Finding Villas

The best tool for finding a villa anywhere in the world is HomeAway. A friend of mine recommended it to me years ago and we have used it to book private accommodation in Turkey (above photo of private garden), Barbados (above photo of private pool), Mexico, Canada and Italy. We have always been pleased with the service and have never had a problem.

We have just been amazed at how superior villa rentals are compared to hotels. The cost is typically much lower for a fabulous villa than a standard hotel. There is always so much more space. The experience is richer as you are not just staying in another hotel room. You have the option of shopping at local markets and cooking up your own food. There is more privacy. All around, villas are the way to go.

What makes the HomeAway site particularly useful is how easy it is to navigate. In just a few easy clicks you can find exactly the property you are looking for, in the price range you want, with the facilities you need, in the location you desire, with the availability you request. It takes less than a minute to find all of this.

The photos and the comments section give you a good sense of the place you are considering renting. I found the reviewers from past renters particularly helpful and would recommend that everyone completes this section for the benefit of others. (Although I have yet to complete one myself).

I have tried searching for other sites and have not found another that is as easy to navigate or that has as good a selection. I would highly recommend checking out HomeAway next time you are considering a vacation.

Mexican Villa Vacation

It was the first time we visited Mexico since the days of backpacking. It made me realise how much more I enjoy traveling when I can afford a proper escape. We chose Puerto Vallarta because there were direct flights from home, the city is known for maintaining traditional character, the weather is pleasant and there were a number of good villa options. It was definitely the right choice.

The weather could not have been nicer. There were nice sunny days for swimming and beach play. There were cloudy days for hiking and baby adventures. The temperature ranged from high teens to high twenties. Never too hot, never too cold. I was surprised that many of the pools are heated and if you are looking for a villa in Vallarta, find one that is heated as otherwise your dips will be chilly.

The city is one of the nicest I have visited in Mexico. Cobblestone streets, houses on the hills, clean beach front and rivers, and a lovely boardwalk for wandering. There are plenty of wonderful restaurants to suit any tastes. Our favourites were 1. "Choza de Tona" in Mismaloya which offered the best pina coladas with delicious steak and seafood all for under $100 for five hungry adults, 2. Le Kliff, the dramatic view was worth the price and the food was good, and 3. the home cooked meals we had at the villa.

The villa was located in the mountain side of Mismaloya, a small village 20 minutes south of Vallarta. It had 5 bedrooms and four full bathrooms for $250 a night. The pool was a little chilly and there was plenty of danger for the baby, but it was excellent value. The staff were lovely and served a four course breakfast every morning which was included in the price.

Overall, a great trip with plenty of reasons to return again.