Don’t Miss PV Restaurant Week Going on Now!

In Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, it is time once again to treat yourself to delicious cuisine because Vallarta Lifestyle’s Restaurant Week 2019 is back and going on right now! With over 60 local restaurants participating, this is an exciting annual gastronomic event that shouldn’t be missed. During the course of three weeks between May 15th and June 10th, local residents and visitors should take the experience PV Restaurant Week. Take advantage of this opportunity to experience some of the area’s most incredible restaurants that will have special 3-course menus at discounted prices. Do you live in Banderas Bay at Villa La Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta? If so, keep reading below to learn more about the Vallarta Lifestyle’s Restaurant Week 2019, and how you can experience some of Puerto Vallarta’s growing culinary scene at its best!

PV Restaurant Week 2019

Inspired by Restaurants Weeks held around the world by influential fine dining destinations, the PV Restaurant Week has been occurring annually for the past 14 years. Since 2005, Vallarta Lifestyle’s Restaurant Week has thrilled local Puerto Vallarta residents and visitors by providing the opportunity to feast at some of the most coveted restaurants in the area. Participating establishments create special Restaurant Week three-course menus that have three options available for each course. In addition to the amazing food, prices are often discounted up to 50% off regular priced selections making it is a great way to take advantage of the promotions and dine at the nicest restaurants around Banderas Bay. In fact, PV Restaurant Week has become so popular that many individuals plan ahead to visit Puerto Vallarta during the annual festival. Are you a Villa La Estancia resident with a second home in Riviera Nayarit? If so, make sure you don’t miss this exciting and innovative culinary event.

Participating Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit Restaurants

This year, there are over 60 restaurants in Banderas Bay participating including Amadeo’s Bistró, Archie’s Wok, Azafrán, Barcelona Tapas, Barrio Bistro, Bistro Limon, Bistro Organico at Cielo Rojo, Bistro Teresa, Blanca Blue at Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa, Boccon di Vino, Boqueria Hidalgo, Cafe des Artistes, Coco Tropical, Daiquiri Dick’s, Di Vino Dante, Eclecticos Restaurante & Bar, El Arrayan, El Dorado, El Patron Viva Vallarta, Eugenia, Gaviotas, Hacienda San Angel Gourmet, ICU, Joe Jack’s Fish Shack, Kaiser Maximilian Restaurant & Cafe, La Cappella, La Cigale French Bistro, La Leche, La Palapa, Layla’s Restaurante, Le Bistro, Le Kliff, Lobster Paradise, Lupita Mexican & Seafood, Mark’s Bar & Grill, Merida Grill, Mikado, Nicksan, No Way Jose Restaurant Bar, Ocean Grill, Ookii Sushi, Oso’s Fish Market Restaurant, Pal’Mar Seafood & Grill Garage, Pezlimon, Pizzeria La Dolce, Porto Bello, River Cafe, Sapori Di Sicilia, Seasons PV, Serrano’s Meat House, Si Señor Beach, Sonora House, Spice Market, The Blue Shrimp, The Iguana, Tintoque, Trio Restaurant Bar Cafe, Tuna Blanca, Umai, Venazu, and Vitea Oceanfront Bistro.

With special prices and incredible selections, Banderas Bay residents simply can’t miss their chance to dine at some of the best area restaurants during Vallarta Lifestyle’s Restaurant Week 2019. This exciting event is going on right now so make sure you try as many restaurants as you can. Which one was your favorite and why?

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Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival: March 8th – 10th

Do you live at Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit? If you do, make sure you make plans to attend the Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival on March 8th through 10th at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Enjoy a day trip down from your home in paradise, and celebrate the local wildlife that makes life in Banderas Bay so special. Read below to learn more about the Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival which is guaranteed to be a fun and educational day for all that attend.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens

Just an hour drive south of Villa La Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens regularly hosts educational and cultural events. This month, Villa La Estancia homeowners should take time to day trip to attend the Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival on March 8th through March 10th. The Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens is a non-profit organization that heavily relies on donations to maintain operations at the naturally beautiful sanctuary situated 30 minutes south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens works hard to organize conservation projects and educational events that locals and visitors alike can enjoy. Would you like to know how you can help support your local community? Please visit the Botanical Garden’s website for more information about membership opportunities. A simple financial donation from residents like yourselves will ensure that this incredibly important organization continues to prosper.

