Ever since actors Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor had their steamy 1960s love affair while filming “The Night of the Iguana” in Puerto Vallarta, the world has fallen in love with this precious destination along Mexico’s Pacific Coast.
A newer, more intimate gem just 10 minutes south of Punta Mita is Villa Koi, a newly constructed, 11,000-square-foot Mexican masterpiece. Offering gated beachfront access and unobstructed views of beautiful Banderas Bay, the city of Puerto Vallarta, and Marieta Islands, Villa Koi features five spacious, well-appointed suites, each with their own sitting area, ensuite bathroom, and veranda and/or private patio garden. Four of the suites overlook the ocean, while the fifth opens up to a private garden with its own fountain and outdoor sitting room.
One of the villaÂ’s preferred spots is the large main dining room, highlighted by ample open-air seating that overlooks the infinity pool and Banderas Bay on one side and a large Koi pond on the other. Perhaps Villa Koi can best be enjoyed through either the English-speaking caretaker or the top-notch chef, who discreetly reside on the estate property in a separate casita. The full-time staff is available at the touch of an intercom key, beginning with airport pick-up in a private van and continuing with meal service twice a day, beverage service, and daily housekeeping.
As for entertainment, Puerto Vallarta offers a plethora of activities from surfing to deep-sea fishing and boating, not to mention golf at two Jack Nicklaus-designed courses. Of course, if none of these activities sounds appetizing, thereÂ’s always the opportunity to work on your romance, an art popularized here by that famous Hollywood couple. $3,500-$5,500 per night, La Punta Realty, 011-52-329-291-6420, lapuntarealty.com. –Scott Kauffman