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Who would've thought that a new decade would bring so much stress so early on in the year? COVID-19 has been a total game changer for the travel & tourism industry and most companies are noticing a significant impact. We are certainly no exception. Today we will review how this new virus is impacting Puerto Vallarta.  As of yesterday, Jalisco (the state of Puerto Vallarta) there were only 6 confirmed cases of COVID-19, however, Governor Enrique Alfarao implemented procedures and protocols to strengthen the preventative action and to keep that number very low. Found on the Out & About PV website the following will be taken in both seaports and airports for those continuing to travel internationally.
 Schools are also taking action to prevent the spread and the following will be set forth:
According to the Mexicanist website Deputy Health Secretary Hugo Lopez-Gatell announced this morning at the federal government's conference that Mexico will not close commercial borders at this time. The United States and Guatemala have already closed their land borders with Mexico, thus preventing transit from one country to another, with the expectation that this mechanism could prevent the spread of the virus. However air transportation borders are still accessible under the following guidelines that we addressed earlier in the post. So, bottom line, is it safe to go to Mexico? In my personal opinion, I feel that what is best for most of us is to allow the panic and hysteria to subside and let's reevaluate where we are at as an economy, a business, an employee, and a family member after the 2 week quarantine is up. Do I think that those who have travel booked towards the end of April and beyond need to cancel immediately? No, not at all. I think canceling now is a bit premature, but if it gives you piece of mind, you are welcome to do so. What an interesting time of 2020 but I am confident we will get through this and come out stronger once it has passed.
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This post has been one I have been waiting to write about. In early February I worked on showcasing the rooftop terrace of Casa Campana as an opportunity to host weddings and special events and it was so fun & so beautiful.  I knew I wanted to go for a Spanish Bohemian theme to bring out some color from the crisp, white linens as well as the white glassware. I had hired a dear friend and amazing photographer, Rachel Hudson, with Kylee Ann Studios to collaborate & photograph the set up. Our glassware is from a local small business in Puerto Vallarta called, Mundo de Cristal. Every piece is glass blown, handcrafted, and absolutely beautiful.
Our rooftop ceremony site is set for 50 guests in the below photo, but we believe we can get upwards of 65 to comfortably seated up here. Our arch overlooks the city, the lush mountains and the captivating pacific ocean. We can't wait for our first wedding as the bell that hangs in the arch way is available to ring in celebration of the newlyweds!
The back half of rooftop is covered in the event of inclement weather--which is perfect for our couples to have a backup plan! No one likes to be rained on when wearing white!  After sunset the space just came completely alive! We loved the romantic ambiance from the bistro lighting and when you add in the cool breeze-- it's truly a perfect spot to enjoy such a memorable night!
We are looking forward to a successful wedding season & can't wait to create more amazing memories with those who share our space!
As we are ramping up to our busier time of year with Spring break and summer approaching we thought it would be a good time to review some of the most popular questions we get asked for those traveling with us. Today I have covered our top 10 frequently asked questions!  FAQs1. Is food included in my stay?
2. How is the meal/food cost handled?
 3. I am a picky eater, can I tell them exactly what I want?
4. Do I need to brush my teeth with bottled water?
5. How do I tip the staff?
 6. What is the exchange rate in Mexico?
7. Do I need to arrive with Mexico's currency?
 8. Is Montezuma Revenge a real thing?
9. How do I get around in Puerto Vallarta?
10. Will my phone work in Mexico?
Did you know that our two properties, Casa TC Vallarta & Casa Campana, are both one block from one another? Worried about your group being over 16 people? don't fret you can reserve BOTH houses for maximum celebration and fun! Today I want to show you our "original"/first house of the TC Vallarta Properties triad.
This house was the test-run on real estate in Puerto Vallarta, and man, did we hit the jackpot! We have had so many friends, family members & guests from around the world stay here and have nothing but glowing reviews & recommendations to their friends.
This house is equipped with 7 bedrooms; 3 king suites, 2 double queen suites, and 2 more queen suites with bunk beds! This is a great space for entertaining families with small kiddos as it has a plethora of pool toys and a shallow kiddie area located on one end of the pool. In addition the pool deck is a great space to enjoy the sunshine and start a competitive game of ping pong!
Our main floor has a stunning commercial grade kitchen where our staff prepares breakfast & lunch for you during your stay! The living room entertainment center has board & card games available for you during your stay as well!
This place is truly the perfect spot for an affordable family vacation! One last thing you have to see is this amazing virtual tour done by our friends at SCAN. CASA! For best results, open the tour and expand the view to full screen--you will not be disappointed.
 We are so excited to say that our new build, Casa Campana is officially ready for guests & events! This place has every square inch covered in only one phrase-WOW.
The grand entryway is the biggest statement piece to me! With over 25+ plants & flora greeting you as you are welcomed home it is a space of serenity. The Spanish Bougainvillea (flowering plant right next to the doorway) will only get more lush and vibrant as it grows and I can't wait to watch it do so! As you walk through the first of 4 arch ways, you will walk into a paradise of tucked away luxury.
The terracotta accents found within the roof, awnings and lights bring out the richness of the Mexican theme and add so much warmth to the space.  This villa is equipped with 6 bedrooms. 4 king suites, 2 Queen & bunk bed suites, and 2 kitchenettes. All rooms include their own, private bathroom ensuite! Casa Campana can easily accommodate 16 guests for sleeping and 50-65 guests on the rooftop for a special event such as wedding, elopement, dinner party or family reunion! Can you even believe the details in this space?! It's absolutely stunning & we would love to host you, your friends, family, in-laws, outlaws and everyone in between! Feel free to check out our availability calendar to reserve your dates for 2020!
