Reservations & More Information: 310-780-3411

Oktoberfest Is Just Around the Corner. Book Your Vacation Rental Cabin Early

We’re getting a jump on September events in Big Bear, because the month is packed with some of our most popular of the year.  If you’ve never visited Big Bear during September, it’s a real treat as the leaves begin to turn with the evenings become cooler.  And every September we’re excited to welcome back Southern California’s most popular Oktoberfest celebration.

Big Bear’s first Oktoberfest was celebrated back in 1971, and it grows in popularity and attendance each year.  This year’s celebration commences September 14th and continues for 7 consecutive weekends through October 27th.  Many of our guests make it an annual rite of fall to reserve their favorite cabin and spend some time drinking in (literally and figuratively!) the fun and culture of the event.  Once you attend, you’ll soon see why.

This year’s celebration will continue the tradition of offering some of the world’s finest German beers, bratwursts, sauerkraut, and apple strudel.  Big Bear prides itself as one of the country’s most authentic Oktoberfests with much of the cuisine and brews created by German brewers, bakers, and butchers.  The list of tasty ales keeps expanding each year, and you can count on finding brews ranging from traditional German varieties to yummy flavored beers including lemonade, pumpkin, raspberry and more.  You haven’t fully lived until you’ve sampled a steaming hot fresh bratwurst washed down with an icy cold authentic German beer.  If you’re not drooling, check your pulse.

And you’ll have plenty of opportunity to work off your meals with lots of dancing and unique shopping booths to stroll through as well.  If you’ve been searching for an excuse to break out your lederhosen and get down to some serious German fun, this is it.

Oktoberfest is always a busy time for us here at Five Star Vacation Rentals, so we recommend that you get your reservation in early.  And be sure to ask about a discount for weekly rentals if you want to stay longer to enjoy some of the other September events.   Check back for next Friday’s blog with details about this year’s Big Bear International Film Festival.

You can view all our Big Bear cabins at this link, or call us at a 310-780-3411.  We’ll be happy to help you put together the ideal Oktoberfest getaway.  And while Big Bear is certainly our favorite spot to celebrate Oktoberfest, you can also enjoy great beer and fine dining at any of our other destinations including Park CityPalm Springs/La QuintaSouthern California BeachesMammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  Regardless of which one of our luxury getaway locations you choose, you can be assured that we’re working to make sure your vacation will be one you’ll want to repeat again every year.

Planning a Romantic Getaway to Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta

In the mood for a little bit of romance?  We can help you set the mood.  If your idea of a romantic getaway includes a beautiful condo on the beach away from the crowds with some rainy afternoons, Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta may well be your perfect choice.  Travel to Puerto Nuevo often slows a bit this time of year as the rainfall increases and the temperatures are a bit hotter.  But if you’re looking for more privacy and little less shopping in Puerto Vallarta, August and September may well be the perfect time to plan your getaway.  As further incentive, we’re currently offering a 30% discount on weekly rentals, and some flights may be discounted during this season as well.

One of the advantages to Villa la Estancia is the great amenities you will enjoy without ever leaving the property.  There are two onsite restaurants with exquisite menu options to meet virtually every taste.   There’s a 17,000 square-foot full-service spa that will pamper you to the point of guilt if you let them.  And if you choose one of our ocean-view condos, there’s really no need to go outside at all.  The restaurants offer room service, and you can both enjoy a massage right in the comfort of your suite.  Our idea of a perfect evening starts with a massage to get you both fully relaxed.  Then order from the extensive menu of one of the onsite restaurants.  When your meal arrives, set up out on the balcony, so you can enjoy the ocean view and crashing waves while you feast on some perfectly-prepared fresh seafood with the beverages of your choice.  Throw in the occasional afternoon rain shower, and the picture is complete.  You may never want to come home.

Once you arrive, you’ll quickly see why Villa la Estancia gets such rave reviews. You may check in as overworked denizens from Southern California, but you’ll check out feeling as though you’ve been treated like absolute royalty.  It’s little wonder that ABC’s new show, “The Lookout” featured Villa la Estancia as their favorite resort after an undercover report on vacation getaways in the area.  The property was also featured recently on “Real Housewives of Orange County. ”  Be sure to check out our recent blogs with more details at this link and this one.

