Rich in culture and heritage, Puerto Vallarta has cultivated a unique identity without developers dictating its infrastructure, making the vibrant beach town feel extraordinarily authentic. Well-preserved Old Town is lined with cobblestone streets and chock-full of al fresco cafes and art galleries. Traditional restaurants and bars hug the pristine beaches. Secret, off-the-beaten-path beach gems, all with distinctive personalities, dot the coastline. And the vibrant nightlife includes everything from jazz lounges to tequila bars.
Perhaps Puerto Vallarta’s biggest disadvantage for clients is a relative shortage of luxury hotels and resorts. While a handful of five-star brands exist, such as Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, along with upscale boutique properties such as Casa Kimberly and Casa de Mita, high-end options are somewhat limited. But, ultimately, a lack of luxury chains has become a boon for vacation rentals, which contribute to the cultural flair that Puerto Vallarta is known for.
Luxury villas, most managed and owned by Puerto Vallarta natives, have become premiere accommodations integrated into the hotel landscape. Clients will experience five-star service, resort amenities, gourmet cuisine and spectacular settings. The dozens of top-notch villa rentals in Puerto Vallarta are all-inclusive, are equipped with round-the-clock staff (including housekeeping, private chefs and butlers), are designed with local integrity and offer plenty of privacy. And not to mention, they feature multiple suite-style accommodations, where each room has a private bathroom.
An average nightly rate for a villa can be far cheaper than booking several rooms at a hotel. The added benefit for your clients? Luxury villas often reflect the spirit and allure of Puerto Vallarta.
Villa Mandarinas
Take Villa Mandarinas, an 11-bedroom villa that’s built within the hillside of Mismaloya (about a 25-minute drive from Old Town). Opened in 2009, the self-contained oasis, designed by architect Alberto Alvarez, is equipped with two infinity pools, a private chef for gourmet Mexican meals, a pier that juts out into the ocean and a man-made tidal pool. Due to the smart, cascading tier design, all strategically staggered-out rooms (most with private terraces, whirlpool tubs and separate rain showers) harbor unobstructed views of the sea. There’s a sprawling lawn that moonlights as an event terrace — perfect for weddings — and an outdoor yoga pavilion that was added last year.
The property is nearly the size of a boutique hotel but intimate enough for groups like families. Vallarta native and owner Gabriela Garcia didn’t steer from her heritage and local inspiration.
The villa, which she describes as “sophisticated Mexican,” features local furnishings and textiles.
A minimum of five rooms start at $1,950 per night, and agents receive 15 percent commission.
www.villa-mandarinas.com
Casa Septiembre
Closer to town, Casa Septiembre, a soulful, eight-bedroom villa, is nestled right on a secluded beach. It features a whimsical design that merges owner Ulises Leon’s inspiring trips to destinations such as Bali and Morocco with local aesthetics. The interiors feel like a movie set, and you can thank director Roland Emmerich (of blockbuster films such as “Godzilla” and “Independence Day”), who was also responsible for the visionary design when he and Leon decorated it in the late 1990s.
Like Villa Mandarinas, Casa Septiembre has sun-drenched rooms, a dedicated staff (including a bartender) and fresh Mexican meals by a private chef. A heated infinity pool overlooks the beach, and its location next to posh Conchas Chinas is a convenient 15-minute walk to Playa Los Muertos, Puerto Vallarta’s main beach. Inclusive rates start at $1,500 per night, and agents receive 20 to 25 percent commission.
www.casaseptiembre.com.mx
Puerto Vallarta Beach Club
Right in town, Puerto Vallarta Beach Club’s prime, central location ensures repeat guests. It’s on the far south end of Los Muertos Beach, mere steps to Old Town, with a bird’s-eye view of the bay. The property is set on a private beach, and the owners have decades of experience in hospitality.
Sprawling the private estate are four beachfront villas (a one-bedroom, a four-bedroom and two three-bedrooms), each with an indoor-outdoor design, living spaces and private pools. Puerto Vallarta Beach Club also includes a beach bar, a dining terrace, a fitness center and a dedicated staff. It’s possible to rent out individual villas (starting at $225, per bedroom, per night, with a five-night minimum stay) or as a whole (eight bedrooms, with a five-night stay). Agents receive 10 percent commission.
www.puertovallartabeachclub.com
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita was one of the brand’s first resorts to offer vacation rentals. As part of its portfolio are six private residences that range from three- to five-bedroom villas, either directly on the beach or strategically placed in the hillside for outstanding views. All private residence villas include a heated infinity pool, a fully equipped kitchen, dedicated butler service and access to all resort amenities. The villas can be rented online or through a luxury villa rental company, Luxury Retreats. Rates start at $1,950.
www.fourseasons.com
www.luxuryretreats.com
