Vallartatravelblog

Riviera Nayarit and Vive Mexico promoting Grand Velas

mgrossarth — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:08:22 +0000

La Terraza de La Abuela

mgrossarth — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:10:26 +0000

My family and I are always looking for new and interesting places to eat in Puerto Vallarta. In this city one does not need to look very far to find something tasty, but as a local, ambience is very important, as are reasonable prices. When looking for authentic Mexican food it often seems that the only economical choices are taco stands or small restaurants with plastic chairs. While these little places are certainly authentic and may have decent food, the menu options are very limited and the service is minimal. Many restaurants that offer more upscale sit-down Mexican dinners and pleasant décor are swamped by tourists, with inflated menu prices. I believe that in many of these places the food can be mediocre, as these restaurants are not expecting return clients.
La Terraza de La Abuela (Grandmother’s Terrace) presents the best of both worlds. Located next to the Soriana near the main road of PV, it has neither a beach-front location nor a spectacular view. But this restaurant is decorated in a very authentic, tasteful Mexican style, with gorgeous tile work, craftsman-style tables and chairs, rustic chandeliers and clay pottery dishes. The area is covered by a lovely tile roof, with open walls to catch the breeze. The restaurant is also equipped with high-powered fans should it be a very warm evening. Next to the dining area is a walled lawn area with a small climbing structure for children. As the parent of a 3-year old, this provided a very welcome diversion while waiting for our orders to arrive, and eliminated the table-banging, fork- grabbing and water- glass-spilling that we are accustomed to dealing with in restaurants.
On to the food. The menu is simple yet complex enough to offer many choices. After ordering some beers and lime-ades with sparkling water, my husband went with the special, Camarones a la Diabla, made with fresh local-caught shrimp. I went with the Molcajete with beef, which is a special dish of tender beef and grilled vegetables served boiling hot in a lava-rock bowl. We also ordered some guacamole, beans and fresh tortillas for our son.
It was a very pleasant surprise when our server arrived at our table with all of the ingredients to make a fresh salsa. He made the salsa and guacamole with us, according to our preferences, chatting with us about the old way of cooking in Mexico.
Our entrees arrived and were spectacular, fresh and authentic, complex and satisfying. What sets this restaurant apart is its attention to detail. Beers are served with an extra- frozen mug, with salt frozen into the bottom. Tortillas are served fresh, only 3 at a time so that they never get cold. The service is amazing, and parallels even the service in the finest restaurants and resorts in the area.
Dessert was chocolate cake and house-made coffee with rompope (Mexican home-made eggnog) and fresh whipped cream. The check came in a mini-tortilla press and proved that a family ca n order whatever they please here without having to constantly be checking the menu for the prices. The total was just under $500 pesos, or about $38.00 US.
La Terraza de la Abuela is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I highly recommend it for anyone who would like to experience a wonderful restaurant with great food, service and very reasonable prices.

Yelapa – Discovering the South of Vallarta

mgrossarth — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:38:43 +0000

Just south of Puerto Vallarta are many small and hidden beaches. They are a far cry from the long wide beaches found in and above the hotel zone, and are only accessible by water taxi.

Yelapa is one of these beautiful places. To get to Yelapa you can take a water taxi, known locally as a Lancha, from the pier in the Romantic Zone. Or, you can do as we did, and take the beautiful drive down to Boca de Tomatlan and catch a Lancha from there. The fare from Boca de Tomatlan is 60 pesos per person each way, and the Lancha is safe for elderly people and young children.

The ride on the Lancha is probably the most impressive part of the trip. The Lancha is kind of like a bus on water, and you can see locals and tourists alike hopping on for the 20 minute ride down to this isolated, pretty area. From the boat the land looks impressive. Steep mountains covered in tropical foliage rise up from the edges of the sea, and tiny enclaves with sandy beaches appear between the rocks that reach out into the ocean. The ocean is a spectacular deep aqua color in this area. The surf is extremely calm, and you can see schools of fish next to the boat as you whiz by. In the distance the mountains are topped by clouds. Photos of this part of the trip are an absolute must.

When you arrive, you step off the boat into the shallow water at edge of the beach (bring sandals for sure!) and are greeted by the restaurant owners who offer beach chairs and umbrellas and provide refreshments during your time on the beach. The restaurants are completely optional, but for a very reasonable price you can enjoy the shade and sip delicious drinks for hours on end. The sun is extremely strong almost all day long in this area, so the respite from exposure alone makes these little restaurants worth it. Plus it is great to support the local economy.