Bird & Nature Festival Workshops

This year, the Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival will include numerous workshops in both English and Spanish to accommodate event attendees. The Vallarta Botanical Garden entry free is only $200 pesos per day. However, all tours and workshops that are offered outside of the Botanical Gardens cost between $600 to $1000 pesos each. A few of the top workshops to attend include a tour of the Macaw Sanctuary in Cabo Corrientes which is also known as “Santuario de las Guacamayas.” Stop and smell the roses and enjoy bird watching with a morning bird walk through the Botanical Gardens. Step back in time and see local crocodiles in their native habitat at the Estero El Salado. There is also a workshop about woodpeckers that are found only in the state of Jalisco, and a tour of Rancho Primavera located further south in El Tuito. Do you happen to have a young child who loves to draw? There is a free bird sketching course for children 8 years old to 12 years old that will be held at the Botanical Gardens Hall of Flowers. There is also an adult bird sketching course available as well that costs $300 pesos per person. Visit the Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival website to see the full schedule of events here. Make sure to sign up for any workshops that interest you as space is limited.

Botanical Gardens Location

Villa La Estancia residents should take advantage of the affordable admission fees to attend the Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival as it is only 200 pesos per day. Want to attend all 3 days of the weekend festival? You can get a weekend pass for only 500 pesos. Children under the age of 4 can enter the gardens for free. All admission costs are collected at the entrance to the Botanical Gardens which is situated 24 km (15 miles) south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Please note that there is limited parking at the Botanical Gardens, so it is best to arrive via public transportation such as by bus, taxi or uber if possible.

Villa La Estancia homeowners should plan to head south to attend this year’s Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival from March 8th-10th. This celebration is a time to appreciate how the natural beauty of Banderas Bay, and pay homage to the incredibly rich and colorful wildlife that live amongst us.

See more: Happy Healthy Lives in Puerto Vallarta

Riviera Nayarit Residents: Get to Know PV Street Art

Do you live in Riviera Nayarit and love the peace and quiet that homeowners in the area so enjoy? Riviera Nayarit has miles of beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants, and endless outdoor activities to enjoy making it a wonderful place to call home. Are you a proud Villa La Estancia homeowner in Nuevo Vallarta? Such a tranquil and peaceful setting may make it hard for you to even want to leave your beautiful home at homes. However, when you are in the mood to liven up your day, head down to Puerto Vallarta to add some excitement to your life. Coming up soon on March 2nd there is an interesting PV Street Art Stroll you don’t want to miss

  • Puerto Vallarta And Riviera Nayarit: Best of Both Worlds

Nuevo Vallarta residents who live at Villa La Estancia really do have the best of both worlds. They have an incredible high quality home with the best amenities and services around. Surrounded by lush landscaping and endless Banderas Bay views, life at Villa La Estancia is pretty ideal. One great thing about living in Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit is that you can easily head to Puerto Vallarta for the day if you are in the mood for some added excitement. Are you an art lover and always interested in seeing what is new and fresh? If you, you probably already know that Puerto Vallarta has a thriving and interesting art scene that is seeing major growth in recent years. There are lots of upscale art galleries in the downtown art district that are worth a visit. However, did you know that Puerto Vallarta also has beautiful urban graffiti street art that you should definitely check out? Street art is a modern take on what some people view as art. Have you not seen any of the cool street area around town? If not, sign up today for the PV Street Art Stroll that will happen on March 2nd. The event was organized by local art lovers in order to showcase the beautiful murals and street art in the area.

  • Hidden Street Works of Art

Puerto Vallarta is best known as a charming small town that has grown into a modern mix of old and new that is easy to fall in love with. Anyone who walks along the quaint cobblestone streets will start to feel the undeniable magic of Puerto Vallarta. While there are modern developments under construction on many street corners, Old Town is still able to maintain that friendly, small town vibe that we all know and love. With tons of great shops, bars and restaurants in the area, incredible street art is also found in PV and you may not have even known it was there. Have you seen any of the street art for yourself? If not, leave Villa La Estancia for the day and join the PV Street Art Stroll on March 2nd so you too can see the coolest, most colorful street art in the region. Remember, street art is constantly changing so that impressive mural you see today may be gone tomorrow don’t miss out!

