Bolongo by Naya Homes

We loved the view from our large balcony, with panoramic sunsets and sunrises, and even saw whales. Bolongo has lots of pools, restaurants, beach access, and other amenities, so the ocean view alone would make the stay worthwhile. We booked spa treatments right away, which helped us relax during our stay. They accepted cash or wire transfer but no credit card. The deep tissue massages were some of the best we’ve had, and we highly recommend the women who gave them. Plan to leave time for meals. We enjoyed the restaurants, but service was a bit slow, and we were there during a very crowded New Year’s Eve week. For breakfast, the spot by the lower pool near the beach didn’t open until 9:30 AM, but the Mexican omelette was delicious. If you need coffee earlier, the only place open was right beside the front desk. It’s also best to get groceries early. The airport Thrifty rental car company gave away our car, so we paid 2900 to get to the facility and 1600 for the return trip. Definitely negotiate prices. Taxis quoted 500 to 700 for Punta De Mita, the nearest town, while Uber showed 225. With seven of us, though, taxis were more convenient: vans were easy to find at the stands or by phone, while Uber meant waiting in town. The Belonga front desk gave us a taxi number, so we never waited long. In the end, I think it was better that we didn’t have a rental car. We had a really wonderful experience, and our hosts were helpful throughout. I definitely hope to come back.

The beach on the property is small, so there isn’t room for long walks. It was wavy on most of the days I was there, and the large rocks near shore made swimming difficult. There are plenty of umbrellas, lounge chairs, and tables, plus three lovely hammocks in the shade. It’s a peaceful, very quiet property, about a five-minute drive from Punta Mita and around 40 minutes from Puerto Vallarta airport. The gardens are immaculate, with workers around all day. During my March break visit, there were some days when I saw more staff than guests. Everyone was extremely friendly and helpful, always greeting me with a smile and a Buenas Dias. The restaurant and bar are open Friday through Sunday, roughly noon to 6 PM, and the prices for margaritas and hamburgers are reasonable. It’s an exclusive, tranquil place, though teenagers or small kids might find it a bit boring.

The restaurant and bar are great, and the pools are nice. The beach also feels private because two huge rock outcroppings enclose it. The place itself is beautiful. Restaurant hours are iffy, and getting into town can be expensive if you call a company. We weren’t told this, but for a cheaper cab, call the guard tower and arrange it there. You’ll probably want to buy groceries.

There are lots of pools and places to sit, and it was often quiet and nearly empty. It works well for a full-on relaxation getaway, but there isn’t much entertainment otherwise. The food was below par, and service was slow.