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Thanksgiving in Puerto Vallarta

19 Nov
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It feels like summer just ended and Thanksgiving is already just around the corner! November brings perfect temperatures to Puerto Vallarta and for an escape from the fall chill, there isn’t a better destination. If you visit this month during Thanksgiving, you can still easily celebrate the holiday with the help of several restaurants and chefs from our area. Here are some options:

Dine Out. Several restaurants within walking distance from Pinnacle Resorts will be offering traditional Thanksgiving dinners with turkey and all the trimmings. Some of our recommendations include Azafrán Restaurant and Café des Artistes.

Dine In. One of the nicest features of choosing a vacation rental at Pinnacle Resorts over a hotel room is that you have a full kitchen in your suite. If you love to cook, you can do an entire Thanksgiving meal right in your own Pinnacle Resorts kitchen, and you can even have all of the groceries delivered by an excellent grocery store, La Comer.

Delivery. Every year, several restaurants and catering companies offer “Turkey to Go” and they will deliver a full Thanksgiving spread right to your door. You can also have a private chef come to your suite and prepare everything for you. Your Concierge will have a list of catering recommendations from which to choose.

Dine in Nature: For 2020, the beautiful Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens is doing a special Thanksgiving at the Garden dinner, which will be a lovely way to break bread with others in an open-air environment surrounded by gorgeous garden views. Find more information here.

Be sure to talk to your Pinnacle Resorts Concierge when you arrive or contact us in advance for further details, as seating and catering are limited, so reservations should be placed in advance.

Click here for more Puerto Vallarta luxury vacation and travel tips from Pinnacle Resorts.

Five Drinks You Haven’t Heard of But Need to Try in Mexico

09 Nov
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Most people make an immediate association between Mexico and Tequila – and Mexico isn’t mad about that! In fact, the region (the only region in the world) where real Tequila is produced is located just about 4 hours away from Puerto Vallarta. Mexico is proud of our national spirit and the Margarita, which most people would say is probably our “national cocktail”. But besides Tequila shots and Margaritas, there are some lesser-known Mexican drinks that you need to try during your visit to Pinnacle Resorts in the Puerto Vallarta Romantic Zone.

  • Paloma: This cousin of the Margarita is made with tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda, or grapefruit juice mixed with mineral water. It may end up being your new go-to Mexican cocktail!
  • The rebellious relative of the Tequila family, Raicilla was bootleg alcohol, smuggled from backyard distilleries to the table. Like Tequila and Mezcal, it is made from the agave plant, but not steamed Blue Agave like Tequila, but roasted agave, like Mezcal. It is good both in mixed drinks and for sipping.
  • Mexican craft beer: Mexican brewing has a lot more to offer than just Corona and Pacifico. Puerto Vallarta has a huge craft beer scene, with two local craft breweries (El Monzon and Los Muertos Brewing Company) just a short walk from Pinnacle Resorts.
  • Mexican wines: The wine industry in Mexico, largely located in the Valle de Guadalupe region, has grown incredibly over the years, both in production and quality. Uncork Mexico is a great wine shop within walking distance that can help you find your new favorite; they also offer wine tastings, and they can deliver right to your suite.
  • Agua de Jamaica: For non-drinkers, Agua de Jamaica is a delicious and refreshing naturally flavored water made from the infusion of Hibiscus flowers. *It also makes a nice spritzer with a little tequila and soda water, for those that want to try a stronger version*

Talk to the friendly bartenders and servers at  Chictini by Pinnacle, Signature Lounge, or Residences Sky Bar and have them recommend what they think may be your new favorite drink in Mexico!

Click here for more Puerto Vallarta luxury vacation and travel tips from Pinnacle Resorts.

Description: Mexico is more than Tequila shots and Margaritas. Here are some tips for drinks you want to try when you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta.

Featured picture: Margarita de Pepino at Residences SkyBar

Dia de Muertos

13 Oct
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Traditions in Puerto Vallarta

If you are traveling to Puerto Vallarta during the first week of November, you’ll be visiting during one of the most important annual cultural celebrations in Mexico: Día de Muertos. Also, called Día de Los Muertos, the “Day of the Dead” is actually a two-day event, on November 1st and 2nd, and though the name may sound like a time of sadness, Día de Muertos is a celebration of the happy remembrance of family and friends who have passed.

