New video of Villa Balboa

Villa Balboa is one of the finest villa rentals in the world. We just put together this quick video, available on our Puerto Vallarta Villa You Tube Channel.

Let us know what you think. We'll be doing more videos like this because the combination music, image, and motion really help to convey the experience that is Puerto Vallarta Villa Vacationing.

Dia Ocho En Puerto Vallarta

When I felt the metallic clasp of the airplane seat belt buckle click together reality set in hard.

It was over.

Villa Caliente, Villa Balboa, and Villa Venado…now exist just in memory.

It was a dazed feeling to wake up in the soft soft bed of a private suite in Villa Venado and just hours later to be sitting on board an airplane, checked back into the reality of life like the rest of the freshly tanned passengers.

Only I have a little secret.

Yes we were all in Puerto Vallarta for a lovely vacation…but none of these other folks woke up where I woke up this morning.

None of them woke up surrounded by magnificent art works, in a home on a hillside like Villa Venado.

None of the travelers around me had breakfast and coffee on the terrace of a home that could easily be seen featured by a celebrity lifestyle TV show or affluent living magazine.

None of these travelers around me had the experience I had.

They had a vacation.

I had a dream…and it came true.

How much more is that worth? To have an experience?

It’s priceless.

I just had a priceless vacation experience, not beyond my dreams, but beyond my expectations. But why?

Because I had no idea you could vacation like this so affordably. Yes it isn’t cheap, but vacationing never is. You go on vacation to escape. To feel special. To pamper the ones you love. To have an experience.

Villa Venado provided that for me.

Villa Balboa provided that for me.

Villa Caliente provided that for me.

The reason I woke up so early every day. The reason why this morning I got up and walked around the still house just looking at everything. The reason why I stood on the terrace and looked out at the jungle rolling down to the ocean and breathed deep and closed my eyes absorbing every sensation available to me…was because this was an experience. This was an experience that I will never forget and that I may not ever get to repeat. This was an experience well beyond average. Average is what you get on a cruise ship, at a touristy resort, and the hotel right on the beach.

So I wandered around Villa Venado this morning looking at the art work, the architecture and fine detail built into every square inch of this magnificent home…I walked around outside and looked at the house and the grounds and lush hillside around it. I watched the halo form along the top edge of the hill as the sun began to climb and light up the upper most leaves on the trees. I took one last deep breath…and said goodbye.

We packed our bags, ate breakfast and drank our locally roasted coffee on the terrace (Chef Kori arranged for us to get over 10 pounds of coffee from a local roaster to bring home) and in what now seems like the blink of an eye, it was time to go.

Down the hill under the mango trees, up the coast highway, through old Vallarta and the romantic zone, past the River Café, past some of the restaurants and shops we’d visited, past the Malecon, past the marina where the mammoth cruise ships dock, and finally to the airport.

Good bye Puerto Vallarta…until next time.

Dia Siete En Puerto Vallarta

Being in paradise, and staying in some of the finest homes I’ve ever seen anywhere, really makes waking up at 6am easy. While the other members of our party sleep their time here away I sneak outside.

Resting my elbows on the railing of the main floor terrace I lean out to let my eyes and ears drink in the early morning at Villa Venado. The gentle breeze is rocking the tops of the palm trees planted near the house. The birds are becoming active. I see them in the tree tops off in the distance to either side of the villa. Their calls echo around the hillside. Sometimes it sounds like they receive answering calls from the next hillside or canyon over. There isn’t any man-made noise to be heard. Growing up in northern Minnesota I have a great appreciation for the solitude of morning in the woods where the only noise is nature. This morning has a similar feeling. The air smells differently and the birds sound different, but morning before man starts his machines is my favorite time of day.

Villa Venado is a very private Puerto Vallarta villa. There are only two other villas nearby, one is being remodeled, and both were unoccupied during our stay. So we basically had the hillside to ourselves.

After about an hour I rousted my companions. We had breakfast and coffee on the terrace and discussed the activity planned for today and wondered what it would be like. None of us had been on a zipline canopy tour before and we felt excited and a little apprehensive as to what the experience would be like.

The owners of Villa Venado, Jeff and Juliana, also own the Puerto Vallarta canopy tour that we’ll be visiting today and they include free passes to the tour for guests that stay at the villa. Los Veranos Canopy Tours is the name of the company, and Juliana was kind enough to call us at the villa, check to see what time we’d like to go and arrange for one of their shuttle buses to pick us up at the roadside down below the villa. (As we’re about to find out it’s a bit of a drive up into the Canyons and a cab ride would be pretty expensive.)

The tour recommends bug spray, comfortable shoes, and having a camera on a strap. Some people recommended we wear long pants, perhaps to help with the bugs. We did not wear them and would not recommend them. We did a lot of hiking up steps and paths and you will get really hot if you wear pants. See their website for complete details here: http://www.canopytours-vallarta.com

We checked in with Sochie, told her our plan, when we would be back and headed out. We walked down the fancy manicured drive and then continued on to the cobble stone past a few modest homes and condos and many many mango trees (the mangos were not ripe yet...just two more weeks and they would have been). We crossed to the other side of the coast highway and waited for about 5 minutes until the very clean and modern tour bus arrived.