  • Massive Murals and Colorful Graffiti

Local residents decided to organize the PV Street Art Stroll to share the incredible street art with visitors and other PV residents. They were able to identify the most efficient and best route to find great street area in the downtown and Old Town areas. On March 2nd at 10 am, attendees will meet up at the main church right off the central plaza, called the Lady of Guadalupe Church. From there, the PV Street Art Stroll will begin its path to view impressive murals around town. The walk will probably last about 2 hours, so make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring along a hat and water, too. Definitely don’t forget your camera so you can take some memorable shots of your favorite street art masterpieces. PV Street art could be here one day, and then gone the next so take it all in as you are literally capturing a moment in time. What a beautiful gift!

Are you ready to leave your oasis at Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit for the day, and head PV for the PV Street Art Stroll? The group is limited to only 18 people so visit www.pvstreetart.com right away to secure your spot. Hope to see you there!

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1st Raicilla, Mezcal and Artisanal Beer Festival in Nuevo Vallarta

Take note Riviera Nayarit residents! The 1st Raicilla, Mezcal and Artisanal Beer Festival will be held soon on the weekend of Feb. 15th, 16th & 17th in the marina in Nuevo Vallarta. Events begin at 3pm and last through 10pm each day. Bring your family along and come enjoy a weekend full of flavors, traditional drinks, great music and activities. With more than 40 well known drinks, attendees will love sampling some of the best drinks and food from the region. Read below to learn more about the Raicilla, Mezcal and Artisanal Beer Festival in Nuevo Vallarta conveniently located just minutes from the Villa La Estancia.

What Is Mezcal?

Have you heard about mezcal, but not sure how to tell the difference between tequila and mezcal? Many people associate tequila with mezcal, but there are three key reasons how mezcal is different from tequila. To start with, tequila and mezcal are produced in different states in Mexico although there are a few states that produce both spirits. Mexican law dictates that tequila can only be produced using the blue agave plant. The state of Jalisco is the center of the tequila universe and the quaint town of Tequila is recognized as the birthplace of tequila. Mezcal can be made with up to 30 different varieties of agave and has a different production process that creates a distinctly different flavor. Right now, mezcal is produced in 8 specific regions of Mexico including the states of Oaxaca, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, and Michoacan. The center of the mezcal world is in the state of Oaxaca where up to 80-90% of all mezcal production is found.

Raicilla

Raicilla is similar to tequila and mezcal and is produced in 16 regions throughout the Mexican states of Jalisco and Michoacan. The origins of raicilla come from the maguey lechuguilla plant which is a variety of agave. In 2014, annual raicilla production estimates indicated that 50 thousand liters were distributed among 70 traditional producers. Right now, the areas of Mascota and Cabo Corrientes in Jalisco are the top producers of raicilla. At the Raicilla, Mezcal and Cerveza Artesanal Festival in Nuevo Vallarta, attendees will be able to sample a variety of spirits and learn more about the distinguishing factors between these three enticing elixirs.

Artisanal Beer

Beer lovers will also be pleased to find that craft beers will be showcased at the festival as well. Artisanal or craft beers are beers made without additives, preservatives or pasteurizers. Artisanal beers are essentially alive and an interesting product in that the taste changes every day due to the presence of live yeast. Mexico’s craft beer industry has experienced a boom over the last few years with many new breweries popping up just south of Nuevo Vallarta in the Puerto Vallarta area. Los Muertos Brewing and Monzon Brewery are two choices that locals can visit. At the Raicilla, Mezcal and Cerveza Artesanal Festival in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexican craft beer brewers will be sharing their top beers that are sure to delight.

Come experience a variety of Mexico’s best spirits and beers at the Raicilla, Mezcal and Cerveza Artesanal Festival in the Nuevo Vallarta marina just a stone’s throw away from Villa La Estancia. The weekend of February 16th and 17th from 3pm through 10pm, attendees will get to sample Mexico’s top spirits and enjoy great food as well. Hope to see you there!

See more eventis in Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit here.

A Romantic Evening in Riviera Nayarit

Will you be in the Riviera Nayarit area and interested in planning a romantic evening with your sweetheart? There are lots of wonderful activities that couples will enjoy in Riviera Nayarit. Looking to make the most of your time together? Here are a few suggestions on fun activities to enjoy as a couple looking for a romantic evening in Riviera Nayarit.

