US Airways - February 2013 - (Page 44)

Clockwise from above: beach cabana, fresh margarita, guacamole, and (opposite) showering alfresco, all at Imanta Opposite page, top: water taxi to yelapa In typical modern fashion, Puerto Vallarta is a tale of two cities. There is New Puerto Vallarta and Old Puerto Vallarta. I’d have to pass through the New to reach my first night’s stay at Imanta Resort, about an hour’s drive north. As I anticipate, the New version disappoints. I navigate traffic and pass the secured gates of a condo-and-marina-and-golfcourse maze to finally reach some calm at the Punta de Mita peninsula. This cliff-sided knob bulging off the lush Pacific coast has long been the home of two extremes in beach travel: the Four Seasons on the south side and laid-back Sayulita to the north. I stop somewhere in the middle, both geographically and in terms of style, for a day and night at the new Imanta Resort. usairwaysmag.com Imanta has no reception lobby. Instead, upon arrival down the winding, paved driveway, I pull up to a gazebo-like palapa with a view of the Pacific Ocean. A receptionist in all white waits with a glass of iced hibiscus juice. The staff takes my car and my bags, and I take the beverage on a golf-cart ride to my villa through narrow paths brushed by giant palms and bougainvilleas. The villa, one of 12 at Imanta, has few walls. Floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors open on two sides of the structure; one leads to my patio and its day bed, the other to an infinity pool that reflects palm fronds and blue sky. The autumn climate on this coastline means I’ll leave the doors open all night — no bugs to contend with here. 44 February 2013 http://www.usairwaysmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of US Airways - February 2013

US Airways - February 2013
Table of Contents
CEO Letter
From the Editor
Did You Know?
Making It Happen
Hot Spots: Best Literary Pilgrimages
Wine & Dine: Top Chefs on This Year's Trends
Wine & Dine: Comfort Food
Great Escapes: Secret Mexican Hideaways
Adventure: Best Hikes in the Valley of the Sun
Gear Up: Romantic Gestures
Destination 48: Phoenix
Travel Feature: La Magnifica Costa del Pacifico
US Airways Feature: Sky-High Sips
Best of Living: Scottsdale Saddles Up
Special Section: Chateau on Central
Best of Living: The Reef Residences at Atlantis
Williamsburg: Rediscovering the Revolutionary City
Arts Spotlight: Ovation
Special Section: Kentucky
Riding Lessons: Miller School of Albemarle
The Arts of Orange County
Must Read: Pandora's Lunchbox by Melanie Warner
Great Dates
Puzzles
Readers Resource Index
Your US Airways Guide
Video Entertainment
Audio Entertainment
U.S. and Caribbean Service Map
International Service Map
Airport Terminal Maps
US Airways Fleet/Customs & Immigration
Passenger Info/Contact US Airways
US Airways MarketPlace®
Giving: US Airways' Do Crew
Window or Aisle?

US Airways - February 2013