The drive from here took us down the coast through Mismaloya (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mismaloya) and then we turned up a valley road into what looked like a wildlife preserve or national park. There were signs in Spanish that said something to the effect of “don’t litter” and “take out what you bring in.” I didn’t see a sign that told us a park name, but signs like those are generally synonymous with nature park type places, and it certainly looked like one.

The bus wound its way up in the canyon and climbed higher and higher. After about 15 minutes we slowed down and turned off the main road into a quaint and non-touristy looking little town. In the corner of my eye I saw movement in the sky over head. I looked just in time to catch a person mid-canyon on a zip line that was hundreds of feet off the ground and far higher than what I expected. I told the team that if what I just saw was the zip line we’re going on, “I hope you guys brought a change of underwear.”

We unloaded, were directed to lockers for personal belongings and told to use the restrooms…”To avoid mid-air accidents.” Which we were told was a frequent occurrence.

The staff was very comical and super friendly, so after a minute or two it was obvious that they were joking about the frequency of the "mid-air accidents". However the zip-lines we could see from the base camp were very high, and one member of our group was becoming very anxious.

Next they led us to the area where they handed out the gear and explained the best way to conduct yourself on the zip-lines. They offered reassurance about safety and told us what to do in certain situations; like if you stop short of the platform, are coming in too fast, etc…

Zip-Line crash course completed we were marched up the hill to begin the tour.

To say the least…it was AMAZING!!!

They started us off with some smaller lines, tree to tree, to help folks gain confidence. But it wasn’t long before we were doing some seriously long lines. We’re talking multiple football fields of distance across canyons that, on our highest run, go more than 700 feet in the air above the canyon floor.

It was spectacular and the staff would often take volunteers to hang upside down, spin round and round, and for other aerial shenanigans. I call them shenanigans because the guides we very playful, very humorous and worked extremely hard to make the experience memorable for everyone.

At the end of the tour we each put $10 in their tip jar and bought shots of Tequila - which is the tradition (or so the bar tenders would have you believe). But it was a bit of a workout and we certainly felt we deserved a shot to celebrate our bravery and counter act the adrenaline that was pumping.

This experience was one in a life-time. If you come to Puerto Vallarta, go on this Canopy Tour. It was SO much fun. Even our most anxiety prone companion was having a blast by the end.

At the base camp there is a restaurant and cantina along the river. You may go swimming there aswell if you like. They also have a petting zoo of sorts with some pigmy marmosets and squirrel monkeys, a large iguana, a big python and a tarantula. (I will get some video up soon of the Pigmy Marmosets eating yogurt from my hand. It was one of the most endearing things I have ever experienced…)

From an animal rights perspective I am sure there are those that will disapprove, but their animal facility was very clean and appeared well kept. The animals appeared healthy and very well cared for and similarly to a zoo, when people get to interact with animals I believe they’ll have a better appreciation for them and the environment that they rely on. I know I will never think about the jungle without remembering my little tiny pigmy marmosets and how cute and special they are.

With a few hundred pictures in the camera and what I hope will turn out to be some good video we head back to Villa Venado. On the way home one of the tour guides grabbed a van and shuttled the four of us right to the front door saving us the long walk up the hill. His thoughtfulness was most welcomed. The other two couples that were in the van, catching a ride back to their cruise ship, had to pick their jaws up off the floor of the van when they saw where we were staying.

Yeah…it really is THAT nice.

Home sweet vacation home…

The rest of the afternoon we spent lounging by the pool, soaking in some sun, and silently lamenting the fact that it was our last full day in paradise. Together we sat on the patio lounge chairs and watched for the last time as the sun slowly approach the horizon, touch it and sink quickly into the ocean.

That evening my lady friend and I were treated to a fancy dinner, prepared by our two cohorts.

The candles were lit. The waterfall was trickling, The warm lights inside Villa Venado cast everything in gentle gold. We raised our glasses for last time to an amazing experience and to the people that made it possible.

What a trip.

What luxury.

What a way to vacation. Why would anyone stay in a hotel on vacation? I know I never will again.

Thank you Jeff and Juliana for opening your home to us. You’ve really created a masterwork here and a great value for the vacation traveler that seeks a more refined experience...

Click here for information about renting Villa Venado in Puerto Vallarta.

Dia Seis En Puerto Vallarta (Part 3)

Every minute that goes by this morning is bittersweet. Our time at Villa Balboa is coming to an end.

On the agenda; gourmet breakfast by chef Kori, a sample of the spa treatments available at the villa, a light lunch and our goodbyes to the wonderful staff and this amazing ocean front home rental in Puerto Vallarta.

Chef Kori starts us off right with a fresh mango and cantaloupe smoothie. She insisted that we drink a lot of water as the masseurs would go to work on us and if we’re not hydrated sufficiently we’ll cramp up badly.

After breakfast we’re told it is time and we head down to our terrace, where I spent those peaceful moments earlier in the morning, and we find the two women already set up for us. No CD of relaxing ocean waves needed, mother nature already provides that sound track. Add the firm touch of an expert masseur and aroma therapy oils to create the best massage experience I’ve ever had.

After the massage a dip in our room’s infinity Jacuzzi is the final touch to our luxurious and relaxing stay.

Our bags are packed we’re ready to go….

