| • Alamos • Colima • Costa Alegre • Manzanillo • Puerto Vallarta • Punta Mita • | ||
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Alamos Hotels | ||
| Hacienda de los Santos WE LIKE: Beautiful property with stunning gardens, great restaurant This tranquil and indulgent hideaway is one of our favorite locations for a weekend escape with a loved one. It has all the ingredients for a perfect getaway - sumptuous rooms with wood burning fireplaces, cozy terraces and an exquisite and very romantic restaurant. Alamos itself is a colonial town of great character with a history of silver mining, revolution and ghosts. There are a number of colorful fiestas and plenty of natural and cultural attractions - excursions available include river trips to Mayo Indian villages, bird watching and tropical forest tours. The proximity to the incredible Copper Canyon, home to one of the world's most scenic railroad journeys, also makes the Hacienda an obvious choice for a vacation combining sightseeing and pampering. Rooms from $250 US Dollars
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Colima Hotels | ||
| Hacienda San Antonio WE LIKE: Huge, luxurious suites with working fireplaces, spectacular gardens and pool The Hacienda San Antonio, one of the finest hotels in Mexico, exudes a real sense of history. Tapestries, working fireplaces, hand woven rugs and cozy armchairs are featured in the spacious guest rooms. This is a place for relaxation and appreciation of the spectacular natural beauty of the surroundings - guests can sunbathe by the swimming pool and admire the snow-capped peaks of the two volcanoes in the distance. Horseback riding, nature trails and tennis courts are some of the activities available at the hotel, and several excursions are offered that will give guests a taste of the real Mexico. Rooms from $400 US Dollars
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Costa Alegre Hotels | ||
| Careyes WE LIKE: Small resort atmosphere, range of accommodation, for couples or families This is the perfect hideaway for those who prefer a more cosmopolitan ambience over total seclusion. The location is fairly remote - a pretty cove with lush forest surroundings on the undeveloped Costa Alegre - and with the maximum number of guests at around 100 or so, it isn't a large resort. Yet there's usually a buzz of activity around the attractive terraced restaurant, and the irregular array of red tiled roofs and balconies give the air of a Mediterranean village. There's even a small selection of boutiques and a deli. We also like the range of accommodations at the Careyes; the junior suites are spacious and indulgent enough to envelop honeymooners for a week or more, whilst the luxurious casitas can accommodate a family in comfort. And the facilities are surprisingly child-friendly; the pool is big enough for everyone to share, baby sitting services are available and there's a good range of activities for all ages. Rooms from $259 US Dollars
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| Cuixmala WE LIKE: Incredibly private, secluded and with amazing views. Good accomodations for families. This spectacularly secluded resort lies in an estate covering 25,000 acres and includes the ecologically important Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve. Cuixmala was once the private hideaway of Sir James Goldsmith, and is still owned and managed by the Goldsmith family. Those looking for exclusivity, privacy and exceptional service can take their pick of the nine casitas (sleeping from two to six people) or the fabulous fully-staffed villas including La Loma, Goldsmith's former residence. The casitas are clustered around a large swimming pool and the restaurant Casa Gomez, with the ambiance of an intimate hotel. The villas each have their own stunning swimming pool and feature huge verandas, lavish indoor and outdoor living spaces and breathtaking views. There are several beaches on the estate, horseback riding can be arranged at the well equipped stables, and there's even a soccer pitch on site. Rooms from $350 US Dollars
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| Hotelito Desconocido WE LIKE: Unique experience, totally secluded, ecological This is a magical, extraordinary hotel, quite unique within Mexico. It's one of our favorite places for a really relaxing, escape-from-the-rat-race vacation, where even a few days will leave you totally refreshed. The unconventionality of Hotelito Desconocido means that it is certainly not suited to everyone. The lack of electricity adds a novel touch but creates a few little annoyances. Of course, there's no television, no phones, and no air-conditioning, so if you can't do without these then think again. However, there are special delights that you'll rarely find elsewhere - like room service that's summoned by raising a flag, snoozing in a hammock with the lapping of water below, or rowing out on the lagoon at midnight to watch the stars. Rooms from $510 US Dollars
