Hacienda San Angel
Mexico on my mind…
Following a flawless sail with friends through the British Virgin Islands and the discovery of our new favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara, Flor de Maiz, I found it befitting to update one of my favorite travel posts from a few years back about the gorgeous hotel we discovered in my hometown’s sister city, Puerto Vallarta.
When we left our trio at home in search of a romantic getaway we uncovered one of the most charming, romantic seaside hotels we have ever visited. Brides Magazine, Newsweek, Sunset Magazine and Conde Nast Traveler have all given this slice of exquisiteness their peremptory stamp of approval, one of them going as far as stating that it "could almost be heaven".
I couldn't agree more.
What makes Hacienda San Angel so remarkable? In one word? Everything! From the sweeping panoramic hillside/ocean views and sublime colonial architecture, to the impeccable, unpretentious grounds and exceptional dining. The highly curated one-of-a-kind furnishings of a bygone era are juxtaposed with all the modern amenities one would expect from a world class boutique hotel, making Hacienda San Angel an unmatched experience.
Originally from San Francisco, the proprietor, Janice Chatterton* discovered her oasis while on vacation nearly three decades ago. Following several years of travel to and from Puerto Vallarta, she decided to relocate to the seaside village permanently settling into Casa Bur-Sus, the home Richard Burton bought for his wife Susan upon completion of the film “The Night of the Iguana”. When presented with the opportunity to purchase the adjacent building, Janice jumped at the chance, eventually opening the doors of the Hacienda San Angel, expanding it over the years without compromising an ounce of its understated pelegance and romantic charm.
Photo of the San Miguel suite, courtesy of Hacienda San Angel Hotel
Janice is gifted with an exquisite sense of style. Her demand for perfection and attention to detail is palpable in every corner of every room and through daily interactions with her hotel staff. A bit of an enigmatic character, she surrounds herself with an entourage of Maltese pups which only adds to San Angel's allure.
We stayed in the San Miguel suite which boasts the type of panoramic ocean/hillside views to which Conde Nast Traveler must have been referring when stating “one need not feel guilty about never leaving the hotel during one’s entire stay."
Indeed, we only left the resort twice, and with a milestone anniversary on the horizon, we may very well return…with the wee ones in tow.
¡Hasta la próxima!
Banner photo at top: courtesy of Hacienda San Angel Hotel, all others Designs by Alina.
* Since I posted this story a couple of years ago, the proprietor, Janice, has sadly passed away. However, the legacy she leaves behind the doors of her oasis remains true to its core.