I sneak away from our group to take one final walk though the villa to soak up into memory as much of this experience as possible. The garden and koi ponds on the rooftop, the wonderful décor and pool and patio on the main floor, the movie theater, the waterfall, the master suites, the executive apartment, the other bedrooms, the unique bathrooms throughout the villa. The sounds. The smells. The feeling of the sun on my face with the cool rocks at the base of the waterfall beneath my feet. I want to remember everything!

We say our goodbyes and thank yous to Christhian and Eduardo, and as we’re about to call a cab to meet us, chef Kori offers to drive us to our next stop…Villa Venado.

Chef Kori, who will probably have her own cooking show someday she’s so adorable and spunky, is simply too nice. If you’d like to contact her for event catering or private chef service email her at chefkori@hotmail.com

On to Villa Venado…

With the help of Eduardo we piled our luggage into the back of Chef Kori’s Dodge Ram pick-up, that still had California plates even after 7 years of driving in PV. Chef Kori explained some of the intricacies of the Mexican driving system and it was shocking. Thank goodness cabs are so plentiful, buses run regularly, and nice locals like Chef Kori will help you get around.

As she put the truck in drive we looked back at the entrance to Villa Balboa and the large wooden doors that hide a sanctuary of such opulence it is hard to image the could exist more than a handful of villas like this one in the entire world.

We rolled up onto the coast highway and Villa Balboa was quickly gone from view.

The truck bounced down the coast highway. Wind blew in our faces carrying the smell of the ocean wafting through the foliage that lined the road. I took a deep breath and said, “You guys think we should just go to the airport? Cuz there’s no way the trip can get any better than what we just experienced.”

Chef Kori, jokingly step a little on the break and said, “o.k..” We all chuckled.

Chef Kori told us that Villa Venado shouldn’t be very far down the road from Balboa, though she had never seen it. That made sense as Venado was only just finished in 2009.

Soon we were slowing down and turning left to go up a bumpy hillside road. There were some condos or apartments to the left and some small houses on the right. The road was the cobblestone that we had seen in many parts of Vallarta and there were large Mango Trees over hanging the road as we climbed.

After a short distance the road opened up to an area of the hillside that was under slow development. We passed another 2 or three houses and then we came to a gated drive that was as finely paved and manicured as you’d see in any modern multi-million dollar luxury home development in the US. We passed through and climbed the steep palm lined pavement drive and as we rounded a bend we saw it.

Villa Venado.

A warm toned, uniquely designed, luxury villa set behind large walls on the lush hillside. This home rose like a castle, or a chateau, and with dramatic architecture faced the ocean and seemed to say, “I am Venado…hear me roar!”

We were stunned by this home, but in a different way than Villa Balboa.

Sochie, the house manager, met us at the gate in the wall. I would say door but this large wooden gate reminded me more of the entrance to a castle. It was made of bulky, heavy rough-hewn timbers, and featured a large cast iron handle. On closer inspection you could see that the door’s simple design was enhanced by an entrance security system. Classic meets modern is a theme you’ll notice in much of the architecture here.

As we stepped onto the grounds it became immediately apparent that, similar to the case of Balboa, the pictures you see online do not do the home justice.

Flagstone tiles lead up to the entry stairs and the 12 or 15 foot high front door that is surrounded by glass that must go up another 10 feet. To the right you see the guest house and garage, to the left the estate wall wraps around the side of the home revealing a path onto the lower garden area of the grounds. Walking up the steps you cannot help but feel like you’re living in an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous or MTV Cribs.

Walking past a polished marble sphere, 3 feet in diameter, that has a hole drilled through it turning it into a fountain, we push the front door and enter Villa Venado.

Astounding.

The foyer opens onto the main floor of the home and the only word that can be used to describe this living space is; expansive. The ceilings must be 30 feet high in this part of the house.

Art work and sculptures decorate every wall. Massive panes of glass allow for a panorama of the jungle hillside and ocean.

We could tell sunsets from here were going to be magnificent.

The main floor features a gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances. The main floor terrace stretches about half the width of the house and provides a sitting area off the kitchen for coffee or light meals. The dining room will accommodate 8 comfortably and 10 if you don’t mind a little less elbow room. All around you are pieces of fine décor.

The back drop for the dining room is the home’s waterfall that sends rivulets running down a wall of what appears to be stacked black slate. At the base of the waterfall is a copper statue, turned green like the statue of liberty, of a sword fish leaping from the water.

It was clear the owners of Villa Venado spared no expense in its creation.

Continuing the tour, there is one bedroom on the main floor with its own private bath and terrace and also an iMac computer with DSL internet and a Vonage with free calls to the US.

Now the spiral staircase that takes you to the upper and lower levels requires special attention. The marble stairs are set into the wall and have no other railings or banisters holding them in place. They appear to float without support.

On the upper level of the home there is an office and luxurious master suite. The master bath has a huge sculpted marble tub. It is really quite spectacular. If this tub was quarried and cut from a single piece of marble it alone must have cost tens of thousands of dollars...

As we turn to leave I snap a picture of the staircase looking down from the top floor…

On to the first lower level. Stepping off the stairs the panorama is amazing, and I’m not just talking about the ocean view.

Immediately upon stepping onto the lower level you see a finely crafted billiard table. To the left are large glass panes that reach from the level of my toes all the way up to the ceiling of the main level, and provide a full view of the waterfall feature. To the right of the Billiard table is the living area and entertainment system. A 72 in flat screen is centered on the wall surrounded by speakers, audio and video components below, artwork to break up the wall and then built-in shelves on each end are filled with books and a few photos of the owners family.