View all of our Villa la Estancia units on this page. But if your idea of romance leads you in a different direction, we’ve got that covered too.  We have luxury vacation rental cabins, estates, and condos available in some of the most romantic destination you can find anywhere.  So feel free to  browse all of our Big Bear cabins on this page. And be sure to look at our luxury rentals in  Park City,Palm Springs/La QuintaSouthern California Beaches Mammoth Mountain, as well.  Regardless of where you may go, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that Five Star Vacation Rentals is working to make your vacation relaxing and memorable. Call us at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you put together a romantic getaway that will keep you both sighing with fond memories for a long time to come.

National S’mores Day is Almost Upon Us. Book Your Big Bear Vacation Rental Before It’s Too Late.

You look at the calendar and can’t believe that you did it again this year.  Summer is retreating quickly into Fall, and you have yet to gather the family for even a single special event or weekend away.  But don’t despair.  Five Star Vacation Rentals is just a phone call or mouse click away with a vacation that will have your entire family cheering with delight.

National S'mores Day is August 10th

Just in case you may need some further encouragement, we’ve pulled out our special events calendar and found dozens of worthy reasons to propel you out of your easy chair and into a luxury vacation estate or cabin rental in Big Bear.  Here’s just a sampling of worthy holidays on the August calendar:

As we mention in our title, National S’mores day is just around the bend on August 10th. Legend has it that this yummy treat was created by a group of Girl Scouts gathered around a campfire. Once they combined the melted marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers, they quickly started insisting, “We want s’more!” And a national treasure was born. You can keep your fancy French desserts. Just give us s’mores!

But August is full of fun commemorations you can celebrate in Big Bear. Leading up to National S’mores Day, you can enjoy National Raspberry Cream Pie Day on August 1st and National Ice Cream Sandwich Day on August 2nd. Due to a quirk in scheduling, National Watermelon Day and National Mustard Day both fall on August 3rd. We encourage you to celebrate both, but not simultaneously. We’re going to skip entirely any recommendation that you celebrate National Work Like a Dog Day on August 5th, and move immediately to National Wiggle Your Toes Day on August 6th. We can think of no better place to celebrate this one than with your feet dangling in the cool waters of Big Bear Lake.

National Bad Poetry Day is August 18th

There’s not space enough to list all the daily celebrations coming up in August, but you can choose your favorite from among National Bad Poetry Day, National Kiss and Make Up Day (our favorite), and National Frankenstein Day. And be prepared to create your own national holiday. Once you get settled into your luxurious Five Star Vacation Rental, you’ll quickly agree to create the “National We’re Going To Do This Again Next Summer Day.”

Start your annual celebration by viewing all our  Big Bear cabins and estates.   Or call us at 310-780-3411, and we’ll gladly help you choose the perfect cabin for your family to celebrate National Tooth Fairy Day (August 22nd).

And you are of course free to celebrate any of these worthy holidays at our other properties as well. Be sure to look at our luxury rentals in  Park CityPalm Springs/La QuintaSouthern California BeachesMammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  We’re committed to making sure your vacation will be a great memory for your entire family.

Spotlight on Estate by the Lake Big Bear Vacation Rental

We have so many amazing properties, sometimes we get concerned that the beauty and quality of any individual property may be overlooked as guests browse our vacation rentals. It’s a bit like having a tray of precious gems to choose from. All may be amazing but viewed together, its difficult to really grasp the true quality and rarity of any individual one without picking it up and taking a closer look. So with that in mind, we’d like to direct your attention to one of our amazing estates in Big Bear.

We’ve seen quite a few amazing properties, so we’re not as easily impressed as we once were. But we still vividly recall when when we first visited Estate By the Lake, and experienced the amazing luxury and sheer size of the space. As we walked through the estate, our mind raced with the sort of luxury that our guests will experience while staying here. The dining room is surely one of the most spectacular rooms with its soaring ceiling and custom stained glass acorn-themed chandeliers. And the dining table is huge with room to feed your entire group in a single sitting.

With its 6 bedrooms and 5-1/2 baths, it’s ideal for large groups or multiple family getaways. But it has so many desirable amenities, that it will be appealing to any of our guests, regardless of the size of your party. Fishing on the lake is great this time of year, and the lake is right across the street. For more outdoor fun, you’ll want to relax in the sunken spa, or take a swim in the pool. The kitchen is a gourmet’s delight with beautiful natural stone counters, double ovens, and professional-grade gas stove.  It sits on a huge lot, so be sure to set aside some time to enjoy strolling the grounds for a while or sitting out on one of the decks to enjoy the cool summer evening breezes. And you can settle in with some hot chocolate later in front of one of the 4 fireplaces to cap off the day.

