The 42-unit Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa recently opened just south of Puerto Vallarta on Mexico's Pacific coast.
The hotel was built on the site of a long-closed property in the Mismaloya area, which is known for its coved beaches, the Los Arcos arched rock formation and as the setting of the 1964 film "The Night of the Iguana."
Garza Blanca's main atrium building, two buildings housing the rooms and a large infinity swimming pool with cascading waterfalls and two whirlpool baths all face the ocean and a sandy beach.
The property is independently owned and operated by an undisclosed private developer, said Rebie Bautista Lash, a Garza Blanca spokeswoman.
The name of the property, which means "snowy egret," was chosen to reflect its pristine, natural setting: It is at the base of a lush, tropical, 85-acre, undeveloped parcel that extends up the hill and around the hotel. The developer plans to expand with more hotel rooms and a spa, Lash said.
The hotel, built as a fractional-ownership development with owners having the option to put their units in the hotel rental program, was designed as a five-star luxury property with high levels of personal service.
A private check-in area includes a concierge to help plan vacations. Chefs are available to prepare dinners in suites, and waiters serve cocktails by the pool. In-suite spa services such as massages and facials can be arranged.
The hub of the hotel is the main atrium building, which has large picture windows and views of the Bay of Banderas, one of the largest bays on the Pacific Coast.
The building contains the hotel lobby, a cocktail lounge and the Blanca Blue restaurant, which serves breakfast and dinner indoors and on a large terrace outdoors overlooking the Pacific. A large wine cellar provides a selection of wines. Lunch is offered at the poolside restaurant.
Rooms are available in six categories: penthouses, three-bedroom suites, two-bedroom suites, one-bedroom suites, junior suites and deluxe rooms. The highest-end rooms are 2,769-square-foot penthouse suites with large terraces.
All the rooms have travertine floors throughout. Bathrooms feature marble showers, granite countertops and whirlpool tubs.
Living areas offer entertainment systems with large, high-definition TVs and DVD players. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the property.
Room decor is contemporary with earth tones and a "sleek and modern" look, according to the company. The rooms' focus is on large picture windows that look out on the Pacific.
Rack rates range from $316 to $1,278 per night. Opening rate specials through April 11 feature discounts of 25% on those rates.
See www.garzablancaresort.com.