A plush leather couch faces the TV and a full bar backs up against the wall facing the ocean. Two bedrooms then flank this living area to each side.

Stepping out onto the pool patio area you see the outdoor grill, palapa dining area, infinity pool and jaccuzzi.

I can’t wait to see this place all lit up tonight.

The tour moves on to the second lower lever where the workout room is located along with a neat vintage arcade that features antique pinball machines, Foosball table, a shuffle board table and a very cool looking bathroom sink. I won’t tell you what it looks like. You’ll just have to explore it for yourself. Sochie’s apartment is also located on this level.

Not part of the tour, but because I was curious, I asked her to show me the lowest level, and there we saw the state of the art water purification system. It was much more complex looking than I thought it would be for a house this size. Good to know the owners spared no expense anywhere in constructing this beauty of a home.

Back to the main floor and a pow-wow with Sochie to determine what we would need her to pick up for us at the store. Having Chef Kori spoiled us because we told her to just rock our culinary world and she did. Because we wanted to cook ourselves at this our last home we needed Sochie to pick up some things from the market.

Steak, veggies, eggs, chorizo, fruit, tortillas and of course cerveza, were on the list to pick up.

Having arranged everything we needed with Sochie, and knowing tomorrow would be a busy day… We hit the pool and turned on whole-house XM radio and enjoyed the rest of our afternoon.

Sochie returned that evening with our provisions and we grilled steak and veggies, enjoyed a bottle of wine and headed to bed. We closed the walls of sliding doors, turned on our in room air conditioner and fell right to sleep…

What a day.

Tomorrow…ZIP LINES!!!

Dia Seis En Puerto Vallarta (Part 2)

Every minute that goes by this morning is bittersweet. Our time at Villa Balboa is coming to an end.

On the agenda; gourmet breakfast by chef Kori, a sample of the spa treatments available at the villa, a light lunch and our goodbyes to the wonderful staff.

Chef Kori starts us off right with a fresh mango and cantaloupe smoothie. She insisted that we drink a lot of water as the masseurs would go to work on us and if we’re not hydrated sufficiently we’ll cramp up.

After breakfast we’re told it is time and we head down to our terrace, where I spent those peaceful moments earlier in the morning, and we find the two women already set up for us. No CD of relaxing ocean waves needed, mother nature already provides that sound track. Add the firm touch of an expert masseur and aroma therapy oils to create the best massage experience I’ve ever had.

After the massage a dip in our room’s infinity Jacuzzi is the final touch to our luxurious and relaxing stay.

Our bags are packed we’re ready to go…

I sneak away from our group to take one final walk though the villa to soak up into memory as much of this experience as possible. The garden and koi ponds on the rooftop, the wonderful décor and pool and patio on the main floor, the movie theater, the waterfall, the master suites, the executive apartment, the other bedrooms, the unique bathrooms throughout the villa. The sounds. The smells. The feeling of the sun on my face with the cool rocks at the base of the waterfall beneath my feet.

I want to remember everything!

We say our goodbyes to Christhian, Eduardo, and as we’re about to call a cab to meet us, chef Kori offers to drive us to our next stop…Villa Venado. Chef Kori, who will probably have her own cooking show someday she’s so adorable and spunky, is simply too nice. If you’d like to contact her for event catering or private chef service email her at chefkori@hotmail.com

Good bye Villa Balboa... Hello Villa Venado!

More pictures and video of Villa Balboa will be posted soon!

Dia Seis En Puerto Vallarta

The sound of the ocean is the most welcomed alarm clock I have ever known.

Awake at 6:00 when on a tropical paradise vacation would normally not be on the agenda, but when it’s your last morning at Puerto Vallarta's Villa Balboa you want to take advantage of every last second to soak in as much of the home as possible...

My goal at this moment is to absorb the essence of this home so that in weeks and months and years from now, I can close my eyes, and be transported back here.

Right here, on the terrace of the Sea Shell Room, the 4th floor master suite, standing on the cool glassy marble looking out onto a pre-sunrise ocean and sky that blur together pale shades of blue with subtle strokes of cherry blossom and lavender. The ocean rolling over rocks, a few pelicans down the beach, the sea breeze across my face and the deep relaxing breaths make up the quartet serenading me this morning. A single fishing boat is silently making its way out of the bay.

These moments, and so many others, are now indelibly etched in my memory.

Villa Balboa will do this for you as well.

Only perhaps your forever moment will be when your lover catches your gaze in the rooftop garden. Or when you’re holding hands on your room’s private terrace as you watch the sun set before your eyes. Or when you touch wine glasses after you are escorted to a private candlelit dinner for two in Balboa’s hidden sanctuary. Or when you, your children, and grand children are all on vacation together and all 20 of you have just sat down around the dining room table and each face is turned toward you, anticipating the loving words of an elder so proud of the family all being together at Christmas. Or the moment when the world stands still, the golden glowing sun hanging just above the horizon, in the breathless moment just before you say, “I do”.

Such is the power of Villa Balboa…

It creates the moments that change your life forever.

(To Be Continued…)

Dia Cinco en Puerto Vallarta (part 2)

Day 5 continued...

So yes, sorry about the flash back in part one to our check in experience. It was worthy of making a two part entry don't you think?

