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Romantic Zone, best location; with daily maid and cook service included!

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Pool
Pool
Pool
Spacious courtyard surrounded by lush tropical in Villa Leonarda
Exterior detail

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
6 bedrooms7 bathroomsSleeps 12557.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

Map
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
  • Malecon
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Playa de los Muertos
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Los Muertos Pier
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco (PVR-Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz Intl.)
    ‪28 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1: El Arbol

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2: Tapanco

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3: Obelisco

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4: El Pueblito

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5: El Rio

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 6: El Rio

2 Single Beds

7 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 5

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 6

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 7

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Romantic Zone, best location; with daily maid and cook service included!

Villa Leonarda is a riverfront property located at the heart of Puerto Vallarta in the artsy neighborhood known as Gringo Gulch, just a few blocks from the Romantic Zone and Playa Los Muertos. Local hardwoods, adobe bricks and handcrafted tiles make up the organic structure of the house where period pieces of furniture alternate with artwork signed by renowned Mexican contemporary artists.
The Villa consists of two buildings one with 3 bedrooms and the other with two bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms, separated by the heated swimming-pool, and a large spacious central patio surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, enhanced by the sound of the river rushing by.

It is ideal for sunbaths and pool parties during the day, and candlelit dinners and cocktail parties at night.
A very historic home from the early days of Puerto Vallarta, designed in the traditional colonial style, with all rooms opening onto a huge central courtyard with heated pool, fountains and gardens that overlook river, mountain and jungle.
Ocean views and sunsets can be enjoyed from the expansive rooftop terrace.
Three foot thick stucco walls, arches, high ceilings, trestle doors, hacienda style wooden shutters, antique wrought iron and vintage handmade tiles are the distinctive design details of this century old master piece. The villa has been completely renovated in recent years; the bedrooms have air conditioning, kitchen and baths have been updated - all while retaining the integrity of the original architecture.
The romantic bedrooms are hung with flowing mosquito netting; the decor is eclectic and chic. Antiques and unique period pieces are mixed with imported furnishings and original paintings by famous artists, all set against large palms and dramatic lighting. The ambiance at night is often described as “magical”.
The original owner, Xavier de la Torre, was a famous clothing designer close friends with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Villa Leonarda was a celebrity hangout during the 1960’s and the mystique lives on; it is still a gathering place for artists, writers, movie stars and intellectuals. Angelica Huston and brother, Danny Huston, have attended VIP cocktails hosted at the villa for the Puerto Vallarta Film Festival, following in the footsteps of their famous director father, who used to play poker with friends around the pool. Internationally acclaimed artist Alejandro Colunga and photographer Gabriel Figueroa, Jr. are also frequent guests at the villa.


Property includes:
-5 bedrooms each equipped with A/C and ensuite bath
-Huge central courtyard with heated pool, fountains and lush gardens
-Chef services available upon request
-Breathtaking views of river, mountain and jungle
-Large Rooftop sundeck with ocean views, perfect for sunset
-Impressive art collection; designer furnishings and antiques
- Charming staff with many years of experience
- Wireless internet
- Maid service daily except Sundays and holidays.
- Great central location in the heart of Old Town Puerto Vallarta, within blocks of world class dinning, shopping and popular Los Muertos Beach. Three blocks to the Malecon boardwalk and main plaza.
- Climbing Puerto Vallarta’s hills is not necessary at this villa; Leonarda is located on a flat street next to the Rio Cuale in the center of Old Town.
- Kid friendly, few stairs
-Rate includes cook service for breakfast or early lunch. Tips and cost of groceries and beverage are not included. A menu of traditional Mexican food is available for you to chose
- The perfect venue for events and weddings, please inquire as an event fee applies

* The 6th bedroom will be offered when there are over ten guests.

