Travel Agent - August 27, 2007 - (Page 30) Destinations Mexico The Villa Group’s Vast Holdings Company targets families and couples in top Mexican markets BY J. BERNHARDT T he Villa Group (www.villagroup resorts.com), one of Mexico’s leading privately owned hotel, resort and real estate development companies, has three properties in Los Cabos and three in Puerto Vallarta/ Nuevo Vallarta. Each targets a different demographic. Puerto Vallarta/Nueva Vallarta In Puerto Vallarta/Nueva Vallarta, the three properties are Villa del Palmar Flamingos, Villa del Palmar Puerto Vallarta and the Villa la Estancia. Villa del Palmar Puerto Vallarta is the largest of the three properties, with 562 guest rooms. This is also the oldest property in the group, built 23 years ago. Targeting mostly families and those looking for a more affordable stay, the resort has a Spanish colonial courtyard that opens to expansive grounds with flowering gardens, lawns and towering palm trees. Ten hacienda-style buildings with terra-cotta-tile roofs range from four to eight stories. At the center of the resort is a large swimming pool containing a rock garden and waterslide. Families will find the two-bedroom suites spacious and the in-room washer and dryer handy. Be sure to request a room facing the ocean. All rooms have kitchens (each with a stove, microwave and sink), so clients can prepare meals in the room. The real draw of this property is its proximity to Puerto Vallarta, where shopping, restaurants and other draws are ample. For recreation, guests can enjoy the oceanfront massage service, fitness center, three tennis courts, a Kids Club A Junior Suite at the Villa del Palmar in Cabo San Lucas and a variety of pool and beach activities. Villa del Palmar Flamingos is a quieter, relaxed resort targeting couples, honeymooners and small families. This resort is more upscale than Villa del Palmar Puerto Vallarta, but more affordable than La Estancia. All 275 rooms overlook the ocean. This new hotel is situated about 20 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta in Vallarta Nayarit on the shores of Banderas Bay. This upscale property targets those travelers who want to be away from the hustle and bustle of Puerto Vallarta and to spend their stay in a more relaxed, quiet atmosphere. The 17,000-square-foot Flamingos spa makes this resort stand out. In addition to an array of massages, facials, exfoliations and wraps, each treatment is preceded by an hour spent in the relaxation area. This area consists of a large Jacuzzi, plunge pool, steam room, sauna, rainforest shower and tranquility area. The spa is beautifully designed with a colonial Mexican theme and spa aficionados will not be disappointed. Junior suites have kitchenettes, while the one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites all feature a whirlpool tub in the master bathroom, a separate dining area, complete kitchen and private oceanview balcony or ground-floor terrace. Villa La Estancia, the most luxurious of the three properties, is currently being built and will open in installments throughout 2007 and 2008. This resort targets the high-end, discerning traveler. Beautifully designed arched wroughtiron gates are at the entrance of each room and the interior design feels like a hacienda with marble floors and warm muted tones on the walls and fabric, and kitchens with granite countertops and beautiful appliances. Continued on page 32 30 TravelAgent August 27, 2007 http://www.villagroupresorts.com http://www.villagroupresorts.com
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