The Hacienda style Villa La Estancia situated in Riviera Nayarit is home to an excellent restaurant that is perfectly suited for a romantic evening meal that will impress. Our high end and elegant decor will create a romantic ambiance that will start your evening off right. Our excellent menu features high-quality cuts of meats include Kobe and New York cuts. Couples will be overjoyed with the soothing atmosphere and great service. If you can take your eyes off your loved one, make sure to enjoy the spectacular views of the lushly landscaped exterior and the Banderas Bay. Sit back and relax and cheers with a glass of sparkling champagne to celebrate your love and this magical moment together in paradise.

  • Tatewari Spa – Couples Massages and Beauty Treatments

Another great way to create a romantic experience is to book some spa time with your loved one. Why not pamper your sweetheart with a couples beauty or wellness treatment together? Villa La Estancia’s Tatewari Spa is elegantly designed with a Mexican-European inspired flair that is a wonderful place to relax and reconnect. An idyllic spot for a couples beauty or wellness treatment, it will be easy to reignite the flame with the help of the incredible treatments at Tatewari Spa as well as the natural beauty that surrounds you. The sparkling Banderas Bay waters and green Sierra Madre mountains will leave you breathless. Take the time to pamper each other and refresh yourself at the Tatewari Spa at Villa La Estancia. Using therapeutic and ancient traditional techniques from indigenous people that lived in the area years ago, there is no better place to soothe and reinvigorate your body, mind and soul.

  • Banderas Bay Evening Cruise

A classic and always pleasing option for couples is to take a cruise around the Banderas Bay at sunset. If you are staying or own property with us at Villa La Estancia, the front desk concierge will be glad to help you arrange a getaway that will be perfect for couple. Many include a gourmet dinner and drinks as you cruise the bay in style with the incredible PV sunsets in the distance. If you find yourself in the area during the months of December through April, you may be lucky enough to do some whale watching as well. Humpback whales return each year to Banderas Bay to birth and raise their young, and it is likely your romantic sunset cruise will include a whale sighting or two. Enjoy the incredible views and relax as the ocean breezes caress your skin and tousle your hair during your cruise. Take a deep breath, hold your sweetie’s hand tightly, and find yourself inspired and refreshed by the amazing surroundings.

Next time you find yourself at Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit, we hope you have the chance to enjoy many romantic and special evenings and experiences with your loved one.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens January 2019: Chocolate & Vanilla Festival

Who doesn’t appreciate delicious chocolate and vanilla? Chocolate and vanilla are important parts of Mexican food culture and history, and these delights are being celebrated on January 11th, 2019 at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Located just 20 minutes south of Old Town Vallarta, plan a day to reconnect with nature and enjoy a sensory-filled day of tastings, educational talks and so much more. Continue reading below about the Chocolate and Vanilla Festival that will take place soon at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens: History and Admission

Established in 2004, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens first opened its doors to the public in 2005. With a focus on propagation, study, discovery, conservation, and display of Mexican native plants, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens is a must do activity in Puerto Vallarta. Both Puerto Vallarta’s residents and visitors will enjoy learning and seeing Mexican orchids and other plants that are native to the region. Entry for adults costs just $200 pesos which is around $10 USD with the current exchange rate, and kids under 4 years old get in free. As a small non-profit that relies heavily on memberships and donations to operate, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens does not allow outside food or beverages on the property. If you’re in the mood for a bite, there is an excellent restaurant on the property called Hacienda de Oro Restaurant. The sales from the restaurant help to maintain general operations at the Botanical Gardens.

January 11th, 2019: Chocolate and Vanilla Festival

Guaranteed to be an exciting day for the whole family, the Chocolate and Vanilla Festival will be held from 10am to 5pm on January 11, 2019. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens will feature a variety of scrumptious vanilla and chocolate tastings that will tantalize your taste buds. In addition to delicious tastings, visitors will learn about the history of Mexican chocolate and vanilla. Want to take a treat back home or a gift for friends or family? There will be homemade Mexican chocolate for sale that is sure to impress. Visitors at the Chocolate and Vanilla Festival will also be treated to an energetic performance by local folkloric dancers.