Five of the bedrooms are master suites, and two have full Jacuzzi tubs for your relaxation. There’s a steam shower as well for your enjoyment. There’s a level entrance with two downstairs bedrooms making this property fully handicap accessible and perfectly comfortable for including the grandparents in your getaway.

But you really need to take a closer look at the pictures to get a sense of the amazing luxury you’ll experience with this estate. View more details about our Cabin #8 at this link.

View all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your next getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  Here are links to our other properties in  Park City, UtahPalm Springs/La Quinta Southern California Beaches Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

More August Fun in Big Bear With Five Star Vacation Rentals

One of the great things about Big Bear is that whatever time of year you plan your getaway, you’re always going to find something fun to do.  In our blog last week, we took a look at a handful of activities planned for August, and we’ll mention a few more this week.

But before we go over some of the special activities in store for your visit in August, remember that there’s always a huge variety of activities available anytime during the summer. If you’ll recall in one of our earlier blogs, we featured some great activities for our adrenaline junkie guests.  These include parasailing, jet boat rides, and flying on water jets.  Our golfers will love the beautiful surroundings of the 9-hole, mountain-style Bear Mountain Golf Course located at the base of Bear Mountain Resort in the Moonridge meadow area. Boaters and fishers have endless hours of fun waiting for them on the lake, and Big Bear is a hikers delight with dozens of miles of improved trails just waiting for you.

As if that wasn’t enough, Big Bear is one of the finest destinations in the southwest for live-music lovers.  Most performances are on Friday and Saturday nights starting at about 8:30 or 9:00pm.  Designate a driver, and make a night of it by visiting some of the following venues offering the most amazing local and national talent:

The Cave
at 40789 Village Drive
Tel: (909) 878-0500

Chad’s Place
40740 Village Drive
Tel: (909) 866-2161

Skeleton Key Folk Music Center
560 Pine Knot Avenue
Tel: (909) 866-6064

B’s Boathouse
at 350 Alden Road
Tl: (909) 866-5400

Black Diamond Tavern
42172 Moonridge Road
Tel: (909) 366-0871

Nottingham’s Tavern
40797 Big Bear Blvd.
Tel: (909) 866-4644

Club Bombay
672 Pine Knot
Tel: (909) 878-0133

For more outdoor fun for the entire family, be sure to plan on taking the free nature walks offered by the Big Bear Discovery Center. These 30-minute Nature Walks are offered on Saturdays at 1pm and 2 pm and Sundays at 11 am and 12 noon. You’ll learn about the local plant life, wildlife and interesting historical facts. The nature walks are designed for young and old alike.  For more details visit www.bigbeardiscoverycenter.com.

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers animal feeding tours on weekends.  This is always a hit with the little boys.  They’ll get to see first hand how the zookeepers feed the animals and learn some important lessons about the food chain.  May not be for the faint of heart!  It’s a great learning experience, and a rare close-up encounter with these animals.  The tours start at 3:00 pm each Saturday and Sunday.  Visit www.bigbearzoo.org for more info.

The Antique Car Club’s Fun Run takes place Friday August 9th through Sunday August 11th. The Fun Run features a car show with 500+ cars – roadsters, classics, antiques and hot rods, lining the streets of Big Bear Village. This annual event is a must-see for any antique car aficionados in the family.  Visit their website for more details: http://www.antiquecarclub.org

To view our Big Bear vacation rental cabins, visit our Big Bear page at this link.  Planning a getaway somewhere else?  Check out our luxury vacation rentals in Park CityPalm Springs/La Quinta Southern California BeachesMammoth Mountain, and  Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. We realize that you get very little vacation time each year, so we’re dedicated to ensuring that your time spent in one of our luxury rentals will be a great value for your and your family.  Call us today, and we’ll help you plan the vacation of a lifetime.

August Big Bear Events With Five Star Vacation Rentals

August is one of our favorite months in Big Bear, and we’re sure you’ll agree once you take a look at what’s lined up.

If you’ve never been to a Renaissance Faire, you’ve been missing a lot of fun. Each year during August Big Bear sponsors this popular event, and you should make plans to attend. The Renaissance Faire features lots of folks dressed in period outfits with plenty of great food and entertainment to match. Your family can thrill to some real-live jousting with combatants in full armor galloping at full speed toward each other. You just don’t see that sort of thing every day, now do you?  The Faire is running August 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 in Fawnskin. Visit the event website at http://bbvrsinc.org.

