Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta – Villa La Estancia Real Estate

Things to Do in Riviera Nayarit: Chalk Art Walk 2020

In Mexico, Banderas Bay is home to many different cultural events. The Bucerias Street Festival & Chalk Art Walk 2020 is held in February in Bucerias, a charming and quaint coastal town in Riviera Nayarit. Bucerias is located approximately twenty minutes from Puerto Vallarta. Bucerias has many interesting art galleries, great restaurants, and breathtaking beaches. From February 4th – February 6th, the annual Chalk Art street festival will occur. The festival starts at 2:00pm. If you will be visiting Riviera Nayarit during the first part of February or live in the area, then you won’t want to miss the street festival. Read below to learn more about this year’s Chalk Art Walk and Bucerias Street Festival.

Chalk Art Walk 2020

This year’s Chalk Art Walk 2020 will feature more than twenty-five creative and inspiring artists. This year’s theme at the Chalk Art Walk 2020 is “One Love – Celebrating Unity Throughout the World”. Therefore, every artist will use chalk to create a harmonious image that depicts an animal, a human, and a plant. Everyone that attends the Chalk Art Walk 2020 will enjoy live entertainment, delicious foods, and different booths and vendors that will participate in the festival. Also, the event proceeds will go towards DIF of Nayarit, which is an organization that the government runs for seniors, disabled people, and orphan services. Proceeds will also go towards helping A Dog’s New Life Rescue Shelter, which is a shelter for animal rescues.

Local Artists Supported

Bucerias is a great place to live or visit for a vacation to Mexico. They have regularly scheduled cultural events in Riviera Nayarit, so something fun is always going on. Would you like to join in creating art? Are you artistic? If so, you can join in the Chalk Art 2020 festival. In addition, you can also become one of the sponsors for this event. If you’d like to help support the local community by becoming a sponsor, just send an email to thebuceriasstreetfestival@gmail.com. You can also send a Facebook message to Bucerias Chalk Art 2020. Likewise, you can purchase a gift certificate for the Bucerias Street Festival & Chalk Art 2020. Personal gift certificates along with sponsor packets will be for sale at 62 Lazaro Cardenas on December 19th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Your gift will provide traveling costs for a Chalk Artist, and the special person you gifted this to will have their name displayed next to the chalk artwork. Photos and sponsor names will also be posted on Facebook, too. Remember, proceeds from the Chalk Art Walk 2020 will support A Dog’s New Life Rescue Shelter and Nayarit DIF.

You will want to make sure you go to the Bucerias Street Festival & Chalk Art Walk 2020. The event will take place from February 4th to February 6th starting daily at 2:00pm. Residents and visitors will appreciate that there are many exciting things to do in Riviera Nayarit. Chalk Art Walk 2020 is an event you won’t want to miss. Do you live at Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit? If so, you and your family should attend this amazing community event.

by VLEAdminRE, February 6, 2020

Riviera Nayarit

PV Cultural Event Alert: “The Spirit of Frida”

Did you know that one of Mexico’s most iconic artists is Frida Kahlo? Kahlo was a talented and eccentric painter best known for her nature inspired art that also paid homage to Mexico’s artifacts. Villa La Estancia homeowners should head south to Puerto Vallarta on Saturday, November 1st from 9 am to 3pm to attend an interpretive exhibit celebrating Frida Kahlo at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. The exhibition will contain works from local and international artists. The daily entrance fee into the Vallarta Botanical Gardens is just 200 pesos, and is one of Puerto Vallarta’s top attractions for visitors and locals alike. Are you a Villa La Estancia resident looking for something fun to do? If so, continue to read below about the inspiring Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, and make sure to attend the “Spirit of Frida” at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens on November 1st.

Frida Kahlo: Master Painter & Mexican Icon

Kahlo was a skilled painter that is best known for her many portraits and self-portraits that were Inspired by Mexico’s popular culture and folk art. Through her art, she was able to question identity, postcolonialism, gender, class, and race in Mexican society. has Often described as a surrealist or magical realist, many of her paintings contain strong autobiographical elements. A master at mixing realism with fantastical elements, she was also involved in the post-revolutionary Mexicayotl movement that sought to create a Mexican identity.

