Signature Villa one-bedroom oceanfront, Las Ventanas al Paraiso

[FYI: I've penned two reviews of our stay at Las Ventanas al Paraiso: one for our two nights in the one-bedroom ocean-view villa, #803; the second for our four nights in the Signature one-bedroom beachfront villa, #2. This is that second review.]

Signature one-bedroom oceanfront villa at Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Villa #2

Our first two nights in the ocean-view villa (#803) were delightful, we felt so spoiled. We lallygagged around in and out of the pool most of the time reserving the hot tub for night-time soaks and dining via room service. After a bit, a niggling thought arose and gained strength until I was able to put it together in words: If this villa is so great, what would a Signature villa on the beach be like?

I asked our butler Kristell to ascertain if a one-bedroom Signature beachfront villa was available for the remainder of our stay. The answer was yes indeed and the added cost INDEED, too. I dithered for 30 seconds, then said "let's do it!"  An hour later we were ensconced in said Signature villa. Whereupon began our education in true butlerhood.

Kristell introduced us to our new host/butler, Enrique, who walked up the path to meet us.  I will say straight up that I did not realize Kristell would not move along with us and was regretful therefore. 

Villa #2 is gated and opens into a small patio with much greenery and a burbling fountain. The door, I cannot do justice to the door with words, see photo below. Behind that door paradise indeed awaits: the large foyer bounded on one end by a reflecting pool; on one side of the foyer is the bedroom and master bath; on the other side is the living room, kitchen, powder room, media room and second bathroom.

Terrace off the bedroom, edging one end of the grand infinity pool, terrace furnished with shade umbrellas and loungers, including KNEE CUSHIONS. I could KISS them (the person who made this happen, not the cushions). Large shaded open-air lounge off the living room with couch, upholstered chairs, coffee table, slouch chairs, ceiling fan (I love ceiling fans). All furnished as in a home with Mexican crafts, art and ambience. Comfortable, colorful, delightful, relaxing. Great a/c.

Bedroom and living room bounded on two sides by sliding glass doors such that, in better weather than we had, rooms could be open to the air and the sea on two sides. We're returning in November so we'll test that out for you.

The master bath is enormous and one might think it a tropical paradise ... because it is. The outdoor shower is a mini jungle, the indoor shower with stupendous rain heads doubles as a steam room. There is a walkin closet area. We lived 13 years in a loft apartment in Manhattan (Soho) which occupied much less space.

Yes, this is a beachfront villa. You get, therefore, to see a very great deal of sand and blue ocean. What you do not get is waves and crashing surf. That is because the beachfront is dramatically sloped such that the villa, situated at the back of the beach, is sufficiently above the surfline that you don't get any of that good stuff. One could walk out if the villa down to the wave action, but you can't see it from the villa. Um. That was my only disappointment, I confess I got over it quickly but others could be more vulnerable.

Moving on, back to Butlerhood. We have cruised twice on "luxury" lines that ostensibly provide butler service (hah-hah, and, no, they don't). Here on this forum the Butler issue is a perennial thread often leaving us scratching our heads about the real deal.

When we moved from the first villa to the second, we lifted not a finger but did have to lift our legs to walk. The two butlers collaborated to pack and move us. Once in the Signature villa, Enrique didn't ask us if he should unpack so much as to say quietly that he was off to unpack our luggage. I blinked three or four times, then settled back to quaff the margarita from the pitcher that was waiting for us. No foam. I loved being unpacked! Do it again in a nano second. And did when Enrique packed us for the return journey. You know how you hate to unpacked when you get home? It was as if I were unpacking gifts -- so orderly and easy. It's so loathsome to have to pack for the return journey; what could be better than not having to do it?!

More butler excellence: all our requests went through Enrique which meant they were expedited, correct and amplified. He cooked our breakfasts to order every morning. He arranged for the housekeepers to come whilst we were lounging on the terrace after breakfast. I hate being nagged about when the housekeepers should come but Enrique made that transparent for us. Enrique ordered and served our food and beverage orders; when he didn't prepare them himself as he did the afternoon he prepared for us guacamole and margaritas (for me) and a virgin blackberry mojito (for Jim).

The Signature villa experience included two 60-minute massages. I was conflicted about this (tubby, naked, ummm, yikes; yes we've had massages before but still ...). Yet Enrique set it up and it was just grand for me and for Jim. 

Enrique would have set up any excursions we wished but we did not wish; we wanted to bask in our glorious villa and the pool and hot tub, swan about in gorgeous environs and not be bothered by anything. There are a variety of on-site experiences and services but none were more appealing to us than our fabulous villa. We are very skilled at staying put.

Food was great -- soft tacos of lobster, beef, shrimp. Guacamole of course. Lobster pasta, grilled sea bass and shrimp, superb prime rib and steak (Mexican beef so much tastier than what we get in the U.S.), creamed mushrooms, salads. Breakfasts were divine and over the top: huevos rancheros for me, cheese omelet for Jim. Then, too: bacon, pastry basket, fruit platter (papaya, mango, watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries), fresh-squeezed OJ. Rum punch and margaritas divine.

Truth to tell, we left our villa only twice. Once for an afternoon in a luxury cabana on the beach which was a short trek through the hot sand, very difficult for my sad knees. It is a lovely set up with couch, beach bed, chairs and table, half fridge, all manner of beverages, snacks and even a decent-sized plunge pool. But, essentially, it was a tent and much too uncomfortably hot with temps in the upper 90'sF. Our second expedition was to the three shops, fun browsing, much less hot.

We return for five nights at the first of November. The weather should be less onerous then..

Thst fabulous door cited above!

Beloved Jim

Master bath

Madter bsth jacuzzi tub

Rainbow at 7:30pm

Beloved Jim, very pink.

Kst crowned, very pink