When it came to answering my body’s call for a relaxing getaway, I headed across the border via a direct flight to Mexico’s Puerto Vallarta, nestled along the Pacific Ocean coastline, destined for one of the standout resorts in the country, Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel.
While Villa Premiere remains a consistent award-winning romantic getaway, I traveled alone still indulging in its hospitality, luxurious amenities, authentic cuisine and adult-only designation.
Flying directly to Puerto Vallarta Airport in three hours and 45 minutes from Atlanta, it was another short 15-minute drive to my temporary escape. Upon arrival, I was welcomed by Villa Premiere’s open-air atrium, a refreshing flute of champagne, a chilled face towel, and complimentary five-minute shoulder massage.
All the Villa Premiere’s 80 rooms and suites are positioned oceanside, complete with balconies. Upon entering my suite, I was greeted by a stocked bar, a spacious room with a marble floor, 42-inch smart TV, king bed and an overall contemporary vibe accented with local art including tropical wood furnishings. Sliding back clear glass doors, the private roofed terrace had a hammock, jacuzzi, a table for two and a gorgeous view of Banderas Bay with the resort’s outdoor amenities directly below. The 24-hour personal butler expedited a delivery of my selections from both the pillow and aromatherapy menus.
Villa Premiere has numerous dining options. For breakfast, I made it a routine to eat the traditional Mexican breakfast treat, chilaquiles verdes, perfectly prepared at the casual, al fresco La Ceiba oceanside. I also dove into an afternoon pizza-making workshop using their woodfire pizza oven. Then there was the elegant-casual hybrid, La Corona, a restaurant where the executive chef flexes creative muscle with gourmet dishes for dinner before it turned into a classy cocktail bar in the evening. I frequented La Perla Cantina de Costa, thanks to the large LED televisions broadcasting sports, solid beer selection, elevated pub fare and relaxed atmosphere.
The Chef’s Table staged directly over the water featured five-course dinners prepared in front of a minimum of six guests.
A brief five-minute walk away, the city of Puerto Vallarta was loaded with attractions to explore. I spent half a day walking down the Malecon Boardwalk, lined with nightclubs, boutiques, restaurants, enlightening statues honoring the country’s history and street performers, including the captivating Papantla Flyers spiraling 130 feet in the air from ropes connected to a pole. I ended up strolling through Old Town’s cobblestone streets, lined with art galleries, markets and the iconic Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, aka la Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, before heading back to the hotel. That evening, I had the pleasure of taking a sunset party boat tour to the highly lauded “Rhythms of the Night” event, consisting of an extravagant buffet dinner and outdoor stage show loaded with acrobatics, dancing and pyrotechnics. This all took place on the Las Caletas Cove, lighted solely by tiki torches. Think of an indigenous Mexican version of Cirque du Soleil taking place on a deserted island enhanced with lavish eats and drinks. It was amazing.
Before leaving, I was sure to get a very necessary full-body massage at the Serena Spa to reward my morning workout sessions at the fitness center during my stay, while leaving the daily beachside yoga classes to the less flexibly challenged.
Holding back tears as my taxi took me to the airport, I made a pledge this would not be the last time I treated myself to such an unforgettable vacation. The upcoming Festival De Cerveza Artisanal Brewmasters beer fest held just steps away from Villa Premiere in the fall could be the perfect excuse I need to return to that Honeymoon Suite. After reading this, wifey is guaranteed to be booking a ticket as well.