The Early Life of Frida Kahlo

Born to a German father and Mexican mestiza mother, Kahlo spent most of her childhood and adult life at La Casa Azul, her family home in the neighborhood of Coyoacán in Mexico City. Today, the Frida Kahlo Museum is found in her childhood home that visitors love to explore and learn more about this incredible artist’s life. Kahlo was disabled by polio as a child, but was very intelligent and intended to go to medical school until a traffic accident at age eighteen. Her injuries were severe and contributed to serious pain and continued health issues. While she recovered from the accident, she started painting again and her passion for art was reignited.

Artistic Development and Diego Rivera

Kahlo joined the Mexican Communist Party in 1927 where she met fellow Mexican artist Diego Rivera. The two quickly fell in love and married a year later in 1928. They spent the late 1920’s and early 1930’s travelling throughout Mexico and the United States as Kahlo continued to paint and develop her artistic style. Inspired by Mexican folk culture, the majority of her paintings were small self-portraits that blended pre-Columbian and Catholic beliefs. Kahlo’s first solo exhibition was held in 1938 in New York at the Julien Levy Gallery thanks to the support of surrealist artist André Breton who was impressed by her talent.

Kahlo Recognized by Art Historians

Kahlo’s fame as an artist didn’t occur until the late 1970’s when her work drew the attention of art historians and political activists. Later, in the early 1990’s she had become an important figure in art history and icon for Chicanos, feminists and the LGBT movement. Kahlo’s work is celebrated internationally as a unique representation of Mexican national and indigenous traditions that art lovers appreciate and admire. Many people say that Kahlo’s depiction of the female experience and form is truly genius.

Villa La Estancia residents in Riviera Nayarit should clear their schedule to head to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens on Saturday, Nov. 1st. Come celebrate the work and life of Frida Kahlo, and spend a day enjoying the beauty of the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens have numerous observation trails to explore as well, the most visited public orchid collection in Mexico, and is home to a vast diversity of Mexican plant species. Villa La Estancia homeowners should not miss the “Spirit of Frida”, an exciting cultural event at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens on November 1st.

by VLEAdminRE, October 31, 2019

Destinations, Riviera Nayarit

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!

by VLEAdminRE, July 12, 2018

Residences, Riviera Nayarit

Swim with Dolphins in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta

An experience and adventure like no other is swimming with the dolphins in Riviera Nayarit. How often do you get to interact with marine life for a day? You may be surprised to know that dolphins are very intelligent. Dolphins love to interact with people, and they instantly connect with people in a special way that other animals just don’t do. In the Caribbean and Mexico, you will find over a thousand different companies that allow you to swim with the dolphins. Why not make a day trip to swim with the dolphins from your home away from home at Villa La Estancia Residences?

Swim with Dolphins in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta

Swimming with Dolphins in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta

There are a few things that you should consider when choosing a tour to swim with dolphins in Riviera Nayarit. You should avoid swimming with dolphins at any of the water parks where the dolphins are kept in swimming pools where the water contains chlorine. Chlorine in the water can make the dolphins go blind. This type of environment is not safe for the dolphins, so this type of company should be avoided. Look for a dolphin sanctuary where the dolphins are housed in a larger area too. There are also a number of ecological companies in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta that offer tours to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat.

What You Can Expect?

If you choose to go swimming with the dolphins in an enclosed area at a dolphin sanctuary in Riviera Nayarit, then you will be able to can touch, kiss, hug, and watch the dolphins do all sorts of tricks. The trainer will even teach you how to do some of the tricks with the dolphins, which include talking to them, feeding them, riding next to them etc. These kinds of tours are more suitable for children.

A tour company who have experience with wild dolphins can take you on a cruise where you will search for pods of dolphins swimming in the open sea. You may not get to kiss the dolphins, but you will get to swim with them in their natural habitat. Just imagine swimming with the dolphins in the open sea!

Helpful Tips for your Swim with the Dolphins in Riviera Nayarit

Avoid booking with a large group, as this often means you will have less time with the dolphins.
Always treat the dolphins with respect and friendliness; they are very sensitive animals and will respond to your attitude towards them.
Make sure you that you don’t wear sunscreen in the water (unless it is a special ecological sunscreen), because these creams can irritate the dolphin’s skin. It is better to cover your skin with a longsleeve swimsuit and cap.
Smile for the camera and save money to buy a souvenir photograph.

Swimming with the dolphins in Riviera Nayarit is a wonderful opportunity that doesn’t occur in your daily life. Don’t let this type of adventure pass you by.

by VLEAdminRE, January 19, 2016