I'm from the San Francisco Bay Area, where I met my wife who is originally from Guadalajara. Subsequently, we got married on the beach in Puerto Vallarta and later dreamed of owning there. Currently, we reside in San Francisco and try to get down to Vallarta whenever we can. But when we're not there, we're happy when others have a chance to experience the beauty of Puerto Vallarta as well as the comfort of our home at Icon Vallarta.

Owner purchased this condo in 2010

After deciding to pursue the dream of owning a beachfront property in Puerto Vallarta, we looked at all the options, including the purchase of an undeveloped lot in Nayarit. In fact, when a particular land deal fell through, we reassessed our needs and wants. In doing so, we decided that we didn't want to be too far away from all of the downtown restaurants, shops and attractions, yet we didn't want to live in the bustle of the city. Moreover, we wanted something turnkey, as we didn't want to burden my father-in-law to oversee any construction. Such thoughts led our search to the Hotel Zone, which provides the most convenient and highest quality developments. By chance, one of my wife's college classmates from Guadalajara recommended Icon Vallarta and another one was also selling pre-construction units there. Having previously stayed at a hotel down the street, we were very familiar with the location. Then after seeing the stunning drawings, models and computer renderings and hearing that Philippe Starck and the Related Group were associated with the project, we were sold and knew we had to buy here.

Given that it's the only tower that faces due west, one always has a view of the endless bay and horizon. In fact, during certain times of the year, one can enjoy the sunset from anywhere in the living room. Being on the third floor, I enjoy what I call a 'lazy man's view', as I can be sitting on the couch with our favorite mobile device in hand (laptop, tablet or cell phone) and with the TV going in the background and not miss any action near the pool or in the bay. I can watch jet skis, speed boats and cruise ships go by and the fireworks at night. In addition, my wife likes the openness of the kitchen to the living room that further can extend out to the balcony as well as all the surrounding bonus space on the massive terrace off the kitchen and the bedrooms.

When I do finally decide to go outside my unit, I enjoy the resort-like amenities, such as the beautiful infinity edge pool, where I can sunbathe and be served a beverage; the jacuzzi, where I can soak and watch the surf; the beach bar, where I can have a cocktail at sunset; and the restaurants for breakfast or lunch.

And when I'm ready to leave the grounds, a convience store (Oxxo) is just outside the gate as well as a great breakfast place (Candora), along with a major supermarket (Soriana) that's just a block away.