Buganvilias Vacation Club

When you picture the typical large beachfront resort, you're likely picturing the amenities complex at the Buganvilias Vacation Club. The time-share portion of the property is run by a Mexican family that’s dedicated to incorporating local touches into the units, resulting in suites that are memorable and full of authentic local charm. The larger resort property, however, is run by the Sheraton chain and feels much like a resort that visitors might find on any beach in any country. The amenities are lovely, but a bit generic. Lively brunches with mariachi bands and regular Mexican parties attempt to inject some flair, but some guests might find that the resort lacks local charm.

Many guests don’t seem to mind, though, if the number of repeat visitors is any indication. There’s a distinctly laid-back vibe about the place, and guests seem more than content to enjoy the chance to kick back and do nothing but relax. Countless servers do the rounds to keep a steady flow of food and drinks coming to visitors no matter where they are on the property. The combination of the time-share Vacation Club, the Sheraton hotel, and the convention center all in one place makes for an eclectic mix of couples, adults, and business travelers sharing a single space. The property takes on more of romantic air at night, with quaintly lit pathways leading through swaying palm trees. At the end of the day, for guests who just want a nice place to relax by the beach and enjoy the sunset, Buganvilias Vacation Club is a solid choice. One detractor from the peace and serenity are time-share pitches, which annoy some guests more than others. 

The Buganvilias Vacation Club enjoys a prime location on the sands of Playa Camarones, perfectly positioned for taking in the stunning sunset views. The immediately surrounding area is predominantly made up of hotels and shops, but there are a few great local restaurants and bars nearby for guests who are willing to explore the side streets. The center of Puerto Vallarta’s old town is a 10-minute drive to the south, where guests will find an abundance of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as the landmark Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church and the lively Malecon oceanfront boardwalk. Guests who prefer to walk can reach the north end of the Malecon, where many of its famous statues are located, in about 20 minutes. Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport is a 15-minute drive away.

Buganvilias Vacation Club is run by the same Mexican family that originally started it as a small property, and their ongoing dedication to creating an authentic local experience shows in the beautiful suites. Local textiles, reclaimed materials, original artwork, and one-of-a-kind furnishings and decor pieces are thoughtfully chosen and expertly displayed in each of the units. No two suites are exactly the same, but all are beautifully outfitted and impeccably maintained. Because they’re designed as time-shares rather than just hotel rooms, the suites have much more of a residential feel than what you'll find at many other resorts.

There are over 10 different layouts of suites to choose from, ranging from large studios to posh, sprawling three-bedroom penthouses. Every unit features ample living space made up of comfortable living rooms, lovely dining areas, and modern full kitchens. Air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, safes, irons, and ironing boards come standard. Marble bathrooms offer comfy robes, hairdryers, and Almond and Olive toiletries.

One of the major selling points of the suites is that every one features a balcony with stunning ocean views. Many of the larger units feature multiple balconies, so in addition to the ocean, guests have outdoor spaces overlooking the pool complex, the city, and the Sierra Madre mountains in the distance. All of the suites at the Vacation Club are wheelchair accessible.

Buganvilias Vacation Club offers all the features you need for a beach vacation. Set in a massive thatched hut, La Villita is the resort’s main restaurant, offering buffet-style meals and a Sunday mimosa brunch that’s popular with non-hotel guests. Open-air dining options include La Pergola snack bar and Alfresco Trattoria, serving Italian fare. Gaviotas is open for dinner, and offers Mexican dishes in a refined, beautiful setting. Beside Gaviotas is Bar Embarcadero, a trendy joint that offers snacks and fancy cocktails and stays open till the early morning hours. The Lobby Bar has more of a sports bar vibe. Each of the pools has a swim-up bar -- La Palapa and La Carreta. The latter includes a sushi and sake bar. A cute cafe/deli in the lobby serves Starbucks coffee, pastries, and quick bites for guests on the go. Room service is available 24/7. There’s an all-inclusive option offered, but food and drinks are on the pricey side without it, especially by Mexico standards.

Two large freeform pools sit side-by-side and take up much of the property. Each features a swim-up bar and a designated kids’ area. There’s also a Sheratoons kid’s club on hand for the little ones. A large hot tub sits above one of the pools, disguised by a rock formation with waterfalls and secluded from the rest of the pool by lush tropical plants. It's not uncommon to see iguanas hiding among the leaves (or even swimming in the pool on hot days).

Anchoring the property is a lovely stretch of Playa Camarones, sheltered by rocks. Buganvilias Vacation Club has its own section of lounge chairs and cabanas directly overlooking the ocean. The one downside of the beach is the large number of vendors who wait right at the edge of the hotel’s property to push their goods on guests as soon as they step onto the beach.

The resort’s spa facilities are simply amazing. Opened in March 2018, the gorgeous complex features soothing relaxation areas, three luxurious plunge pools, and seven treatment rooms: four single rooms, two rooms for couples, and one room designed for pre-wedding preparations. Adding to the pampering, a special ritual foot wash is included before every pampering massage treatment.

Other amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center and a tennis center with four tennis courts. Daily activities ranging from yoga to Spanish lessons are offered. For business guests, the Sheraton features a convention center offering over 16,000 square feet of meeting space. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Guests can park for free in a private lot in front of the resort.