Now dressed for the day and riding the elevator up to the 2nd floor thoughts wander onto the need for breakfast.

Chef Kori? Are you here?

Of course she is with a menu of Huevos Rancheros gourmet style and a pitcher of freshly blended mango and pineapple smoothie. Yummy!

Now this next part isn't usually on the activity list for the normal day of guests at Villa Balboa. Typically you'd be lounging by the pool, having massages, or getting ready for your wedding, or supermodel photo shoot or what have you... But we decided to go to market with Chef Kori.

She said she likes it when folks want to get out and see some real Mexico...Not that Villa Balboa isn't real, though we took turns pinching each other the entire time, its just that's not were average Mexican stay, not how they live, and Chef Kori, who is originally from California, was happy to be our guide to the city. We all piled into her Dodge Ram extended cab pick-up truck and off we went to market.

As we toured through the streets Kori told us stories about her life in Puerto Vallarta and how fabulous it is to live there and have the opportunity to work as a chef for some very cool people in some very cool places. Her only complaint was the local police, whom she said, "Want to take my big truck!"

The open air market was roughly the shape of a square with a courtyard in the middle and vendors wrapping around the inside and out. We first walked by fish vendors offering the morning's catch on ice. There was red snapper, mahi mahi, crabs, huge shrimp, octopus, and more. We would be back! Don't want to buy fish first, keep it on ice until the last minute.

In another corner of the market was the produce area where we found bins and bags of the usual fruit and veg suspects and many more, including the most fragrant fruit I have ever smelled. I don't remember the name but it was small and yellow with a pear like outer consistency and a scent so strong and so sharply sweet that it reminded me of smelling a starburst candy. So we had to get some! Along with some star fruit, Mexican plums, limes, a few types of squash, cilantro, several more things I cannot remember and cactus. When in Rome.

We bounced from shop to shop picking out the best items here and there, peeking at the fresh local food, a few oddities and watched a tortilla mill and bake machine in action. It was really really cool, but not for the faint hearted as there are butchers doing their dirty work live during your tour and sometimes you don't want to know the cow before you enjoy the fillet.

Back our Puerto Vallarta Villa life!

While I shot photos for a bit my companions enjoyed a dip in the pool and lounging in the sun. Kori made a fresh batch of margi's and fixed us a very light smoked mahi-mahi dish served on tostadas. It was really incredible.

Later in the afternoon Christian, set us up with a wine tasting featuring Mexican and South American fine wines. (Villa Balboa receives a wholesale discount with a wine distributor making a tasting that we would have easily paid $500 for, a modest $150. We tasted 4 different wines, and had 2 bottles of each kind, so that we could choose our favorite to have with dinner.

Presentation was superb, and Christian was a lovely and knowledgeable host.

The wine we chose for dinner was a Chardonnay from a boutique family owned winery in Baja, if I am remembering correctly... It was splendid sharing this moment with friends in a setting like this.

Thank you Christian! And thank you Kori for everything today! We finished dinner, the most amazing chili rellenos, enjoyed a mango Flan for dessert that was so jaw droopingly good it was hard to get our mouths to chew and finished our wine as the sun set of the edge of a golden sparkling sea.

Yeah...whatever you are imagining right now, reality was much better. You'll have to come stay to find out just how much.

Dia Cinco en Puerto Vallarta

May 4

Waking up to the sounds of the Ocean below your bedroom balcony is dream worthy.

Waking up to the sounds of the Ocean below your master suite at Villa Balboa is beyond imagination.

We were staying in the sea shell room which was appointed with mostly white linens accented with colors of sea foam and brushed aluminum, which together seamlessly faded into the pink, blue, and light greens of the Puerto Vallarta horizon just before sunrise. Our room featured an infinity jacuzzi, full bath with dual sinks, lovely glass enclosed shower, and large walk in closet. As a humble marketing guy, raised in the woods of northern Minnesota, this is luxury beyond anything I could have ever possibly imagined experiencing.

But for those accustomed to the finer things in life, Villa Balboa would seem like the natural place for a luxury family vacation or business retreat.

When we arrived the day before the home appears humble from the main coastal highway. The one level that you can see is clearly finely crafted but if it weren't for the subtly placed electric security fence running across the top of the front of the building there is nothing that hints at the absolute opulence that lies hidden behind the wooden double doors.

Once swung open the secret is revealed. Koi ponds, fountains and a lush, colorful tropical garden greet your eyes. Christian, the house manager, greets your other senses with cool cloths that are soaked in some kind of rosemary potion. After you are refreshed Christian directs Eduardo, the lead houseman, to take our luggage to our rooms while the tour of the home begins.

Leading us from the main entry and the trickling koi ponds we pass through square archways to the rooftop patio and garden. From here you have full views of the bay. There is a tiled area to the left for entertaining with chairs and umbrella table, and a grassy garden area to the left that is used for professional photography and for wedding ceremonies.

You have two choices in leaving the rooftop sanctuary. Stairs...or elevator.

Christian says, "On the way down we take the stairs, on the way up, we take the elevator." You'll find out why that is shortly. On our way to the second floor (in Villa Balboa the floors count up as you go down. Street level is one, main living and dining is floor two, the first level of bedrooms is floor 3, second level of bedrooms is 4, and the private apartment is on floor 5. There are two additional levels below that accessible only by staff for maintenance and mechanical. So Villa Balboa actually has 7 floors!)

