The Villas of Distinction team recently returned from Puerto Vallarta, and they can’t stop raving about the stunning views, luxurious villas, and fresh local cuisine. If you’re considering a Puerto Vallarta villa for your next vacation, read on for our experts’ insight on this Mexican paradise. And if you haven’t yet considered Puerto Vallarta for your next getaway, well, you may just be convinced. 

The experts:
Steve Lassman, Vice President of Villa Product & Agency Relations
Rachel Jardiniano, Villa Product Content Manager
Nicholas Safille, Villa Product Content Coordinator

What is your personal favorite thing about visiting Puerto Vallarta? 
Steve: I love the colonial Mexico atmosphere – unlike in the more tourist-heavy developed areas, in Puerto Vallarta you get a true feel for Mexico.
Nicholas: I really like how Puerto Vallarta is both a mountainside and beachfront city. Many of the villas we visited were on the cliffside and had AMAZING views of the bay and ocean, but were also just a short drive down to the city, where the boardwalk along the shore offers shopping, dining and nightlife.
Rachel: This being my first trip to Puerto Vallarta, I was taken away by the views from the villas we visited. Some of the hillside villas that overlooked downtown also have panoramic views of the mountains and the Pacific Ocean's Bahía de Banderas. It was absolutely gorgeous.

What makes this destination different from other places in Mexico? 
Nicholas: Puerto Vallarta stands out with its old town, authentic vibe. 
Rachel: The people in Puerto Vallarta are so friendly and willing to help. I never felt uncomfortable – even when shopping in the downtown market.

What’s one of your favorite villas and why? 
Steve: Villa Mandarinas. The layout is really nice (multi-leveled with three pools), the view is beautiful, and the staff is attentive and passionate about delivering a unique and remarkable experience. And did I mention the food is awesome? Great cook!  
Rachel: Villa Lucia is one of the villas located hillside overlooking Zona Romantica & Los Muertos Beach. The views are absolutely breathtaking, and Villa Lucia is nice and quaint – a perfect little hideaway for small groups. All rooms have ocean views, and the contemporary and clean décor makes it easy to feel comfortable. The views and the location made Villa Lucia one of my favorite villas in Puerto Vallarta. 

What have been some of the most popular Puerto Vallarta villas this year? 
Steve: Villa Mandarinas, Casa Yvonneka, Villa Verde, and Mcfuego. 
Nicholas: Punta Del Cielo (Heaven’s Point). Getting there is a little nerve-wracking, as a steep road leads up to the villa, but there is a funicular that takes you even further to what I believe is the best view in all of Puerto Vallarta. 

Do you need a car during a Puerto Vallarta villa stay? 
Nicholas: Yes, you either need a car or a shuttle service to transport you from your villa to the downtown area. I would consider downtown a walking area for all shopping and dining, but most villas are uphill, and the larger properties are about 20 minutes south on the mountainside.
Steve: I think it depends. You will need transportation from your villa into town, however driving downtown can be stressful, as the roads are narrow and parking is at a premium. So hiring a car and driver or taking taxis, which are plentiful, would also be good options. 

What local food should I try? 
Rachel: Seafood! I had octopus ceviche any chance I could. I honestly don’t think there was a meal I didn’t enjoy. 
Nicholas: I would recommend huevos rancheros for breakfast, an egg dish served with a savory red sauce, which is usually accompanied by refried beans and tortilla chips on the side. We were lucky enough to have our trip coincide with Restaurant Week, and one restaurant that stood out to me was Hacienda San Angel Gourmet, a rooftop eatery with gorgeous night views of Puerto Vallarta, amazing food, and a beautiful courtyard.
Steve: Any local fish. And of course the tacos are outstanding, especially with a local beer (Pacifico is my choice). The tequila in Puerto Vallarta is also good and plentiful.

What is one thing you recommend visitors do or see while here? 
Steve: Spend time walking along the ocean pathway that winds through town – it’s a beautiful walk!
Rachel: Take a day trip to Punta Mita. Although we didn’t have time to visit Sayulita – a small beach town known for surfing and local, handcrafted Mexican art and gifts – I would love to go back and spend a day there.
Nicholas: I would suggest shopping in the downtown area and visiting one of the glass shops. There are thousands of beautifully painted glass pieces, ranging from key chains to dinner plates. And spend a day down by the boardwalk, enjoying fresh margaritas by day and dancing at one of the nightclubs by night.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Explore all villas in Puerto Vallarta.