Party-Central Puerto Vallarta: Our Last Dance

Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's best beach resorts, in my estimation. I far prefer it over Cancún, Los Cabos, Acapulco, or Mazatlán, for example. Why? There's a real Mexican-flavored town here, for one reason. I love its traditionally Catholic Our Lady of Guadalupe Church that anchors its cobblestoned downtown area-the gilded crown that tops this photo opp is a replica of the crown worn by Carlota, empress of Mexico in the 1860s. I love to walk the seaside malecón or amble the river walk area along the Rio Cuale where some of the city's best restaurants are found-at night little twinkly lights sparkle from the trees and lilting laughter and rhythms of live jazz combos softly float on the soft night air. The Romantic Zone, too, is a favorite place, retaining the charm (but in a newly Bohemian manner) of Old Mexico.

What I love most about Puerto Vallarta, though, is the Bay of Banderas itself. The third-largest and one of the deepest bays in the world, the horseshoe-shaped Banderas Bay (Bay of Flags) is believed to have been formed by an ancient volcanic crater. The bay measures nearly 20 miles across and is rimmed by more than 40 miles of coastline. Anchored by the sophisticated Vallarta, there are also small towns that dot this bay…and private protected inlets where you can swim, dive, or snorkel (beautiful) or maybe even catch a flounder for your supper. The jungled Sierra Madre mountains slide right down to the shore in some places, making for some spectacular scenery and a very exotic feel to it all.

And so begins the end… But enough statistics and descriptions. I am writing to you today to be sure that you know that the Puerto Vallarta countdown has begun. This Thursday, the Early Bird discount for International Living's upcoming Live and Prosper in Mexico seminar will expire. After that time, you will pay full price should you decide to join us in Puerto Vallarta in September. As my motto is "never pay rack rate…ever"-I thought you'd appreciate this reminder.

You may also appreciate knowing that this may very likely be the last time we host a conference of this type in Puerto Vallarta-so please act now if you'd like to join us. For those of you who have never attended a Live and Prosper in Mexico seminar, let me emphasize that if you are thinking about living in Mexico-full or part time-there is no better way to learn the ins and outs of what it takes than by attending one of these seminars. I used to think seminars like this weren't worth the bother, but I've changed my tune completely. There is just no way you can find out everything you need to know about Mexico in a more concise, less-costly, or more fun way. No matter how skeptical you are, please…just take a quick look at this.

Why won't we be in Puerto Vallarta next year? We've been holding International Living events in this favorite Pacific Coast location for almost four years now. And next year, we've decided to give our readers the opportunity to go a bit deeper into Mexico. Where we aren't sure yet, but if you have wanted to visit Puerto Vallarta and have built-in fun-loving companions to do it with, this may be your last chance. (Never say never, but seriously…don't expect to see us back in Vallarta again next year…unless you happen to bump into us on our own vacation time.)

A special offer for International Living VIP members, Mexico Insiders, Mexico First Alerts, and Events E-Letter readers: Our events team wants to make sure you take advantage of this last opportunity to join us in Puerto Vallarta next month. And if you decide to do that, they have kindly offered to foot the bill for your first night's stay at the Fiesta Americana Hotel, where the conference is being held. (It's a gorgeous spot and we've spent many a night here partying on the beach until the wee hours.) That's right… seminar attendees stay for free your first night. Plus, as an IL VIP member or Mexico Insider sub scriber, you get an additional $100 off your registration fee… on top of other discounts you may be eligible for.

And don't forget to register before August 23 for the additional Early Bird discount.

I hope to see you in Vallarta in September. Please come with all your questions in hand, as my staff and I-and a host of other experts-will be there ready, willing, and able to answer them.

Hasta pronto,

Suzan Haskins
Latin America Editorial Director
International Living

P.S. According to Eric Stapp, our events team coordinator in charge of the Puerto Vallarta event, there are only a limited number of hotel rooms available at the Fiesta Americana during our seminar. So he wants me to impress on you the need to contact our events team ASAP to reserve your spot (and your free hotel room.) E-mail them at Events@InternationalLiving.com or call 1-866-381-8446 (toll free in the U.S. and Canada).