If you're anything like me, once your Mexico trip is all booked you begin counting down the days to not only sit on the beach and relax, but to also completely gorge yourself on chips, salsa and authentic guacamole. Today we are going to share the staff's take on the Mexican classic. Your concierge, Edith, has provided this recipe and let me tell you it does not disappoint.  Edith's Guacamole RecipeIngredients: 5 Avocados 2 fresh tomatoes (diced) 1/2 red onion (diced) 1 green chile (also known as a serrano pepper) finely diced 1 cilantro bushel finely chopped *added to taste salt to taste 2 lemons 1. Slice avocados down the middle and remove the pit(s) *save one pit 2. Add avocados to a large bowl and smash with a fork to desired consistency. 3. Add tomatoes, onion, green chile to bowl. Stir well. 4. Slice lemons in half and squeeze both lemons juice into bowl. Stir. 4. Add salt & cilantro to taste. Stir again. 5. Add one avocado pit back into the bowl. This will keep freshness and prevent browning of avocados. 6. Enjoy!! If you're anything like me you've been using limes in lieu of lemons, and let me tell you that was hands down the secret ingredient to taking my guac up a notch! I hope you enjoy!
So it’s your first time abroad, you’ve got your passport and that burning excitement fueling your heart. You board your plane in the U.S. and you have no idea what it’s going to be like once you land in Puerto Vallarta. Maybe you’re like me and you’re a planner and want to know of every detail so that you can plan ahead for timing or transportation purposes, if this is you—keep reading. If you’re an easy going, can handle whatever life throws at you, then this post might be irrelevant. Today I will discuss how processing works when entering a foreign country, specifically Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
A question we get a lot is how is it traveling in Mexico? Better yet, what documents do I need to begin traveling? In this post, I'll give you a basic run-down of what you'll need to prepare for your first trip outside the USA, specifically focused on Mexico. Traveling is such a fun and exciting way to experience cultural differences as well as meet new people & try unique cuisines. Mexico is no exception! When traveling outside the U.S. you are required to have an U.S. passport that has been issued within 10 years and will be valid for 6 months from your departure date, regardless if you're stay doesn't equate to 6 months abroad.  Applying for a U.S. passport can be done online using the US Department of State website found here. travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/forms.html This whole process is relatively easy, and the website will prompt you on which form to fill out. (For example: Is this your first time applying for a passport? Or are you renewing your passport?)
You will need to show proof of citizenship through ONE of the following items:
Once you have all of your documents & photos in order you are ready to submit & pay for your application. A U.S. passport book costs $110 and you can either pay with credit card through the website or print out your application and mail it with a check payable to the U.S. Department of State for $110 U.S. dollars. Once you submit your application you will receive an email when your application has been received and you can track your passport up until it is delivered in your mailbox. (Standard processing rates are 4-6 weeks). Once your passport arrives in the mail, open it and review all of your personal information to confirm accuracy on spelling, date of birth, photo, as well as issue/expiration date. If all is well, begin happy dancing and book your flight abroad!! If you do happen to have any error, you will want to notify the passport agency that issued your passport immediately to correct the error, this information will be provided to you in your envelope that your passport arrived in. Although the timing to receive a passport is long awaited, I assure you it is so worth it! This little document that is readily available for you to experience the world in a whole new light is not only refreshing but also encouraging! So if travel is in on your list of accomplishments this year--get your passport now!  The triad of TC Vallarta Properties (Casa TC Vallarta, Casa Campana & TC Beach House) came to fruition after years of traveling all over the world with our family of 5 and spending countless sleepless nights in rowdy resorts, crowded hotels, and even private villa rentals that just didn’t fit the bill for an affordable family vacation. Having a successful background in hosting and promoting sporting events, Puerto Vallarta became home to our College Challenge Softball Tournament in February 2015. We hosted 12 softball games by 4 U.S collegiate softball teams. It was then that we invested money into the local community to renovate and repair the Nancy Almaraz Stadium that is only 5 blocks from our two homes.  While repairing and updating the softball field & stadium we drew a deep connection to those who frequent the ballfield; the local businesses that corner the field, and the local community members who took responsibility in maintaining our progress. It was these people that we shared this experience with whom consistently welcomed and supported us and ultimately impacted us in wanting to purchase a house right in the heart of this community. We purchased our first home, Casa TC Vallarta in 2017 and this is where the vision came into place. With our core purpose in sporting events & creating events that rock, we carried that into our home. We wanted to be able to give a vacation experience for those in corporate retreats, family reunions and weddings where it would always be special. We knew it had to always be a step above a rental and therefore every detail within the house was heavily thought out. From the fine furnishings and art work, to the layout of the pool(s) to the views from the rooftop terrace, I knew they needed to be a place where those moments are frozen in time and forever told as a moment that truly rocked.
After 2 years sharing Casa TC Vallarta with our closest family and friends, we knew we wanted to accommodate larger groups that could travel together, so the second & third houses (Casa Campana and the TC Beach House) were purchased in hopes of doing just that. Now that we have expanded and can accommodate up to 45 guests between the 3 homes, we dream of sharing our homes to those from all over the world where we can appreciate our similarities and celebrate our diversities together. |
AuthorHi everyone! My name is Heidi & I am the Property Manager & Events Coordinator for TC Vallarta Properties. An original Pacific Northwest gal turned Rocky Mountain dweller who is lucky enough to spend several weeks out of the year in my favorite place, Puerto Vallarta!! I am here to provide you with travel tips, things to do on your vacation & destination wedding or elopement advice. ArchivesCategories |
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