I’m sitting under the stars, watching dancers turn into animals before my eyes. No, there’s no black magic going on, but the night certainly feels magical. The breeze is blowing in from the ocean, soft Mexican music is playing and the show I’m watching is comparable to some of the best that Cirque du Soleil has to offer. I’m in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and I’m daydreaming about staying in this beautiful beach town forever.
The first thing that strikes a visitor to Puerto Vallarta is how authentic and relaxed this city by the sea really is. The beaches are lovely, there are plenty of restaurants and the shops are chock-full of high-quality arts and crafts at reasonable prices.
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Puerto Vallarta Marina // © 2010 Puerto Vallarta Tourism |
Families heading south to this Mexican resort town have a choice of accommodations, from the basic to the deluxe. The Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center has a prime spot on the beach, plus beautiful gardens and two large pools. The sports- and crafts-focused Kids’ Club boasts a professional staff, and Club Level rooms feature personalized butler service. At the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, kids will beg to stay in the pool all day. Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Spa, in the heart of town, has 236 newly remodeled spacious rooms and suites with panoramic ocean views, upgraded furniture and several fine-dining options — plus it’s family friendly. And for clients who want a true luxury experience, the new Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa’s infinity pool and oceanfront dining are matched only by its over-the-top suites and penthouses, all with large balconies overlooking the ocean.
But it is Puerto Vallarta’s activities that are unparalleled. Kids of all ages will love the Vallarta Adventures tour to Yelapa, an old fishing town complete with beachfront restaurants and a “pie lady” who bakes pies, then balances them on her head as she walks up and down the beach looking for tourists with a sweet tooth. At the Vallarta Adventures-owned beach and sanctuary called Las Caletas, visitors can swim with sea lions, snorkel, kayak or just relax on a hammock, then dig into the all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner buffet. Best of all? Las Caletas is the home of Rhythms of the Night, the spectacular Cirque-like dance show that made my night magical.
Adventurous families will want to try an ATV tour over rugged terrain with Green Zebra Adventures. And if that’s not active enough, they should head to El Eden Eco Park, the site where Arnold Schwarzenegger filmed the movie “Predator,” for its two miles of ziplines, many of which zoom over jungle foliage and waterfalls. Concernced parents will feel secure after hearing the detailed safety training lecture and meeting the dedicated staff, and kids will scream (with joy, hopefully) when a costumed “predator” jumps out of the bushes at the end of one of the longest zips.
Pirate lovers shouldn’t miss Puerto Vallarta’s pirate cruise, the Marigalante Pirate Ship. Kids sail for free with paying adults every morning. The all-day Pirate Land tour includes a gourmet lunch, beach activities such as snorkeling, banana boat rides, kayaking and — of course — a pirate show.
To relax, the whole family can head to the Hotel Buenaventura’s spa. When accompanied by an adult, kids can rejuvenate just like their parents with specially designed, fun, kid-themed spa treatments for children ages 5 to 13. Popular treatments include the Little Princess massage, a fruit massage, a strawberry facial or a lemon ice-cream pedicure. Each treatment is topped off with a milk shake.
For beach fun, tell clients to head to the oceanfront boardwalk (known as the malecon) for white sand and amazing sand sculptures. Kids will be wowed by how real the figures in the sculptures appear. Most beach hotels provide sand toys, as well as options for watersports.
The majority of restaurants in Puerto Vallarta are family-friendly, and visitors can choose from any number of international cuisines. For traditional Mexican enchiladas and nachos, head to the River Cafe on the Rio Cuale, a tree-lined walk with souvenir stalls. At Trio, enjoy Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant but relaxed atmosphere. For a special night out, try the Blanca Blue at the Garza Blanca — kids will love the fruity drinks and the breezy patio seating.
By the end of my long weekend, I had taken advantage of all the city had to offer — I lugged home a gigantic embroidered parrot, my shorts were a bit tighter than when I left and my nose was a bit redder — all the better to remember Puerto Vallarta.
What to Do
El Eden Eco Park52-322-222-2516
www.canopyeleden.comGreen Zebra ATV Tours
866-703-2622
www.gogreenzebra.com/puerto-vallarta
Pirate Cruise
866-915-0361
www.piratesofthebaypv.com
Vallarta Adventures
888-526-2238
www.vallarta-adventures.com
Where to Eat
Blanca Blue: Relaxed fine dining at the Garza Blanca Hotel. Km. 7.5 Carretera a Barra de Navidad, Puerto Vallarta
www.garzablancaresort.com
River Cafe: Traditional Mexican cuisine, on the Rio Cuale. Isla Rio Cuale #4, Colonia Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta
www.rivercafe.com.mx
Trio: Mediterranean cuisine, in the heart of the city.
Guerrero 264, Centro, Puerto Vallarta
www.triopv.com
Where to Stay
Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Spa
Av. Mexico 1301 - Col. 5 de Diciembre
888-859-9439; www.hotelbuenaventura.com.mx
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CasaMagna Marriott
Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
Paseo La Marina 435, Marina Vallarta
888-236 2427; www.marriott.com
Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa
Km. 7.5 Carretera a Barra de Navidad
877-845-5247; www.garzablancaresort.com
Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center
Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio No. 999
877-743-7282; www.sheratonvallarta.com
When to Go
Winter is beautiful in Puerto Vallarta, with temperatures in the high 70s. Summer is the rainy season, but it only rains for a few hours in the afternoon each day — just in time for a Mexican siesta.
Getting There
Puerto Vallarta is easily accessible by most major airlines. The airport is conveniently located near downtown, and taxis are quite reasonable.
