Looking back on all the places I have stayed over the years, the Dreams Puerto Vallarta stands out as one of the most unique, tropical, and secluded hotels I have ever been to, especially in Mexico. It had an old world charm that is often lost in the sterile feeling, contemporary, mega-resort style that has been springing up all over the region over the past decade or so. There is a large hillside that sits off of the back side of the property and the surrounding countryside along Banderas Bay is very scenic, especially at night. This trip was my first to the west coast of Mexico and I was surprised at how clear the water was, which I wasn’t expecting. The beach is a little different than the Carribean’s sugar white, powdery sand beaches, with startlingly clear turquoise water, but it was more enjoyable than I had anticipated. I would highly recommend both Puerto Vallarta in general as well as the Dreams Puerto Vallarta specifically to anyone looking for a great beach destination outside of Cancun, Riviera Maya, Punta Cana, or Jamaica.