VLE 3/11 1303

Guest: lynne (denver)
Date of Stay: 03/24/11 Review Submitted: 04/03/11

A perfect vacation spot! The weather was great, resort relaxing, beach quiet! the condo is nicely set up and great location within the resort! we will go back!

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, families with teenagers, families with young children.

10 days to relax

Guest: H&S (Palo Alto, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/13/11 Review Submitted: 03/07/11

The place was exactly as described. The staff had everything ready when we arrived, including cold drinks and mini hand spa introduction. The A/B units as well positioned, tastfully decorated, and well set up. Easy walk to the beach, pool or food. The best was to surf the net or read my Knidle on the large balcony while the sun sets in front of you. Food at the resort is OK, we found the club sandwich at the pool the best or most food at the tratatori next door (sister property which you have full access) good. A 20 min walk to Megamart to buy fresh food (taxi home fo $5) an easy way to collect food for breakfast, snacks, and occasional lunch or dinner (great roasted chicken, friut, and fresh breads). A 30 min walk on the beach to Bucerias was the best, we had some fabulous meals there then stumbled into a taxi to take us home. We sought a place of rest from our busy Silicon Valley lives and at La Estancia we found it. Fears of mexican violence or gangs are quickly quelled, the resorts are safe and secure. Bucerias caters to us visitors nicely, sure, they all want to sell you something in town, but no bagering or begging, a nod of the head and they leave. La Estancia is not a heavy party place, there was always a spot at the pool to relax. The Flamingo next door is a bit more active if that's what you want and only 2 minutes between buildings (they have movie night, talent show, Fiesta you can go to) We will be back when we can. Thank you Dave for being responsive to our questions and organized in arrangements. I could not have ask for a better host. -your Amigos in Silicon Valley

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, families with young children.

Guest: Bill and Sandra (-)
Date of Stay: 01/02/11 Review Submitted: 02/20/11

Dear Dave, Stayed at unit # 1303 from January 2-15th/2011. It was our second stay at Dave’s place at Villa La Estancia and to our surprise we enjoyed it more than last year, didn’t expect we could. We had both sides A&B again this year and it really is a great set up for a family. We park the kids in side B and my wife and I really have all the privacy of our own suite. Brilliant set up! Dave did some remodeling in the kitchen and it looks great (not that it really needed it). The kitchen has everything you need if you’re like us, make breakfast for the family and enjoy the great pool side restaurant for lunch. In the evenings we would venture out to the nearby fishing village (great selection of restaurants) or jump in a cab to Puerto Vallarta and enjoy the restaurant selection in town (check out PiPi’s near the boardwalk, fantastic! Look it up). The Spa facilities at the property are world class. As good as you will find anywhere. Sandra thought the packages deals were well priced (compared to Vancouver a bargain) and Sandra thought the spa staff were great. I’m more of an early morning gym guy. Get a little workout in before breakfast. I was usually the only one in the gym and the equipment is professional grade and barely used. Dave’s unit is in a great location, close to the beach, great patio with a perfect view of the sunset. I don’t think it comes as any surprise to people that know this property that Villa La Estancia was just recognized as a Trip Advisor Choice 2011 Winner “Top 10 Luxury Resorts in the Caribbean & Mexico”. Bill & Sandra

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Amazing Time

Guest: Tom (-)
Date of Stay: 11/25/10 Review Submitted: 12/12/10

Dave, I apologize for not getting back to you earlier. My two girls were making a thank you card that I wanted to drop in the mail to your attention.We had an amazing time at La Estancia. Your condo was perfect. What an amazing and beautiful view from your balcony. The weather was amazing. My eight year old, Grace did some parasailing for the first time and loved it. We chartered a boat and caught some fish and the highlight was Thanksgiving night having dinner on the beach. Seeing that it is 27 degrees in Chicago today, I am missing La Estancia more and more…. Thank you again for allowing my family to stay at your place. We certainly want to come back. Thank you again, Tom O’Malley (November 27, 2010)