Time can be spent relaxing in your lounge chair, walking up and down the beach, gazing into the beautiful hills, taking photos and swimming in the calm waters. The atmosphere is very quiet, laid back and friendly.
Depending on what time you would like to return to the real world, you can take a Lancha back after a few hours or stay longer. Just make sure you agree with the boat driver on what time you would like to go back.

The Yelapa experience will leave you refreshed and relaxed. If you are like me, you will be surprised that this quiet heavenly paradise exists so close to the hustle and bustle of Vallarta and will be planning to return as soon as possible. Enjoy!

A true Mexican cuisine experience

mgrossarth — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:39:26 +0000

I was delighted to discover Si Señor Restaurant a few weeks ago, as I went to have dinner downtown with my family. The host welcomed us very kindly and gave us a nice table on the terrace. In the entrance they have different sorts of interesting birds such as Toucans and Cockatoos as well koi carps and Mexican handcrafts.
We ordered sangria and they served us the traditional “totopos and pico de gallo” and guacamole with different delicious sauces while we were checking the menu. We decided ourselves for squash blossom quesadillas and some excellent shrimp enchiladas which I totally recommend! As a local I am used to traditional Mexican food and Si Señor totally exceeded my expectations.
The waiters were very friendly and attentive to any of our needs, they made sure our glasses were never empty and always asked if we needed “algo más” without being too pushy. The atmosphere is casual and romantic, and the good background music makes it the perfect quiet place to relax and enjoy the good company of your friends and family!

Irons and Reels at Casa Velas

mgrossarth — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:14:01 +0000

Golf and relaxation go hand in hand when you vacation in Puerto Vallarta. Add to the enjoyment a morning of deep-sea fishing and you have the perfect holiday to clear your mind and reenergize your body. Casa Velas, a boutique hotel for adults only, has a spectacular all-inclusive Irons and Reels Package you´ll find hard to resist. Play golf at Vista Vallarta or Marina Vallarta — two of the most spectacular and challenging world-class golf courses — cast your lines for marlin, tuna, sailfish or mahi mahi in the deep blue waters of Banderas Bay and then bask in the sun by our gorgeous swimming pool. Enjoy gourmet meals and in-suite service 24 hours. Can life get any better?

Come to Puerto Vallarta on Mexico´s Pacific Coast and spend some unforgettable days at Casa Velas Hotel Boutique, a tropical oasis for adults only.

Irons and Reels Package Includes
Grand Class Suite with Private Plunge Pool or Jacuzzi
Two rounds of golf per person per stay at Marina Vallarta or Vista Vallarta golf courses. (cart fee included) Custom Brand name golf shirt and cap per person
A day of Fishing (4 hours), includes fishing equipment and live bait
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner A La Carte At Our Gourmet, Emiliano; lunch and dinner at our Beach Club Restaurant; buffet Breakfast, lunch and dinner at La Ribera Steakhouse and Gourmet Dinner at Andrea (both located at nearby Velas Vallarta)
24 hours suite service
Premium International and National Brands At Lobby Bar & Aqua Bar
Complementary access to Velas Vallarta beach and pool area
Shuttle Service To and From Casa Velas Beach Club & Velas Vallarta
Taxes and Gratuities

$299 per person per night in single occupancy
Valid until December 24, 2009 and from January 4 to December 23, 2010
Minimum stay 3 nights

Punta Negra – A Day For Your Own

mgrossarth — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:06:18 +0000

Take a day trip to the south of the bay to discover a crystal clear water and white sand paradise. Punta Negra is a semi-private condo beach located only 7 km south of the center of Puerto Vallarta, right after Rio Nogalito, therefore it is very quick and convenient to get to.

It is the perfect place to just relax and reload your batteries when you get tired of all the buzzing of Vallarta’s tourists on popular beaches. Enjoy the beauty of the bay from a different point of view and you’ll be surprise by the clarity of the water! Your family is definitely going to fall in love with the coziness and the “paradise lost” atmosphere you’ll find there.

Simply relax, listen to the waves, enjoy the sweet caress of the sun and if you’re lucky you might even be able to see dolphins or manta-rays, as they usually are visible all year long.

Remember to bring plenty of water and refreshments as there are no vendors close by.

