Testimonials
Family Christmas 2023
★★★★★
“
Our family shared our Christmas together in a beautiful open air home nestled high above the quaint town of San Pancho; a jungle paradise with stunning panoramic views and amazing wildlife. No need to go out on a whale watching excursion, as they put on a show daily in the waters below, right from the comfort of the main living area or from the pool deck that is perched above the sea. The private beach is only steps away. No request is denied by host extraordinaire, Manuel; your wish is his desire! Take advantage of the cooks that are provided with the property, they bring in the freshest seafood and prepare authentic Mexican cuisine. This is truly a magical place with something to offer everyone.”
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Paula Upson
Mexican Vacation Delight
★★★★★
“
My family and some friends stayed a week at Villa Clavellinas over Thanksgiving 2023 and and enjoyed this classically traditional Mexican architecture of multiple palapas and the casitas. The Villa Manager Manuel was a gem and provided us with superb services as well as delicious traditional Mexican Cuisine. The beach, pool and facilities were remarkable and very much a value for the experience. Not to miss are the Salsa Dancing opportunities including Mariachis and lessons by Manuel. Combined with their bar service this was epic fun. We look forward to returning for another time at the Villa. Dana”
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Dana Schwartz
Mexico Delight
★★★★★
“
Hi, We stayed in Villa Clavellinas for a week in early 2020 and likely last guests before COVID. We felt lucky and blessed to have our time there as last holiday for years and we were treated very well. Manuel produced like a 4-5 star hotel and we had this large, airy and spacious privacy to ourselves. Food was authentic and gorgeous; all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables combined with classic Mexican fare of tacos, enchiladas, chili rellenos, chili con carne and the best fish plus tamales. A great time had by all.”
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Deborah & Marc plus friends
Our Family Vacation at Villa Clavellinas
★★★★★
“
We were fortunate to find this authentic Mexican Villa isolated at the end of a jungle road north of San Pancho. First we were pleasantly surprised by the town and met Manuel, the Villa manager at his office. We followed him to the gated Rancho Clavellinas 4 km from town and then another km to the estate. parking was convenient and isolated from view. The Villa is nestled in the gardens and you access the main buildings up a few flights of unique stairs. The exposed view is spectacular of the ocean and jungle. our time was well enjoyed both with the accommodations and services of Manuel and his crew . Food was always fresh and accommodated the variety of requests and eating picadilloes of the group. The place is well operated and fun. Manuel is a great host and knows the area well for activities from restaurants to fishing to golf and hiking. We definitely will be back.”
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Harriet
Mexican Extravaganza Delight 2022
★★★★★
“
My friends (10) and I stayed for eight days at Villa Clavellinas and frankly we were not ready to leave. The facilities were clean, well staffed and the attention was 5 star. We understood that with 2 years of COVID the Villa was almost deserted however Manuel and his team managed to deliver facilities and services with great aplomb. The cooks made authentic and elegant Mexican delights with always fresh and interesting ingredients. The fish came daily from local fishermen. Produce including fruits were amazing. Salsa Dancing which included lessons from Manuel plus the mariachis - amazing. The place was a delight. Ask for anything and Manuel does his best to deliver. From horses on the beach to hiking, golf and polo. The Villa is set about 100 feet above the ocean and you sit level with the sea birds cruising by to cafe con leche in the mornings and cocktails in the evenings. Good internet to be had made us all comfortable in business and connections to the states. We very much look forward to returning to this gem. Polly”
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Polly Leach-Lychee
Outstanding!
★★★★★
“
We spent Dec 21-28, 2018, at Villa Clavellinas, celebrating Christmas and our 50th wedding anniversary. Our party included my wife and I, our 4 adult children, and our 4 granddaughters, ages 8-11. In the planning phase of our trip, we spoke several times with the villa's owner, Howard Fields. He was very helpful answering our questions and making suggestions regarding our plans. The villa is open and spacious, built into a jungle hillside, surrounded by tropical foliage, with views beyond spectacular. It looks out over the Pacific Ocean, where whales and dolphins were a common sight. On our arrival, our granddaughters were delighted to discover a giant white unicorn with rainbow tail floating in the pool. They enjoyed hours of watery fun playing on its back. We opted for a chef to prepare our meals. The food and beverages were plentiful, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. The property manager, Manuel, checked in on us regularly to handle our questions and special requests. The daily housekeeper was efficient and thorough. All the staff were friendly, cheerful, and accommodating. The beach is a bit of a hike down a steep slope on a beautiful paved trail. It's a good way to burn off the calories from the pollo poblano, chilaquiles, and Margaritas. The beach itself is a private paradise, a wide expanse of pure sand washed by warm, sparkling surf. We took advantage of all the beach toys, including kayaks. Life jackets in all sizes are provided. Trips to the charming town of San Pancho provided diversion. For transportation, including airport pick-up and drop-off, we used the local taxi service, which has vans available for groups our size and larger. It was easier for us than renting cars. We thoroughly enjoyed our week at Villa Clavellinas, a truly memorable experience! Thank you, Howard, for sharing your beautiful villa with us.”
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Mary Rae L.
Breathtaking
★★★★★
“
Not only is the property in one of the most beautiful locations, the staff is amazing!! Our three generation family was well cared for. The food was incredible. Everything was kept clean and orderly. The view from the pool took my breath away.”