Big Bear continues to be a great destination for all your outdoor activities.  Summer offers wonderfully moderate weather, and a great setting for exercise.  Big Bear hosts an active biking community, and there are events scheduled continuously during August to keep your wheels rolling down some of the most scenic trails you’ll encounter anywhere.  Visit Big Bear Cycling Association’s website for a full calendar of events:  http://www.bigbearcycling.com.

Fans of the TV show “Night Court” will want to mark off the first weekend of August to see Richard Moll in a moving presentation of the hit play “Inherit the Wind” at the Bear Cave Entertainment Center. This show is part of the Big Bear Summer Theater Festival which runs the weekends of July 18-20, 25-27 and August 1-3 at the Bear Cave Entertainment Center. Other performances during the festival include “The Lost Van Duzen Gold Mine (Or How I Lost my Mind), and a great tribute to the Great White Way with the musical “Songs of Broadway” highlighting songs from Broadway shows. Tickets are $20 General Admission and $30 for VIP. Available online at http://www.bigbeartheater.com or in person at the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce at 630 Bartlett Road.

Big Bear is excited to welcome a new Rock and Roll venue with The Cave.  Local contractor Dave Stone bought the old Village Movie Theater, and decided to convert it to a 400 seat hall to host the finest music and comedy acts available.  He installed a dance floor, and will be serving wine and beer as well.  He’s already booked some great acts, and we’re excited to see this new venue open for business.  Take a look at their August calendar of events at this link. Some of the country’s finest cover bands will be offering hits ranging from Creedence to AC/DC.

Be sure to look at all our luxury rentals in Big Bear.  We can also help you book your getaway to one of our other destinations in Park CityPalm Springs/La QuintaSouthern California BeachesMammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  We’re committed to making sure your vacation will be a great memory for your entire family.  Call us at 310-780-3411 for more details or to book with us on the phone.

 

 

A Big Bear Vacation For Adrenaline Junkies

Summer is in full swing, and many folks are in the final planning stages for their vacation time.  Summer is one of our favorite times of year for this reason.  We love helping folks put together getaways perfectly suited for their specific desires.  Some people look forward to their vacation time looking for quiet and solitude.  Many of our guests enjoy traveling at speeds no faster than a golf cart.  And we’ve featured some of our golf vacations in a an earlier blog.  But his week we want to go in an entirely different direction and highlight some of the outrageous and somewhat terrifyingly fun things you can do in Big Bear.

Fun In the Air

Screams and squeals of delight can be heard emanating from the skies above Big Bear on most summer afternoons.  And with good reason.  The airspace immediately above Big Bear is host to some of the most outrageous bucket-list adventures available anywhere.  Here’s just a sample:

Big Bear Parasailing will have you soaring 300 feet above pristine Big Bear Lake.  This adventure involves a high power boat, 600 feet of towline, and a parachute.  Adventurers aged 12 or over can fly solo and kids over 7 can fly in tandem with an adult.  The tamer members of your party can come along for a ride in the tow boat for a small extra fee.  We understand the view from up there is simply amazing, and the folks riding in the boats below can barely hear you scream.  But keep trying.  Visit their website at http://www.bigbearparasail.net . They also have some amazing jet boat rides we mention below.

Strap on your water-powered jet pack and fly board with Action Aqua Flight, and you’ll soon be harnessing the power of a jet stream of water to levitate above the lake.  We have it on good authority that this is where Iron Man first learned to fly with his jet pack.  You’ll quickly learn to manipulate the powerful streams of water to reach heights up to 15 feet above the water.  Make sure you have someone along to take pictures.  You can tell your friends about how you once dreamed you could fly, and then the folks at Action Aqua Flight made it happen.  Be sure to ask us about this activity when you book your luxury cabin rental, and we’ll be able to get you a discount.  For more details, visit their website at http://actionaquaflight.com

Fun On the Water

There are only a handful of jet boats operating in the United States, and Big Bear is home to one of the most popular.  They’re a big trend in New Zealand, and it’s easy to see why.  Combine a roller coaster with a Disney thrill ride; then take away the rails and run it over the water.  This is just a glimpse of what’s in store for you when you board one of these roaring speedsters.  Your captain will help you enjoy your ride by adding in some local color and history.  But that’s just filler. It’s the power and banked turns you’ll be remembering long after the ride is over.  Their website is located at http://bigbearparasail.net/rides.html.

