The hotel and its fabulous spa perch above a lovely beach at the northern extreme of Bahía de Banderas, about 45 minutes from the PV airport and an hour north of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Spacious rooms occupy Mexican-style casitas of one, two, and three stories. Each room has elegant yet earthy furnishings and a private terrace or balcony—many with a sweeping sea view. The Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf course has a challenging, optional 19th-island hole; the gym is first rate; and a good variety of sporting and beach equipment is on hand. Just offshore, the Marietas Islands are great for snorkeling, diving, whale-watching, and fishing. This is the place for indulging golf and spa fantasies, or just using the luxurious, top-notch facilities. It's a great spot for kids, too. Pros: Beautiful beach, yoga on the point, great gym equipment and game room for kids and adults, private yacht available for charter. Cons: Staff can seem overeager (you'll be saying "hola" a lot), very expensive spa treatments, stringent cancellation policy.
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