This time last week I was visiting the beautiful city of Puerto Vallarta, I was there on a press trip with a group of bloggers via Puerto Vallarta Tourism board. I had never been, and was so happy I was finally able to visit this gem.
This was a trip to experience some of the beauty of Puerto Vallarta as well as some of the gastronomic pleasures of the area. Being gluten free, I am always a little hesitant about food as I have to be careful of ingredients and preparation so there is no cross contamination. I can say that I was treated royally! Everyone went out of their way to make sure I enjoyed my meals thoroughly and that there was no cross contamination.
There is so much to cover about this trip, I will be doing a series of posts so that I don’t miss out on all the amazing sights, experiences and food we enjoyed. Oh, and Tequila… lots of tequila (the good stuff). 🙂
We were hosted by the Villa Premiere Hotel, minutes from the airport and a short walk away from the Malecon boardwalk. It is a beautifully appointed boutique hotel with only 83 rooms and suites. The moment you walk in you are pampered. They hand you a glass of Champagne and give you a massage to help you unwind from your travel day while waiting for your room to be prepared.
Once in the room, you are greeted with goodies and champagne and an amazing view. 5 minutes in and I knew that I would want to be here longer than 4 days.
I changed quickly and headed downstairs to snap a few photos of the beach area and the pool. There were a few people lounging at the pool and in the restaurant area and some enjoying sleeping in the cabana areas. Totally relaxing atmosphere! But that is what you come here for. This Hotel is for guests 16 and over and caters to many couples. It is a perfect place for a relaxing and quiet honeymoon, or romantic getaway! They have 8 beautiful honeymoon suites complete with a beautiful outdoor jacuzzi and hammock – a beautiful, relaxing way to spend your first few days as a married couple together. Add that to the romantic sunsets and candlelit dinners they serve and it is truly magical!
They also have 7 luxurious spa suites, featuring Spa-style atmosphere, a relaxing living room and private balcony.
I was feeling a little peckish from the flight and travel so decided to get a small appetizer to tide me over until our welcome dinner later in the evening. The wait staff was amazing, they went through the menu with me and let me know how everything was served and what may or may not be gluten free. I decided on their sweet potato appetizer and guacamole. It was heaven and presented so beautifully. The perfect touch to the surroundings. This was the first of many lovely meals here – certainly a gourmet dining pleasure. The chef even prepared a few special items for me during our welcome dinner.
After finishing up, I took a little tour around the pool and beach area, there was a little jetty where they set up for wedding ceremonies and special dinners. It was magical, can imagine how lovely it would be to have your wedding or vow renewal ceremony here!
The rooms were very spacious and bright, I loved the tile flooring and the clean designs. They thought of everything, they had robes and slippers for you as well as a complete mini bar that was refreshed daily – I think I drank more than my daily quota of water!
The bathrooms were spacious and beautifully tiled, with plush towels and extra little touches…toothbrush, toothpaste, and a razor in case you forgot yours as well as a sewing kit – something I find so needed at times!
All the rooms had a an ocean side view, I was on the 5th floor and it was gorgeous! At night, they have a turndown service, leaving a few goodies behind. I didn’t have any of them as I wasn’t sure if they were gluten free or not, but they looked amazing! I have slept in a lot of hotel beds… these were one of the most comfortable ones yet! And the pillows … I have a problem with many hotel pillows – never the right support, but these were perfect, absolute heaven.
The thing that I think stood out the most was all the staff, they were all lovely and very friendly… going out of their way to help wherever they could. Makes a holiday so relaxing!
I would love to return to this beautiful Villa Premiere hotel someday and bring my husband back with me!
Loved your posting. Very timely as well, since we will be traveling to Puerto Vallarta in a few weeks for the NATJA conference. Glad to see the blue sky in your photos!
Thank you and wonderful for you! Yes, they were talking about getting everything set up for that – you will love Puerto Vallarta as well as all the PR and hosts with PV Tourism. Great bunch of people. They have some great things lined up for you! The cruise and the show for Rhythms of the night is so great – will be posting soon! Have fun! 🙂
Looks like you enjoyed some of Puerto Vallarta’s best. Did you get to meet the pie lady of Yelapa? http://travelswithcarole.blogspot.com/2010/05/sights-to-see-yelapa-mexico.html
No… our group didn’t go into Yelapa – but I heard they had a great time! I guess I will just have to go back! 🙂
Wow, what a nice welcome. I love it when hotel staff are intuitive and know that you need to take the edge off. Lots of attention to detail.
Yes, Betsy very nice welcome. They were amazing! 🙂
Oh, a “Romance FAM Trip” sounds right up my alley. Mr. TWS and I would have loved this experience. I was in Puerto Vallarta back in the 80s, I loved it and not quite sure why I haven’t been back. Guess it’s time to return. Villa Premiere Hotel looks like a lovely option, too. Friendly and helpful staff can make all the difference.
Yes Cathy, you must visit – the sister hotel is across the street and is family oriented but this is strictly an adult only hotel (16+) – It was very quiet and relaxed – some might think too quiet, but if you are a couple on a romantic getaway you want that. And the staff was amazing, certainly makes all the difference!
I like the fact that it’s 16+. Now that my kids are older my husband and I travel without kids and we like these resorts. When we are traveling we want to just relax and also eat good food. Sounds like a paradise!
It was, and if you want a little bit of family fun … they have a sister hotel right cross and their beach is right next to the hotel, so you can join in on beach games!
The place looks amazing. I love your travel section of your blog the most! =)