Wake boarding and water skiing continue to be some of the most popular extreme sports in Big Bear.  The folks at Holloway’s Marina and North Shore Landing have a fleet of powerful Ski Sanger boats that are perfect for towing both skiers and wakeboards.   Their expert pilots will maneuver the boats to maximize the wake and give you some amazing air time.  They cater to experts and beginners alike with free lessons to get you going quickly.  Visit their website for more info: http://www.bigbearboating.com/wakesports.php .

But whether your tastes run from mild to wild, we have a luxury vacation rental cabin or estate that will be just right for your next vacation.  View all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you create the perfect getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be confident that we’ve worked hard to make sure all of our properties provide a level of luxury and relaxation that will keep you smiling for the duration of your visit. Here are links to our other properties in  Park City, UtahPalm Springs/La Quinta Southern California Beaches Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

 

More Rave Reviews About Villa la Estancia on ABC’s “The Lookout”

There’s been a lot of good attention paid recently to our Villa la Estancia resort in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  Our blog a couple weeks ago noted that Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Orange County” spent a fun getaway there and featured their visit on this season’s episode 10 and episode 11.  We’re thrilled at all the great press, and excited to see more guests making plans for a memorable getaway to this amazing beach front resort.

We’ve been convinced of the value of Villa la Estancia since we first visited there nearly a decade ago looking for a new destination for our guests.  The resort was growing and getting some of the overflow traffic from Puerto Vallarta just a few miles to the south.  There are a number of things that convinced us to stake our claim here.  We started with just one penthouse unit while the property was still under construction.

Fast forward several years.  We now offer 16 luxury units, so you can imagine how excited we were when we saw Villa la Estancia featured on ABC’s program,”The Lookout.”  The episode was filmed with an undercover crew, and they took a close look at several resorts along the coast starting in Puerto Vallarta and moving up to Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta. You can watch the entire episode at this link.  Villa la Estancia ends up as the star of the episode.  The undercover team was met with several disappointments along they way, but Villa la Estancia’s introduction included something akin to a heavenly choir.  We know exactly how they feel.

Villa la Estancia’s construction quality is unrivaled.  We’re accustomed to seeing great amenities and first class luxury in our resort properties, but Villa la Estancia really pulls out all the stops.  Top quality granite counters and upgraded appliances are just the start.  The furnishings are top notch as well.  But as much as we love the luxury of this world-class resort, the real value for most of our guests is found in the surroundings.

The beach is simply amazing.  The clean white sand stretches as far as you can see, and there’s really no place in the resort that’s more than a minute or two walk from the surf.   We’re also seeing an increasing number of golfers staying at the resort because there are several world-class courses located nearby in Puerto Nuevo and Puerto Vallarta.  We devoted a recent blog to our golfing destinations, and you can view that post at this link.  Lovers of unique shopping and great seafood will love spending time in Puerto Vallarta with its fun shops and fresh lobster.

And if you’re really just in the mood for pure relaxation, there’s no better place than Villa la Estancia.  The on-site spa will have you feeling like a star.  And you can enjoy world-class dining in the resort’s restaurants as well.  Use this link to view all our Villa la Estancia luxury vacation rentals.  We also offer an all-inclusive option that will keep you well-fed throughout your stay.  We have details about the all-inclusive option at this page.

Call us at 310-800-5454 and we’ll be glad to help you with your plans.  You can also browse our properties in Big BearMammothPark CityPalm Springs/La QuintaSouthern California Beaches or  Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. We realize that you put a lot of time and effort into planning your getaway, and we’re confident that your stay with us will be a great memory for everyone in your party.

 

Plan Your July Big Bear Getaway!

Summer is in full swing, and it’s time to head up to Big Bear for some great family fun.  July is one of our favorite months on the mountain, because there’s so much going on.  Here’s just a sample of the fun you’ll have when you book your July getaway in one of our Five Star Vacation Rental luxury estates and cabins in Big Bear:

July 4th Celebration

Each year Big Bear hosts one of California’s largest fireworks displays, and it’s really an amazing event.  We all love a good fireworks show, but combine that with the beautiful reflections off the lake and the towering pines that ring the horizon, and you’ll soon see why so many people make this short trek every year.  The weather in July is usually great, and you can enjoy a relaxing time away from the heat and smog of the Southland while taking in one of our favorite patriotic holidays.

Take In a Show

Perhaps America’s most popular classic play, Rogers & Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma” is playing throughout July at the Big Bear Performing Arts Center. This play is great for the entire family, so grab your surrey, and make your way through corn that’s as high as . . . well you get the picture! For more details:  http://www.bigbeartheater.org.

