I'll start my echoing was most all other reviewers have said about this place in that is was absolutely wonderful. If you're looking for a luxury set-up where all you want to do is simply lounge by the water, relax, drink cerveza, and chill, this place is it. There aren't many places we visit where we're already planning our next trip back before we leave, but we're coming back here no doubt.

Accommodations - we stayed in a one-bedroom villa that was bigger than our first house. Impeccably decorated with everything you'd need, including a full kitchen if you felt obligated to cook on your own. The only set-back was that our mattress was quite firm. Something a bit softer would have been welcome, especially on sunburnt shoulders. During our stay the resort was at about 15% full, so there were days we were practically the only ones there (May is the slow month we learned, though weather was still incredible). We learned from talking to the staff that the resort is never more than 60% occupied due to it's privately-owned nature of villas (vs. a time-share or normal hotel).

Pool/Beach - it gets windy in the afternoons this time of year, so we spent more time by the pool than beach. That was fine, because the service was fantastic and we were never without whatever we needed.

Food/Drink - we were on an all-inclusive package, so it was "more of everything" for us! Villa La Estancia partners with the time-share property next door, so an all-inclusive guest can use facilities there as well. However, the best restaurant between both properties was La Casona, the steakhouse. Service was great, as was the food and atmosphere. We ate nearly every evening out on their patio by the water fountains. We ordered the same thing several times, and each time it came out pleasantly a bit different (e.g. a different sauce, side dish, etc.. It mixed it up a bit, which we enjoyed). Alcohol is expensive if you're not on an all-inclusive, which we recommend as the way to go. The other restaurants at the property next door were good, but not as great at La Casona. The property next door often had themed-dinners (e.g. Mexican Fiesta, Lobster Night, etc.) if of interest. Others noted the lack of a bar-scene, which is accurate. But again, this place is about serenity and relaxing, not boisterous partying. At last call, grab a few extra Corona's and head back to the room or down to the beach.

Staff - Aim to please! Especially Miguel at La Casona and Juan Jose at the pool bar. They were willing to do whatever it took to make sure you were happy.

Spa - one of the best experiences we've ever had. The Tatewari water-spa experience is one not to be missed! There are about a half-dozen different ways to treat your body with water: jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, swiss shower, cold plunge pool, cascade shower - this place rocked! The massages we got were above-average, but likely not as good as ones you can get here in the US. It's likely a matter of staff training more than anything, but this isn't a compliant at all - they were still fantastic. The reflexology treatments were the best.

Gym - a full cardio and free-weight experience. We felt less guilty downing drinks all afternood and eating 3x day by working out each morning. We thought we'd try a run on the beach some morning, but this place has everthing you'd need, including A/C and an english news-feed on the TV.

Golf - there are about a half-dozen courses within about a half-hour of the resort. I played at Flamingo's one morning, which is the closest course (a 5-minute drive). I paired up with a sun-bird from Canada on a Sunday morning, and we literally were the only ones on the course. They are headed into the rainy season, so the course was a bit dry since they'd not seen much rain since last fall. But, it was still quite an enjoyable course to play. Staff were friendly and the quality of rental clubs was good.

Overall, if you're looking to be entertained and have many after-dark options, stay down in PV. But, if you just want to get away for a few days, be pampered, unplug yourself from the grid, relax, and get tanned by the water, we'd recommend this place over all others.

Upon arriving to Villa Estancia we were greeted by the fantastic staff. The doorman Leo was a great and friendly face to take your bag and offer you a seat while you checked in. The staff were very polite and very knowledgeable! Once we checked in, we were taken to our room on the 6th floor and were absolutely speechless (in a good way). The room was huge and beautiful, every amenity that you could ask for was available. The bathroom was spacious and luxurious and the balcony that over looked the beach and pool was just fantastic. Overall, this was a great location for rest and relaxation and a lot of it was due to the great hard working staff! Thanks to the staff we could not have asked for a better stay!

The only downside was the Jungle Tour that was offered. It should have been entitled "Urban Jungle Tour," but this was outside of Villa Estancia's control as the tours are offered through another group.