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Emily
Exceptional
★★★★★
“
I can't really add too much more to what has already been written. We had an unbelievably relaxing vacation staying at Villa Clavellinas. Our extended family group ranged in age from 22 to 90. My mother-in-law was the eldest and had no problems scampering up and down the stairway from the house to the beach. During our stay we surfed, fished, kayaked, hiked, ran, and went sightseeing. There was also plenty of time to relax on the premises to read, write, and look over the ocean. We hired cooks for our entire visit and feasted like royalty. The food was incredible from shrimp rellenos, chicken enchiladas, huevos rancheros, fresh salsas, mariscos, margaritas, guacamole, and chips. The cocineras were fun and a pleasure to be with. San Pancho is roughly 30 minutes away, Sayulita perhaps an additional 10 minutes. It was nice to head into town periodically to shop and experience the culture but it was nice driving back through the jungle to have the seclusion of the Villa. As I mentioned before, our stay was very relaxing. I slept like a rock, lulled to sleep every evening by crashing waves. I would return to Villa Clavellinas in a heartbeat.”
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Jim S.
Heavenly adventure
★★★★★
“
Our extended family was looking for a place in Mexico near Sayulita for a week between Christmas and New Years. There are 12 of us ranging from 24 to 90 years old (my 90 year old mother is very youthful and always up for something new) We came upon Villa Clavellinas on VRBO and decided to give it a go. We couldn't have been happier and were so glad to be away from the crowds in Sayulita. The Villa is more incredible even than it looks in pictures (I know that doesn't seem possible, given the photos, but this place is amazing) There are private balconies off of every bedroom with views to the jungle and the ocean. There is a huge patio with an ocean view for dining alfresco or plenty of room to sit at a table inside if preferred, also with ocean views. We decided to have our meals cooked for us and enjoyed not only eating really well, but practicing our spanish and learning by watching how to cook some local dishes. There is an infinity pool right on the cliff overlooking the ocean and two lovely beaches one just down the steps of the villa and one a short hike through the jungle. We swam, kayaked, hiked, surfed, shopped in San Pancho and Sayulita, enjoyed eating and reading and just hanging out together. It was a great place for our group as there were generous communal areas, and also little hideaways for down time. I would highly recommend Villa Calvallinas and speaking for our whole group can't wait to go back!”
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Cheryl M.
Epic experience!!!
★★★★★
“
A close group of 9 of my dear friends had the pleasure of experiencing Villa Clavellinas in March of 2015. We made the trip to celebrate a beautiful lady's 40th birthday. It was the trip of a lifetime. We all are making plans to return. It is the perfect place for a large group. The views are incredible. Very private and relaxing. Plenty of room for several guests. I highly recommend requesting the service for meal preparation. We had the immense pleasure of having a wonderful cook prepare us one meal daily and it was worth it!! Incredible addition to the whole experience!! The only obstacle would be for someone with any physical handicaps or small children-any under 10. The stairs are many and steep and the property is not for small children. Also, rent a 4-wheel drive vehicle for the jungle road from the villa. It is not for small vehicles. Other than that, prepare yourself for pure magic and sweetness. This a gem in the jungle!!”
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A Group of 9
The Perfect Vacation Getaway
★★★★★
“
Our family had the pleasure of relaxing at this beautiful, ocean-side paradise for one week. Our stay was perfect in every way. From the gorgeous cliffside panoramic views, to the fabulous meals in the open and spacious kitchen and dining area, we thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our stay. While the pictures on VRBO and the villa's website are beautiful, to see the villa and its surroundings in person is truly stunning. The property is well maintained and functions as described in the listing. There was daily maid service and everyone was incredibly friendly and kind to our family. Manuel, the property manager, met us in town, led us out to the villa (a fabulously bumpy and turning ride through the jungle), and ensured everything was working properly. Our family had no problem settling into a routine of lounging by the pools, walking on the beach, playing in the waves, kayaking, reading, surfing the web and eating. Not to mention margaritas and cervezas with chips and guacamole as the sun is setting into the Pacific- Spectacular! We did hire a cook for breakfast and lunch. She was wonderful and prepared excellent meals with fresh squeezed orange juice, banana smoothies, guacamole, salsas and... so much more. Every meal was beautifully prepared and my only complaint was there was too much. She spoke no English but we were able to get by with rudimentary Spanish and an online translator. If we had to do it over, we would probably opt for only one meal; the young adults in our group would vote for lunch so they could sleep in, and forage in the kitchen for the other meal. The kitchen is well equipped and groceries can be purchased in San Pancho or Bucerias. We ate all of our dinners in San Pancho and the choices are outstanding -- especially for such a small town. Our favorites are Maria's, La Ola Rica, Bistro Organico and Mar Platta; each is unique and worth multiple visits. Sayulita is definitely worth a visit; more bustling and lively than sleepy little San Pancho. You will need a car rental to get around the area. My recommendation is Gecko Car Rental. The prices are reasonable, the owners (Adam, Dennis, Laslo) are knowledgeable, and there are no hassles (no time share pitches). I would not rent a vehicle in the Puerto Vallarta area from anyone else. If we are going back to the San Pancho area (it is one of our favorite relaxing destinations) with a large group, we would not hesitate to stay again at the Villa Clavellinas. It was perfect.”
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Randall R.