Sunscreen & Insect Repellent

Not only people love the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Bugs and insects also adore the flowers and plants so make sure to come prepared with insect repellent to avoid getting insect bites. If you come unprepared, check at the ticket booth where you can purchase natural insect repellent. In addition to insects, the Vallarta sun is quite strong even during winter months so make sure to wear or bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. In the mood for a refreshing dip in a freshwater river? Head down to the small river that runs along the lower portion of the property where you can wade along the sandy banks or jump in to cool off.

Vanilla and chocolate lovers need to mark their calendars for January 11th, 2019 so they can experience the natural beauty of the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Located just south of Puerto Vallarta, the Chocolate and Vanilla Festival will be a wonderful experience for everyone. We hope to see you there!

Vallarta Botanical Gardens Location:

Carretera Barra De Navidad Km. 24, Las Juntas y los Veranos,

C.P. 48447 Cabo Corrientes, Jal. Tel. +52 322 223 6182

Villa La Estancia: Dining Choices That Impress

The luxurious Villa La Estancia offers, beachfront residences located in one of the most beautiful areas in coastal Mexico. With oceanfront properties in both Nuevo Vallarta in Riviera Nayarit and Cabo San Lucas, owning a second home at Villa La Estancia could be your dream home come true. From our spacious and elegant suites, to the world class amenities and services, you truly will have everything you need and more, all located on the property grounds. Don’t forget about the delicious dining options right at your doorstep, too. Continue to read below to learn about the three fabulous choices you have without ever having to leave the property.

La Casona

La Casona is an upscale Mexican eclectic steakhouse that is perfect for a fun family dinner or a romantic evening with your loved one. La Casona offers an extensive selection of steak specials and Prime Cuts including high quality Kobe beef and a hearty New York Strip. La Casona serves an exquisite breakfast and its eggs benedict is to die for. In addition to our tasty cuisine, every table comes with amazing views of the well manicured landscaping, elegant water features including fountains. The real show stopper is the the blue green Banderas Bay waters and the white sandy Nuevo Vallarta beaches in the distance. Open for breakfast from 7:00 am to 1:00pm, dinner is served from 5:00pm to 10:30 pm.

La Parrilla Restaurant

Do you prefer a more casual dining experience? La Parrilla Restaurant allows the chance to enjoy your meal poolside so you can swim or work on your tan while you work up an appetite. La Parrilla menu includes a choice of burgers, sandwiches, wraps, Mexican ceviches and seafood specialties that are sure to please. Open from 12:00pm to 5:00pm, La Parrilla is perfect for a mid day meal or poolside snack as you enjoy the sunny Riviera Nayarit weather and cool ocean breezes.

Palmita Market & Deli

The Palmita Market & Deli is found next to the lobby entrance of Villa del Palmar which is a sister property situated directly next door to Villa La Estancia. A convenient option for a meal on the go or a quick snack, the Palmita Deli & Market menu includes a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, wraps, muffins and snacks. In the mood for a tasty coffee to start your day right? The Palmita Market & Deli is an ideal spot to enjoy your morning coffee. Favorite choices include the mocha cappuccino and the house speciality: mint vanilla cappuccino. Palmita Market & Deli is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

As you can see, there truly is something to suit everyone’s taste buds at Villa La Estancia. Now the only question is, what are you in the mood for?

Where to dine in Riviera Nayarit

Are you staying in Riviera Nayarit and wondering what are the best restaurants to try? Check out some of the best restaurants in the area. You will not be disappointed! Here are a few of our top picks to try:

La Casona:

Take your pick of indoor or outdoor dining at La Casona, the eclectic Mexican steakhouse at Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit, which boasts a variety of exquisite flavors and an extensive selection of Prime Cuts, such as Kobe beef and New York Strips. As one of the best fine dining restaurants in Nuevo Vallarta, La Casona is known for its wide variety of eggs benedict and other breakfast favorites in the morning and its scrumptious dinner platters in the evening. As if the mouthwatering cuisine wasn’t enough, La Casona also lays claim to some of the best seats in the house, which feature the breathtaking scenery of Banderas Bay that stretches beyond our beautiful fountains and resort grounds.

