The Best Boutique Hotels in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Another Richard Burton residence, and equally sophisticated, this traditional hacienda hugs a peaceful central courtyard shaded with soaring palms and peppered with enticing tiled alcoves and hideaways. Turn-of-the-century furnishings evoke a sensually gothic atmosphere – think altars as bed heads and candles dripping over candelabras. The setting – perched on the hilltop above the most iconic building in Puerto Vallarta, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church – completes the picture.

In the middle of the jungle by the quaint fishing town Boca de Tomatlan, the terracotta-colored Villa Lala offers an at-one-with-nature experience. Penthouses and suites are built into fig trees, elevating guests into the tropical canopy and bringing mountain and ocean views. Washbasins carved of stone float on tempered glass, while a shower emerges from a branch, and the rest of the tree shields you from prying eyes. If that’s not for you, ground-based suites are equally memorable, with floor-to-ceiling windows at the foot of your bed.

Occupying a plum spot on the northern end of Playa Camarones, this contemporary boutique combines modern sophistication with the natural beauty of the bay. Central to it all is an enticing culinary offering – the hotel serves modern cuisine inspired by traditional Mexican recipes. It makes sense to use the gourmet all-inclusive plan. All restaurants have sea views, but none is better than the one you get at the exclusive Chef’s Table option. This small group dining experience takes place on a small jetty under a string of lanterns and the stars.

Casa Maria Hotel adds a bit of culture to its already cool offering – it doubles up as an art gallery with ever-changing exhibitions. The hotel itself is a riot of color. It’s hard not to smile, with its vibrant pops at every turn. Meet fellow guests in the hip pool, bar and lounge area, or take a stroll to the nearby beach for swimming, dining and sundowners. If you’re looking for an unpretentious adults-only bolthole in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta, this is it.

The “bell” in question is that of the neighboring Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. This boutique sits in the highly desirable Gringo Gulch, the area favored by Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, probably due to its bougainvillea-draped beauty and stucco architecture and red-tiled roofs – all of which can be viewed from many of the rooms at this sumptuous hotel. Guests can dine on Italian food at the open-air La Cappella restaurant, which overlooks the city.

A community spirit flows through this hotel, which is set just a couple of minutes from the Malecón. Days can be spent shopping for fresh fish and tropical fruits at the local produce market before you return to cook a feast in the communal kitchen. The courtyard is a retreat of tropical trees and bright flowers and a peaceful spot to relax and read. Start your day at Fredy’s Tucan, a lively cafe attached to the hotel, to drink in the locals’ energy with your coffee.