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| Las Alamandas WE LIKE: Very private, outstanding levels of service, remote and tranquil The rich and famous head to Las Alamandas for its seclusion and privacy - with a maximum capacity of 30 guests in a paradise of 1,500 acres, you may never even see any other visitors. The hotel is the creation of Isabelle Goldsmith, granddaughter of the Bolivian 'Tin King' Don Antenor Patino and daughter of the British financier Sir James Goldsmith. On inheriting from her grandfather the ecologically rich reserves where Don Patino had planned a mega-resort, Miss Goldsmith visualized a discrete hideaway of exquisite taste. The results are quite extraordinary. With vast financial resources and a distinguished background, Miss Goldsmith might have created the type of resort where jewels and couture were flaunted by day and night, and where guests were insulated from any kind of local culture. Instead, with a skilful eye for color and an instinctive appreciation of Mexico's indigenous crafts, Las Alamandas was conceived as a very relaxed, very Mexican retreat. Rooms from $371 US Dollars
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| Tamarindo WE LIKE: Luxurious but tropical villas, private plunge pools, spectular setting This secluded resort is a perfect blend of rusticity, romance and sheer indulgence. The Tamarindo is set in two thousand acres of rainforest; an area of breathtaking natural beauty where wooded ravines meet the palm fringed Pacific shores. The attractions include one of the most spectacular golf courses in the country, several secluded beaches and an enticing clear blue sea. With such inspiring surroundings the last place guests will want to spend time is in their room. In response, the Tamarindo's villas offer a rare treat of expansive, private and sublimely comfortable outdoor living spaces - huge palapa topped verandahs opening out from stylish interiors and just steps away from a private plunge pool or Jacuzzi. Some villas have ocean views, others are hidden amongst dense pine groves higher up the hillside. Although tropical in appearance, the villas include all modern amenities, including air-conditioning, refrigerators, direct dial telephone and oversized bathrooms. Rooms from $425 US Dollars
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Manzanillo Hotels | ||
| Dolphin Cove Inn coming soon! WE LIKE: Flexible and family-friendly accommodations plus romantic suites, wonderful ocean views This unusual property consists of forty five rooms and suites hugging the hillside of Manzanillo Bay, close to Las Hadas. Each room has a balcony or a terrace with wonderful ocean views plus a kitchen or kitchenette. There are a multitude of different options for families, from studios with an extra bed to two or three bedroom suites and connecting rooms and suites. Within walking distance of your suite are a small grocery store, the swimming pool and beach, tennis courts and a golf course. Note that since the property is located on many levels of the hillside there are lots of steps, and the hotel is not recommended for those with walking difficulties. We recommend the Dolphin Cove in for those looking for an economical and convenient beach vacation and it works especially well for larger families and for groups. Rooms from 1188 Mexican Pesos
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Puerto Vallarta Hotels | ||
| Casa Velas Hotel Boutique WE LIKE: All inclusive with gourmet cuisine, tranquil location, adults only The luxury of Casa Velas Hotel Boutique might be a surprise to many. Hidden away just back from the ocean, the tranquillity and intimacy of the property together with the superb facilities make this a welcome change from the high rise hotel zone. Formerly known as the Quinta Real, the property has always had an excellent reputation for its cuisine. The Casa Velas is now an all-inclusive property yet it maintains the same high levels of food and service. Children are no longer accepted in the main seasons, so it is a complete contrast to most of the other all-inclusive properties in the region. The recent addition of a private Beach Club, with infinity pool, restaurant and air-conditioned TV lounge, plus a full-service spa had already elevated the property's appeal and it remains our top choice for charm and luxury in Puerto Vallarta. Rooms from $388 US Dollars
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| Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort coming soon! WE LIKE: Ultra-luxurious all-inclusive resort, families welcomed, magnificent suites The Grand Velas has taken the all-inclusive vacation to a new level of luxury. Couples and families looking for an alternative to the Four Seasons in Punta Mita will find this resort very attractive. The magnificent two and three bedroom suites are some of the finest accommodations around the Bay of Banderas and resort has impressive facilities, including an excellent spa and childrens' activity program. The standards of service are very high, though in our opinion not quite as polished as the Four Seasons (though for many people the convenience of the all-inclusive plan will compensate for this). The Grand Velas also has the advantage of a convenient location, being within easy reach of both the airport and the town, and a lovely long beach. Rooms from $863 US Dollars