One of the things that you will see during this time in Puerto Vallarta are colorful altars that hold the memories of loved ones. Altars will have photographs, flowers, colorful cut paper flags, candies, candles, religious images, favorite foods and drinks of the departed, and the iconic sugar skulls of Mexico decorating them. The altars are not only to honor loved ones but offered as a comfort to the souls of those being remembered, with their favorite dishes and treats to enjoy in the afterlife, candles to light their way, and flowers to bring joy.

You will also likely spy La Catrina at this time of year, the representation of animated female skeletons dressed in fanciful hats and European dresses in the style of the early 1900s. A creation of Mexican artist Jose Guadalupe Posada around 1910, La Catrina has come to be a widely popular part of Día de Muertos celebrations throughout Mexico.

And another part of Día de Los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta that you will want to try is Pan de Muertos, a soft and sweet bread traditionally served for the occasion. Pan de Muertos is generally baked in a round shape to mimic the shape of a skull baked with cross pieces of dough to represent the bones of the dead and then topped with sugar. Pan de Muertos is widely available in late October and early November at bakeries, grocery stores, and cafes around Puerto Vallarta.

November is a particularly special time to visit Puerto Vallarta as the city celebrates joyful memories of friends and family and we hope to be able to host your stay at Pinnacle Resorts, centrally located in the heart of the Romantic Zone within walking distance to all the cultural attractions of downtown Puerto Vallarta.

Click here for more Puerto Vallarta luxury vacation tips from Pinnacle Resorts.

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Mexican Independence Day

15 Sep
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Many people mistakenly believe May 5th to be Mexican Independence Day, but in reality, the anniversary of the country separating from Spain is celebrated on September 16th and is a national holiday that is highly anticipated every year.

Mexico is a proud country and though this year there will not be large scale public celebrations, to support the good health and wellbeing of our community and visitors, Independence Day will be celebrated in homes and restaurants in Puerto Vallarta and across the country, and visitors will be able to feel and see the spirit of the occasion all around them during the month of September. Streets will be decorated with the red, white, and green colors of Mexico, flags will fly in honor of the occasion and local eateries will be serving special meals in celebration.

One of our suggested ways to celebrate is with dinner at Kaiser Maximillian, an upscale restaurant within easy walking distance from us, to enjoy the traditional Independence Day dish of Chiles en Nogada until October 10th.  Another excellent option is Gaby’s Restaurant, a traditional Mexican restaurant in downtown Vallarta, serving delicious and authentic Mexican dishes in a casual atmosphere. Or, if you would like to stay in and watch the sunset from the terrace of your suite, have Chiles en Nogada delivered in from caterer Claudia Lovera. Your concierge can assist you in placing an order for delivery via WhatsApp message to 322 128 0120 or with restaurant reservations.

Or stay in and visit any of the Pinnacle Resorts sky bars or lounges for Tequila, Margaritas, and other Mexican wines, spirits, beers, and cocktails during our famous nightly Happy Hour when all drinks are 2×1 and raise your glass with a hearty “Viva Mexico!” in celebration.

Click here for more Puerto Vallarta luxury travel tips from Pinnacle Resorts.

Photo by Jorge Aguilar on Unsplash

Real Mexican Cuisine: Chiles en Nogada

03 Sep
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If you are lucky enough to be visiting Puerto Vallarta during September, you are in for not only a cultural but a culinary treat. September 16th marks Mexican Independence Day and part of the traditional celebrations is a very traditional Mexican dish called Chiles en Nogada.

Chiles en Nogada is popular at this time of year because the colors of the dish – red, white, and green – mimic the colors of the Mexican flag and the Poblano peppers are at its peak during this time. It is one of the country’s most iconic dishes and is said to have been created from a recipe made by 19th century Catholic nuns in San Andrés Calpan in the State of Puebla in Mexico.

