Hacienda San Angel

Puerto Vallarta was, at one time, among the most glamorous of Mexican destinations — and though it fell victim to overdevelopment, it’s never completely lost its magic. These days there’s a bit of a resurgence at hand, with a few absolute gems among the big hotels. One of the better examples is the Hacienda San Angel, which makes one little sacrifice — no beach access — in exchange for a measure of privacy and exclusivity that just might be without equal anywhere in town.

Calling it a hotel might be a bit of a stretch. This is really a handful of luxe townhouses, stitched together into a single property — and including one villa that was once the residence of the actor Richard Burton. Each villa is divided into three to five suites, and each suite is as lavish as they come — while they may lack the bells and whistles of a 21st-century five-star hotel, they more than compensate with their hard-won historical atmosphere and their old-fashioned creature comforts.

Think low-tech, low-maintenance, yet always high-end — the views from poolside are stunning, and the cuisine makes it a draw for savvy local diners. You could certainly find a bigger and more modern luxury hotel — but why?


How to get there:

The Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport is located 4 miles north of downtown. Proof of citizenship is necessary to cross the border into Mexico. Either a current passport, birth certificate or voter's registration will suffice. Upon arrival, visitors are given a Tourist Card, which must be turned in upon departure at the airport.