We had a truly remarkable trip to La Villa Estancia. The food was amazing - best calamari ever, best fresh tasting pina coladas and don't skip the "green juice" at breakfast. The healthy juice probably cancelled out the not so healthy calamari! Also, they have a really good ceasar salad. And the cheeseburgers. It was all just really good!
We did the all inclusive option, which was a real steal considering that our dinner each night would have cost twice what we paid for the all inclusive for the whole day.
The hotel was at 15% occupancy, which meant that we were able to get up, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, play some tennis and then hit the beach and have our choice of loungers, at which point the pool concierge set up our chairs and towels for us, along with extra "pillow:" towels. Many times we had the beach area to ourselves. There were beach vendors, but they were not loud or pushy, just walked by showing their wares.
I would say that the only downside of this resort was the lack of bar to hang out at in the evenings. The pool bar closes at 6pm each day, and the only remaining bar is the restaurant, which is not really a bar at all. The sister resort next door is a short walking distance and they had a small bar there, as well as restaurants that are part of the all inclusive package. Also, there is 24 hour room service.
One other minor complaint is signing a check for every meal and beverage.
The gym was well equipped with lots of cardio machines, weights and lockers/showers.
The pool was the perfect temperature. They had four hot tubs as well, which we did not use. One of them was adults only with a fire pit next to it. It looked quite nice, but after being at the pool and beach all day, I was very happy to be dry at night.
Finally, this is the first review I have written for a resort. My husband and I get away to Mexico every year for some adult time away from our four young children. We have stayed at many all inclusives, and we have stayed at the Four Seasons Punta Mita. The service and food at Villa La Estancia rivals Four Seasons. Now, May is not the busiest time in Mexico, but this resort had low occupancy and said that they would appreciate us leaving a review on Trip Advisor. I almost didn't want to do it because I don't want to let the secret out! However on the other hand this little secret doesn't do me any good if they go out of business does it? Ha. Anyway, I am happy to share my experience for such a wonderful place. They work hard and are all so nice, and I would go back in a heartbeat. Thanks for reading.
I would highly recommend this resort if you are looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway.

My family (My wife and I and 2 girls age 12 and 13) were looking for a very relaxing vacation, and we defenitely came to the right place. We booked our stay at Villa La Estancia as part of a travelocity all-inclusive package, and so I can't speak to the hotel price, though the package price was very reasonable.

The resort was absolutely spectacular - well beyond our high expectations.

Our 1-bedroom suite was huge, beautifully decorated, and very comfortable. It had 2 full bathrooms, a living area, dining area, and kitchen. The master bath was enourmous with a whirlpool tub and large dual vanity. We had a large private patio to ourselves with a breathtaking view of the entire resort, pool, and ocean.

The resort grounds were immaculate with grass, palm trees, ponds, and pool. The pool was beautiful, with 2 tiers, a waterfall between the tiers, fountains, a swim up bar, plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas, and shallow areas for small children. There were also 4 hot tubs practically right on the beach with different temperatures (warm and hot) to suit your preferences. The beach had lounge chairs with umbrellas as well as a few hammocks, with sand that was smoothed out every night. Also on the resort grounds were a nice fitness center a luxurious spa, and a tennis court. There were two restaurants at the resort, one was pretty fancy with excellent food open for breakfast and dinner, and the other was poolside for lunch. Available close by were parasailing, jetski and kayak rentals. There is a small town 20 minutes on foot down the beach to check out. There was a sister hotel next door (Villa Del Palmar Flamingos) that had very similar grounds and 3 restaurants, which we also had access to. Villa La Estancia is geared towards a more relaxing stay. Villa Del Palmar Flamingos is a bit more lively and more crowded, with activities scheduled throughout the day. So if we wanted some excitement, we went over there. It also gives some meal alternatives with Italian, International, and pizza restaurants.

The service was unbelievable. Everyone, from the concierges to the restaurant staff to the pool staff to the spa staff, were waiting on us hand and foot. We would get calls daily from the concierge asking if everything was to our liking. We had maid service twice a day, once to clean and the other for turn-down service to prep the room for bed time. At the restaurant, we were served by multiple, incredibly friendly waiters. The pool staff was very attentive, preparing our lounge chairs for us and getting us whatever we needed, including magazines, sunscreen, pool and beach toys, in addition to the food and drink.

The only negative I can think of is that the hotel is pretty far from the downtown area (probably 30 minutes by taxi). We were not interested in going downtown, and so this was not an issue for us.

Just a note... We happened to travel there in May. This must be the low season, since we were practically the only ones at the resort. I'm sure this contributed to our enjoyment.

Overall, it was an incredible experience for us. We kept commenting throughout our stay that this must be how celebrities travel. I would absolutely recommend it. We are planning on returning there as soon as we can and are trying to talk some family into meeting there for a trip in the future. I just can't say enough about this resort.