popular, and in my opinion worth a visit.

Over the past 50 years, Mama’s has developed a loyal following and has become one of Maui’s most popular and iconic restaurants.

We visited Mama’s most recently in February 2025. We were lucky enough to snag a reservation at 2:20 p.m.  about a week before our arrival. Typically, reservations fill up six months in advance, so be sure to book yours as soon

I recommend a reservation before the sun goes down.  The area is so beautiful, you won’t want to miss seeing any of it.  I also recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your reservation.  Photo opportunities are endless, and you don’t want to feel rushed.

Something you need to know ahead of time.  Mama’s Fish House is expensive.  Dining anywhere in Hawaii is going to be a bit pricey, but you’ll need to find a little extra in your budget for a meal here.  Our meal (two people) came to $300 including tip. We each enjoyed:  A mocktail, appetizer,  main dish, and we shared a dessert.  We didn’t splurge on the most expensive items but didn’t hold back either.

Many people might gasp at the cost—and understandably so—but if you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a truly memorable and  upscale Hawaiian dining experience, Mama’s is absolutely worth the splurge.

3 of My Favorite Things About Mama's Fish House

*The fish is incredibly fresh and delicious. The menu is printed daily and adjusted for the catches they received that day.  They tell you exactly where the fish was caught.  The chefs really know what they are doing.  Everything is cooked to perfection and presented in impeccable fashion.  My all-time favorite dish is the fish collar.  Think of it like a seafood version of bone-in chicken wings.  It varies depending on what they catch, and always delicious.

*The service is always impeccable. Starting with the valets, and all the way through dessert, everyone is always friendly, knowledgeable, and professional.  Our server even knew that paprika is a form of bell pepper when discussing food allergies!

*The setting is as Hawaiian as you can get. From the minute you step out of the car, it feels a bit like you’ve been transported back in time to a very special Aloha era.  The beach, the building, the décor, and the historical memorabilia are all worth savoring.  So, take your time and enjoy it all.

Is Mama’s Fish House worth it?  Absolutely.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience that captures the heart and spirit of Maui—perfect for a special night out during your Hawaiian vacation.

If you have any other questions about Mama’s Fish House or traveling to Maui, I’d love to hear from you!

Feel free to reach out to me at www.vincentvacations.com/agents/anneking.

🌺 Aloha and happy travels!

Why use a travel advisor when traveling during hurricane season?

I am currently sitting on my hotel room in Clearwater, Florida.  We were supposed to be in Jamaica right now, but Hurricane Beryl is headed for a direct hit.  So...we changed our plans.  (The biggest red island in the picture is Jamaica--currently under a hurricane warning.)

But that's not the point of this post.

I have clients in Cancun right now.  (See the pink line on the map, which is currently a hurricane watch for The Yucatan.)  They arrived on Sunday and have been having a fabulous time as a family.  They are supposed to leave for home on Friday...the same day Hurricane Beryl is supposed to hit the Cancun area.

My clients were wise and purchased travel insurance.  If they do face cancellations or long delays, their additional expenses will be reimbursed.  Knowing that is helping them to be proactive.

As the storm's path has been developing, I've been watching.  This morning, while they are enjoying their vacation, I booked them new flights home on Saturday.  They now have a guaranteed way home if things get dicey on Friday and their original flights get canceled.  Flights are always the hardest part in situations like these.  We will get them an extra night at the hotel when we know more.

If they are able to leave as scheduled, they will have flight credit to use on future travel.  If they get stuck, they have flights home and won't have to wait in endlessly long lines at the Cancun airport.

All this done while they enjoy a snorkel trip as a family.  They aren't scrambling trying to figure things out.  I'm sure there is some stress regarding the unknown, but for now, they are OK.

This is what I do as your travel advisor.  Even when I'm on vacation myself!

Lessons from this experience? 

1.  Hire a travel advisor to help you with your vacations! 

2.  Buy travel insurance--especially during Hurricane Season!