Have you ever wondered about the history of spas and their origins? Many believe that the word spa was derived from a Latin term called salus per aquae which means “health from water.” Others believe the word spa was inspired by a small Belgian village called Spa, where hot mineral springs were used by Roman soldiers to treat their aching muscles and soothe battle wounds. Regardless of their beginnings, today’s spas are designed to soothe, heal and pamper. A wonderful way to take time to focus on your body, mind and spirit, wellness treatments are very important to maintain your physical and emotional health. One of the best spas around is found in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and is called Spa Imagine. Read below to learn more about Spa Imagine and the decadent wellness packages you can enjoy there. Serene And Exquisite Location Located in one of the most luxurious and chic hotels in the area, Hotel Mousai, Spa Imagine is the leading wellness provider whose mission is to support its client in achieving their …
Have you ever wondered why people enjoy taking in beautiful views so much? It goes without saying that the majority of people find peace and contentment when they are looking at a breathtaking vista such as an ocean view or tree filled mountain. Want to learn more about how beautiful views make us feel, and why these special vistas are so valuable. Lush and Novel Views It turns out that we humans are actually programmed to enjoy two types of scenery which include lush views and novel views. Lush views include sights we see in nature such as a tropical garden or jungle, crystal clear ocean and beach view or a tranquil snow filled mountain top. Novel views are vistas which are new and interesting sights we have not seen before such as an exciting new city we are visiting for the first time. We actually experience a slight positive mental sensation when we see either of these two different types of scenery. In addition, if you are lucky enough to be surrounded by …
With the Day of the Dead just around the corner, there are bound to be lots of interesting cultural events and celebrations in Puerto Vallarta. Día de Los Muertos in Spanish, the Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, in particular the Central and South regions, and also celebrated by people of Mexican heritage wherever they may be living. The multi-day holiday begins on October 31st and culminates on November 2nd. The celebrations are centered around family gatherings that honor and remember friends and family members who have passed away. The creation of altars and displays are believed to help support them on their spiritual journey in the beyond. Día De Los Muertos History Many people may not realize it, but Día De Los Muertos actually took place during the summer prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico stem from ancient pre-Columbian traditions. Rituals honoring the deaths of ancestors have been observed by these civilizations for as long as 2,500–3,000 …
While many people enjoy the year round warm and tropical weather that Puerto Vallarta is famous for, sometimes the heat can be a little intense. During summer and fall months, the regular rain storms can be refreshing, but can also bring about an increase in humidity that can slow you down a bit. Curious how you can keep your cool in a tropical climate until the cooler weather arrives later this year? Here are 7 tips that will help you stay cool in a tropical paradise like Puerto Vallarta. Tip 1: Handheld Fans A great solution to keep your cool is to use a small battery operated handheld fan. These fans do all the work for you so you won’t end up working up a major sweat fanning in an attempt to get cool. A smaller version of a standard box fan, the handheld fans run on batteries so no electrical connection is needed. It’s very convenient because you can take the fan with you wherever you go to cool down quickly. Tip 2: Bed …
Are you a golf fanatic and also love sunny and beautiful Puerto Vallarta? In addition to Puerto Vallarta’s fabulous year round weather, there are also tons of entertaining activities for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. From water activities including kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, there are also tons of activities to enjoy on dry land. Do you love golf and want to know more about the best golf courses in the area? The Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay region extends about 29 miles northwest to Punta Mita and boasts over 10 premium golf courses that include oceanfront, jungle and urban terrain. Read below to learn of the top 5 golfing ranges in Puerto Vallarta so you can schedule a tee time and practice your golf swing in paradise. Marina Vallarta Golf Club Marina Vallarta Golf Club is an 18-hole course designed by Joe Finger, a famous American architect. Located in the marina area of Puerto Vallarta, the Marina Vallarta Golf course is an exciting course that combines a tropical ambiance with amazing views of …
