Steph Visits Puerto Vallarta Part 3

Wednesday we said goodbye to the beautiful area of Mismaloya and the Barcelo, and now it’s time to head up to Nuevo Vallarta to spend the next 2 nights at the Occidental Grand Nuevo Vallarta. Nuevo is in the state of Nayarit, just on the other side of Puerto Vallarta city, and is about an hour drive. Buses always put me right to sleep, so I settle in and wake up in a new area.

Nuevo is very different from Puerto Vallarta and Mismaloya. The resorts are larger, and a lot closer together. Everything is more modern, but still has a touch of colonial Mexico. There is lots of mall shopping, rather than markets (there are still markets though, don’t worry!)

After check in, we tour the hotel with the the staff. In addition to the deluxe room we are staying in, we also get to see a junior suite. These have a larger sitting area, a separate bedroom, and a very large bathroom with a soaker tub. The hotel only has 4 junior suites, so they sell out pretty fast. My favorite feature of the hotel is the beach; it goes on forever. If you wanted, you could walk several kilometers to Bucerias uninterrupted.
This afternoon there is finally some time for sun and sand without having to rush. I suit up, and head for the ocean. The water is warm, and there are some light waves to body surf in. Every time I get in the ocean, I always wonder why I don’t live closer to one – I’m just in heaven.

Wednesday evening brings us to Rhythms of the Night, which is the most popular excursion in Puerto Vallarta. We go by boat for roughly an hour to Las Caletas, where they have a beautiful outdoor theater for the show. There is also an private area for weddings, which I think would be absolutely beautiful. The show is fantastic, with amazing acrobatics, dance, strength and singing. Everything is in Spanish, so I don’t really know what is going on, but it doesn’t matter because everything is just so mesmerizing. After the show, a buffet dinner is included before we head back to town.

Our final day in Puerto Vallarta leaves us with a full day for free time. I hummed and hawed about what to do, and finally settled on an excursion to the Marietas Islands with a few others from the group. I heard a rumor that the government is going to close down the Hidden Beach part of the islands to tourists, so I figured I better get in before they do so. The main draw of the Island is Hidden Beach, which is a beach in the middle of the island that can only be accessed by going through a cave. It was truly beautiful, and got some great photos. There was also time for snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding before lunch and drinks were served. Once back at the Occidental, the rest of the afternoon is spend by the pool getting as much sun in as I can before I have to say goodbye.

 

The Occidental treats us to a great farewell dinner at La Hacienda, their Mexican restaurant. There is a huge buffet spread of salads, tacos, enchiladas, rice and beans, vegetables and desserts. I don’t know how we could possibly eat this much food. We spend our last few hours together laughing, taking photos, and enjoying the amazing sunsets of the Pacific coast. After dinner, as I’m up in my room packing for my flight home tomorrow, I’m sad to be coming home so quickly. The past 4 days have just flown by. Adios Puerto Vallarta, but don’t fret as I will be back to see you soon!

Steph Visits Puerto Vallarta Part 2

I always knew I loved the ocean, but waking up at the Barcelo Puerto Vallarta confirms it even more. With my patio door open, I can hear the crashing waves from bed before the bustle of resort life kicks in. This is a sound I never want to let go of. Well, I guess it’s back to reality now.

The day is full as we start off with a presentation from one of the 2 Westjet Vacations destination reps. She tells us about what guests will experience from them when they arrive – the morning briefing, recommended excursions, emergency contact details and more. I find her very helpful, and I’m happy she is here to take care of our many clients in Puerto Vallarta. Next, we are on to see all the Barcelo has to offer.

We are given a tour of 2 excellent room categories; a Family Suite that has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and a Master Suite with a huge sitting room and separate bedroom. I think the Family Suite is absolutely perfect for those larger families that need a little extra space. The Master Suite is stunning, and would be my top choice for a wedding or honeymoon couple. After an update from our local Canadian rep on all things Barcelo and Occidental, there is a bit of free time for lunch before we are at it again on a city tour.

We are shown the Our Lady of Guadalupe church, which is gorgeous. We are also taken along the Malecon beach boardwalk where our guide points out some of the local art. There is a stop for shopping at a local silver shop, and a local candy store.

Lady of Guadalupe Church

After dinner tonight, myself and a few other ladies venture back into town by local bus, which is only 8 Pesos (less than $1 CAD). We walked the Malecon, and stopped for a couple of $1 USD margaritas. It’s getting late now, so we figure its time to head back to the resort to get some sleep, as tomorrow is another jam packed day.

 

Steph Visits Puerto Vallarta Part 1

Buenos dias my amigos!

My next adventure brings me to the beautiful Pacific Coast city of Puerto Vallarta for the next 4 nights. I will be spending my first 2 nights at the beautiful Barcelo Puerto Vallarta. The hosts have been gracious enough to provide an upgrade to Club Premium, which gives an array of extra amenities at the resort – a private lounge, best room location, a bottle of tequila, room service, wifi, unlimited a la carte reservations amd more! I’ve met several other travelers from Saskatoon. So far my afternoon has consisted of exploring the hotel grounds, eating tacos, and maybe a cervesa or 2.

My evening includes meeting with my hosts from Barcelo and Occidental Resorts, and the rest of the group of agents visiting from across Canada. We had a lovely custom 5 course dinner on the deck overlooking the ocean. This would be such a perfect setting for a small wedding group or family reunion. I just love hearing the sound of the waves. I’m really looking forward to what the next 4 days have in store for me while I explore a new part of the world.

 

Barceló Puerto Vallarta