Nothing can be said about the unbelievable views or the beautiful Spanish colonial architecture of Villa La Querencia - set high on the Av. Los Ricos, Santiago, Peninsula - that cannot be better stated in the images of the most fantastical of travel brochures. Although I know of no mailer that can adequately capture the intangible beauty of this Mexican hideaway.

The Villa itself boasts over 6,000 sq. ft. of living space, 7 large bedrooms-some with reading nooks, almost as many bathrooms, an eagle's nest quarters with 360 degree ocean views, a pool and jacuzzi, a indoor-outdoor living room/terrace/bar area, and a dining palapa. Perched on the edge of a several-hundred-foot cliff (though very near to golf, tennis and beaches) overlooking the Las Hadas Resort below, the gentle arc of Manzanillo Bay and the Mexican coastline sweeping to the south, the Villa is nothing if not enchanting. You might find that your biggest challenge each day is pulling yourself out of the house, away from these surreal surroundings.

However, the intangible element that undeniably distiguishes this slice of paradise from the rest is the service of the welcoming, thoughtful, and thorough staff. Besides bringing the spirit and warmth of the Mexican people and culture into the house, they leave nothing unattended. Living spaces and rooms are cleaned and linens are replaced every day. Clothes are washed and folded in record time. The Suburbans are available to carry guests to and fro throughout the day. And the indefatigable house manager is prepared to provide anything of necessity, from groceries, to reservations, to a joke or two.

But the number one reason to visit Villa La Querencia, if for no other: the food. Outstanding!! Amazing!! Enough cannot be said about this aspect of the stay. Especially because once you leave to eat elsewhere you realize how good you have it. I enjoyed the best 14 meals I've ever eaten in Mexico while staying at Villa LQ. The food is regional, fresh, and prepared with skill and love. And there is certainly no shortage of it.

I thought I might have died and gone to heaven when, on New Years' Eve, they brought out lobster tails, grilled shrimp, baked potato with sour cream and bacon, steamed vegetables, salsa verde infused rice, and salad. I soon realized that it was just Villa La Querencia, although, if I make it to Heaven, I may inquire about a room just in case.

For more info, go to: http://www.villalq.com/