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Just returning from a wonderful
trip to Puerto Vallarta, I've decided that tropical vacations are
good for the "soul". It's important to take the time to
get a way from the everyday routine.
What a different "To do"
list you find yourself making:
* Open window or balcony so surf
can rock you to sleep each night.
* Apply plenty of sunscreen (don't
forget the top of your feet).
* Relax, enjoy.
* Make time for sunset each and
everyday.
* Spend time with your partner.
* Practice your foreign language
skills...Hola, Buenos Dias, etc.
* Read a couple of good books.
* Enjoy a refreshing drink at the
pool.
* Take time to chat with the locals.
* Make sure to exercise...walk
the beach, enjoy a bike ride, boogie board, explore town.
* If you forget one or two....no
worries.
It had been almost 20 years since
we had last visited Puerto Vallarta and I believe we returned
as better and smarter tourist. With a better understanding of
the culture, acceptance of the poverty, and a more relaxed attitude
we truly enjoyed the hospitality of Mexico.
It was a vacation of experiences;
out kayaking as a pod of dolphins' swims by; you just can't beat
that! Having a great laugh as we caught a wave on the boogie board.
People watching, families enjoy each other's company and romantic
couples strolling along the beach.
Enjoying a couple dance the night
away to the Mariachi Band as they celebrated 50 years of marriage
(she 73 and he 83). We had a great time using local transportation
(buses), it was easy and very inexpensive, we were even serenaded
on one particular trip. We enjoyed an adventurous trip to Yelapa,
south of Puerto Vallarta (Andy James say's it's like a visit to
"Gilligan's Island"), you can only get there by boat.
Here, the local women sell incredible pies by the slice; we tried
the Lemon Meringue and the Coconut Cream, we're still dreaming
about them (delicious!).
We spent an afternoon at Punta
Mita (it's as far north as the bus will take you) here you can
watch the surfers ride the waves, or just enjoy a leisurely day
on a beautiful white sand beach. Our best meal was at "La
Palapa" where the fish was amazing and the Mexican coffee
prepared tableside was a fun treat.
It's such an easy trip to Mexico
via Apple Vacations, on a plane and three hours later you're there,
no connections, no long hauls. We stayed for 7-nights which worked
out well; it allowed us to really get into the vacation mood and
gave us the time we needed to enjoy each day. Being a good travel
agent I felt it was best to stay at two very different properties.
Club Marival located in Nuevo (New)
Vallarta north of town, you can walk for miles along the beach,
there seemed to always be a nice breeze and the boogie boarding
here was a kick. It is an all-inclusive large resort that always
has something going on, great for families of all ages. They have
several pools, one of, which was great for children with slides
and other fun water toys. We found the food and drinks to be moderate
in standards, there was always plenty of it. Our room was clean
yet small without a view; location was great easy access to beach,
pool and all restaurants. They have a nightclub for those who
want to party all night.
We later moved to the Inter-Continental
Presidente south of town, a small, intimate hotel where each room
is beachfront with a balcony, overlooking a quite cove. This hotel
is older and was built at a time when hotels were more an art
form, the room was very large and comfortable, but sometimes the
smells were a bit offensive (you know those older hotels). It's
also an all-inclusive the meals were delicious, the service was
amazing all the staff very attentive and gracious. This hotel
is best for couples or families who want a quiet location. The
old saying rings true you get what you pay for.
All in all we had a great time
and recommend a vacation for the "soul" to all. Prices
start at Club Mirival Neuvo Vallarta $899, Inter-Continental Presidente
$1049.99, these are per person double and include, air, taxes,
hotel for 7-nights, meals and entertainment (from time to time
they offer specials), we can also book 3 and 4-nights as well.
Our staff at James TravelPOINTS has a wealth of knowledge when
it comes to Mexico, please let us help you plan your getaway 303
442-2340.
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