Before You Die: Casa Las Brisas by David Clement Davies

This charming ‘boutique’ hotel, less than an hour from Puerto Vallarta, comprises eight rooms in two handsome colonial-style thatched villas, centred on an elegant oval of a lapis blue swimming pool. Edged by an immaculate horseshoe of white sand beach, the ‘house of breezes’ knows its own quality. Days unfold in a delicious round of sunbathing, imaginative meals and heady pool-side drinks, all of which are included in the reasonable price, but what truly shines is the service. The charming team add warmth and wit, without any awkward deference - a combination perfect for a hotel of this size, where the greatest challenge of ‘boutique living’ is the other guests. Las Brisas avoids the slightly sterile, over formal feel of The Four Seasons nearby. From the outset the couples lucky enough to find this quiet ‘mexican country house’ beyond the scrub land outside – (there is no sign) - are made to feel both special and thoroughly at home. A little gem.

The rooms
Las Brisas is the work of architect Marc Lindskog and the rooms are lovely. There are two larger ‘penthouse’ suites and the other rooms have their own balconies with elegant sunshades and white drapes bound from thatch to balustrade, and nice terrace furniture. Each room is defined by large quilted beds, orchid sprays and amusing naïve art, while cool, tiled walk-in showers and beautifully painted ceramic basins, plumped with Aveda products, complete the many touches of class. For the connected there are ipod docks, while circular white muslin canopies turn the comfortable King beds into little bedou tents where you can listen to the rolling sea, or dream of the red-gold sunsets. The hotel glows at night and there are two homely sitting room areas, one with a selection of DVD’s, along with a small gym. The snorkelling equipment is top notch and the pool, though perhaps overheated, has sculpted sun-beds and submerged seats that allow you to elbow up to the attentive barman and take relaxation to another level entirely. Be careful of the ‘overflow’ room at the back that lacks a view.

Come for
Great service, both warm and attentive
Design style
Food

Not suitable for
Families and children – unless you rent the whole house

Eating in
Though the evening meals are not outstanding they are very good, with nice house wines. You can eat outside or in the stylish palapa-style candlelit dining room, served by Lalo and the great team. For the excellent breakfasts and generous, creative picnic-style lunches they have taken on a new Mexican cook. Everything is done with attention to detail.

Best Time – November and December. The Hotel will help you through customs and whisk you to its door. You probably won’t find it otherwise.