Happy Friday everyone – I hope you had a wonderful week!
As I mentioned on Wednesday, Ben and I recently got back from a trip to sunny, sandy Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with the friends we met while living in Minneapolis after college. We’ve been mindful to stay in touch over the years, and Ben and I were both beyond excited to get together for a week of fun with the good time gang! While I’ve been to PV before, this trip was completely different and one of the best we’ve ever taken in terms of where we stayed, how relaxing it was, and, of course, the company.
Let me give you the details!
First and foremost – the house we stayed in. Oh my gosh! We went the VRBO route for this trip so we could all stay together, vs getting 5 hotel rooms, and it was spectacular – I would return in a heartbeat! Our home for the week was Villa Encantada, a 5 bedroom, 6 bathroom home in the hills above Puerto Vallarta, which included a full kitchen, solar-heated pool and hot tub, tiki bar, a private chef, concierge, and laundry services.
Completely open to the elements, Villa Enantada is decorated with custom artwork, and seriously just made us feel like celebrities for the week, without the price tag. When all was said and done the cost was comparable to staying at an all-inclusive resort in the area.
I forgot to mention the view, or rather, the VIEWS – plural! This was the scene Ben and I woke up to every morning in our bedroom facing the ocean. I seriously had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t still dreaming! Just kidding, I sleep terribly away from home, but this view more than made up for the lack of zzzs.
While there’s tons to do in PV, and we did a lot, some of our most fun times were spent hanging by the pool reading, drinking, eating, and playing center man, a game the men invented which basically involved punching a deflated basketball over and over for hours. Yup!
No matter what our evening plans were, we always made sure to be home for sunset at 7pm, which we had the perfect view of from our seats at the outdoor dining room table. Completely unforgettable.
Speaking of the dining room table, we ate out at several wonderful restaurants in PV including Gaby’s (<– the fajitas!) Vista Grill (<– the “From the Sea” dish and sweeping views!) and Tapas Barcelona (<– the bay scallops!) This was the first trip I’ve taken out of the country since being diagnosed with Celiac Disease so I was extremely nervous about getting glutened because I don’t speak the language and, well, spending 4 days in bed can kind of ruin a vacation.
That said, Mexican cuisine is very fresh and definitely doesn’t focus on wheat as much as we do here in America. But, there’s always a risk so I printed out this Restaurant Card in Spanish which I went over with waiters if I had a question and had ZERO issues the entire time we were there. So, so thankful!
While our meals out were tremendous, as I mentioned, the house rental came with a private chef, Walter, who cooked his heart out for us everyday. This was the most unique travel experience I’ve ever had – knowing you’re on vacation, but feeling like you’re at home.
I believe Walter could have cooked all three meals a day, but we usually had him prepare breakfast and either lunch or dinner, and then appetizers for cocktail hour. We were provided with a big menu which we could choose dishes from everyday, then Walter and Rene, the concierge, shopped for the ingredients and cooked the food. We just paid the grocery/drink bill at the end of the trip. Totally slick.
Some of my favorites were garlic-butter lobster, fresh fruit salads, GINORMOUS nacho and fresh fruit platters, and homemade empanadas. They were aware of my GF status before we arrived and made every effort to cook gluten-free (to be clear I never asked the group to eat GF because it’s my problem, not theirs, but it was basically a non-issue because many Mexican dishes are already GF.) If a dish couldn’t be modified, they provided a separate plate made just for me. I couldn’t have felt more at ease.
Rene was an amazing griller, and whipped up steak fajitas for us a couple of times.
Gahh!
Without a doubt, my favorite meal was the grilled Bacon-Wrapped Jumbo Prawns we had for lunch one day. So simple, so spectacular. I think I had 40.
When we weren’t stuffing our faces, we were out on the town, or rather, beach. Puerto Vallarta has gorgeous beaches that are great for walking, and cool water with waves that are perfect for bobbing. I don’t know about you but I could beach walk and/or wave jump for hours on end.