Infinity Pool History and Mystique Infinity pools are a mesmerizing sight to behold, and have become more and more popular in the last decade. An infinity pool is a reflecting or swimming pool where the water flows over one or more sides so that it appears as if there is no edge to the pool. Pools are designed this way to create a beautiful visual effect that is both calming and aesthetically pleasing. Infinity pools are sometimes designed so that they appear to merge with another larger body of water, usually the ocean if the pool is situated in a beachfront location, or even the sky. Read more to learn about the history of the infinity pool and its origins, and where you can find some of the most spectacular infinity pools in Mexico at Garza Blanca’s Signature Residences beachfront real estate. Infinity Pool History Today, infinity pools are most often found in upscale resorts and estates. Curious about when the infinity pool originated? Some believe that the infinity pool concept originally came together in …
Puerto Vallarta is lucky to have great weather year round, with average temperatures ranging between the 60’s and high 80’s. Many expats move to Puerto Vallarta to enjoy the warm and sunny weather, and escape cold and snowy winters up north. However, the heat combined with high humidity can create quite a muggy and sticky climate in Puerto Vallarta from time to time, especially during the summer months. Regardless of the cool ocean breezes, a good air conditioning unit is essential to surviving the high temperatures and making the most of the warm weather. Read below to learn about air conditioning origins, and how Garza Blanca Signature residences make sure you can stay cool inside, even when temperatures are soaring outside. Air Conditioning Inventor: Willis Carrier In 1902, Willis Carrier invented the first modern electrical air conditioning unit in Buffalo, New York. A Cornell University graduate, Carrier worked at the Buffalo Forge Company where he was inspired to develop a system to keep homes cool, even during warm summers. 1902. More than a decade later …
Without a doubt, Mexican food is some of the best in the world. Tacos, enchiladas, ceviche, gorditas, and salsa, salsa, salsa! What’s not to love? However, if you find yourself in Puerto Vallarta and are in the mood for sushi, you won’t be disappointed. Puerto Vallarta is home to many great sushi joints, and most are reasonably priced so you can enjoy your sushi fix without breaking the bank. Here are the top 5 Sushi Restaurants in PV to try: Kensao Located in the Galerias shopping mall, Kensao is one of the best options in town for tasty and fresh sushi. With an extensive menu and weekly specials, Kensao has many specialty rolls that are worth a taste. Some of the most popular rolls include the tomato roll which is fresh tuna wrapped around rice and a scallop salad topped with spicy Sriracha sauce and fresh green scallions. Have someone with you who isn’t too keen on raw rish? Recommend the Gohan Special which is a mixed rice dish topped with crunchy shrimp tempura and …
Living and owning luxury real estate in Puerto Vallarta lends itself to consider what type of flooring you want for your home. Unlike homes in the United States or Canada, most homes in Mexico have tile flooring for ease of cleaning and practicality. Carpet is a big no-no in Mexico, and most people do not miss carpet at all. If you want to add a touch of warmth or a pop of color, a sectional rug can be a perfect addition to complement your classy tiled floor. The most commonly used tiles in Mexico are made of ceramic, porcelain, brick, cantera and marble. Without a doubt, marble floors are the most elegant and durable of flooring choices, and that is why marble flooring is incorporated into each beachfront residence at Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa. Read below to learn more about the history and function of marble flooring, and why Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa only uses the highest quality Italian marble tiles in each luxury suite. Marble is a metamorphic store that …
If you’ve ever visited Puerto Vallarta, you can say without a doubt that some of the most beautiful and amazing sunsets in the world can be enjoyed here. There is something truly magical about the Banderas Bay and the way the lush Sierra Madre mountains embrace the Pacific Ocean. Whether your sunset is preceded by a clear evening sky, or a cloud filled canvas, you are virtually guaranteed a beautiful sunset each and every night in Puerto Vallarta. The mix of colors and the illumination of the sun’s rays as they drift off to sleep create a mesmerizing sunset display that will take your breath away. Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa Dining: Blanca Blue One of the best places to enjoy the Puerto Vallarta sunsets is from the Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa. This award winning luxury resort is situated just south of Puerto Vallarta in an ideal setting that invokes tranquility and peace in anyone that steps foot on the property. Want to enjoy a nice meal as you enjoy a famous …