Wednesday, July 16, 2008

HACIENDA SAN ANGEL - Puerto Vallarta

Hacienda San Angel is a collection of villas at the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains overlooking Banderas Bay. These villas create 14 elegant suites impeccably restored with exquisite antiques and all the modern amenities you would expect to find in a member of "Small Luxury Hotels of the World." The immaculate gardens, 3 pristine pools and a roof-top jacuzzi are a breathtaking treat. No detail too insignificant - the hand soap in the restroom near the breakfast terrace resembles individual yellow rose petals! This eden is hidden behind very high walls running along a narrow cobblestone street tucked in the hill above the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

My friends, Jose and Johnny, surprised me with a sunrise breakfast on my birthday. We sat on the large terrace with postcard views of the bay. Paradise . . .

The breakfast menu is short and varied. Breakfast began with small slices of toasted french bread and homemade jams and a large glass of fresh squeezed orange juice. I selected an omelet; the large, fluffy omelet was filled with sauteed mushrooms, smoky ham & gooey Swiss cheese. The smooth, dark roasted coffee was some of the best I have had. Scrumptious!

From the moment we rang the door bell to our departure 2 hours later, our service was second to none. Invisibly perfect!

I will be returning to this hidden gem in November. I won't be staying at this property on my upcoming visit; however, I will be surprising friends flying in to visit me with dinner timed to experience the magical sunsets of Puerto Vallarta.

http://www.haciendasanangel.com/

$$
++++


$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”