Since our house was up in the hills we had to climb down a near vertical set of stairs every morning to get to the beach, while fitness-focused folks ran laps around us. Holy cow I need to step up my fitness game – my lungs were burning on the way up every afternoon!
Luckily the destination at the end of the journey was worth it!
Off the beach there’s plenty to do in downtown PV like visiting the Malecon, kind of the town square with shops and restaurants.
The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is an anchor of the Malecon and is a big tourist attraction in the area. Ben and I always find it interesting to compare places of worship we’ve seen around the world – Mexico, Asia, Europe, the south, etc, – and this one is right up there with some of the prettiest we’ve seen.
Speaking of pretty, PV is a stunningly beautiful town. Vibrant and unique. Of all the Mexican tourist destinations I’ve been to, it’s absolutely my favorite. Super slow, less touristy (don’t get me wrong, they have clubs – which we woo-hood it up at…until 11pm – but it’s a completely different feeling than Cancun for instance,) and I just can’t get over the bougainvilleas that are dripping over every surface of the town, in all shades of pink, coral, yellow, and white (I guess that’s just one shade…)
I especially loved peeking down alleyways throughout the town to get little slice of life shots. I could totally see myself being a snowbird here when I’m 70!
Sun and sand are nice, of course – I couldn’t get over just how perfect the weather was every single day we were there – but a chance to spend a week with wonderful friends was our favorite part. We missed everyone the minute we left!
Fun group activities included puttering up the coast for a couple hours in a boat, with fresh coconuts spiked with rum to sip on. Can you tell how EXCITED Ben was for it?? BAHAHAHAHA. Ben hates boats and open water (he prefers rivers where he can see both banks, thank you very much,) but insisted on coming along because, well, YOLO.
And finally paddleboarding! I’ve been wanting to paddleboard for years now, but the only option we have around home is at a lake that I most definitely do not want to fall into…ever. Anyway, us girls forked over some money and got a paddle and board in return, and then we were off.
Woah – WAY harder than I thought! I think I fell off at least 10 times in 20 minutes, but it was such a cool experience, and wow, paddleboarding quickly gives you an idea of how good your balance is…or isn’t, in my case!
All these fun experiences wouldn’t have been the same if it weren’t for the great group of friends we were experiencing them with. These 9 people (Ben included, of course,) are so genuine and really make an effort to take care of each other. Hilarious, too. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much. (Thanks, Annie, for the pic!)
We’ve committed to doing a group vacation every other year so you will be seeing them again!
Afterall, any group that takes tequilla shots with dinner is alright by me. ;)
The most important thing about this trip was spending more time with my guy in one week than we have in 19 months. Leaving Lincoln behind with my parents was almost unbearable – I cried for weeks and considered cutting our trip short beforehand – but once we got there I realized how good this would be for all of us, Lincoln included. We absolutely cannot wait to return again (and hopefully to Villa Encantada – I’m telling you, paradise in Puerto Vallarta!)
Thanks for reading along – this was a really fun recap to write and relive. Back to regularly scheduled programming next week – have a fantastic weekend, everyone!
Oh my gosh! Your holiday looks so amazing!!
I find that staying in a house when you are traveling with a group is the way to go. We stayed at the most amazing house in Costa Rica a few years ago and when we saw it in the NY Times for sale we were all a little tempted!
Also, you should do a post on your photography because your photos are amazing! I love the different angles.
Looks like an amazing time. I really need to figure out how to take a “real” vacation.
It looks like you had an amazing trip!! Absolutely beautiful photos :)
I’ve been to PV twice – never was our trip this good. Fun don’t get me wrong but I would stay where you stayed in a heartbeat! I may have to try this! Glad you had a good time and I’m sure your folks enjoyed their time with Lincoln. Stay well.
This is a great post! Thank you for sharing the villa link and your great photos. I was momentarily on a warm, beautiful vacation just by reading about it, and as a new mother of twins, it was just what I needed to start my Friday. :) I’m a long time reader, and I love your blog!
I think paddleboarding in the ocean with waves is much harder than in a lake, so maybe you should consider giving the lake a second chance lol.
Looks like an amazing trip. I am so jealous! Having a private chef just sounds fabulous.
