San Angel adds serenity to a Mexico golf vacation.

Seven years ago, when Golf Odyssey made its first of many trips to the Mexican Riviera, we dismissed Puerto Vallarta as little more than a nostalgic beach town, a diversion for golfers on their way to the Four Seasons Punta Mita, an hour’s drive north.

Recently, however, we found that the city has become an ideal Mexico golf vacation destination in its own right. And not only does it offer wonderful golf, it boasts noteworthy places to stay, too…if you know where to look.

On Golf Odyssey’s last visit, we came across the Hacienda San Angel, a hideaway to consider for your next Mexico golf vacation.

San Angel is the type of intimate, character-filled inn we love discovering. Situated on a steeply slanted cobblestone street in the Puerto Vallarta hillside, just up from the Malecon (beachfront walkway), the nine-room hotel is composed of three wonderfully restored villas.

A dreamy, romantic aura pervades this secluded sanctuary, thanks to proprietor and host Janice Chatterton, who worked tirelessly to transform the formerly separate villas into a cozy inn anchored by a central, fountain-filled courtyard and highlighted by two pools and a heated rooftop Jacuzzi.

She has decorated her colonial-style hotel with a collection of old and rare art acquired from the now-defunct Puerto Vallarta art museum, and furnished it with rich antique furniture, luxurious fabrics and plush bedding.

The nightly room rates include a full breakfast and a host of little extras such as a daily cocktail hour with accompanying music, a DVD movie library, complimentary Internet access in the living room, and on-call spa therapists who provide in-room treatments.

Most valuable, however, is Janice’s intimate knowledge of the best places to eat in town (she’ll also warn you about which are over rated) and, of course, the best art galleries to visit.

Not already a subscriber to Golf Vacation Insider? Click here to receive our free newsletter filled with insider travel tips on the world's finest golf courses and resorts. As a bonus, we will send you a free copy of Planning the Ultimate Golf Vacation, a 40-page book filled with insider tips from the editors of Golf Odyssey.