La Parrilla:

La Parrilla Restaurant offers casual poolside dining with a choice of burgers, sandwiches, wraps, Mexican ceviches and seafood specialties. The exquisite flavor combinations, which include traditional and contemporary options, will satisfy your cravings with each delicious bite. Those choosing the La Parrilla for lunch will truly have a feast for the senses any day of the week. While dining poolside, guests can enjoy the gentle ocean breeze, the beautiful gardens, and the sound of birds chirping as they dine in the truly serene ambiance of this Nuevo Vallarta restaurant.

Sunset Dinner

Your private table at the ocean’s edge is yours for the asking. Enjoy cool glasses of wine and the glow of surrounding tiki torches with a sunset deluxe dinner prepared by the experienced chefs at La Parrilla Restaurant.

Mi Lola

An eclectic and colorful restaurant located just north of Nuevo Vallarta right off the main road in the town of Bucerias, Mi Lola is an interesting mix of menu options and funky decor. From its colorful tables and chairs to unique decorations, Mi Lola offers everything from pizzas, fine cuts of meat, and pastas. The staff is courteous and attentive and service is fast. Prices are economical for the large portions and you can be assured of fast service and a well kept, clean restaurant.  A good time for the whole family as the many decorations will keep kids entertained and happy during the entire meal.

INSU Sky Lounge

Located on the top floor of the Marival Residences Resort in Nuevo Vallarta, INSU Sky Lounge is a small restaurant with amazing views of the Banderas Bay. Dinner service starts at 6pm and it is recommended to arrive early as there is limited seating. The menu is organized by continent, and all plates are tapas size portions so it is perfect for sharing. Don’t miss the roasted duck spring roll with Hoisin sauce, warm lobster rolls, grilled lamb chop with mint jelly, Napoleon de foie gras on brioche bread, or crab cakes with lemon confit aioli. If you have room for dessert, you will love their dessert tasting tray which includes macaroons, chocolate cream cheesecake lollipops and lime cream tarts. In weekends, they often have live music or a DJ well into the morning hours so you can dance off those calories after your meal.

Luna Luna

A quaint Mexican style restaurant located in Bucerias, Luna Luna is an excellent choice if you are in the mood for a delicious, hearty breakfast. They offer a variety of healthy fresh squeezed juices and many Mexican speciality breakfast items such as chilaquiles, sopes, and egg dishes. Don’t miss the Banana Sopes with Black Beans! Everything is fresh and made to order, so service is sometimes slow, but the food is so tasty it will be worth the wait. Take a peek into the huge trees in the front yard as you dine, you can often spot large iguanas resting amongst the tree branches.

La Postal

Another Bucerias gem, La Postal is situated on a corner property a block inland from the beach with lots of lovely trees offering a shady escape from the hot Mexican sun. Here you can find everything from wood fired pizzas, to homemade pastas to delicious sandwiches and salads. Don’t miss the giant calzone and try their tasty chimichurri salsa, too. The service is friendly and fast, and the prices are excellent. In the mood for wine? They serve a tasty house red wine in a carafe that equals out to two typical pours. If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to try the gelato at the Buonissimo shop on the corner of the restaurant. The peanut butter chocolate flavor is a favorite with local expats and sells out fast!

La Dolce Vita

Located in the 3.14 shopping center near the second main Nuevo Vallarta entrance, La Dolce Vita is an Italian restaurant with its original location on the Malecon in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Gluten free pasta is available for those with allergies, and they have a lovely outdoor patio if the weather is nice. They also offer fresh, homemade pastas as well as chicken, fish and salads so that there is something for every taste.

Alcatraces

In a mood for authentic Mexican food that is filling and reasonably priced? Definitely don’t miss Alcatraces which has been a local favorite in the area for years. A perfect place for a hearty breakfast or lunch, Alcatraces has an extensive menu with Mexican specialty plates at great prices. They have lots of options for kids as well so it is an ideal spot for the whole family.

Next time you are in Riviera Nayarit, why not stop in to try some of these top recommended restaurants. You won’t be disappointed!

Health Benefits of Swimming in the Ocean

The inviting waters of the sea are enjoyed by many people of all ages and persuasions across the world these days, but did you know that the practice of soaking, swimming, and bathing in sea water as a method of beautification and health maintenance is thousands of years old? It is! In fact, the practice dates back to the times of ancient Greece!

