February Food and Fun, Vallarta Vacations and the Portuguese Phenomenon…

Dear Friends,

Wow! What happened? We seem to have blinked and missed January, it has gone by so quickly. I suppose that is one of the great benefits of living in this remarkable place – the winter weather is so pleasant and there is so much to see and do that the days zip by in a flash.

As we know, with the arrival of February our little hearts start to flutter and our thoughts turn to romance! Now is the time to book that very last-minute romantic getaway.

6 Sexy Ideas for Valentines Day
The Pacific coast is for lovers. Here are a few ideas to enjoy it at its most sultry.

 

And to think about what will make this St. Valentine’s day special for you and your loved ones. Lisa has some suggestions on this topic  – I think there might be a hint in there for me…… not so secretly disguised!

BannerOG
Enjoy Dinner for Two at Sunset

 

Probably the most romantic thing I can think of to enjoy in the Punta Mita/Bay of Banderas area is a boat trip.I have never been disappointed by one of my fabulous days out with the family, with friends or just the two of us. And, still at the top of my “must do” list is lunch at the Ocean Grill.

The wonderful thing is there are so many beaches to explore all around the Bay – some with dining options, some deserted. With the opening of our new, extended company, TRIPWIX, I have been spending a lot more time recently in Puerto Vallarta. 

In the past, visits to PV have been more aptly named “chores” with the inevitable, never-ending circuit of Costco, Sam’s Club and all those other super-glamorous shopping venues! Now, however, I spend my days checking properties, working with our new host, Sam Cress, and am just delighted to say that now the prospect of spending days in PV takes on a whole different meaning. In fact, Lisa has been enjoying these Vallarta times so much she has shared her version of the perfect Puerto Vallarta weekend.

Over the last couple of months, I have been curious to discover new restaurants, shops, nightlife and places to stay. To all of the local Punta Mita and Sayulita residents, I would say, contemplate a few days away in Puerto Vallarta and discover what it has to offer. TRIPWIX is offering some spectacular properties with incredible staff, views and wonderful activity options.

South Shore Beaches PMR
Five Fabulous Beaches to Discover

 

Let me make a fun itinerary to follow with some local hideaways to explore. Or make it a base and get to know some of the hidden beaches of the South Shore.

Traveling to Puerto Vallarta is, of course, a cinch compared to the international traveling we have been doing recently. As most of you, know I am usually the chap who is happy to stay local, enjoy a good red, chew on a great cigar and contemplate my non-progressive golf game or my latest horse-training technique. Recently, however, I have had to swap out my Mexican wine indulgence for that of my home country – Portugal.

As mentioned in the January newsletter, the push is on to find my clients absolutely the best-of-the-best rental properties and authentic experiences in Portugal.

Lisbon, Portugal twilight cityscape at the Alfama District.
Lisbon, Portugal twilight cityscape at the Alfama District.

 

This is my homeland and I have to say the Portugal of today is one that makes me proud and one that I enjoy sharing with my friends and guests.

Until recently, Portugal had been relatively undiscovered. The beaches and golf courses of the Algarve have been in vogue for decades now, especially with Northern Europeans, but the rest of the country had been hidden from the mass tourism eye. That is still very true today, despite the publicity that it has recently been receiving.

The Portugal I am bringing to my clients is the one I know and love – still relatively undiscovered – where the people are genuine, enthusiastic and warm. A country of amazing experiences and impressive homes hosted by kind, knowledgeable people.

I hope you will continue to support me on this journey to far and distant lands and continue to indulge me by reading and sharing in my ramblings.

Cheers,

— Miguel C

Miguel Neves de Carvalho

Bon vivant, gastronome and all-around great guy – Miguel Neves de Carvalho brings you the best of what Punta Mita and the surrounding area have to offer. His passions include polo, horse riding, rugby, cigars and most recently … golf.

Miguel lives in Punta Mita with his youngest son, his fiancée, Lisa, and his two dogs “Tanqueray” and “Tonica”.

He started Punta Mita-Rentals in 2012.

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