Conchas Chinas, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Beachfront pool, and spacious sun decks
Beautiful but tiny private beach
Restaurant with stunning ocean views
Condo-style rooms with kitchens, living rooms, and 1 to 3 bedrooms
Dramatic views from every suite
Close to Old Town and downtown
Fitness center with a nice ocean view
Timeshare property means rooms are rarely available in high season
Old TVs in living rooms, none in bedrooms
Fee for WiFi in rooms and lobby
Fee for kayaks and snorkeling gear
Tucked into a hillside on Conchas Chinas Beach -- an exclusive southern area of Puerto Vallarta -- Lindo Mar in Spanish means "pretty sea." And this resort was aptly named, with stunning ocean views from every angle and offering some of the best sunsets around. The resort is a timeshare property, though, so it can book up quickly during high season. The entire resort is comprised of condominium-style suites -- featuring fully equipped kitchens, living rooms, dining areas, one to three bedrooms, and ocean-view balconies -- which is a nice change of pace from the megaresorts that are found dotting the area's Hotel Zone. The hotel's restaurant La Playita is worth a visit on its own; it's built onto the rocks directly above the sea -- so close that if you’re seated on the water side, you can almost touch the waves. At high tide, the hotel’s little beach simply disappears. But ample lounge space can be found at the nearby pool and decks.
Scene
Timeshare resort offering awe-inspiring views and an authentic Mexican-hacienda experience
Primarily made up of timeshares, booking a room here during the high-tourist season can be tough -- so chances are good that if you are staying here, the place will be jam-packed with guests.You're less likely to notice, though, when you're taking in the stunning ocean views from all angles of the property. La Playita (the little beach) restaurant is especially worth a visit -- perched on the rocks by the ocean, offering unmatched up-close-and-personal views of the Pacific.The nearby pool, Jacuzzi, and lounging decks -- which are dotted with soothing tile fountains -- are inviting places to take in some Mexican sun, as well as the view. And the tiny private beach, which disappears sometimes at high tide, is a sweet hideaway with great snorkeling among the rocks just offshore.The interior of Lindo Mar exudes an authentic Mexican experience, with terracotta flooring, wrought-iron railings, and arched doorways, though some areas (such as the front desk) can feel a bit cheesy.The main draw, of course, is the view -- which is even visible from the lobby-level fitness center. With such stunning views and a peaceful hillside location, it's hard to believe bustling Old Town Vallarta is less than five minutes away.
Location
In affluent Conchas Chinas, the "Beverly Hills" of Puerto Vallarta
Nestled on Conchas Chinas Beach, Lindo Mar (meaning "pretty sea") offers some of the best sunsets around. Tucked into the hillside on a winding road south of town, the resort is a quick drive into Old Town. There's a decent convenience store within walking distance for snacks and basic supplies, but everything else needs to be accessed by car.Conchas Chinas is the exclusive southern area of Puerto Vallarta, dubbed the "Beverly Hills" of Puerto Vallarta and known for the posh homes and condos tucked into the seaside hills. It's a popular retreat for high-profile people, including celebrities. The beautiful Conchas Chinas Beach, made up of a string of peaceful sandy coves, is strewn with tiny polished shells (Conchas Chinas literally means "Chinese Shells"). The rock outcroppings and clear water make for good snorkeling.- 40-minute drive to the airport
Rooms
Homey, condo-style rooms with kitchens and living rooms
Each of the 50 rooms is a condominium-style suite with one to three bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, dining areas, and private balconies with ocean-facing views. Authentic touches such as tiled flooring, elaborately carved wooden headboards, and colorful bedding can make it feel as if you're staying in a Mexican home instead of a resort.- Air-conditioning
Features
Private (but tiny) beach
All-Inclusive / Food
Ocean-front restaurant offers some of the best Pacific views in the area
La Playita, the pretty, open-air restaurant (serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner) sits atop the rocks at the bottom of the hotel, offering an up-close-and-personal view of the ocean -- making it one of the most picturesque places to eat in all of Vallarta.
One Bedroom Suite
Two Bedroom Suite
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico