5 Romantic Nights in Puerto Vallarta

Enjoying a romantic getaway in Puerto Vallarta is all too simple. Here the editor of InsidePV.com shares insights into a few favorite romantic evenings in the 5th most popular destination in the world.

1. Nothing beats sunset at La Palapa Restaurant on Los Muertos Beach. Romantic dining at its best- enjoy an elegant fine dining experience with your feet in the sand while the sun sets over the ocean. Be sure and order the Spanish coffee, a 15 minute flaming presentation performed by Jorge Bernal, a favorite mesero (waiter) of returning tourists. The live music includes the relaxing sounds of Latin jam by Memo, Raul and Bob, who will always remember you, no matter how long before your next return. If you’re lucky, you will be honored by a performance by the owner of La Palapa restaurant, recorded musician, Alberto Perez.

2. Complete your romantic evening with a massage by the locally favored masseuse team overseen by Filipe Reyes, owner of Body Time Spa. Filipe is a local celebrity, adored by frequent tourists and known for his daily runs through town where friends are often seen holding water out as though a marathon were in process. Shiatzu, deep tissue, aroma therapy, reflexology, mud treatments, and exfoliation are among Filipe’s specialties. The fact that his fees are incredibly affordable just makes your massage that much more appealing. 044.322.117.2591 or email Filipe at felipejreyes@hotmail.com.

3. Enjoy a social gathering unlike any other on Wednesday night’s ArtWalk. Stroll local art galleries of Puerto Vallarta beginning at 7 p.m. and be greeted with wine, and smiling faces of fellow art appreciators. A walking greet-and-meet, strangers are not shy here. Expect to meet new friends as you see works by the likes of renowned artists Cristi Larson, and Miso, a Japanese artist who resides in Puerto Vallarta only a few months every year. A gallery map of Puerto Vallarta’s Art Walk can be found at www.insidepv.com.

4. At night, the infamous Puerto Vallarta Malecon is filled with vendors, entertainers, romantic views and sounds. Countless vendors offer everything from unique arts and crafts, jewelry, and traditional Mexican foods. Enjoy mouth-watering tamales wrapped in a green palm leaves rather than the traditional corn husk. The neighboring amphitheater offers frequent concerts and theatrical performances, while mimes and local musicians speckle your path, only to be interrupted by the nightly fireworks and Puerto Vallarta’s famous Flying Birdmen who perform a death defying performance flying through the air after diving off a small platform high above the beach and swinging from a tethered pole.

5. Step just inland of Vallarta’s Malecon to the lavish De Santos and Azul nightclub who both offer rooftop lounging and romantic ambiance beneath the stars. Azul offers a fun twist to its trendy décor with a sand floor bar. De Santos offers magnificent views of the sunsets and fireworks. ZaiTai is located across the street from the Malecon, with an almost hidden entrance to a magnificent courtyard filled with nestled dining areas and a Japanese theme. Call ahead and reserve one of their ‘beds’ for your romantic evening- an actual bed enclosed by white fabric- the perfect hideaway to share a bottle of fine wine and an intimate evening in Puerto Vallarta.