Our Puerto Vallarta Vacation

Wendi Wallerstein

Way back in October 2008, my husband and I and our two kids, Erin, age 16, and A.J., age 18, planned a week-long trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for May 2009. We were going with another couple, so we did our homework, planned and plotted and had a perfect week planned. We knew what we were doing every day, where we were eating dinner every night and even left holes in our week for down time. And then the H1N1 flu virus hit. The word was that hotels, bars and restaurants were shutting down and airlines were canceling flights. Our friends backed out, with our blessing, and we weren’t sure what to do.

As the trip got closer, our friends decided they would come after all. We redid the restaurant reservations and lined up new excursions for different days. After all that, our online travel company called and said our flights had been canceled and our money would be refunded if that’s what we wanted. We took that option and gave some thought to our next step. Should we just not go and miss out on a week of vacation, or should we rebook with a different airline? Well, after a quick search we found new flights that were cheaper than our original tickets and rebooked. On May 16, we were off to Puerto Vallarta as planned.

Villa del Palmar Vallarta

All the hassle and stress was worth it — we had a fabulous vacation. We stayed at the Villa del Palmar Vallarta, in Puerto Vallarta, and were treated like royalty. We were given a wonderful two-bedroom condo with a wrap-around deck and a view to die for. The deck was huge and had four lounge chairs, two round dining tables and chairs, a wet bar, a Jacuzzi and a washer and dryer. It was more than I could have imagined. In addition, the staff at hotel were top-notch. They were friendly, informative and always helpful. Every member of the staff we encountered always had a smile on their face and were ready, willing and able to help us in any way they could.

In fact, that attitude was seen time and time again throughout the entire city of Puerto Vallarta. It felt as if there was a genuine feeling that locals were happy to have you in their city and they were proud of their city. I have been to other parts of Mexico but nowhere else have I been treated as wonderfully as I was on this trip.

We also did the Los Veranos Canopy Zipline, and it was a great. The guides cared about all the guests and did what they could to make sure each and everyone one of us had the time of our lives. We also took part in a sail/snorkel excursion to Yelapa. Again, a wonderful crew showed us a great time.

Lastly, the food was diverse and delicious. Numerous times we enjoyed street tacos at Pepe’s (the carnitas are delicious) and we also had some lovely dinners at great restaurants in town. We thoroughly enjoyed the personal service given by Bruce at Teatro Limon, and we loved taking in the view of the city and sunset at Barcelona Tapas and happened upon some wonderful sushi, with a Mexican twist, at Kensao.

One thing not to miss is the pizza at the Villa del Palmar Vallarta. They have a great pizza oven at the poolside bar and they will make a delicious pizza with jalapenos upon request. It’s perfect when lounging by the pool with a beer or margarita.

Villa del Palmar Vallarta Beach Resort and Spa
www.villagroupresorts.com