At just under 100 rooms, this boutique property seduces and charms at every turn. The architecture here is an inviting blend of Mexican and Moorish styles, and the breezy Lobby area is punctuated by sparkling fountains.
You will be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine and a 5 minute neck and back massage, a really sweet touch. You'll also be asked which type of pillows you prefer, and which aromatherapy scent you would like your room to be freshened with.
You will then be escorted to your room, in my case a 'Spa Suite'. Though I was only on the 2nd level, my room had a gorgeous view over the tiny pool, palapa- roofed beachfront restaurant and beyond to the sparkling Pacific. The room was very well-appointed and paved in creamy beige marble. Decor was simple but elegant, and I really enjoyed the local artwork which lends a somewhat funky touch to the otherwise quiet decor.
The king bed was firm but comfortable, and dressed with impossibly white linen. Beyond the bed was a large counter area (perfect for enjoying a Room Service breakfast) equipped with a sink and a small fridge stocked with beer, soda and water. Past the bar was a lovely seating area, next to the tiny balcony. The bathroom exceeded expectations. It was clean, very well lit, and had a large shower as well as an enormous jacuzzi-for-two, above which a set of wooden shutters opened onto the room. An armoire opposite the bed housed a flatscreen television (viewable only from the bed), a CD / DVD player, and an easy-to-use safe. Robes and slippers are provided, as well as coffee makers in every room.
Also on the second floor was the entrance to a lovely little Spa. There is a small salon, and seperate Men's and Women's facilities complete with steam room and dry sauna. You will relax in an adjacent 'Chillout Room', and be served a warm herbal tea or perhaps a cleansing chloropyll drink. You'll then be escorted up a charming set of candle-lit stairs to the Treatment Rooms above. Prices are perhaps less than you might pay in the U.S., though still pricey with most 50 minute sessions running at around $125 or more.
There is also a well-equipped cardio / gym area, complete with ocean-view treadmills.
The pool area is lovely but a bit cramped. Many guests scurry down early in the morning to claim their favorite chaise lounge by placing books etc. on them. Management does their best to discourage this but it seems to be a losing battle. Beside the pool you will find wooden carts piled high with fluffy white towels, magazines in several languages, and even a rack of various sunscreens and lotions- another nice touch. At one end of the pool are 2 thatched-roof cabanas complete with suspended platform beds and privacy curtains. There are several cabanas right on the beach as well, though they do not offer much protection from the sun, as the ceilings are made of rows of twigs. A miniscule second dipping pool with a bar at one end sits between the small main pool and the beach...the perfect spot for sipping a cool Mojito. A poolside menu is available with a selection of lighter fare, and a full breakfast and lunch menu is available at above-mentioned open air restaurant.
There are two other restaurants, open only for dinner, as well. I opted for the 'all-inclusive' plan, and was very pleased I had chosen to do so. For less than $50 per day, I was free to eat and drink wherever and whenever I pleased, including ordering from a 24 hour Room Service Menu. The food was fine but certainly nothing to rave about. The high-end Mexican restaurant was particularly ordinary, except for the Guanabana Jelly (more like a set custard) which is a 'must try' for dessert. The adjacent Continental restaurant does a better job with both food and service, though prices are incredibly high if you have not chosen the all-inclusive option. The poolside restarant also opens on certain nights, the draw here is the beachfront location and tableside preparation of orders.
Service was casual but professional everywhere. The lovely Concierge staff will help you with any tour bookings etc. Wait staff are eager to please (Room Service was surprisingly efficient), and the Housekeepers are wonderful.
Overall, I enjoyed my stay very much. As a single traveler, I felt outnumbered by Honeymooners and couples celebrating a special Anniversary. However, my Vallarta mission was to unwind, and I found this spot the perfect place to do so. I very much appreciated the fact that no children are allowed here. I also loved the location- though the beach here is rocky (don't go to Vallarta for pristine beaches as you'll have a long cab ride away from central PV to reach one), I loved falling asleep to the sound of the crashing surf. I also enjoyed walking into town, the Malecon being only a few minutes away.
A few minor drawbacks were my tiny balcony and the occasional noise of adjacent jacuzzi tubs (in many rooms they are on the balcony rather than inside the room). If you can, splurge on a 'Master Suite', essentially a one bedroom suite with an enormous terrace complete with outdoor jacuzzi. Even the lowest category of room is spacious and well equipped. Overall, highly recommended!