BOHO CHIC
Beyond both P.V. and the resort are cool
bohemian towns I imagine P.V. must have
resembled a half century ago. To these
places I vow to return.
When I visited Sayulita in the late 1990s,
it was a sleepy surfing town with small
restaurants along the beach, including the
renowned Don Pedro's Restaurant & Bar.
Still a haven for surfers, cafés, restaurants
and boutiques proliferate and cater to
tourists. We combined a trip to town with a
zip-lining excursion at the nearby Rancho
Mi Chaparrita, where, travelling up to 45
kph, we gazed down at the ocean.
Nearby San Francisco (or San Pancho)
was another enjoyable place to tour. Here
you can wander through the main plaza,
rent a bungalow near the beach or stop by
the Bistro Organico in the Hotel Cielo Rojo
for a soothing capomo (coffee substitute)
after morning yoga, or for a tequila tasting
at night.
Another day found us on the Marieta
Islands, a protected national park off P.V.'s
coast, where pastimes include snorkelling,
whale watching, paddleboarding and hanging
out on a beach.
Now back in Canada, I still dream of my
Bali sunbathing bed.
DREAMSCAPES FALL/ WINTER 2015
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T R A V E L P L A N N E R
Direct flights are available from Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary to Puerto Vallarta. Check
schedules and times via Air Canada Vacations (aircanadavacations.com).
Barceló Hotels & Resorts recently took over the management of Occidental Hotels. Barceló
guarantees you can your book your stay at any Occidental property safely and securely
at the best online price and enjoy exclusive benefits. For more information on Occidental
Grand Nuevo Vallarta, visit,
occidentalhotels.com/resort/occidental-grand-nuevo-vallarta,
barcelo.com or call 1-800-Barcelo.
DS
ABOVE LEFT: Enjoy refreshments at the Beach Club Bar.
ABOVE RIGHT TOP: While away relaxing hours with
a book on a chaise longue next to the pool.
ABOVE RIGHT BOTTOM: Air-conditioned guest
rooms feature a king-size bed or two double beds,
a full-size washroom, satellite TV and much more.
BELOW: Room service is available to Royal Club
guests 24 hours a day.
Occidental Grand Nuevo Vallarta by Barceló
Hotels & Resorts.