A girlfriends’ getaway is always a good thing. There is no denying that over the last couple years, the pandemic has kept us from many things we took for granted before we went into lock down. A girlfriends’ getaway is one that is at the top of the list.
Girlfriend Time
For me, getting together for a girlfriends’ getaway every once in a while is great for my mental health, and happiness. Spending time together with friends creates special bonds, memories, and provides us with comfort and joy. Friends make us laugh; they put us at ease when we have so many things going on in our lives. The last two years took that away from us. As destinations are opening up, we can now start to plan a weekend away with our BFFS.
We are way past due for getting together with our girlfriends, we need to nourish those relationships and get back to some sort of routine…
Taking the time to connect as soon as we can, is a must! It doesn’t have to be far… just together. But going to a destination that requires you to jump on a plane, just makes it sweeter somehow.
Before the pandemic hit, I was lucky to spend a few days in Puerto Vallarta, at one of my favorite hotels. Heading down to this sunny destination is also the perfect prescription for the winter blues.
The Magic of Puerto Vallarta
Framed by the majestic Sierra Madre mountains and the Bahía de Banderas (Banderas Bay), Puerto Vallarta is one of my favorite places in the world to visit. It has a fairly constant temperature of between 20°C and 30°C, incredible food, and gorgeous surroundings! It is also the perfect place to have friends experience new things, and enjoy some time together.
Some Art and Culture
The charming and historic downtown with its colonial architecture is one of the incredible areas of the city to explore. It is also where you will find the Malecon; a mile-long boardwalk enhanced by a collection of beautiful bronze sculptures along its length. The sculptures all have a special story and significance to the area. Make sure to plan for an afternoon stroll through this incredible open-air gallery. Nemo from Vallarta101, explained each sculpture, giving some of the background details and their significance along the Malecon. All beautiful stories that will endear this special place to you a little bit more…
Fun and Tasty Experiences
There is nothing better than experiencing a destination through their food. As seafood is obviously one of the mainstays in Puerto Vallarta. So what would be better than to learn how to make a variation of one of their iconic dishes? The Caribbean Ceviche cooking class at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta is wonderful, along with savoring our efforts after the class, you leave with an apron and recipe so you could recreate it again once you return home. The recipe is perfect as an appetizer for guests at a dinner party.
Now, can you tell me what group of women you know that are not interested in chocolate? At Choco Museo, their 3-hour Total Chocolate workshop takes you through the entire chocolate-making process, beginning with the beans. You get to roast and grind your beans, then temper your chocolate on marble, as well as making your own truffles to take home ( or eat right there). Such a fun and delicious experience, albeit a bit messy.
Who knew that something so rich could be that simple to make?
A little bit of pampering
How can you have some girls’ time without getting some pampering thrown in? Visit the Maiave Spa in the Sheraton Buganvillas resort to enjoy an amazing hydrotherapy session. Finish off with an incredible massage that will certainly help relax and revitalize you. Your skin will feel incredible afterward; both your body, and your skin will thank you.
Dining experiences
Don’t get me wrong, Puerto Vallarta has incredible taco’s, and the Vallarta Food tour is one of the best to try ( especially on a family vacation), but there is so much more to the cuisine here. It is a food lover’s paradise, with something to indulge everyone’s palate and cravings. All the food is prepared fresh, from local ingredients. If you are a seafood lover, you have to try the ceviche, and aquachile found in the restaurants here; it is always fresh and leaves you craving for more!
Although dining on the beach usually conjures up romantic images, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it with the girls. Watching the sunset, and feeling the warm breeze of the bay on your skin as you dine is an incredible experience, and should not be relegated to couples alone! There are several wonderful restaurants along the beach such as La Palapa and El Dorado. Here you can sit and enjoy the last hours of daylight, and watch as people stroll along the beach, or frolic in the water and sand. The sunsets here are magical, and have to be seen to understand.
Casa Kimberly, located in the Zona Romantica, indulges us with a bit of old Hollywood glamor. The original house was a birthday gift to Elizabeth Taylor from Richard Burton and is now a renovated boutique hotel with a restaurant. The Iguana Restaurant was named after the movie that made Puerto Vallarta famous. The exterior of the building is quite unassuming. Step inside and you see the wonderful mix of traditional Mexican design, with Hollywood glamor thrown in.
You can feel Elizabeth Taylor’s very presence throughout. It begins with the bronze sculpture at its entrance, the blue and white tiles on the stairways, and the stunning portrait of Elizabeth Taylor ( and those mesmerizing blue eyes) greeting you at the top of the stairs.
The open-air restaurant on the second level offers stunning views of Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas. The best time to visit is at sunset to get the most of the amazing views.
Shopping
What is better than hanging out shopping with your friends? Puerto Vallarta has something for everyone, from high-end boutiques to incredible flea markets. Shop along the Bougainvillea lined Basilio Badillo, and discover local artisans and designers, like Cassandra Shaw Jewelry. Or, head to the Isla Rio Cuale flea markets, and find great gifts for the family at the market stalls.
Fun excursions
The Bay of Banderas just calls out for you to take an excursion out on the water. A luxury yacht and snorkel experience with Vallarta Adventures should always be on the list to do! Relax on the deck of a luxury catamaran while enjoying the spectacular views out to the snorkeling hotspots. On arrival at the beach, you have the opportunity to snorkel, paddleboard or try the famous “banana” tube ride. There is incredible sea life in the area, so keep a lookout for dolphins, turtles and tropical fish!
Great Accommodations to check out….
Puerto Vallarta offers a myriad of accommodations depending on your preferences. The Villa Premiere Boutique hotel, located within walking distance of the downtown area, and right on the beach. As an adult only hotel, it is the perfect getaway spot… every one of its 83 rooms has Ocean views. It has three restaurants to choose from with world class chefs, and amazing gourmet meals with the freshest of ingredients. During the week, they have themed dinners along with entertainment. I recommend taking the all inclusive package – it is a great deal,
The poolside bar with attached deck, is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink, or some midday snacks. If you are an early riser, they offer yoga classes out on the deck in the mornings.
Spending a few days in Puerto Vallarta with friends at the Villa Premiere , will create wonderful memories. It will also leave you feeling completely relaxed, and rejuvenated (and wanting to come back once you leave). Definitely ready to take on anything that is thrown your way!
* DISCLOSURE: I have been fortunate to have been invited to Puerto Vallarta, and the Villa Premiere Boutique several times through both the Tourism board and the hotel, this is information gathered from several of these visits.
