Secrets

Secrets Resorts Unlimited.....This is not a stock photo......It's a view from the balcony of Room 1910, where Jeff & Carol were staying.  (Jeff is Alex's brother)  Awesome!  It's an all-inclusive adults only resort just north of the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta.
"Secrets Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa is elegantly appointed just a few steps away from famous boardwalk “El Malecón” and its vibrant ambiance full of art galleries, shopping area and amazing night life. All luxurious accommodations are equipped with ultimate gadgets and sophisticated decoration. Some swim-out suites with direct access to pool, overlooking Pacific Blue waters and relaxing beach. The 8-story tower offers all guest suites 24-hour room service, secret box, Ipod dock, satellite cable television, mini-bar refreshed daily and superior amenities. You’ll find unique daytime activities and entertainment, water sports and a fitness centre. To unwind there are crystalline infinity pools, gourmet restaurants and friendly bars and lounges with live entertainment."
 

Jalepeno Surpize!

All the food was included in the daily rate so I was curious about the daily rate and went to their site....SecretsResorts.com.

OUCH.  Standard rate starts at $1000/day.  Now I understand...

Waiters were constantly roaming around the pools refreshing your drinks.  Cadillac Margaritas, Negra Modelo, Tequila Shooters, then repeat....(in moderation)

Large luxury pool/beach towels were carefully rolled, offered and replenished frequently. Special order your 1/4 pound cheeseburger from the outdoor snack bar and grab an ice cold cerveza from the coolers which beckoned you.  Large plates of nachos, see above, filled any possible void in your stomach.  The place was amazing and I really want to thank Jeff & Carol for inviting us.

 

Here's the view from the Lobby, which is located on the 3rd floor.  Again, awesome. Any kind of drink, top shelf. (except they didn't have Maker's Mark) 

Unlimited-Luxury® Amenities

• Full breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks each day
• Unlimited fruit juices and soft drinks
• Unlimited premium brand alcoholic beverages
• Complimentary mini-bar refreshed daily
• 24-hour room service
• Theme parties
• Oceanfront bars and entertainment venues
• Pool and beach wait service
• No reservations at restaurants
• No wristbands required
• Live nightly entertainment
• Theater
• Fitness Center
• All taxes and gratuities 

 

Coffee

A coffee roastery in Bucerias.  Yeah.  I finally broke down and bought some good coffee at this 'new' place just a few doors up from the former Shamrock or a few doors down from Karens Fish market.

 

They have at least 8 kinds of coffee and of course you get your own special blend.  I went for a high octane Chiapas bean.  For those that don't know where Chiapas is located, it is the southernmost state in Mexico.  Right above Guatmala.  It is a strong blend right below Espresso.  This will wake you up. 100 pesos / half a kilo. 

Toronja  (grapefruit)

It is so sweet and delicious that I have started a new diet....yep, you guessed it, the Toronja diet.  Yesterday I began and today was, well, day two.  I allow myself to substitute so today I had bacon, hash browns, eggs, and tortillas.  Ok, it's not the perfect diet, or is it?

Dinner Party

Let me begin today's blog with this awesome sunrise.  Having just experienced three days of rain, quite the rarity for Jan/Feb, the sun was most welcome.  Every time it rains, my solar drier quits.  Coincidence?  I think not.

I actually had a dinner party the other night (Tuesday) for Nels, Tina, and Beth and I began working on my veggie marinara on Sunday morning, with a trip to the local Mercado.

 

My 40 pesos of treasures from the local mercado

 

Roasting the jitomates y cebola blancos

 

Takes 48-60 hours of simmering to get it just right.

 

I bought and cleaned a kilo of camarones from Karen's fish market Tuesday morning to add to the marinara.  A fresh salad and two homemade vinaigrettes were on the menu.

 

 

A great evening was had by all.  Then the doorbell rang.