I totally will! I’m glad I started off with the hardest setting – now a lake will seem like a breeze in comparison!
It looks like a wonderful trip! You are so lucky to have a group of friends like that!!! Beautiful!
oh my gosh, I am so jealous! That water, weather, and drinks look amazing! Thanks for the great recap!
Wow! Stunning pictures and it looks like you had an amazing time! I still can’t get over the vacation house with a private chef, but everything you did looks incredible. You’ve convinced me that PV is on my must-go list for sure!
Love this!!! We’ve taken lots of big group trips over the past 6 years, but they’ve been cruises and all-inclusives, which were wonderful, but this whole house-rental idea with a private chef sounds amazing! And your photos…gorgeous! I’ll definitely be checking out Villa Encantada!
While you were in Mexico last week, we were in Puerto Rico — leaving behind our 15-month-old to be spoiled by family members. I think the week up to the trip was the hardest, but once we were at the airport, I relaxed, knowing he was in good hands.
Also, our hotel was on the beach and we were lulled to sleep by ocean waves every night. And we were up at 6 am everyday! No matter how hard we tried to sleep in, we couldn’t! We apparently are programmed to wake up early now, no matter what.
Thank you for sharing. I love to live vicariously through other people’s vacations, plus I have a 9 month at home and we’re thinking of doing a trip just the two of us next fall. I didn’t think I could do it, but you’re showing me it’s possible!
This reminds me of my honeymoon, when we went to an all-inclusive resort in Mexico. Beaches. Sun. Food. I cried when we had to come home!! I think it was probably a once in a lifetime thing for us, but you never know, maybe some day we will have the chance to go back with friends!
Kristin – that looks like a fantastic week you have just spent! The house looks amazing as all of the photos do by the way!
Thanks for letting us all know – that might be a destination I have to think about!
WOW!! This looks gorgeous! I have done a lot of traveling in Mexico, both touristy and off the beaten path. I haven’t been to PV though and I think it needs to go on the list. This was obviously a refreshing and well-deserved trip for you – seriously I can feel the post-vacation glow through my computer! Glad you guys took that time out for yourself – you’re right – in the long term caring for yourself that way will be a wonderful thing for everyone in your life.
What a fun vacation! I definitely want one now with all of this snow. The house sounds wonderful but man are those stairs beastly.
Wow, what a beautiful looking trip!! I’ve never thought of doing the VRBO thing for a house in Mexico. We do that all the time for ski vacations. The whole thing sounds just wonderful!
Wow! Stunning photos! This looks like a GREAT trip! I had no idea that rented houses could be so swanky! A personal chef? We usually use points to travel, but that would be a great splurge!
oh wow, this looks wonderful! the scenes, the buildings, i want to EAT it, lol. also–random–some of the flatware in these photos is incredibly gorgeous!
This was a great post! I really want to go now. Thank you
Small world! Joe was my “Gustie Greeter” (freshman orientation leader) and Annie was in my sorority. I’ve been reading your blog for years I had no idea they knew you until Annie shared this post on facebook!
Thanks for sharing! I love your blog, I read it everyday!!
Jerri
This looks incredible – every.single.thing. I’m calling my friends right now! So fun to have so much quality time with your hubs and friends.
Omgggggggggg I need to go there. Take me and Jay with your group next time??? :)
just what I needed to read! We are leaving our 2 yr old home with Grandma while we go to Belize for a week next month, and I’m having serious anxiety about it…glad to hear it went so well for you guys!
Honestly the final week leading up to the trip was pure torture – tremendous amounts of guilt, thinking about being an entire country away if anything should happen, etc, – but truly, he might have had more fun with Grandma/pa than we did! You’ll feel better once you’re there – it’s the anticipation that’s so hard!
Thank you! I’m sure you’re right…i’m sure as soon as I sleep past 7am for the first time in over 2 years my anxieties will melt away. ;)
Cute swimsuit!! Where is it from? Your trip looks awesome!
Thanks! J Crew :)
Ah, man! Looks like you all had a freakin’ amazing time there.
