May 23, 2004
 
A section of the San Francisco Sunday Examiner and Chronicle
 
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Puerto Vallarta Villa
Last winter, a group of close friends (eight couples) landed in the lap of tropical luxury in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Villa Merissa is a romantic, eight-bedroom, hillside hideaway nestled at the edge of Puerto Vallarta and the tropical jungle. It features endless views of the entire bay and village from the large pool, Jacuzzi, and sun terraces.
A short stroll leads right through town to the beaches.
 
We were spoiled by our private chef, who served us four star specialties in the candlelit dining room at sunset.
Arrangements for tours, tennis courts and even tee times were attended to as well.
Each bedroom is individually decorated with local color and native themes. The comfortable beds had crisp, white, European-style comforters, and the immaculate bath-rooms featured large tile showers.
Rent for the house ranges from $1,000 a day, June through October, to $1,400, November through May. Holiday periods $1600 per day. Our stay worked out to less than $900 per person per week including all food and beverages. We highly recommend this special place for small groups and families.
 
Contact: Villa Merissa; phone: 1-800-222-6999;
Web:www.villamerissapuertovallarta.com
 
Susan Martinez
Redwood City