Travel Guide: Puerto Vallarta

We exited the airplane onto the runway and into the hot humid Mexico air that smelled like vacation. After making our way out of the airport and successfully avoiding the timeshare salesmen impersonating travel coordinators, we were on our way to Now Amber, one of Puerto Vallarta’s most luxurious resorts.

The ride to Now Amber revealed to us a glimpse of the vibrancy of Puerto Vallarta. We noted the passing restaurants, strip clubs, bars, and marina. Puerto Vallarta is sometimes referred to as the San Francisco of Mexico. Nightlife and gay pride are abundant in this colorful city.

With anticipation bubbling over, we arrived at the luxurious Now Amber, complete with all the amenities for a well deserved pampering or an incredible adventure. Set on the beautiful Banderas Bay, we were able to take in sights of the Pacific Ocean, while relaxing in the privacy of of our resort. With so many options ranging from relaxation to full on adventure, we almost didn’t know where to start– though we definitely started with food.

Our rooms were relaxing retreats to return to during our exhilarating experience in Puerto Vallarta. Below are some of LEFAIR Magazine’s recommendations on what to do and where to stay when you take a trip to Puerto Vallarta!

Hotelito Mio

Listed as one of the best beach boutique hotels, Hotelito Mio is defined by excellent service, attention to detail, and the warmth of its personnel. Hotelito Mio features eight unique private villas with unique elements that help it to achieve the perfect blend of warm spaces and harmony with nature. The luxe Swiss Family Robinson-style tree-house lodging is nothing short of stunning. 

Now Amber & Secrets

These ajoining sister hotels are located on the same property. Sharing many of the same features such as elegant rooms and suites, a world class spa, vibrant ocean views, and gourmet dining, they differ in that Now Amber is family friendly while Secrets Resort is for adults only. Every room features contemporary Mexican decor with furnished balconies and exquisite views of the deep blue Banderas Bay. Each luxurious guest suite features marble flooring, a private terrace or balcony, and a complimentary mini bar. These award winning hotels also feature two unique golf courses and a world-class spa. Enjoy late night live music in the lobby or if you’re lucky like we were, a light show by the pool!

Now Amber Dining

Now Amber features four a la carte restaurants, a buffet, grill, and cafe. One of the restaurant, Capers, features Italian gourmet specialties and a wine cellar for
an intimate dining experience. Himitsu, offers the ultimate experience in Pan Asian delicacies featuring Teppanyaki tables. Castaways, is a great place to grab lunch or a quick bite by the pool while admiring the Pacific Ocean. Tamarindo, serves local Mexican favorites in an authentic atmosphere.

The Sapphire Ocean Club

The culinary delights do not end at the resort. Located not too far away are some of the best eateries Puerta Villa has to offer. The Sapphire Ocean Club offers a stunning oceanfront dining experience with array of wines and cocktails as well as a decadent menu prepared by the Club’s internationally experienced chef. It blends organic and natural ingredients with exquisite Mexican flavors and offers each guest a customized menu that corresponds to their tastes and nutritional requirements. The restaurant is located at the members only Sapphire Ocean Club which offers exclusive, environmentally friendly and sophisticated comfort on Puerto Vallarta´s Los Muertos Beach. Day and week passes for the Sapphire Ocean Club are available. 

El Malecon

Puerto Vallarta has many activities to offer whether you feel like spending the day exploring the ocean or adventuring on land. The famous 12-block, mile-long boardwalk “El Malecon,” is vibrant lined with art galleries, shopping, and nightlife. Take a trip and visit the marina. Enjoy coastal sightseeing and secluded beach visits. Tour the historic center of the city or walk through the downtown and enjoy local culinary specialties such as the “pregnant shrimp.” Admire the beautiful sculptures and visit historic sites like the Guadalupe Church and The Arcs. 

La Palapa

La Palapa features Tropical Mexican cuisine that combines Mexican with Asian and French elements to bring you a fresh, local culinary experience you won’t soon forget.

Museo del Cacao

Visit Museo del Cacao also known as the ChocoMuseo which is located in the heart of the city center of Puerto Vallarta and allows you to come visit and learn how to make chocolate. The museum will also teach you everything you ever wanted to know about Mexican cacao and chocolate with incorporated live performances and chocolate tasting as well as picture and video presentations.

Charters Mike’s Fishing and Tours

Adventure with Mike’s Fishing Charters and Tours, jump off a yacht, snorkel, or take a dinghy to the beach at Hotelito Mio and stop in for lunch!

The Art Walk

The Art Walk is an important contribution to the vibrancy of the city and the name that it has established for itself as a center of art creation, promotion, and exhibition. Various galleries in the historic center of Puerto Vallarta participate together with important national and international artists to bring these galleries to life. Remarkable paintings, sculptures, fine ceramics, blown glass, and other art is featured among the galleries. Caballito de Mar showcases art that is a reflection of Mexico’s cultural past. Corsica Galeria de Arte showcases contemporary fine art at its best and is a favorite of art collectors thanks to its catalog that only includes top fine Mexican artists. Galeria Colectika focuses on the evolution of Mexican art. Grab a glass of wine, take a walk as you sip, and discover all of the galleries as well as the incredible artists represented.

Enjoy tequila tastings, various fiestas, bread tastings, and yacht rides. Take an excursion to the nearby native village and enjoy the dances and pilgrimages honoring the saints. Climb up the majestic mountains and slip by canopy into the rainforest. On top of these activities, each resort offers pamperings at their own private onsite spas, access to multiple resort specific golf courses, and other activities for guests such as snorkeling, paddle boarding, horseback riding, fitness centers, and many others that may vary depending on the resort. Or, if none of that sounds appealing, you can just relax by the pool, or indulge in the luxury that each resort and suite has to offer. The spirit and culture of Mexico are constantly present in magical Puerto Vallarta.

Sunshine, baby sea turtles, and shrimp ceviche for days… Puerto Vallarta is a delight to the senses and a LEFAIR Magazine vacation destination favorite.