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Fabulous Resort

Guest: Marc (-)
Date of Stay: 08/16/10 Review Submitted: 12/12/10

Dave, We had a great time. The resort is fabulous and the staff was wonderful. We felt like we had the place to ourselves (we almost did). Now we know why it is rated #1 on Trip Advisor. Marc August 16, 2010

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Felt like a star

Guest: Natalie (-)
Date of Stay: 06/07/10 Review Submitted: 12/12/10

Dave, We had a wonderful time!! So hard to come back to reality. We loved your place and the resort was great- we felt like stars! We did not have any damage- our youngest only managed to break a glass at La Dolce Vita! Great dinner, by the way. If we decide to return in the future we will definitely contact you again. Thanks so much! - Natalie June 7, 2010

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Beautiful Place

Guest: Paul (-)
Date of Stay: 03/28/10 Review Submitted: 12/12/10

Dave: I am writing this note to you as I am flying back to Minneapolis. Thank you so much for letting our family stay at your beautiful place. We had an awesome time. Villa la Estancia is a first class place. The staff at the property was so kind and helpful. They were so professional. The weather was perfect. It was sunny everyday with no clouds. My kids really enjoyed the boogie boarding in the ocean. We did some zip lining, took the bus to downtown Puerto Vallarta, ate at Mezzgiormo, La Laguna, Famar, and Karen's. In closing, I want to thank you again. We hope to return again in 2011 for spring break vacation. Without looking at my kid's school calendar, I think their break is the 1st week in April. If we move forward, I will be back in touch with you about availability at your place if the opportunity exists. Kind regards, Paul Halgren March 28, 2010

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Will Return

Guest: Jamie (-)
Date of Stay: 01/25/10 Review Submitted: 12/12/10

Dave, This was by far one of the nicest resorts I have ever stayed at in Mexico. Gorgeous grounds, beautiful pool with swim-up bar, full kitchen, and a great ocean view with large patio. We will be going back to this unit year after year. David, the owner, was very helpful with restaurant recommendations and local information. I wouldn't hesitate to book this villa - you won't be disappointed. Jamie Bragazzi

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Great Stay

Guest: Bill and Sandra (-)
Date of Stay: 02/01/10 Review Submitted: 12/12/10

Dave, Great lay-out at Dave and Lori's unit. We are a family of 4 and this was perfect for us. Put the kids in the 1 bedroom and we had privacy. It was like the kids were in their own unit. Master bedroom layout was great. Everything needed in the kitchen to prepare meals should you choose and 3 flat screens if TV is your bag. Our kids brought a few of their DVD's and a full compliment of english channels are offered on cable. Great views from the third floor (just above the tree line) so fantastic views of the sunsets and the bay. Large balcony/deck we would relax on the lounge chairs and read and listen to the ocean right in front of you. Great property lush, great facilites, spa (one of the best experienced at any 5 star we have stayed at) and very well equipped gym. Beach was walkable and your not bothered by merchants and vendors. Actually some sand to enjoy unlike so many other locations in Mexico affected by storms. Great service from staff and if you want the high activity of an all-inclusive go next door and check the sister property. Nice thing is the property and guests next store have NO ACCESS to the Villa La Estancia even the beach! Best of both worlds. Will go back in a heartbeat! Bill and Sandra, January 2010

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Guest: Paul (-)
Date of Stay: 03/28/10 Review Submitted: 03/29/10

Dave: I am writing this note to you as I am flying back to Minneapolis. Thank you so much for letting our family stay at your beautiful place. We had an awesome time. Villa la Estancia is a first class place. The staff at the property was so kind and helpful. They were so professional. The weather was perfect. It was sunny everyday with no clouds. My kids really enjoyed the boogie boarding in the ocean. We did some zip lining, took the bus to downtown Puerto Vallarta, ate at Mezzgiormo, La Laguna, Famar, and Karen's. In closing, I want to thank you again. We hope to return again in 2011 for spring break vacation. Without looking at my kid's school calendar, I think their break is the 1st week in April. If we move forward, I will be back in touch with you about availability at your place if the opportunity exists. Kind regards, Paul March 28, 2010

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