No matter how fabulous the location, travel lacks the element of the exquisite if the company isn’t nice. It’s why service in the hospitality industry is such a BFD, and why you choose the friends you travel with carefully.
At Villas Susana, in delightful little San Pancho, Nayarit, Mexico, you have all the requisite luxuries of environment and the engaging geniality of the owners — Bob and Susan, in their home-away-from-home. Located in the jungles just north of Puerto Vallarta, it was a couple hours on a local bus ride from Puerto Vallarta and then a short taxi ride from Sayulita, followed by an open air jeep ride 2 miles out of San Pancho.
The house
Stacked up against an ocean hillside overlooking the Pacific, each part of the house is a building unto itself, all open-air. There are three bedrooms (and bathrooms), each in their own cabanas separated by a green garden walk through lush forest, and all with ocean views.
It is the kitchen and living room cabana, along with the heated infinity pool that will bring your group together — for meals, cocktails, board games and/or extended hours of book reading. This home is a retreat.
A short country drive will take you into the little town of San Francisco (San Pancho to the locals) where you can sit easily with other visitors and locals in the small town center enjoying the quiet beach; or you can find your way into Puerto Vallarta for more fast-paced fun.
The home fits up to 14 people, though three couples would be perfect; and the price is very reasonable considering the serenity of the location.
The Innkeepers
Bob and Susan live in Washington state when they are not in their San Pancho home. At times, they have lived here extensively — even enrolling their youngest in school for part of their education. They purchased this home in 2006, after vacationing in Puerto Vallarta for 10 years. They were lucky to find this secluded spot with ocean views and open construction in the quiet jungle with lots of room for family and friends.
A secret beach nearby Villas Susana.
You have steps from the house down to a tiny private beach, or you can take a semi-private jungle path to an almost always deserted beach. There’s a little spring with clay that the locals use for facials.
A clear fresh water spring bubbles up in a little pool of mud that the local ladies use for face and skin masks.
Bob and Susan are not on-site Innkeepers, but have a staff to help guests with some daily needs. If you are lucky enough to enjoy their company, be sure to ask for a guided tour to one of the nearby beaches, or even an excursion into town.
Find information about renting their home at SanPanchoLife.com.
