Unwinding in Puerto Vallarta: Rooftop Pool, Relaxation, and Culinary Delights

From June 20 to June 25, I spent a wonderfully relaxing vacation in Puerto Vallarta. Initially, the plan was to explore more of the city, but I found myself fascinated by the comfort of our Airbnb and the local culinary delights. Here’s a look at how I spent my days unwinding in this beautiful destination.

Accommodation Experience

Our trip started with a bit of a hiccup. Initially, we had booked an Airbnb that advertised an infinity pool, but we discovered last minute that the pool was closed for maintenance. After some frantic last-minute searching, we found a gem located about three blocks from the beach in Zona Romantica. This new place turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

The rooftop pool at our Airbnb offered stunning views of the entire bay and the town below. Our one-bedroom unit was clean, spacious, and comfortable. The building's security and cleaning team were always visible and very friendly. Despite the initial setback, the Airbnb exceeded our expectations and provided a perfect base for our vacation.

Poolside Relaxation

Every day around 3 PM, we would head up to the rooftop pool and spend the next 3-4 hours relaxing. I brought a small speaker to play music, creating a chill vibe as we tanned and swam. Most of the time, we had the pool to ourselves, making the atmosphere calm and peaceful. The occasional barks from nearby dogs were the only minor annoyance.

The weather was consistently hot and humid, with temperatures reaching nearly 90°F even on cloudy days. The sunny weekends were particularly intense, but the pool provided a refreshing escape. Light showers in the evening while we were still in the pool added a nice touch to the experience.

Food and Drink Highlights

Our culinary adventures in Puerto Vallarta were nothing short of amazing. Here’s a rundown of the places we visited:

• La Madalena: The highlight of our trip. This upscale jungle-themed restaurant offered impeccable service and delicious Wagyu steak. Despite the busy location, it felt like a serene escape. It was so good that I jokingly suggested we dine there every night.
• El Dorado: Situated on the beach, this place had great seafood and drinks. The service was slow due to limited staff, but the shrimp tacos and tequila made up for it. We even took some family members here, and they loved it.
• La Palapa: Just a couple of spots down from El Dorado, we enjoyed this beachside restaurant from their lounge chairs. Their tequila drinks were fantastic, and the BLT I ordered was uniquely delicious.
• Cafestodo: The best coffee spot we found. Their vanilla latte was incredible, making it our favorite breakfast/coffee place.
• Panchos Takos: Despite waiting in the rain for an hour, the experience was worth it. The food portions were huge and delicious, living up to the hype.
• Fuego 322: A great spot for Korean BBQ. We had the place to ourselves due to the rain, and the servers took excellent care of us. The old-fashioned cocktails here were the best of the trip.
• The Top Sky Bar PV: This was the only disappointment. While the view from the rooftop was stunning, the food was mediocre, and the service was subpar.
• Mar Y Vino: A unique dining experience with tables in water. The view and the cool water provided a refreshing break from the heat, and the food and drinks were good.
• Eulo's Bakery & Confectionery: This little bakery offered amazing pastries. Their conchas were the best I've ever had and a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.

I loved Puerto Vallarta! It has a charming small-town vibe with the added bonus of beautiful beaches and lush jungles. Walking around Zona Romantica was a delight, and the off-season timing meant fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Would I recommend Puerto Vallarta? Absolutely. It’s a fantastic destination for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy great food and drinks. Just make sure to read Airbnb descriptions carefully to avoid any unpleasant surprises.