June 5, 2010
Spring was good! Business was great and I got to go to LA for the inaugural of Silver Spirit, and then 2 weeks later John and I were off for 5 days in Mexico. And I booked my tickets for my big trip to Italy in July (we’re taking my nephew there for his Bar Mitzvah present). And there’s no fog here in San Francisco for Memorial Day! Today it’s off to the Oakland Zoo.
As I mentioned in my email to you just before I went to Mexico, I had never been there before on vacation – just business. Well I’ll tell you, it’s a great value. The weather was perfect and the restaurant prices were about a third lower than what you’d find in Hawaii. The top hotel prices are probably similar – but not the four star rates – they’re much lower.
FOOD
I survived the street food. I thought the tacos for 75 cents were fantastic. Not greasy like you might think and the flavors were infinitely better and more intense than what you typically find here. And one finds these tacos from street vendors, or from “restaurants” that are half inside and half outside. Amazing.
Our best meal was at El Arrayan and it was so good we went there twice. Recommended by a client (thanks Joy) and also by Frommers and Fodors, this small, very casual place serves authentic Mexican. Flavors , not unlike the tacos described above, are intense. The fried plantains dipped in a mole sauce were to die for. Margaritas were the best too. We also went to the very upscale Hacienda San Angel (also a hotel). It’s a great space in a very old building with views over the city and the ocean – fun environment with great mariachi entertainment and excellent service. The food was very good, but not as imaginative and flavorful as El Arrayan. We also went to de Santos, a very trendy establishment which I loved. But don’t go before 10PM or you’ll be dining alone. This place is a ‘scene’ so go prepared and dress the part.
YELAPA
The coolest excursion we did was to take a water taxi (basically a junky boat) from downtown PV to Yelapa, a very small outpost in a very private bay with no access other than by boat. 40 minutes after departing you arrive in a lagoon straight out of Gilligan’s Island. But the huts on the TV show were in better shape than the ones here. Anyway, kind of like the rest of the area, if you can ignore the dilapidated housing the scenery is beautiful and you can enjoy quite a relaxing day. Hike up the river or lounge on the beach in chairs at one of several restaurant/bars and be served all day. We choose to walk around a bit and then settled at another restaurant above the beach for a long leisurely lunch. Coronas and fresh fish. What a life.
PUNTA MITA
This enclave is about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, or a little closer from the airport. It’s totally removed from PV as its beaches face north and away from the Bay of Banderas. There are two 5 star hotels here – the Four Seasons and the St. Regis. If you’d like a luxury resort getaway close to the USA (just 2 hours from LAX or Phoenix; 3 from San Francisco) this is a great choice. The only alternate in luxury and closeness is Cabo. Both hotels were stunning, with the brand new St Regis quite fun and blingy. But Four Seasons pours on their 10 star plus service levels and that’s all there is to say. I was a bit disappointed in the food, however. Their Mexican celebrity chef put together a fairly boring, and very expensive, menu. The mini milkshakes by the pool (they just bring them to you) were fabulous. I may not have liked downtown Vallarta, but I did like those tacos!
THE TOWN
You see how I put food, Yelapa and Punta Mita first. I had been looking forward to going to PV for years, but I’m not going back anytime soon. Punta Mita, maybe, but I’d want to eat better. The city is run-down and distinctly lacking in charm. It’s basically a big touristy party town with inexpensive accommodations. There were a few really good shops on a couple of nice streets and we bought a well made Huichol jaguar head which is stunning.
YOUR VACATION SOLUTION
Of course my one-two solution for learning more about Mexico is to 1) call me and 2) have me book you on a 3-5 day getaway there. And remember, we’re a Preferred Partner with Four Seasons which means we lavish you with complimentary extras. And at other top hotels we’ll lavish you as well with other exclusive amenities.
For photos of our vacation in Puerto Vallarta, please visit my Flickr site.
And for current vacation promotions, visit my site. Or call me.
Josh Friedman is a travel agent specializing in luxury travel for small groups and individuals – particularly ultra-luxury cruises, customized vacations and food & wine inspired journeys. Based in San Francisco, and with clients throughout the USA and abroad, his business is focused on 24/7 personalized service to the sophisticated leisure and business traveler and management of study abroad groups. Business services include high-touch reservations, exclusive hotel and airline offers. His relationships with the world's top hotels, cruise lines and local agencies will ensure your successful business or leisure trip.
If you'd like to learn more about these hotels, luxury cruises, or anything else about luxury travel, please contact me in San Francisco's Financial District via phone at 415.248.5079 or email: josh [at] joshfriedmantravel [dot] com.