When you become engaged, your thoughts immediately turn to two things: where to have your wedding, and where to honeymoon. If you have visions of a romantic oceanside wedding, or if your dream honeymoon entails warm weather, miles of beach and warm hospitality, then you should definitely check out Puerto Vallarta! We were recently invited by the town of Puerto Vallarta to visit their town to see all the wonderful things they have to offer couples getting married, or honeymooning.
Located on the west coast of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Pacific Ocean in the state of Jalisco. Since Jalisco is also the home of Tequila (yes there is a town with that name), we were treated to some wonderful tastings of truly fine tequila!
Lodging is available for every taste and budget. If your idea of the perfect hotel is a larger property with beautifully groomed grounds, the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa should be at the top of your list. With lawn and stone areas for large wedding parties, an ocean jetty for a small wedding, a to-die-for spa, wonderful staff, and beautifully appointed suites, they will be able to meet all your needs.
If a boutique hotel sounds divine, our host hotel Villa Premiere Hotel and Spa was lovely. With just 80 rooms, this adults only hotel was intimate, quiet and attentive to your every need (like your choice of pillow type and room scent). Their honeymoon suites have an outdoor jacuzzi and hammock, with fabulous views of the ocean and stunning sunsets.
If you yearn for fitness and an truly organic experience, honeymooning at Xinalani Retreat would be perfect for you. This lovely retreat is the ultimate is intimacy. The retreat is reachable only by boat. The rooms are spread out along the mountainside and are only feet away from the sound of the surf. The three yoga studios offer a variety of options for your practice, but my favorite was the one at the top of the resort. You literally are in the tree tops with the birds – a surreal experience.
Culinary aficionados will be in heaven in Puerto Vallarta – we experienced wonderful meals at all of the hotels, as well as at local restaurants. A particular favorite was Barcelona Tapas. The owner was a wonderful host and the food was extraordinary (not to mention the wonderful view of Puerto Vallarta)!
Last, but certainly not least, is the wide variety of wonderful activities available (other than lounging in your room or on the beach of course). We were hosted on a Vallarta Art Walk by the owner of Colecktica, who gave us a fascinating narrative about the folklore and history of art in Puerto Vallarta, and of the pieces in his art gallery. One of our favorite activities was a boat ride, show, and then dinner at Rhythms of the Night. It was the ultimate romantic experience, and would be a wonderful addition to a honeymoon.
What can we say – sunshine, blue skies, beaches, the ocean, mountains, and killer sunsets. Just magic!
