Hacienda San Angel
Sun? Check. Sea? Check. Charm? Check.
With those three requests checked off the list, our family has agreed on our next travel destination. That little secret will be revealed next month but first…all about the gorgeous hotel we discovered a few years back in nearby Puerto Vallarta.
We decided to leave our trio at home in favor of a romantic getaway for two, discovering in the process 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? Everything -not least, its successful marriage of history and charming opulence. Sweeping panoramic hillside and ocean views are juxtaposed with sublime colonial architecture, impeccable, unpretentious grounds and exceptional dining. The well curated one-of-a-kind furnishings of a bygone era are entwined in contrast 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 after filming “The Night of the Iguana” in 1964. When presented with the opportunity to purchase the adjacent building, Ms. Chatterton jumped at the chance, eventually opening the doors of Hacienda San Angel to the public, and expanding the hotel over the years without compromising an ounce of its elegance 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 her daily interactions with the 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 (above) which boasted the type of panoramic ocean/hillside views to which Conde Nast Traveler must have been referring when stating something akin to “no need to feel guilty if you never leave the hotel during your entire stay,” A play on the words, uttered by Richard Burton himself, referring to the beautiful coastal town.
¡Hasta la próxima!
Banner photo courtesy of Hacienda San Angel Hotel