Fine artwork greets us in the stairway down to the second floor. Christian points out that the villa features a mix of fine art on display that we will see as we tour.

As we step out of the stairwell onto the 2nd floor its stunning how bright and airy the home is. It seems every wall is made of windows and those windows slid open to let in the sounds and smells of the ocean. Christian points out a large and fully functional office area to our right the movie theater and media room is just beyond it set back into the hillside. To our left is the main living area, furnished with a large white couch, large paintings on the walls, wet bar, and amazing coffee table created from a whole cross section of a tree trunk at least 6 inches thick and 5 feet in diameter.

Looking directly out from the living room is the main floor terrace with white deck chairs, tables with umbrellas, and equally amazing views of the ocean.

On the other end of the terrace is the home's infinity pool. turning back toward the home you see the open air gourmet kitchen where chef Kori is squeezing fresh limes for our welcome margaritas that we shall enjoy poolside following our tour. Chef Kori was very friendly and spoke perfect English. Walking back into the home we passed the formal dining area that featured a completely custom built glass top table and brushed aluminum chairs upholstered with fine cowhide.

Our jaws were on the floor...the second floor and there were three more. Down the stairs again lead us to the level of the first master suite. Expansive, lavish, lovely. The gym was on this floor, a couple more bedrooms, and a nice view of the home's main water feature, a 4 story waterfall. This home was really incredible.

More fine art, more bedrooms, and more attention to detail than I could have imagined possible to interconnect the room by room feeling of a home this large.

On the 4th floor was the master suite where my love and i stayed, another bedroom, a lounging/garden area at the base of the water fall, a secret sanctuary area where massages and private dinners area held, and more I'm sure as my senses were overloaded by the sublime decadence this home offers.

On the 5th floor, you'll find an apartment home with fully functioning gourmet kitchen, bedroom, living area, terrace, and private bath. This place is perfect for the president of a company or similar team leader who requires privacy for planning, small group meetings, or needs accommodations that are more segregated from the employees. This level is accessible from the top floor, by elevator, and is able to offer restricted access to insure privacy.

Having seen the entire house we climbed into the elevator and went back up to floor 2 for Margaritas. And that was the end of our tour on the first day.

Back to reality on the balcony, in the morning of day 5 in Mexico, overlooking the ocean in the finest accommodations I have ever know.

I could spend the rest of my life in this moment.

(Continued in Day 5 Part 2)

Dia Quatro en Puerto Vallarta

May 3

Hasta Luego Villa Caliente…Hola Villa Balboa!

We will stay in Villa Caliente again. It was so nice and so affordable. I cannot image finding a better vacation value anywhere in Puerto Vallarta. Its classic Mexico and Mediterranean feel really enhances the luxurious, movie star feeling you get when staying in Conchas Chinas.

Hasta Luego (see you later) Claudia, Beba, and Reena! Thank you so much for a fabulous stay!

On…

…to Villa Balboa.

Alright pause. Reality check. Is this really happening? Yes, I am still breathing. I do have a pulse. I have not died and gone to heaven. Or have I?

Dia Tres en Puerto Vallarta

May 2

Levanta! (get up!)

There is so much to do here its hard to find the time to sleep. And because of the Coronas and Cubans poolside until after midnight we’re having a little trouble getting up at 7:30 in order to catch the boat to Playa Los Animales.

…but somehow we did.

It was a gorgeous morning. The first that hasn’t been a little overcast. It made for some amazing pictures on the taxi ride to the marina. Our house keeper Beba suggested we take the bus, as the marina will cost you about 15 dollars via taxi, but we weren’t up early enough to catch the proper line from Conchas Chinas.
The cab ride through old town, on the cobblestone streets with the sun, freshly cresting the mountains and sparkling on everything, was a visual I’ve seen only in spy movies filmed in Mediterranean cities.

At the marina we paid our 15 pesos to enter, found the ticket booth for the boat we wanted, mentioned Jose Riveria the house keeper’s husband, and got $5 off the ticket price.

The tour boat served us breakfast, which was ok, and then headed out. They followed the edge of the bay, which gave us a sea side view of some of our other villas, Mandarinas and Esplendora we unmistakable.

The first stop was Los Archos Marine Preserve where people were allowed to get in the water with snorkeling gear. After about a half hour everyone was back on board and we were off to the playa.

The beach was amazing. You could have shot a Corona commercial on this beach. Canvas backed chairs, tables with umbrellas, palm trees.

This beach was accessible by water only. There were a few rental cabins, 3 cantinas, and a jungle tour.

We soaked up the sun, some amazing food, and several coronas and I do believe the was a Pina Colada in the mix that was also awesome.

After a few hours on the private beach it was a speedy trip back to port.
That evening we decided to have our one nice dinner out while in Puerto Vallarta.

Upon the recommendation of Chris, we decided to visit the River Café. It was fantastic and, as you might guess, was located on the edge of a small river. It was very very classy.

Soft music, soft lighting, open air over-looking the river. The frogs provide an additional rhythm section. The wine list was extensive and the menu offered a variety of flavors to suit any palate. I enjoyed the poached sea bass with a mango citrus sauce. The fillet was enormous. The salmon with lobster sauce reduction looked good and was raved about, but my deathly allergy to shell fish precluded my indulgence in that dish. The lamb sadly was the only deliciously average meal at the table. Prepared well, but it was something you could find in a fine restaurant just about anywhere. Dessert we had Spanish coffee prepared in the most amazing way I have ever seen. We got a video clip of it which you will want to check out once it is posted…I will probably title the video “waterfalls of blue flame” if you’d like to use your imagination.

