Don’t Miss the Puerto Vallarta Zoo!

In Chicago we have Brookfield Zoo, considered one of the best in the country.  In Puerto Vallarta we have an altogether different type of zoo in that you can get much closer to the animals and interact with them..ummm…maybe more than you should!  We ended up petting the giraffe, feeding flamingoes and hippo’s right from our hands and we witnessed a goat catching a ride on the back of the hippo! Yes, the rules are more relaxed but that makes for a great experience if you have the guts :)    I have to admit that this day trip to the Zoo and lunch at the Vista Grill afterwards is one of my finest memories.

Sherry, Ann, Chris and I had sFlamingo Carol Zooo much fun that day!  Just not sure I liked how much those Pink Flamingo’s followed me (Maybe because I am Italian, lol).  We were able to get so close and feed most of the animals.  Very cool!

Click here for more info on the zoo.

On the Water at Dugeral’s Thatch Restaurant

When any of us make the 3 mile trek along the beach from the condo to Bucerias, we can’t wait to have a cold drink on the deck at Dugeral’s as well as the shrimp salad.  The breeze is fantastic on the upper level and the view goes on forever.  We usually get ourselves all rested up and cooled down from the journey and then head to the square and the flea market.  Usually I like to end the day at Bucerias with a nice cup of Mexican coffee and a stroll over the Paseo de Besa.  There we can enjoy some art galleries and cute boutiques (yes, this is where my friend bought every cute top in the store!).  As for me…just give me my nice cup of coffee with a lovely hint of cinnamon as the sun goes down.

Golf and more golf and more golf!

Villa Magna has a reciprocal arrangement with El Tigre Private club associated with Paradise Village.  Proving residency gets us a better rate and it is right around the corner from the condo on the Bay.  We enjoy some very challenging holes and as part of the ambiance El Tigre has two huge black cages that surround the gate where two black tiger’s live.  I love taking my visitors to the cages when the tiger’s are being fed…interesting!  golf, paradise village, Bay of Bandaras, Villa Magna

The LPGA has played a couple of tournaments there, including the LPGA’s first International event in 2010.  I ride my bike there and enjoy a wonderful lunch with the girls.  Often you see someone you think you should recognize with media following them and body guards!

El Tigre is one of my favorites but I am also a big fan of Vallarta’s Jack Nicklaus course up top the Sierra Madres.  Gorgeous!

What I really love is that all the courses rent new Taylor Made equipment for about 480 pesos (approx. $50) so my friends that visit don’t usually lug their clubs.

Probably my all time favorite golf course is Vista Vallarta.  Going to the golf course entails a long winding ride up the mountain until the beautiful white clubhouse veiled in colorful Buganvia’s looms into your view.  Outstanding!  Both the Nicklaus and the Weiskopf courses are challenging and losing a ball or two is a given! Check it out at:

Click this link to see more info on Vista Vallarta Golf

Bucerias…we never miss a visit to this quaint town and flea market!

Michael Angels with Vic and ChrisHere we are at Michael Angel’s located on the square in Bucerias.  The food is always good and the friendly wait staff is terrific.  I never miss a trip to this favorite restaurant of mine where Lalo the parrot will come to your shoulder and live Latin  music is always playing. ..don’t be surprised to hear some Frank Sinatra in the mix!  Here I am with friend Vicki and neighbor Christine who has a condo on 8th floor.  Sherry has Lalo on her shoulder and that night he wanted to eat her ice cream sundae!

Carol

Pipi’s Restaurant has the BEST Margaritas!

pipis 20121110_19395620121110_194227We just love eating at Pipi’s and hardily recommend at least one visit there when in town Puerto Vallarta (On the Malecon).  We especially loved all the flavored Margarita’s.  My favorite is the strawberry but many of my friends love the Pineapple and banana!  It was an added treat when the waiter came to the table and made the guacamole right in front of us.  What a great time…and then off to walk on the waterfront to burn those calories!

The bus can drop you right on Pipi Avenue in town!

http://www.pipis.com.mx/

Whale Watching Puerto Vallarta

You don’t want to miss the chance to whale watch when they migrate in December!  What a blessing it was to watch a mother birthing her calf.  She hit the water hard, splashing violently, in order to give birth.  The tail came out first…what a sight and a memory!  You can actually see the whales and dolphins from the balcony of the condo with strong binoculars, but there are many tour boats that can take you out for the afternoon.

Villa Magna Private Beach

The Infinity Pool that seems to cascade right into the Bay! Punta De Mita and  Sierra Madre Mountains in the background.

Challenging, Mountaintop Golf Courses with Stunning Views!

Many beautiful and scenic courses to choose from.

Full Accommodations!

Private Beach…3 Fabulous Pools…Hot Tub…Restaurants…Entertainment…Water Sports!  Fully equipped condo, just bring your clothes!

Plenty of Activites

My sisters and I had so much fun on this Mexican vacation trip. We have traveled to Mexico many times but could not believe how nice it was to get off the elevator and have 3 beautiful pools and the ocean. We parasailed, rented jetski’s, snorkeled and took the Pirate Cruise (What fun!!). Everything went so smoothly and we look forward to renting from you again.

Lorraine, Judy and Bernie