Once a hedonistic hideaway for Hollywood celebrities, Puerto Vallarta morphed into Nuevo Vallarta, gateway to Riviera Nayarit. The newest gem of the Villa Group, one of Mexico’s leading resort and real estate development companies, Villa La Estancia combines the best of both worlds.
Villa La Estancia is a refreshing change of pace from the all-inclusive hotels and timeshare resorts along the Riviera Nayarit. Our beachfront residence was like a private club. The fully equipped kitchen became a culinary theater when chefs prepared dinner before our eyes, featuring giant scallop carpaccio, broiled robalo filet, and a cheese trilogy from farmers in nearby Atotonilco. Estancia’s intimate steakhouse features Kobe beef as well as local organic farm produce.
The tiled domes of Tatewari Spa beckon amid the flowering gardens. Designed in a soothing harmony of Spanish-Mexican stonework, this 17,000-square-foot hideaway features spacious separate hydrotherapy centers for men and women that include a whirlpool, sauna, cold plunge, and waterfall showers. The relaxing water ritual prepares you for Repechage’s antioxidant Vita Cura seaweed bath followed by a massage. Finishing touches are in the salon, including hair and nail care, and makeup consultations.
Legends of Huichol shamans native to Nayarit infuse the treatment menu at Tatewari Spa. Tatewari is a Huichol deity related to spiritual growth and extreme states of peace and relaxation. The ancient Tatewari water ritual heals and keeps nature balanced. Updated with Repechage seawater-infused therapy, the classic facial includes gentle exfoliation with pure organic honey and oatmeal to refine pores. Calming and hydrating, it’s the perfect treatment for fatigue and tension.
After your spa treatments, head downtown to stroll the beachfront bars and boutiques in the colonial heart of Puerto Vallarta. Elizabeth Taylor’s scandalous affair with Richard Burton during the filming here of “Night of the Iguana” in the early 60’s inspired the Zona Romantica glut of clubs and gay-friendly beaches. Action central is Los Muertos beach. Gloriously gilded, the cathedral and seafront promenade retain the look of old Mexico.
Drive north from the newly expanded regional airport to explore resorts and picturesque villages along Banderas Bay. Rapidly developing, the bay stretches for miles (42 kilometers) between rugged sierra mountains and ocean beaches. At the bay’s northern end, a gated golf community surrounds the Four Seasons Punta Mita resort; security guards check your reservation before a visit to this dazzling tropical hideaway and its garden spa.
From cantinas to luxe condos, Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are a new take on Mexico’s West Coast.
For more information call (877) 845-5247 or visit http://villagroupresorts.com.
By Bernard Burt
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