Puerto Vallarta Getaway

At the 2011 NatureSweet Tomatoes holiday party, I won a 4-day trip to an all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta. We talked about taking the trip early in the year, and never quite organized for that. Then we thought maybe in October for our anniversary. But in June, when we got word of Mark's transfer, we put it on the back-burner as the moving chaos took over. Fast forward to November and we realized we were going to lose it, if we didn't take the trip by the end of 2012. So December 27-30, Mark and I hopped a plane to Mexico!

We stayed at the recently renovated Hilton Puerto Vallarta. It was a gorgeous location in the heart of the resort area. The open air lobby confirmed our tropical location! Loved the citrus green decor accents.

The hotel from the beach. Just the shorter white buildings were part of the hotel. The larger ones in the background were condo properties. 

Looking down on the central part of the hotel. Main pool and restaurant area. We ate breakfast on the patio every morning and watched the people who tried to save deck chairs for their family and friends lose battles to the folks who pointed out the signs on each chair that "saving chairs" was not allowed. 

It was a little contentious for us, so we took refuge at the smaller, adults-only rooftop pool each day. So much more peaceful and luxurious! Margaritas and sushi available all day! 

Restless Mark took flight with a parasail ride right from the beach.

And landed safely in the same spot.

We ventured into town one day and saw the ancient cobblestone streets and historical buildings mixed with tourist shops and small children selling Chic-lets on the boardwalk. 

We stopped in to listen to part of the noon service at this amazing church. Love the tattoo parlor just outside the front doors.

It was a wonderful getaway for Mark and I. Our favorite babysitter, Eva, came up from San Antonio to watch the kids and we enjoyed the peace of mind!