The next time you go to PV you MUST must must try this downtown restaurant called Pipi’s. OMG. And go on your birthday if you can. :) Nothing like having a mariachi band play for you. Instead of cake, you are presented with three shots of primo tequila and flan, while they have you don a gigantic sombrero and dot your face with whipped cream. It’s a hoot! And the food is amazing!!
YES! I went there last time I was in PV – margaritas as big as your face? Totally ok with that! ;)
This vacation looks amazing – that house (and esp the amenities)! And seriously? Could that water be any more beautiful?! I’ve gotta say, Mexico has never been high on my must-visit list but lately it’s been climbing on up – your recap may have just put it over the top!
Wonderful tribute to Puerto Vallarta! My family has gone several times and stay at the white beach condos in Conchas Chinas that is seen in the pic just above your paddle board picture! Beautiful town. Barcelona Tapas was my choice for my bday dinner the last 2 years! Check out Coco Tropical on the beach for dinner next time. It was a family favorite and my daughters asked to return there on our last evening of vacation. Enjoy your blog immensely! Salute!!
FUN article!!! I like that you shared your vacation with us :) I think it’s also great that you expressed your concerns over leaving Lincoln with Grandma/pa – good job at keeping it real! While my boys are a little older now, I remember feeling guilt and anxiety before leaving them. Honestly though, it’s great to get away as a couple. We’ve continued this tradition and look forward to it every year!! I hope you and Ben continue your fun tradition as well
http://www.BundleMeBaby.etsy.com
That looks like an amazing vacation! And you looked super cute in your black and white swimsuit.
OMG that sounds like a dream vacay – the 5 BR house with a chef?! Perfect! All in all, totes jealous!
Sounds AMAZING. The private chef really takes the cake, that is so awesome!!
Your trip looked amazing….and your photos ….TOP SHELF!! Good job…I know you are already looking forward to your next trip…
Enjoy your summer…and I really enjoy Iowa Eats….
Salud
Linda
Your travel posts are my fave! I love hearing about your trips, & I’ve used info from some of your posts on my own vacations. Thank you! (This trip sounds like one I’d love to duplicate, too!) ;)
Hi Kristen,
I love everything about your blog and I ready it weekly. I read your vacation recap and instantly wanted to go to PV. I actually had plans last weekend (after reading your recap) to go to a AAA Travel Marketplace (show) and I spoke to a lady about PV and she reinforced what you said. She said the sunsets are the best. I asked about Riviera Maya and she said “the sunsets are not as good there”. She also commented on the difference in the sand, in PV it’s more of a compact harder sand and the water is more of a greenish hue. She said in RM, the sand is white soft and fluffy and the water is that turquoise blue (picture perfect) ocean color. That mad me nervous, but all the pictures I see of PV – the ocean looks pretty darn beautiful to me. She wasn’t saying it in a bad way, she was just stating the facts and the difference between RM (gulf) and PV (Pacific Ocean). At any rate, I am planning on going to PV next February, she also recommended that to be the best time. I can’t wait.
Is there anything you can recommend? We are thinking of staying in an all-inclusive hotel (it will just be me and my boyfriend). I don’t even think I know 10 people to rent a Villa with…LOL.
Lincoln is adorable and I look forward to your new posts!
Karen
Kristin – sorry :)
The gulf-side sand and water is GORGEOUS, but the Pacific side is perfectly beautiful, too, as you can see from my photos. Really warm, a beautiful blue-green color, and we had no issues walking on the beach for long stretches of time. An all inclusive is always a smart route – I’d check out the review on Trip Advisor before booking anything – they never steer me wrong!
Looks awesome….how was the ocean? Last time we were there it was so rough we couldnt swim in it!
Just perfect – we actually had to hunt for spots with bigger waves. Thinking it might depend on the time of year as to how big they get?
Really Great Trip, vallarta is a gorgeous place, its weather is just a paradise. If you want to come back with less people, I highly recommend the hotel Plaza Pelicanos Grand, nice location and service, i will let the link
https://www.plazapelicanosgrand.com/en