Buenas noches! Tomorrow we leave Villa Caliente for Villa Balboa. It’s going to be an exciting day I think.

(Sadly all the pictures I took on the private beach have gone missing from my camera. I do have some video and our other camera that I will pull photos from so all is not lost. You'll just have to wait until i get back to see them.) But for now take a look at a couple of these that did survive the day...

Dia Dos En Puerto Vallarta

May 1

It couldn't be jet lag since we gained two hours flying here...maybe it was the pure excitement...but I was up this morning before 6am. The city was very still. The sun had yet to begin its climb over the mountains. The birds hadn't yet awakened.

Every thing was very still except for the rolling ocean several hundred feet below our hillside perch at Villa Caliente.

The panorama from the roof top pool and patio certainly proves that Conchas Chinas is the Beverly Hills of Puerto Vallarta. All around Villa Caliente there are similar, hillside homes. Unique. Mediterranean.

Our desayuno (breakfast) was the other half of the pineapple, papayaq and mango that was left from our welcome party. It was after 10am so cervesa and margaritas were on the menu.

What to do today?

Sit by the pool.

Visit old town, viejo Puerto Vallarta.

How about everything!

Lunch (almuerzo)para el recommendacion de Noe.

:El Brujo

El Brujo for lunch and it was amazing. I enjoyed the fajitas, the other members of the party had crab quesadillas and the sea food soup. The fajitas we adequate but the crab quesadillas were delicious and the seafood soup was unbelievable. We will put the video up upon return to the USA and after appropriate mixing.

In la tarde, (in the afternoon) we had Cuban cigars on the patio of Villa Caliente, no fumar inside, and sipped Coraonas and we watched the the fall, fall, fall...

En el noche el restaurante Riviera, not to be confused with the River Cafe, was the place we visited. Radio Taxi was fabolous and if you can get Rey in the cab 080 he speaks fluent English from about 10 year in California. So if you can order Radio Control Taxi and Ask for Rey, en la 080, you will be well taken care of.

The restaurant, which is off the strip, is very nice. But if you've visited El Brujo that is not unfamiliar. There is lovely sea themed decor on the walls, even a pool in the restaurant, even though there was no one using it, was cool. A nice jukebox, a helpful staff, an honest manager and of course delcious food made it a wonderful choice for the noche primero en Puerto Vallarta.


As we catch up from jet lag and the traveling (and waking up at 4am pacific) we will give you a much better account of our travels.

Take a look at these pictures from out first full day in Puerto Vallerta!


And there are so many more...

Dia Una Puerto Vallarta

Friday, April 30th, 4:25am. Still no power. Tired. Excited. The cab pulls up to the front of the house. So far so good.

Breakfast in Portland.

Lunch in Phoenix.

Dinner in Puerto Vallarta!


Skies were overcast around the bay so it was quite a site when we descended through the clouds and found our plane was now swooping into a valley with low mountains on both sides. Landing gear down.

"Ladies and gentlemen on behalf of US Airways we'd like to welcome you to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico."

Wild cheers erupted as the throngs of college kids eagerly rushed toward the airplane door.

Not.

The plane, which was at 2/3 capacity, mostly middle aged tourist types, was vacated quickly. The Puerto Vallarta Airport was clean, equipment on the ground looked new. And the baggage claim and customs area had been recently redone with polished marble everywhere.

Customs was very efficient and very friendly.

Its a very pleasant airport and certainly nothing to be intimidated by. Certainly there are the usual people at the exit asking if you need a cab and if you'd rather not fight with them call Noe.

Pronounced No-eh! Rhymes with no way!

No-eh Jose! Was the joke in his very clean leather upholstered white Chevy Suburban.

On our way from the airport to Villa Calliente, Noe, pointed out many restaurants that are worth while, good ares for shopping (and over priced areas), pointed out a few sites along the way and before we knew it we where here.



Claudia the house manager met us at the entrance, gave us a tour, and introduced us to the house keeper who had Margaritas, fresh fruit, homemade quacamole and pico de gallo, and chicken tacos and cheese quesadillas. YUM! I mean... DELICIOSO!


Corona's in the fridge, rooftop pool and patio, and truly amazing views of Conchas Chinas and the bay. This villa is a great value at full price. It is a steal at the summer rate they are currently charging. Of all the villas in the VillasAndCondos.com portfolio I can't imagine how you could find a better place for your money.

Check out a few pictures I snappen of the villa and the surrounding hillside and bay. Then check out all the details on Villa Caliente here: http://www.villasandcondos.com/locations/puerto_vallarta/villa_caliente/puerto-vallarta-vacation-home-rental-villa-caliente.html

Packing By Candlelight

It sounds romantic to spend the evening before a trip to Mexico in warm glow of candlelight... Unless the power went out while you were packing.

We had just dropped the dog off with friends and were preparing for our trip to Puerto Vallarta and our flight out of PDX at 6 the next morning. I was in the back yard making sure everything on the exterior fo the house was prepped for our lengthy absence when, BOOOM!!!

