If you're a partier, Cabo San Lucas was made for you. The party never stops at some places. The beach doesn't have too many places that you can actually swim, so you have to be very careful. The undertow and riptides prove to be quite a challenge, even for experienced So. Cal swimmers.

 

For me, it's OLD Mexico. Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, and Manzanillo. If you don't think there's much to these towns, it's because you have to get away from the cruise terminal. Go out and see the old architecture, and sample the local cuisine. That's real Mexican food. Trust me, you'll never want to see Del Taco again.

 

In Puerto Vallarta, we stayed at the new Dreams Villa Magna. We were very impressed. The food was very good, and the Mexican hospitality was at it's best. The property was very clean, and what really impressed us was the management walks the pool decks and talks to the guests, to find out what they think, and how they can imporve things.

 

A very energetic staff keeps thing lively, and there's plenty of room to just relax too. In the nearby town of Nuevo Vallarta, there are shopping centers, swimming with dolphins, and other activities as well.

 

Puerto Vallarta, the place of sunsets and Dreams…Dreams Villamagna that is. We have been sold on the “all-inclusive” concept for quite some time and our vacation to DVM only enhanced that feeling. Dan and I managed to take a few days off to explore this brand new resort, flying down on Thursday night for a long weekend and a much needed break. Of course being in the travel business we are never quite “off work” but we manage to have a wonderful time pretty much anywhere we go, this was no exception.

 

We took a transfer from the airport through Vallarta Tours. If you remember not to speak to the time share people (who will try to do everything possible to make you think they are helping you) and find the sign with your name on it you will have no problem. We were escorted right to our private car which for $12 each took us directly to the hotel. The drive to the hotel took about 15 minutes. Upon our arrival we were greeted by very professional bell men who directed us to the front desk, after offering us champagne and a cool wet towel.

 

Check in was quick and easy and within minutes we entered our beautiful room. The colors, style and floor plan were all quite appealing, even though we did not have an ocean view, we were not disappointed by looking out into the expansive jungle. Each room is exactly the same including all balconies and private hot tubs on each balcony. We found robes and plush towels in our room as well as nearly full size amenities, including sunscreen. There is plenty of closet and drawer space and a great flat screen plasma TV (not that you are going on vacation to watch TV!) There is also a safe to store your valuables. The finishing touches on the room were the polished porcelain floors and rich limestone counter tops and shower interiors.

 

The grounds are incredible clean and beautiful. There are three pristine, massive pools each running into one another and finally seeming to run into the ocean.  We enjoyed sitting by the pool, swimming or watching a fierce game of water volleyball. The beach is equipped nicely with plenty of lounge chairs and papalas to sit under. Yes there are the typical vendors roaming the beach attempting to sell their wares, but for me this just adds to the experience. If you don’t want to buy, “just say no"  There are plenty of organized activities which include: yoga; water aerobics; bicycle tours; kayaking; the aforementioned water volley ball, bingo and much more. If you can’t find something to with the entire staff, they were both professionally attired as well as professional in their behavior.  All spoke English to one degree or another and were always helpful and well meaning.  Since we work long hard hours, Dan especially we are usually ready to just sit at the beach the first day which this trip was no exception, we spent the entire morning at the beach and in the water.  We have a great affinity for the ocean, but find as we become older we tolerate the cold water in the southern California less and less.  The water in PV is perfect, not as warm as the Caribbean, but certainly not as cold as the water at home. We spent quite a bit of time in the water riding the waves. That afternoon we took the bike tour to the dolphin adventure park and watch the dolphins for a little bit.  I have over the past few months become quite out of shape and had trouble keeping up on the bike, but our guide, Julio made sure and stayed right by my side the entire hour long ride. The following day we decided to see how easy it is to navigate the public bus system.  We walked to the Maravel Resort just south of DVM and caught the ATM bus to Wal-Mart, there we got off the buss, walked a little ahead and caught the central bus to downtown.  You can pretty much get off any where when you see the plazas on your left and the ocean on your right.  The bus will not stop at every stop so you just stand up when you are ready to get off.  We walked around downtown for a couple hours shopping at the flea markets and trying to get the best deals.  We had lunch at this beautiful restaurant called “Oscars.  If you walk south along the water, you will come to a bridge pretty much at the end of town and below the bridge is Oscars, t is set on a lagoon running into the ocean with an idealic picturesque setting.  The food was great although a bit on the expensive side (we were unable to find even a hamburger for less than $10 or $12, but it was worth it.  On the way back it took us a bit to figure out where the bus stops were, basically where ever you see a group of people congregating, that is the stop. There are no signs, just people.  Look for the bus with Wal-Mart in the window.  Most of the drivers speak enough English to be able to tell you if they go to Wal-Mart or not. Be careful going back, it is a bit hard to see where Wal-Mart is, look for the cruise ship if it is in Port.  If the bus makes the turn at Wal-Mart, you will be able to see it at that time and will have enough time to get off before it goes too far.  There are several stops in front of Wal-Mart, look for the ATM bus going to Nuevo Vallarta.  There is usually someone with the bus company at this stop who can help you or again you can ask the driver if they go to Dreams Villamagna.  This adventure took most of the day, but we had a great time and had plenty of time to jump in the pool when we got back to the hotel.

 

Dreams gets our highest rating for all the amenities, great food, and great service. We highly recommend Dreams Villa Magna.