Nuevo Vallarta - August 27 - September 16, 2012 by GaryIII and Darlene

September 13, 2012

A photo is worth a thousand words. We have that saying in our Photos and Videos page, and for good reason.

It is very difficult to appreciate the change that is taking place at the Grupo Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta property by relying on words alone. Descriptions are close, but there is nothing better than seeing with our own eyes.

So, let's go through the news we heard and show the images GaryIII and Darlene have shared with us.

Punta Pools

Yes, the area leading from the west end of the Punta to the beach is under construction. Wow! Is it ever!

However, the Punta Pools are in tact. None of the Punta and Luxxe Pools have been removed. Only the grounds and salt water ponds are changing.

Consider the two photos that appear below as a point of reference. They were taken by GSnider on July 10, 2012.






The reconstruction area includes the grounds surrounding the Punta pools and the seating for the restaurant on the ground floor of Punta. The Si restaurant is now gone. The heated spa pool closest to the Si Restaurant is also gone. The photos that appear below are from Gary III, whose visit ended on September 16, 2012:

The Mayan Palace

Interesting construction zone here. It is evident the top floors of the remaining two towers are two stories tall. Therefore, there is a lot of speculation about what they will become. Restaurants, ballrooms, sky bar...who knows at this time. Clearly they will not be rooms.

Between Luxxe Tower I, Luxxe Tower II and the Mayan Palace

Hey! Our Reflection Pond is gone! Yes, as GLJOD would say, there is a lot of dirt moving around, and where it stops, someone knows, but it certainly is not we.

The area south of the Mayan Palace and between the Luxxe Towers I and II may become a staging area for check-in. A new structure is under construction and in the right place to serve the Luxxe towers. Or, it could become an out door amphitheater of some sort, which was the speculation we heard last March. Anyway, this area and the area in front of Luxxe Tower II may be important to us in the future.

Also, there are tunnels that are under construction. We suspect these will be used to transport employees.

Palacio Maya - The Train Station/Reception Area

It now sports a long bar and lounge. During our trip in March, we heard there could be music played and libations served in the Palacio Maya.

Additionally, heard changes to the traffic flow were in the mix. A plan to build a new parking/staging area close to, but north east of the Palacio Maya was under consideration. Too much traffic, clutter and confusion with the original plan without an operating train system.

Furthermore, it appears a covered roadway now provides access to the parking area, thereby keeping cars and taxis off the campus grounds. This serves two purposes: improved safety and keeping cars and taxis out of sight.

Whoever made those predictions certainly was right on target.

One other point....it should be noted that the golf course is quite a ways from the Pro Shop. But, it is very close to guests and the Gong Restaurant. So, should the guests go to the course to check in or should they check in nearby? BTW, golf carts are currently stored in the lower level of the Gong.

Paradise Village Mall and the return of Princess Serenity

Clean mall areas are always a good sign. Also, it is good to see ships returning to Puerto Vallarta. Cruise companies are very concerned with safety, wherever they land. A great sign of confidence is the return of cruise ships. This is partly because the Malecon has a new face.





Yes, a picture is worth a thousand words. GaryIII and Darlene just wrote volumes.

Thank you GaryIII and Darlene. Hope you had a great time!

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