Lights on all the houses in the neighborhood go out. In the sky, flickering white flashes accompanied by the sound of arching electricity. Then silence.

That was a big explosion. My gut told me the power wouldn't be coming back on. So packing by candlelight began and it was very pleasant. Except it took twice as long to find anything...but nothing worth doing was ever easy. Puerto Vallarta here we come!

Puerto Vallarta Tomorrow

Our marketing guy, who is based in Portland, Oregon, is spending 7 nights in Puerto Vallarta and will be posting pictures and blogging about his trip. He'll be staying at some fine Puerto Vallarta Villa Rentals and you'll hear first hand about his experiences traveling starting tomorrow.

We're very excited to have him come down so he can help communicate to other travels just how special Puerto Vallarta is.

So check back soon for trip updates...

Twas the night be Christmas in Puerto Vallarta

Twas the night before Christmas in Puerto Vallarta
All the family was gathered for the party to starta
The mass had been attended, the feast devoured
The fiesta now begins and will last till all hours
The kids tucked in bed, gifts under a palm tree
It was time for the adults to have fun and be free
There was ice in the blender, rum on its way
The clock had just rolled over to Christmas day
We lifted our glasses filled with festive red and green
And savored our margi's and delicious daiquiris
As we stood on terrace of our luxury villa
And look down on Vallarta from our perch on the hilla
The lights of the city twinkled like stars
And succeeded in drawing us here from afar
The beach has been lovely, the weather like 80
We've been on a new adventure pretty much daily
This has certainly been the best Chirstmas Vacation ever
Didn’t think we’d do it…well never say never
We’re here now and this place is the bomb
Plan your Puerto Vallarta Vacation now at VillasAndCondos.com

Puerto Vallarta Villas and Condo Vacation Rentals - The Definitive List

Puerto Vallarta Mexico is a paradise vacation destination on the Pacific coast and there are literally hundreds of websites that offer vacation rentals. This variety of sites serving the vacation rental market in Puerto Vallarta exist because the web allows anyone to throw up a website or blog, put some villa pictures up there, copy the description from another website, add a price, and contact information. People can do this without ever having visited the city. Without ever having visited the property they are renting you.

I don't know about you but I'd want to know that the vacation home I'm renting has been visited and checked out by the person renting it to me.

With VillasAndCondos.com LLC you will be dealing with a company that has been actively renting villas, condos, and vacation homes in Puerto Vallarta since 1988. Thats more than 20 years of experience on your side to ensure the villa or beach condo you are renting is exactly what you are looking for.

Other sites may have a few nice villas. Other sited might have every vacation rental that's on the market in Puerto Vallarta and they have no idea what awaits at a given condo or casa. VillasAndCondos.com offers variety, top quality rentals, and long time Puerto Vallarta Vacation rental experience.

Our selective list of luxury vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta is below



Casa Azul Mar
Casa Balboa
Casa Buenavista
Casa Canta Rana
Casa Carmelina
Casa Carole
Casa Coco
Casa Contenta
Casa Copa
Casa Copa do Oro
Casa Corazon
Casa de la Palapas
Casa Las Ampas
Casa de las lomas
Casa del Mar
Casa del Quetzal
Casa Demae
Casa Do Re Mi
Casa Dorado
Casa Encantada
Casa Guacamole
Casa Horizon
Casa Ileana
Casa Karma
Casa La Vista I
Casa Las Ampas
Casa Marilu III
Casa Masante
Casa Mia
Casa Mucamba
Casa Myrna
Casa Nautilus
Casa Nicte
Casa Paraiso
Casa Quien Sabe
Casa Quinta del Sol
Casa Sabrina
Casa San Sebastian
Casa Septiembre
Casa Tabachin
Casa Tres Vidas Mar
Casa Tres Vidas Alta
Casa Tres Vidas Sol
Casa Valerie
Casa Ventana Penthouse
Casa Villa Verde
Casa Vista Amapas
Casa Vista Linda
Estrella del Mar
Hacienda del Mar
La Jolla Condo
Los Palmares Condominiums I
Los Palmares Condominiums II
Playa Esperelda Luxury Condos
Puertofino Condo Marina I
Puertofino Condo Marina II
Puerto Vallarta Beach Villas I
Puerto Vallarta Beach Villas II
Punta Esmerelda Condos
Punta Mita Penthouse
Quinta Esmerelda
Suites Emperador
Terrazza del Mar I
Terrazza del Mar II
Vilas Ampas North
Villas Ampas South
Villa Aurora
Villa Azul Pacifico
Villa Bahia
Villa Caliente
Villa Castillo
Villa Celeste
Villa Del Cielo I
Villa Del Cielo II
Villa Del Cielo III
Villa Encantada
Villa Esplendora
Villa Estrella Del Mar
Villa Grandia
Villa Guillermo
Villa Karaway
Villa La Casita
Villa La Vallita
Villa Las Palmeras
Villa Las Puertas
Villa Las Puertas
Villa Leonarda
Villa Luna Creciente
Villa Macarena
Villa Mandarinas
Villa Merissa
Villa Quinta Del Mar
Villa Rosa
Villa Salinas I
Villa Salinas II
Villa Tesoro del Mar
Villa Tita
Villa Venado
Villa Vista Linda
Villa Ventana
Villa Veranda
Villa Verano
Villa Viva Vallarta
Villa Yvonneka