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| Majahuitas Resort WE LIKE: Rustic and romantic hideaway, beautiful beach, great service and food Desert island hideaways don't get much better than idyllic Majahuitas Resort. The hotel's 18 acres are actually part of the mainland, but because there are no roads to the area the only access is by sea. And so your vacation begins with a leave-your-worries-behind-you boat trip along the stunning coastline of the Bay of Banderas. Away from Puerto Vallarta, the sea becomes clearer and blue-green. Twenty minutes later the boat arrives at one of the most picturesque coves on the coast. Seven casitas cling to the shoreline and slopes of the one third of a mile long beach, each casita having a perfect sea view. To describe the resort as simple or rustic is deceptive. While it's true that there are no televisions, telephones or air-conditioning (in fact the hotel is mostly solar powered), the resort boasts gourmet food and extraordinary service. We'd highly recommend Majahuitas for romantics and honeymooners (the hotel has also hosted complete wedding ceremonies). It's also one of the best places we've found for pure relaxation. Rooms from $315 US Dollars
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| Verana coming soon! WE LIKE: Remote and private, rustic but very chic Spectacular vistas and wonderfully quirky accommodations await those who make the half-mile trek up the hillside to Verana. This exotic retreat lies on the Bay of Banderas, south of Puerto Vallarta, and you'll leave the crowds far behind as you journey by boat and on foot to reach the hotel. Your luggage will be transported by mule, but a basic level of fitness and a sense of adventure is required to enjoy this incredible location. The eight casitas range from the fabulously open Tea House and Palapa to the more conventional Stone House and Casa Chica (the latter two houses can even have air-conditioning). This is a place to totally relax and enjoy natural spa treatments, yoga, delicious fresh cuisine and great hospitality. Verana is open only from November 1 to June 5. Rooms from $480 US Dollars
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| Villa Premiere WE LIKE: Downtown location, beachfront, luxurious rooms, good spa This small luxury hotel located in downtown Puerto Vallarta is guaranteed to surprise and delight. We loved the impressive range of guest rooms, all beautifully furnished and including some very special suites. If you've been searching for something out of the ordinary for a honeymoon or other romantic occasion but don't want to sacrifice a central location, we recommend that you check out the Honeymoon Suites with their huge terraces and outdoor Jacuzzis or the sumptuous Master Suites. The latter must some of the finest accommodations in town, boasting indoor and outdoor whirlpools and breathtaking views up and down the Bay of Banderas. Villa Premiere Hotel & Spa is a premium all-inclusive property with an optional European Plan (no meals, drinks or activities included). Guests may select the plan of their choice when booking. Guests at the Villa Premiere must be at least sixteen years old and conscious efforts are made to create an elegant and formal ambiance. Rooms from $264 US Dollars
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Punta Mita Hotels | ||
| Casa Las Brisas coming soon! WE LIKE: Intimate and romantic adults only resort, all-inclusive plan This delightful small hotel has just six rooms and two sumptuous penthouse suites. All rooms have a balcony with stunning ocean views, a beautiful tiled bathroom and an impressive range of facilities. These include both air conditioning and a ceiling fan, as well as Aveda toiletries and a dock for your i-pod. The hotel's friendly staff will make you feel instantly at home and are always on hand to offer delicious freshly made snacks and excellent cocktails. Rates here include all food and drinks, with a new lunch and dinner menu created every day using a selection of fresh ingredients. The romantic and secluded nature of this hotel means that it does not accept children under the age of 16. Rooms from $395 US Dollars
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| Four Seasons Punta Mita WE LIKE: Excellent family resort, lavish suites, beautiful location The Four Seasons' newest Mexican property lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Secluded, pristine beaches and unusually calm and clear ocean make swimming and water sports especially enticing. These beaches are the nesting grounds of several species of marine turtle, and whales, dolphins and manta rays are occasional visitors. For the moment this is the only resort in the area, although more are planned, and the relatively small scale of the resort adds a sense of exclusivity and privacy. We recommend the resort to couples looking for some serious pampering - a world class spa and breathtakingly scenic golf course may be reasons enough alone for a visit. Punta Mita is also a great place for families. The surprisingly child friendly facilities and the "Kids for all Seasons" club mean that parents have time for some private relaxation. But don't worry if you want to escape the family environment - there's plenty of space for everyone and even during the busiest holiday season, it's still possible to find a secluded beach of your own. Rooms from $405 US Dollars
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