By: Marcia Abramson
It is hard for me to believe that almost four decades or a third of a century has passed since those Hollywood lovers, Richard Burton, a Welsh Shakespearean actor, and the beauteous film star, Elizabeth Taylor, found passionate love in Puerto Vallarta. At that time they both were married to other people. Richard was filming the movie, "Night of the Iguana," with the ravishing Ava Gardner as his co-star. Liz was not one to sit idly by in Los Angeles, while Richard toiled with Ava. She flew to Mismaloya, the locale, famed director, John Huston, chose for the filming.
In short order Dick and Liz bought homes across the street from one other and built a connecting bridge. A day did not go by without the world's tabloids carrying front page stories from Puerto Vallarta about the illicit romance of theses two lovers. The Mexicans claim that culture, cuisine and ecology have made Puerto Vallarta much more than just a beach resort. But, I maintain that my curiosity about Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, domiciles in the village and the Camino Real Puerto Vallarta Hotel made this village a must on my destination map.
The Camino Real has become part of the Mexican Riviera that attracts tourists for the "Gastronomic Festival," "Arts Festival" and the "Mariachi Festival," in addition to the splendors of nature from the Sierra Madre mountains to the inviting calm Pacific Ocean Golfina turtles (a select species that breeds here). The eggs had hatched at the secluded Camino Real Beach and the baby turtles were placed in cages in a fenced-off area. I was there in time for the release of the turtles to the sea in November, but I was a week too early. I was told that it was a memorable sight seeing the young turtles marching off into the turquoise waters. When the turtles leave, the hunchback whales come to winter in Banderas Bay from mid-December to mid March, making whale-watching (and in some cases hearing) a very popular tourist attraction.
This hotel resort was built into the base of a mountain among lush verdant growth. It has two 12-story towers with 337 rooms -- all with spectacular views of the shiny Pacific. There are also 11 suites with private pools. I was satisfied with my spacious 5th-floor room and glorious Mexican marble bathroom. The "la Perla" gourmet restaurant has won many well awards which I felt was warranted after the wonderful beef dinner that I enjoyed before going off to the disco Christine's for dancing away the night with the locals and tourists.
I did go on a city tour with an opportunity to join the "photo-op" crowd to film the crown atop Guadalupe Church, the symbol of Vallarta made of fiberglass. It is a replica of the original which caved in during an earthquake in 1995. There are many statues by renowned Mexican artists from Vallarta and Guadalajara to add to the local color. I understand that on Sundays, around sunset along the boardwalk (malecon) is alive with residents who meet with family and friends to meander beside the ocean. Continuing on your stroll you will get to the Zona Romantica, also known as the Playa los Muertas (Beach of the Dead, colorful but no relation to the name). Unfortunately, I did not have enough time to shop, because I wanted to get back to the Camino Real for a swim in the pool with the swims-up bar, get to the gym and possibly get in a game of tennis and forego golf in one of the nearby scenic golf courses.
I spent the evening at the "Cafe Des Artistes" fabulous restaurant in crowded downtown Vallarta. The setting is exquisite and my sea bass dinner was superb. Every table in the outdoor garden was filled, but the service was outstanding. It was interesting for me to see that the Mexican tradition of late evening dining still prevails and 11 p.m. brought long lines waiting to take over. The streets were filled with young and old people as I remembered the downtowns of the Long Island villages of bygone years.
May I suggest that you contact your local travel agent and make plans to fly off to the Mexican Riviera with stays at the Camino Reals.
Copyright by Marcia Abramson
E-mail: mascribe@aol.com
