They say that paradise is a state of mind. When all of the ingredients are of the highest quality, it can also be a place. Puerto Vallarta Mexico qualifies for this high distinction. Our friends tell us so. When folks from Vancouver complain of 60 straight days of cloudy weather and rain, and travelers from Phoenix talk of plus 100 ºF heat (38 ºC), and East-coasters dig their way out of snow banks, we hear their message, as planes land with visitors looking for sun and relaxation.

Unique to Mexico, and perhaps the world, is the Bay of Banderas, where resorts and hotels light up the sky. Immediately upon arrival, you will be amazed at the array of choices from golf, whale watching, and ecotourism.

Vallarta is the choice of many, for weddings, for that long overdue vacation, or for a long-to-be- remembered honeymoon. Adventure is at your doorstep, in town or to the north or south. Sayulita may not have waves equal to Hawaii, but it nevertheless attracts surf aficionados from all points. Organized tours are available, or you may want to rent a jeep and explore for yourself. You'll quickly realize that our definition of paradise can be yours as well.

Puerto Vallarta offers amenities and attractions not readily available in any other part of Mexico and perhaps not in the world. Weather hovers in the mid 80's (30ºC) for much of "high season," giving way to rainy summer season from late June to early October. Some folks even prefer those months, delighting in the electrical storms that produce an orchestra of lightning that dances throughout the sky. Then, it's back to those glorious sunsets that attract "visitantes" to every rooftop across the town. As the sun sinks, everyone waits to see if the proverbial "green flash" will be visible. For those content to walk established paths, there is hiking, sport fishing, golf, whalewatching, ATV, jungle tours and restaurants galore.