Recommendations For Estates Owners from Joy Peacock
September 24, 2021
There is a great Private group on Facebook called The Estates by Vidanta. One of the members posted a very good list of recommendations after having recently visited the Estates. Here is what she had to say (Emphasis added -
):
Hi All, we just got back from a trip to PV and had a fabulous time. The Estates is very nice, but it is different than Grand Luxxe. You have to approach it with this mindset to optimize your experience. It is still early days, and not everything is finished in the Estates, but we took full advantage of what was offered relating to the service aspect. We were there with my in-laws that are in their late 70s, we are in our 50s, and our kids are about 18. I have the following recommendations FWIW:
- email your butler prior to the trip and he/she will create a Whatsapp group for you and your party. This is the best way to communicate regarding your private transportation (no waiting for carts) and your other needs. [email protected].
- Download the Vidanta app. This allows you to see what is going on at your location and daily and weekly events. There are some daily deals and discounts. This will help you plan because not everything is open every day.
- Start making reservations before you go. Even though the resorts are only at 50% some things are busy. #1 recommendation is cabanas at the Estates designated pool area by the beach. The ones right by the pool area always seemed to be reserved, so get ahead of these reservations. Also, there are cabanas available at the Punta pool (for The Residence) that I believe can be reserved by Estates members as well.
- You get coffee/tea service brought to your room every morning, you can give instructions before you go (see #1), this is so nice!
- Punta Munjar is a new restaurant where Costa Arena used to be. They have music on Sundays (but check the app) and I think Wednesday. This is a really nice experience, so plan accordingly. Pretty good food, go with what is fresh and local.
- If you like mariachi, I recommend going to Sanctuario on Sunday and skip the Fiesta which is at the Cantina.
- The Par Break shrimp tacos are awesome
- When arriving at the PV airport, you have to complete a COVID questionairre on the phone which makes no sense and is difficult to figure out. Ask about it before you arrive and complete it. You get a bar code. Take a screenshot and show it to the airport personnel. this will save you some time.
- Go to Le Petit Chef. It is expensive but is less than half the cost of the one in Napa Valley and the food and drinks were really good.
- Beachland is a really cool concept, but be prepared to be frustrated. You have to order with a waitress/waiter, then go to each food truck to get your drinks, food, etc. You can't pay directly (maybe at the cocktail truck). I recommend just going for drinks, and skipping the food. Although the Churros are to die for.
- Ask if there is a tournament at the golf course. We could only play 15 holes on the Nicklaus course. After you check your clubs in The Residences, ask to have your clubs brought to you on the Estates side of the river instead of having to check in on the other side.
- The pool at Tower Five has the best food and is relaxing. Ask to reserve an area (shade on the south side, sun on the north side)
- The spa is amazing, be sure to leave time to sit outside and enjoy the pools and hot tubs which are now in a new outside area.
- You have to get a COVID test before getting back to the US. Book it the day after you arrive for 3 days before you leave. You have to pay for it in CASH (dollars or pesos), and you have to bring your passports. We got ours back within 24 hrs, via email.
- Bring your own sunscreen, they have limited choices and it is very expensive.
- Buy tequila at the very small duty free store in the PV airport.
- Have your butler help you get on the dedicated high speed internet. It was a bit difficulty, and we are pretty tech savy. Especially if you have a Mac.
- If you have a larger party (we had 6), I recommend getting a private chef (ask butlers). The price was reasonable (about $150 plus food and tip) and the food was excellent. We selected from 3 three course menus. It was some of the best food we had there, and the chefs were very friendly.
- The units have Apple TV, which is nice.
- Ask your butlers specifically "what other cool stuff is offered?" They have good ideas. They will do special things if you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary, etc.
Thank you Joy for the great recommendations! Will use them all, and add to your list if we can. Cheers!