So, what is Chiles en Nogada? It is a large roasted Poblano pepper (not found to be spicy to most tastes) stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, dried fruits, almonds, and spices. It is then covered in a rich and creamy, white walnut of Castile sauce, called Nogada, and sprinkled with juicy pomegranate seeds and garnished with parsley. It is as much a treat for the eyes and is it for the palate and is a must-try dish to add to your culinary adventures in Puerto Vallarta.

There are numerous restaurants in the Romantic Zone located within easy walking distance from your vacation rental which will be serving Chiles en Nogada this September. Ask your Pinnacle Resorts concierge for restaurant reservations or to-go/delivery options or try making this recipe in the fully equipped kitchen of your suite.

Click here for more Puerto Vallarta luxury vacation tips from Pinnacle Resorts.

Photo by Santiago Blando on Unsplash

Airport Travel Tips for Your Puerto Vallarta Vacation

23 Aug
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Pinnacle Resorts is so pleased to have welcomed our guests back to our Puerto Vallarta properties in the beautiful Romantic Zone location. We have a series of dedicated staff protocols in place to keep our properties sparklingly clean and sanitized for our guests so that you can enjoy a worry-free vacation, and we have been thrilled with the positive feedback about the safety and security guests feel while spending time with us.

 

If you’re ready to return to Puerto Vallarta and enjoy some sunshine and ocean breezes from our rooftop pool lounges or your own private balcony, we have a couple of tips passed on to us by our guests to make your airport travel easy.

 

  1. Check-in for your flight online. Most airlines offer an online check-in either through their website or app which allows you to scan your boarding pass to your smartphone or print a paper copy to avoid lining up at the check-in counter.

 

  1. Travel light and avoid checking luggage. Puerto Vallarta has a casual, beach vibe and with our summer weather, you can easily pack your travel wardrobe into a carry-on bag. Traveling lightly means not having to wait at the baggage carousel at arrival, so you can start your vacation sooner! Just remember to pack only travel-sized liquids and have them in a sealed plastic bag.

 

Your Pinnacle Resorts concierge can assist with private transportation arrangements to and from the Puerto Vallarta International airport direct to your luxury vacation rental, to make your travel even easier. And although you may not want to ever leave your spacious suite overlooking the ocean or the lush jungle of the Sierra Madre mountains, your concierge will also be available to assist with restaurant and activities suggestions and reservations to complete your Puerto Vallarta vacation experience.

Contact us today to learn more!

 

Click here for more Puerto Vallarta luxury vacation and travel tips from Pinnacle Resorts.

Photo by Artur Tumasjan on Unsplash

Sportfishing in Puerto Vallarta

20 Jul
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Sportfishing in Puerto Vallarta

If you are planning to visit sunny Puerto Vallarta for a well-deserved vacation this summer and are an experienced fisherman or have always had an interest in trying the sport, there is no better time to be planning your trip to Banderas Bay!

Puerto Vallarta is a world-class sportfishing destination and July through November are the absolute best months of the fishing season. We asked the local fishing experts at Vallarta Sportsman about what fish are currently in season in Banderas Bay and what length of charter one should book to target each species during the summer fishing season in Puerto Vallarta.

6 to 8 Hour Charters

  • Football tuna
  • Sailfish
  • Dorado (also known as Mahi-Mahi)
  • Roosterfish

10 to 12 Hour Charters

  • Large tuna
  • Blue & black marlin, with striped marlin running September to November
  • Red snapper
  • Grouper

Although all Pinnacle Resorts properties are conveniently located in the heart of the Puerto Vallarta Romantic Zone, within an easy walk to the iconic Puerto Vallarta Pier, most charter boats depart from the Puerto Vallarta Marina, approximately 15 minutes by car. Most fishing charters come equipped with a bilingual captain and deckhand, all fishing equipment, live bait, ice, bottled water, and fishing permits included, and your crew can assist in filleting and packing your catch on ice or suggesting a restaurant in the marina that will cook your catch for you.

Fishing charters are a great way to get back out into fresh, open-air while allowing for all the safety protocols necessary as we welcome guests back to Puerto Vallarta. Talk to your Pinnacle Resorts Concierge for more details about booking a fishing charter during your stay.

