Frequently Asked Questions

Does the chef come included in the rental rate, as well as all meals? 

The chef, and all food shopping, meal preparation and meal service are included in the rental rate; however, the cost of the ingredients and food are the responsibility of the guests. The chef will present grocery receipts to guests for reimbursement. The chef is available to prepare three meals per day, with the exception of Sunday, when only breakfast and a light lunch are provided. We are happy to make reservations for a wonderful evening out on Sunday or additional evenings you choose at any of Puerto Vallarta’s many fine restaurants. 

How does the meal service work?

Prior to arrival, we will ask you what you would like to have pre-stocked in the villa as well as what you would like for your first two meals. Subsequent meals are managed in a similar manner except you’ll be speaking directly with our chef, Ruben, regarding your desires for the day and any special needs.

We ask that guests arrive with enough cash (pesos or dollars) to cover the first meals requested, and in general we recommend planning on carrying enough to pay the cost of subsequent meals. This also means fewer trips to the ATM downtown.

How much do meals prepared by the chef cost?

You will be charged whatever the groceries/ingredients in the store or market cost, which is in general less than in the US. An average breakfast will generally cost between US$3.00 – US$3.75 per person- an average lunch between US$ 4.00 – US$5.50 per person plus any alcoholic drinks. An average three course dinner will normally cost between US$11.00 – US$15.00 per person. Cocktails cost around US$3.00 per drink not considering any special call brand and quite acceptable Mexican table wines are available for the cost of aproximately US$19.00. Assuming a moderate consumption of one cocktail and two glasses of wine per person, our chef has estimated that an average three-course dinner with a cocktail and wine to be around US$23.00 per person. Please note that these costs were calculated in 2021 and may be impacted by the current inflationary environment.

Our chef is truly a gourmet chef and is prepared to make a wide range of cuisine for you. If you should request lobster, champagne and fois gras, you can expect your cost per person to be well above these amounts.

What “hidden costs” should we know about?

Aside from the cost of food and drinks, the only other typical cost related to the villa usage are tips for the staff- tipping staff at the end of a villa stay is customary in Mexico. In Puerto Vallarta, we recommend tips of approximately $15-$18/day/guest in the villa. The total of this is then divided as you see fit between the chef, the houseman, the housekeeper, and the handyman. Our house manager, Angeles, is not tipped.

No other villa related costs apply unless of course, there are damages to the property.

How far is it to the beach and can we walk there?

The Conchas Chinas beach is extremely close (less than a half mile) to the villa. However, because our villa is toward the top of Upper Conchas Chinas, the beach is only accessible via the roads winding down the hillside. It takes about 25 – 30 to walk down the hill to the beach; the return walk will likely take longer and of course will be quite strenuous.

There is a taxi stand at the base of the hill, so cabs are readily accessible; the staff will be happy to call you one. They generally arrive within a few minutes, after which it is about a 5-minute ride down the hill to Conchas Chinas beach. The cost is normally a little more than US$3.00. The driver will expect to be paid in Mexican pesos and the USD equivalent of the charge will of course depend upon the actual exchange rate at the time.

Can I bring my pet?

No pets are allowed in the villa.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the property, including terraces.