It seems the Grecians knew what they were about, as well; certain studies have shown that sea water can be good for your skin and hair as well as your nerves and circulation! Of course, while the Grecians like to bath in warm sea water in tubs or pools, we tend to enjoy it at source, so to speak, these days.

Here are some of the health benefits you can look forward to when you purchase property on Banderas Bay, Mexico.

  • Boost Your Immune System by swimming in the ocean

Thanks to the natural blend of salts, minerals such as magnesium, vitamins, amino acids, living microorganisms, and trace elements to be found in seawater it can be great for many things. This includes our immune systems; the sea can have antibiotic and antibacterial properties which keep us healthy, and swimming in these waters can open your pores to flush out toxins. Better yet, the sea air is full of negatively charged ions which can improve your immunity when they attach to your lungs.

  • Better circulation

Amongst other health benefits, swimming in the ocean can improve your circulation, and it’s not just about the exercise; the waters themselves may improve your circulation by causing your heart, veins, arteries, and capillaries to carry oxygen rich blood from your heart throughout your body at an increased rate. Seawater therapy consists of swimming or bathing in warm sea water in order to restore essential minerals that have been lost to stress, toxins, and unhealthy living.

  • General well-being

Many people turn to the waters of the ocean for its overall well-being and health benefits; swimming in warm seawater may help your body to combat conditions like arthritis, bronchitis, inflammatory disease, and many miscellaneous aches and pain. In fact, because seawater is magnesium rich it can also help to lower stress and lull you to sleep by calming nerves and irritability.

  • Beautify your Skin

As well as health benefits, swimming in the ocean can improve your skin. The magnesium in seawater can also help to moisturize your skin and reduce flaws in its appearance. You may see a reduction in redness, roughness, and uneven skin tone if you regularly bathe in sea water.

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Vallarta botanical garden orchid

Recommended Day Trip – the Vallarta Botanical Gardens

One of the advantages of purchasing a slice of paradise at Villa La Estancia Residences is the choice of wonderful things to do for a day trip or afternoon excursion. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens, on the south shore of Puerto Vallarta make a short road trip from Nuevo Vallarta and are a delightful day out for all the family or a leisurely afternoon with your loved one.

Cooling off at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens

The gardens themselves are further up into the mountains on the south shore of Puerto Vallarta, a good hour’s drive from Villa La Estancia Residences in Nuevo Vallarta. As such, you can expect the climate to be much cooler, which is a dream come true during the humid summer months. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens are a great place to go if the heat down on the beaches is getting too oppressive. When you arrive at the gates you’ll be greeted by a member of staff who’ll take a small entry fee from you before you go in. If you are a permanent resident at Villa La Estancia Residences, you might even think about joining the gardens as a member.

Best Kept Secret

The Vallarta Botanical Gardens, and what they do, are probably the best kept secret in Puerto Vallarta. All the money made from these stunning gardens go to the upkeep of the gardens themselves as well as a number of educational and conservation projects. Proceeds from the gift shop, entrance fees and restaurant go to these charitable foundations and, indirectly, help to educate locals in conservation, protects and support Macaws as well as other Parrot species, and keep the local flora and fauna in good health. Many of the plants you see on the new Malecon in Puerto Vallarta were also donated by the gardens. A visit to these gardens is an indirect contribute to the health and welfare of Mexico’s wildlife and landscape.

Recommendations

When you arrive in the park you can head straight to the main building, if you wish, and get a bite to eat in the restaurant which, like the gift shop, showcases local produce alongside its other delicious fare. In the main building you will also find the Orchid Gallery (which the gardens are rightly proud of) and the day beds, where you can sit back and relax in tranquillity. Taking a book, kindle tablet is a great way to while away an afternoon in the cool fresh air.

The many trails through the park are well sign posted and have been designed to show you the very best of the landscapes encompassed by the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. You can, for example, take one of the trails that goes down by the river and take a dip, if you’re brave enough to face the cold water. Alternatively you could take one of the extremely popular jungle trails which will take you through dense, lush jungle scenes. Either way you’ll see a variety of plants including, but not limited to, Vanilla, Coffee, Tobacco and Cacti.

The Gardens are open 9am – 6pm (Tuesday to Sunday) from April to November, and if you come at the right time you might catch the bird festival or flower show!