In need of some much-deserved sun, sea and sand, ENTREE headed to Puerto Vallarta, one of our favorite Mexican getaway spots. With its abundance of outdoor activities, dining and nightlife, it’s little wonder that “PV” was recently named by Condé Nast as the #1 safest beach destination in Mexico. Just 10 minutes south of downtown and the Romantic Zone, lies the enchanting and unpretentious Costa Sur Resort & Spa where we spent peaceful, glorious days and evenings basking in the sun and making the most of its privileged location on a pristine beach. All of Costa Sur’s 200 rooms are ocean-facing, permitting all guests to be mesmerized by the view of the sea by day and lulled to sleep by the gentle roar of the waves at night.

Costa Sur has been a favorite for visitors for over 30 years and are making it even better with a recent $1 million renovation, and plans to spend another million on the next round of improvements. Rooms are spacious and walls thick in traditional Mexican style. We loved their clear bottomed kayaks and having Los Arcos National Park, just a paddle away. Costa Sur’s unique location allowed us to easily visit the waterfalls in the mountains nearby and then go for a Pacific Ocean sunset swim in the hotel’s private lagoon. The lagoon is a snorkeler’s dream come true with many species of colorful tropical fish. We even saw an enormous blue whale breach spectacularly while breakfasting poolside. Yes, even the pool has an ocean view!

We loved the fast (and free) Wi-Fi, and were charmed from day one to departure by the resort’s charming, attentive, and friendly staff. A full-service spa provides relaxing treatments. Costa Sur is an ocean lover’s paradise, yet it’s close enough to town to easily take in historic old Vallarta, and maybe sneak some bird-watching in too, all before getting back to that sunset swim in the tranquil, tropical waters of Banderas Bay.

Costa Sur Resort & Spa – Km. 4.5 Carretera a Barra de Navidad – Puerto Vallarta – Mexico, Book online at https://www.costasurpuertovallarta.com/en/ or call: toll free from USA: 844 670 4549; International callers: (+52) 322 2268050