Mexican Golf Champion in Grand Velas Riviera Maya

mgrossarth — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:34:41 +0000

LPGA’s Lorena Ochoa is visiting our sister resort Grand Vela Riviera Maya on the Mexican Carribbean coast for the Golf Tournament organized by Audi on Aug, 28st 2009.

The 27 year-old golfer is considered one of the best Mexican golfers of all time and is taking part in this event as a special guest. She has been welcomed by the General Manager of Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Mr. Fernando Garcia Rossette, and was pleased to sign the Distinguished Guests of Honor Book.

Lorena Ochoa’s performance will be attended by hundreds of executives from the Audi company and take place in a famous golf course in the Riviera Maya.

Velas Vallarta Kid’s Club

mgrossarth — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:36:41 +0000

Your children will enjoy a fun-filled vacation with the Velas Vallarta Kid’s Club, which provides structured and fun activities for kids from 4 to 12 years of age. Watch the little ones participate in Arts and Crafts where ceramic painting is the favorite of all the kids. Face Painting lets the children express themselves in an artistic manner that converts them into their favorite character or super hero. Our Treasure Hunts have the kids racing throughout the resort in search of objects and information obtained through creativity and their power of deduction. As our Kids Club is located beside the Kids Pool special aquatic events and competitions are arranged in order to better their swimming skills. Tennis Clinics are organized for the little ones with our Tennis Pro where rules and basics are shown and practiced first hand. Our Jungle Gym is especially popular with the kids who may need to burn some of that extra energy. Slides and swings are featured in this apparatus located just next to the Kids Club. During special events and birthdays our Kids Club attendants can organize the famous breaking of the Piñata that is a favorite with the children. The celebration also features a birthday cake and pizza which is to be enjoyed amongst all the new found friends. With the benefit of having a Kids Club at an all inclusive resort there is no need to worry about lunch and snacks as Pizzas, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and Ice Cream, etc are readily available for all. The Kid’s Club is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm. So come with the family and see first hand the smiles and friendships that come together in this unique place.

Caletas by Day

mgrossarth — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:59:59 +0000

This is a tour made by Vallarta Adventures. It is a boat trip that takes you to the southern beaches of the Bay of Banderas in particular the beach Las Caletas. At 9:30 am we disembark from the Marina Terminal on a 1 hour and 15 minute journey to this private beach. Along the way we saw alot of dolphins who seemed to be playing along side the craft in their successful attempt to garner our attention. the spectacle was a delight for all.

The crew as it turned out was extremely entertaining and commited to our pleasure and satisfaction. Even the captain was doing a dance for us. Upon arriving at Las Caletas we were given the option of having lunch first them frolicking in the lush jungle area and on their golden sand beach (the lunch by the way was surprisingly tasty with good variety).

The service in the area was exceptional with nothing lacking. I personally enjoyed the diving platform. There I was able to sunbathe and take a quick dip frm time to time. All in all we spent nearly 4 hours in this paradise. My kids were enchanted with the water and the snorkling. It was difficult to convince them that it was time to go. I did not want to leave either but the alternative would be to play “Survivor” for the next 24 hours until the boat came back. We chose to go.

The trip back was full of entertainment and contests. Also we made some good friends that I still have contact with. This boat excursion was probably the best that I have experienced in Puerto Vallarta (and I have tried quite a few). It is more expensive than the rest but worth every penny!

Enjoy a Day in Sayulita, a Quaint Fishing Village

blogauthor — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:32:05 +0000

Sayulita is a small village situated only 40 minutes drive from Nuevo Vallarta, is the perfect place to experience the ultimate relaxed surfing experience. With its picturesque hotels and restaurants along the beach, it’s an ideal scenery to enjoy the beach and the beautiful view. If you are not a big fan of getting in the waves, they’re plenty of activities to be enjoyed there. From snorkeling to wandering around traditional hippie crafts stands or simply sun tan and look at the handsome guys and cute girls.

The little huts on the beach are property of the restaurants, and you are most welcome to just sit there if you want, for a 100 pesos for the whole day. They include 2 long chairs, 1 table and the umbrella or hut, and you can also order drinks and food from the restaurants.

The Mexican tradition always present, the excellent restaurants (Don Pedro being one of the bests of the area, recommended by concierges in different hotels and by own experiences) and its cosy little plaza, makes of Sayulita an ideal spot to enjoy laid-back family and friends time.