Get Down With Some Bluegrass Music

Big Bear Bluegrass Festival runs July 12, 13 & 14, this year, and offers some of the best boot-stompin’ music to be found anywhere. The festival features fun hayrides and more than a few colorful characters wandering about in overalls with washboards. You’ll be amazed at the great music that can be created with utensils and laundry accessories! This is another event tailor made for the whole family, and we expect that you’ll all be dancin a jig quite soon after the music starts. See more info on their website at http://www.bigbearbluegrass.com.

Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Biking . . .

Summer explodes with outdoor activities, so you’ll want to bring comfortable shoes, and plan on spending lots of time exploring.  the Big Bear Zoo continues to offer special activities including feeding tours going behind the scenes with the zookeepers.  Visit BigBearZoo.com for more details. Big Bear Cycling has scheduled events all month long to get you out on the roads with the wind in your face.   Visit their website at www.bigbearcycling.com for details.   And you can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and more on the lake.  It’s a great time to book your stay for a week or longer.

Browse all of our Big Bear cabins on this page.  And for more options, be sure to check out our luxury rentals in  Park City,Palm Springs/La Quinta Southern California Beaches Mammoth Mountain, and  Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  Regardless of where you may go, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that Five Star Vacation Rentals is working to make your vacation relaxing and memorable.  We value your vacation time, and are working to make it the best for your family.

“Real Housewives of Orange County” Filming at Villa la Estancia in Puerto Vallarta

Movie stars have historically sought out the most luxurious vacation destinations.  It’s part of the allure of stardom, and why so many of us are fascinated with their lives.  Anybody can book a comfy vacation at a chain hotel, but where do the really rich and famous people stay?  Well, sometimes, they stay with us.

Richard Burton and Liz Taylor on the set in Puerto Vallarta

Hollywood has a long term love affair with Mexico, and the area surrounding Puerto Vallarta has seen dozens of big-name stars land here to enjoy the amazing beaches and luxurious accommodations. The classic film, “Night of The Iguana” was filmed here in 1962. For 72 days the cast and crew inhabited the sleepy fishing town while the movie was in production.  It was during this time that the film’s star, Richard Burton carried on his scandalous affair with Elizabeth Taylor.

The film went on to be a huge success, and is credited with helping to establish Puerto Vallarta as a resort destination.  The grateful town erected a bronze statue of the film’s director, John Huston, which remains today.

Now there’s a new generation of reality TV stars, and like their predecessors, they also seek out the finest destinations for fun and vacations.  And Puerto Vallarta continues to be a popular destination.

Fans of the Bravo show, “Real Housewives of Orange County” recently had a front row seat to the luxury of our resort rentals in Villa la Estancia.  The girls decided to jet down for a rowdy bachelorette party, and they stayed at the resort.  We certainly agree with their decision, and were delighted to see the numerous scenes that showed the resort’s rooms and pools.

The suites at Villa la Estancia are amazing.  The resort sits right on the beach and it’s nearly impossible to find a place in the resort where you can’t enjoy a breathtaking view of the surf.  There are two on-site restaurants, and La Casona  is the only restaurant in Nuevo Vallarta to feature Kobe and Angus Certified beef.

The Real Housewives arrive at Villa la Estancia

With two swim-up bars and shaded terrace seating, this casual poolside spot features ceviche, Mexican favorites like fish tacos, gourmet burgers, sandwiches and salads. There is a full service spa on site. The spa is a 17,000 sq ft facility which features 14 indoor treatment suites, two exclusive VIP treatment suites with private Jacuzzi and shower, a spa retail shop, a full-service beauty salon and a fitness studio.

While the girls on “Real Housewives of Orange County” were too busy to enjoy all the wonderful amenities found at Villa la Estancia, we recommend that you dive in.  Pull up a chair in the evening and enjoy the show as the sun slowly sinks into the swells of the ocean that is just steps away from the resort.  The cool breezes will only enhance the great relaxation that you and your family will feel here.

View all of our Villa la Estancia units on this page.   Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico If you’re looking for a getaway someplace else, browse all of our Big Bear cabins on this page. And please be sure to look at our luxury rentals in  Park City,Palm Springs/La Quinta Southern California Beaches Mammoth Mountain, as well.  Regardless of where you may go, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that Five Star Vacation Rentals is working to make your vacation relaxing and memorable.