Location
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta sits on Banderas Bay, and the villas here are almost all in the hillside neighbourhoods immediately south of Old Town — Conchas Chinas, Amapas and the wider South Shore — where the road climbs away from the beach and terraces face back across the water.
It is the opposite in character to the coast further south. There is a town within reach: restaurants, galleries, the malécon, a marina, and an international airport a short drive north. Houses are close enough to walk or drive into the Romantic Zone for dinner and far enough up the hill to be quiet.
Los Arcos, the protected rock formations offshore, sit directly below this stretch — several villas launch kayaks and paddleboards straight toward them. Beaches on the South Shore are small coves reached by steps or a short drive rather than open sand.
Casa Damae – South Shore, Puerto Vallarta
Villa Divina – Conchas Chinas, Puerto Vallarta
Villa Padre – South Shore, Puerto Vallarta
Mixto Villa – South Shore, Puerto Vallarta
Villa Mandarinas – South Shore, Puerto Vallarta
Villa Iris – Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta
Villa Namaste – South Shore, Puerto Vallarta
Casa San Sebastian – South Shore, Puerto Vallarta
Villa Marbella – Conchas Chinas, Puerto Vallarta
Casa Nautica – South Shore, Puerto Vallarta
Which neighbourhood you choose matters more here than in any other destination on this coast, because they are genuinely different. Conchas Chinas is the closest thing to an established villa neighbourhood — older houses, mature planting, small coves at the bottom of the hill. Amapas sits directly above the Romantic Zone, so town is a walk rather than a drive. The wider South Shore runs further out, higher and quieter, with the biggest houses and the longest views back across the bay.
What they share is the topography: the road climbs steeply from the water, so almost every house is terraced down a hillside with the bay in front of it. Pools are level with the living space and the view is the room’s main feature. Beaches on this stretch are small coves reached by steps or a short drive, not open sand — guests who want a long flat beach usually look north of town instead.
Common Questions
Puerto Vallarta FAQs
Which area should we stay in?
Conchas Chinas for an established villa neighbourhood with coves below it; Amapas if you want to walk into the Romantic Zone for dinner; the wider South Shore for larger houses, more seclusion and the longest views. All three are on the hillside south of Old Town.
How far is the airport?
Puerto Vallarta International (PVR) is north of the city, and the drive down to the South Shore neighbourhoods runs through town. Allow for traffic in high season. Transfers are arranged with the villa.
Can we walk into town?
From Amapas, usually yes — the Romantic Zone is close. From Conchas Chinas it is a long walk or a short taxi. From the wider South Shore it is a drive. If walking to restaurants matters, say so and we will shortlist accordingly.
What is Los Arcos?
A protected group of rock formations and sea arches just offshore from this stretch of coast, popular for snorkelling and diving. Several villas keep kayaks and paddleboards and are close enough to reach them from the property.
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