things to do in puerto vallarta

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Destinations, Fractional Vacation Ownership, Full Ownership, Real Estate, Riviera Nayarit

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.

by VLEAdminRE,
Riviera Nayarit

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

by VLEAdminRE,
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,
Puerto Vallarta Icons - the New Pier
Destinations, Real Estate, Residences, Riviera Nayarit

Puerto Vallarta Icons – the New Pier

Puerto Vallarta has long been a city of beautiful sights and features, but those who have been frequenting the city for a few years will know just how ramshackle and dilapidated the old Los Muertos Pier was becoming before its renovation in 2011. The modernization of Puerto Vallarta’s pier took place under the care of Architect Jose de Jesus Torres Vega, an esteemed winner of the Biannual Architecture Prize, and was completed in 2013. The old pier was always a centre of activity in Puerto Vallarta, but the new Los Muertos also serves as an aesthetic focal point for the newly refurbished Downtown area of Puerto Vallarta.

Contemporary Design

The design centers around a sail that winds around the very end of the pier and, from some angles, looks like a full sail boat. This sail lights up during the night to produce a colorful and beautiful visual display that can be seen from miles away. This backdrop is a wonderful photo opportunity and makes for a romantic atmosphere during an evening stroll. The pier itself is dotted with benches so that visitors can sit and enjoy the scenery, contemplating the ocean as they do so.

In a stunningly short period of time this pier, like the newly revitalized Malecon, has become an Icon in Puerto Vallarta. You’ll see its striking image in holiday brochures, in paintings and on postcards, but it’s not just a pretty face (so to speak). Los Muertos Pier is also a fully functioning pier from which many an adventure, fishing trip and transport boat leaves. Whether you are taking a sunset cruise, or catching a ride to Las Marietas or Yelapa, it is at Los Muertos Pier that you will find what you are looking for.

Lovers of culture and architecture will definitely want to put a visit to this newly invigorated Puerto Vallarta icon at the top of their ‘to see’ list. It’s likely, however, that you’ll see Los Muertos Pier during your vacation whether you specifically plan to or not. Just be sure that you take the time to admire this pier for what it is; a symbol of Puerto Vallarta’s modernity, growth and charm.

(Photo from Daryl Mitchel at Flickr)

by VLEAdminRE,
Boardwalk Puerto Vallarta
Destinations

Puerto Vallarta is an Art Lover’s Paradise

Puerto Vallarta is an art lover’s paradise, the best vacation location and top choice for second home real estate. Public art and sculptures are displayed all along the seafront boardwalk called the Malecon as well as in various locations throughout the city. Both the Romantic Zone and Downtown Puerto Vallarta have a lot of galleries, markets, and shopping establishments, so you will experience plenty of art. There is so much art available in Puerto Vallarta that you could purchase numerous of pieces for your home, and still be tempted by more works of art.

Puerto Vallarta’s Galleries

The galleries in Puerto Vallarta have a reputation for quality as well as extraordinary, and breathtaking works of art. Artists such as Rogelio Diaz, Javier Nino, and Manuel Lepe Macedo are local artists in Puerto Vallarta who will tempt art lovers to invest in Mexican art for their homes. These local artists are known for creating unique sculptures, traditional paintings, and jewelry that is designer quality.

Huichol Art Galleries

Some of the local galleries sell only Huichol art, which includes absolutely stunning sculptures and threaded “paintings” created by the Native American people from the local area. Huichol art is colorful, beautiful and sacred, whose traditions feature vibrant beadwork and tapestries that are all sealed with beeswax. Occasionally, you can see Huichol art in one of the craft markets in Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta is known for its public art markets.

Huichol Deer

The Malecon Boardwalk for Art Lovers

The Malecon boardwalk showcases a number of public artworks which include sculptures by Alejandro Colunga, Ramiz Barquet, Jonas Gutierrez, and Sergio Bustamante. Many of these works of art were donated by the artists to the town and stimulate interaction from the public. The Malecon is also home to live sculpture artist where actors will pose for a coin or two. For a tour of the sculptures on the Malecon, Galeria Pacifico offers guided tours in English for art lovers.

Boardwalk Puerto Vallarta

The Artwalk

From October through May there is an ArtWalk featured each Wednesday evening. The galleries that are downtown treat guests with wine and small snacks. The ArtWalk is the perfect place to meet a few of the local artists, and chat with other art lovers as yourself. New galleries will debut their gallery at the ArtWalk. There is a map available with the information of each gallery that will be at the ArtWalk. For the Old Town, a similar event is held on Thursdays, known as the South Side Shuffle.

Puerto Vallarta is perfect for art lovers everywhere. There is so much art available that you will be continually inspired.

by VLEAdminRE,