Click here for more Puerto Vallarta luxury vacation tips from Pinnacle Resorts.

Photo by James Wheeler on Unsplash

Smart Sunscreen Tips

08 Jun
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Easy sunscreen tips to let you safely enjoy the warm Puerto Vallarta sunshine without worry.

One of the best parts of a Puerto Vallarta vacation is enjoying our beautiful tropical sunshine, either on the beaches, doing outdoor activities, or lounging at the pool of your Pinnacle Resorts property. But a painful sunburn can put a damper on any vacation, so we have a few easy tips for sunscreen use to make sure that you can safely enjoy your time in the sun during your stay.

  • Like almost everything, sunscreen has an expiration date, but luckily, most sunscreens work at the same efficiency for up to three years, so you have plenty of time to use up a bottle. But, if in doubt, check the expiration date of your sunscreen and if you are near the three-year mark, it is time to invest in a new bottle.
  • Put it on early and reapply often. You should put your sunscreen on at least 15 (and preferably 30 minutes) before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or each time you exit the water. If you are using a waterproof sunblock for aquatic activities, you should reapply every 80 minutes.
  • Look for broad-spectrum sunscreen which will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can cause premature aging of the skin and UVB rays may cause sunburn, but both can cause skin cancer, so it is important to choose a sunblock that protects your skin from both.
  • SPF (sun protection factor) is important. A 30 SPF should be the minimum protection level for safely enjoying the sunshine, but a 50 SPF is generally regarded by doctors and skincare experts as the best choice.

If you are using sunscreen correctly, you can relax and enjoy the Puerto Vallarta sun without worrying about sunburn or damaging your skin. Another great option is to treat yourself to one of the many rejuvenating body treatments available at the Day Spa by Pinnacle for fresh, glowing skin.

Click here for more Puerto Vallarta luxury vacation tips from Pinnacle Resorts.

Photo by Maciej Serafinowicz on Unsplash

Spirits of Mexico

08 Jun
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A quick guide to the difference between the three cousin spirits of Mexico: Tequila, mezcal, and raicilla.

The Differences of Tequila, Mezcal & Raicilla

While Tequila is perhaps the most famous Mexican distilled spirit, it has two close cousins – mezcal and raicilla – that you should sample during your Puerto Vallarta vacation. Here is a quick learner’s guide to the differences between each spirit.

Tequila

The most well-known, this spirit is made exclusively with the Blue Agave plant and to be called Tequila, it must be produced in our own state of Jalisco, in the Tequila region – much like how true Champagne must come from the Champagne region of France. Tequila comes in 5 distinct categories according to the amount of time it has been aged in oak barrels:

  1. Blanco or Silver Tequila (unaged)
  2. Joven or Gold Tequila (unaged)
  3. Reposado Tequila (aged two months and up to a year)
  4. Añejo Tequila (aged at least one year)
  5. Extra Añejo Tequila (aged at least three years)

Mezcal

Like Tequila, mezcal is also an agave-based spirit but can be distilled using a variety of up to thirty different agave plants and it is produced in several areas including Jalisco, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Durango, San Luis Potosí, Puebla and Zacatecas. Like Tequila, a Joven, mezcal has been unaged and a reposado mezcal will have been aged in oak barrels for two months to a year. However, some upscale mezcals can be aged for many years, giving the spirit a richer, deeper smoky flavor.

Raicilla

Like Tequila, raicilla is also a product of Jalisco but is distilled from two varieties of agave plants: Lechuguilla and Maximiliana. Raicilla was a bootleg liquor for generations in Jalisco, only becoming legal for sale in the 2000s, but with a sweeter and fruitier taste than mezcal, it has become increasingly popular with mixologists around the world.

The expert bartenders at Pinnacle Resorts can give you a personalized experience with all these spirits of Mexico and show you the proper techniques to drink them neat or create the perfect cocktail for your tastes. Be sure to visit Chictini by Pinnacle, Signature Lounge, or Residences Sky Bar during your next vacation in Puerto Vallarta.

Click here for more Puerto Vallarta luxury vacation tips from Pinnacle Resorts.

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Photo by Francisco Galarza on Unsplash

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