One of the amazing bonuses of living in beautiful Puerto Vallarta is its close proximity to so many other beautiful places! In just an hour and a half from downtown PV, you can be in a completely different climate and landscape. One of my absolute favorite day trips (or weekend getaways!) is San Sebastian del Oeste! This small, colonial mining town is so special and historic that it has been designated by the country as a “Pueblo Magic”. “Magical Towns” are protected by the government in an attempt to keep their unique culture and heritage in tact.

The typical Mexican colonial architecture includes adobe construction. Homes are made of handmade bricks made from the local earth. White washed exteriors with deep red accents and red tile roofs are the signature look of San Sebastian. All homes and businesses in the downtown area must adhere to this aesthetic to maintain the “look” that we all know and love.

This town is all about slowing down the pace and finding peaceful moments. The main entertainment is the central town square where you will find a few local vendors selling regional treats. Surrounding the square, you will find the main part of town which includes a few small and charming hotels, restaurants, and a few shopping options where you can take home a piece of San Sebastian. I.e. coffee!

San Sebastian has a beautiful temperate climate that makes for great farming. Coffee is the most famous export of the town. You can even visit a functioning coffee plantation La Quinta to get an inside view into the whole proccess. Avocados, oranges, and other citrus do incredibly well in this area as well.

La Bufa is another attraction that you must check out when in town. La Bufa is the name of the highest peak surrounding the town. You can reach this peak by a dirt and cobblestone road. The view from the 8,500 ft peak is incredible! On a clear day you can see all the way to the ocean.

Have you ever been to San Sebastian del Oeste? I would love to hear from you in the comments below! – Christina

looking for your dream home in San Sebastian or Puerto Vallarta? Check out my website www.vallartaluxurylifestyles.com for complete property listings!

My newest listing to hit the market is Las Penas de Teresa 303, an incredibe corner unit in the gorgeous Amapas hillside neighborhood. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath has been lovingly remodeled and cared for by its current owners for over a  decade.

The large private terrace is the highlight of this unit. Enjoy breathtaking views to the Bay of Banderas, you can even whale watch and spot dolphins from the comfort of your dining room!

The condo building homes 16 units and includes a beautifully maintained swimming pool with sun lounge. There is a formal lobby with reception area, elevator, and 12 hour security guard on duty from 7 pm to 7 am.

Las Penas De Teresa 303 has an updated kitchen with granite counters, extra storage, wine bottle storage, dual washer/dryer combo. The 2 bathrooms have also been remodeled with modern fixtures and lighting.

If you are looking for a peaceful, tropical neighborhood to spend your days in Puerto Vallarta, Amapas is your ticket! This area is known for beautiful views, quiet days and nights, and breathtaking jungle foliage.

www.vallartaluxurylifestyles.com

Hello! I just wanted to share with you the latest news. Puerto Vallarta beaches reopen today; as do swimming pools, shopping centers, and gyms. This the first we have seen our beaches open since late March.

Jalisco has moved into the second phase which they have called “Individual Responsibility”. With the opening of malls, gyms, and pools, there will be new restrictions in place to ensure social distancing is still possible.

Please enjoy this translation I’ve made for official news release by the state:

Se aprueba que a partir del 15 de junio de 2020, las siguientes actividades económicas podrán iniciar con la implementación de las medidas, protocolos y compromisos establecidos en los Lineamientos Generales de Seguridad e Higiene en el Entorno Laboral con motivo de la Emergencia Sanitaria por COVID-19, para su reapertura gradual, ordenada y cauta, toda vez que forman parte de los sectores más dañados económicamente, bajo las siguientes condiciones:

Starting June 15, 2020, the following economic activities can begin implementing the proper measures and protocols established by the General Sanitation and Safety Guidelines by the Labor Board in response to COVID 19. This gradual reopening, cautious and orderly, affets sectors of local economy that have been hurt the most. They must adhere to the following conditions:

• Plazas comerciales: sin acceso a áreas comunes, con un máximo de operación del 25% de la capacidad de su estacionamiento, sin actividad sábados y domingos, y con acceso restringido a tiendas de una persona por familia o grupo. Shopping centers: no access allowed to common areas, with a maximum operation of 25% of parking areas, closed on weekends, and with restricted access to shopping to just one person per family or group. 
• Corredores comerciales: con restricción de acceso a tiendas de una persona por familia o grupo. Strip malls: restricted access to just one person per family/group.
• Hoteles: con un máximo de operación del 25% de su capacidad, con apertura de áreas comunes, sin actividades grupales. Hotels: maximum of 25% capacity, common areas open, no group activities. 
• Gimnasios y clubs deportivos: con un máximo de operación del 25% de su capacidad, con acceso restringido de una persona por familia o grupo, sin actividades grupales Gyms and Sport clubs: Maximum 25% capacity, restricted access to one person per family/group, no group activities. 

Estas actividades solo podrán operar previa validación del cumplimiento de las medidas, protocolos y compromisos de seguridad e higiene por parte de las autoridades municipales. These businesses and activities are only permitted to operate with previous official certification from the City that they are complying with updated safety and sanitary measures and protocols. 

How do you feel about Puerto Vallarta Beaches reopen -ing? Will you be visiting PV soon? I would love to hear from you in the comments below! – Christina

looking for your dream home in mexico? Check out my website www.vallartaluxurylifestyles.com for complete listings in the bay!