Skal International
San Francisco SIUSA Director,
Melita Wade Thorpe and Family
Vacation in Puerto Vallarta
With choices of a cruise, adventure trip, or big city
vacation our family of nine selected Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The ocean-side
Fiesta Americana fiestaamericana.com
expertly managed by Skalleague, Francisco Rangel, was our choice for five
days.
With a
large, meandering pool adjoining the white-sand, private beach was simply a
pleasant place to unwind. Our ages
ranged from a three year old to the young at heart abuelas. We had
everything we needed at the FA plus, the Fiesta ninth floor offered
complimentary canapés at 6pm and Continental breakfast in the morning and a
very watched over staff.
As soon as we checked-in we headed to the pool with plenty
of lounge chairs and long fluffy towels available. Nearby Fiesta Kids offered supervised arts and crafts for
the 6 and 3 year olds but the pool became the only place they wanted to be. Three year old Jack came to believe
that the hotel pool was Mexico.
Lingering near the pool, dinner was al fresco with a cool,
sea breeze blowing across the deck of the L’Isola Restaurant and a good
view of bright Venus to the West.
Thursday,
Day 2.
Five
of us headed to the Marina for Mike's Fishing Charters, pvmikesfishing.com owned by Puerto Vallarta Skal Club treasurer,
Miguel Tejeda Guillemin. We were
met at the entrance of the Marina by Felipe, our fishing guide, who escorted us
to the Isabella II, a beautiful 40' yacht with sleeping accommodations for 4
but we were on a half-day of fishing trip. Felipe set our lines as we cruised out and around Banderas
Bay. As we did not get into the
blue water, we were only pulling in the smaller catch of barracuda. Felipe had all the right ingredients
for ceviche and went to work as soon as we began to catch. Mixed with lime juice, red onions,
cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes and herbs, we agreed it was the best ceviche ever.
Back for more pool time before we headed downtown for
dinner at the Coco Tropical, cocotropical.com,
owner/chef, Heinz Reinz and Puerto Vallarta Skal president. As we toasted the sunset and awaited
the green flash, we agreed it was a great location for our dinner. Heinz came out and welcomed the family
warmly as we enjoyed a shrimp cocktail washed down with Mango Margaritas and
beer. Dinner was superb with Mahi
Mahi for some, Osso Bucco for others.
Full and content we joined the locals along the Malecon back to the Main
Plaza. At the Plaza a
folkloric show was performing to an exuberant crowd.
Friday,
Day 3
Most of the family opted
for the snorkel cruise for the day while I joined fellow Skalleagues at their monthly luncheon. Francisco Rangel and new Hilton GM,
Rolando Miravete, rode north beyond Punto Mita to the newest hospitality
creation. Far from the crowds, the
street noise, set at the edge of Pacific is an artistic dream, aptly named LA TRANQUILITY latranquillaresorts.com Over 880’ of
swimming pools front the property.
The
accommodations were extraordinary and the grounds meticulously groomed with
tropical plants of palms, crotons, bougainvilleas fronting the main building
with paths down to the white sand beach.
The lunch began with duck in a puree of garlic and squash, followed by a
whole red snapper (Huachinango frito banado en tequila), and the finale of
Panacota de Jicama con lima.
Saturday, Day 4.
which proudly owns the WOW factor for all ages. From the minute we arrived at the
harbor till we stepped off the boat 7 hours later, we were entertained,
generously fed, and laughed a lot. An excursion for all ages, it went far beyond our expectations with
breakfast and a hearty lunch included with drinks. Pirate games, sword fights, and swashbuckling walk the planks
into the cold Pacific, our team of pirates never stopped serving or
entertaining us. A
wholesome, happy crowd we could watch again and again.
Our last
night we lingered at the L’Isola enjoying the incredible talent at the grand piano. From Beethoven to Phantom of the Opera the pianist serenaded
without the benefit of sheet music. As the sun set, a wedding party began to emerge to a romantic beach
setting on Fiesta Americana's private beach for some hundred formal dressed
wedding guests. The Mariachis were
in their dress whites and serenaded the hotel guests as well as the wedding
party.
Sunday,
Day 5.
Sunday morning three of us ventured back to the
central Plaza for breakfast and to watch Puerto Vallarta come awake. Sand chess game was set and awaiting
the fully sand covered players.
Slowly the many vendors pulled open their shops, families strolled the
Malecon, and the first of church goers from Our Lady of Guadalupe emerge and
stop by the street vendor for appetizing aroma of tamales.
We found
a little place for breakfast to get our last view of Puerto Vallarta's pleasant
climate before returning to the Fiesta Americana to bid adios to our friends
and some of the family staying on another day. The six year old was occupied at Fiesta Kids painting her
caterpillar and making choices for the next event before more pool time.
One more
splash in the pool, one more Margarita, a walk on the beach pondering our next
family gathering. No decision yet
but what we do know is that Puerto Vallarta is not Elizabeth Taylor and Richard
Burton’s
sleepy, little hideaway anymore. Tourism and Visitor's Boards are struggling with the perceived danger
elsewhere while cities like Puerto Vallarta are painting a warm, friendly face
where families vacation, stroll along the beach after 10pm, and crowd the Plaza
for artistic entertainment every night. Puerto Vallarta offers a very fine, family vacation free of care
the upscale amenities and food choices are aplenty.
Hasta Luego Mexico Lindo!
Melita Wade Thorpe
Skal International San Francisco – SIUSA