Property manager

Jeff Castaneda

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Babysitting services available at an extra charge.
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
No additional accomodation/ sleeping arrangements
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Pet fee applies. Staff not responsible for pets.
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Only outdoors, no smoking indoors.
Daily Cook Service(the shopping, cooking, serving, and cleaning) is included for either breakfast or lunch. Groceries consumed are paid by guests.
Green Policy: Please request fresh towels from Delia if any guests requires them changed. Please turn off air conditioning when not in the property.
Have Fun! Please let us know if there is anything you need. Villa Leonarda is here to cater to your needs, just let us know what those are.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 12
Note from host: No additional accomodation/ sleeping arrangements
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Puerto Vallarta

Located in Downtown Puerto Vallarta, a neighbourhood in Puerto Vallarta, this villa is near theme parks and on the waterfront. Cruise Ship Terminal and Nayar Vidanta Golf are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Playa de los Muertos and Bay of Banderas. Travelling with kids? Consider Los Arcos, or check out an event or a game at Act ll Entertainment Stages. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

What's nearby

  • Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Cuale Island - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Malecon - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Playa de los Muertos - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Los Muertos Pier - 15 min walk - 1.3 km

Getting around

  • Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco (PVR-Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz Intl.) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Pollo Feliz - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Vallarta Cigar Factory - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Restaurant Iguana - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪La Cappella - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Loncheria Don Jorge - ‬3 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does Romantic Zone, best location; with daily maid and cook service included! have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Romantic Zone, best location; with daily maid and cook service included! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Romantic Zone, best location; with daily maid and cook service included!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Romantic Zone, best location; with daily maid and cook service included!?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Romantic Zone, best location; with daily maid and cook service included! located?

This family-friendly Puerto Vallarta villa is located on the waterfront, within a 15-minute walk of Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Malecon and Playa de los Muertos. Plaza Principal and Cuale Island are also within 5 minutes.

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 42 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 42 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 42 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 42 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jason A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Property

Beautiful property, great location for attractions in Zona Romantica.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cassandra G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The house was a dream!

This house made our trip to be something out of a movie. We had the best time and couldn’t get over how beautiful the house was!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Amy N.

Liked: Cleanliness, location
Disliked: Check-in, communication

Beautiful Villa & Lovely Onsite Staff, But Beware of Issues

Beautiful villa, perfect for small wedding. Maid & cook were friendly & FANTASTIC. Good wifi, jugs of filtered water were appreciated, fans & AC in bedrooms were fine. Jeff, the property manager in charge of the VRBO listing, was terrible. Unfriendly & I would often have to send multiple emails to get a response to a simple question. After booking, I asked to add on an extra night. He said yes & to pay the extra night upon arrival. Upon arrival the staff was not aware we were checking in. They called Jeff but couldn’t reach him so called another property manager who also had no idea we were checking in & said ‘Jeff never tells us anything.’ She was great & let us check in & we could hang by the pool while they finished prepping the villa. Jeff contacted me the next day & didn’t acknowledge his mistake or apologize. Villa was a bit run down. For the price you are paying, there are things that should definitely be updated. Cushions on furniture need replaced. Canopy bed cover was dirty & falling apart. Among other things. Kitchen needs better water pressure & hot water, plumbing in downstairs bedroom is terrible. Heel got stuck in the wooden floor where it was falling apart in upstairs bedroom. A piece of the outside wall right outside the kitchen chipped off as I walked past, fell on my knee & scraped it. The stairs in the same area are worn, causing me to misstep & I injured my foot badly. Pool was freezing. Photos online are very outdated. But ambience was magical.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

4/10 Poor

Terry R.

Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Disappointed

One reviewer said this villa “needs maintenance,“ but that is a huge understatement. We consider ourselves to be adaptable travelers, but the number and severity of the problems left us no choice but to share this information, especially since we paid as much for this villa as others in the area that were lovely and had no issues. The list below outlines just some of our concerns. 1. There was never hot water in the kitchen and no dishwasher. This alone is a serious sanitation issue and I’m assuming a violation of local codes. 2. Only one faucet worked in some bathrooms, and shower pressures was very low or only half the water was coming through the shower heads … perhaps they just need to be cleaned. 3. The kitchen is so poorly lit and so ill equipped, making it largely non-functioning. 4. We understand old tile, but--a large hole in one bedroom floor is a major tripping/falling hazard .. one guest was afraid to get up in the night without turning the lights on. 5. Until 2 days before we left there was not a stand for the huge water jugs, making them unusable. We have paid a similar price for villas that were much better equipped and cared for, and we are very disappointed in the poor value we got for our money. We generally make do and rarely complain but we felt so let down, we don’t want anyone else to go here without a warning.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Margaux P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Had the Time of Our Lives

We rented Villa Leonarda for my husbands 40th birthday and had the absolute best time! There were 11 of us, and we had plenty of space to be alone if we needed, but mostly we found ourselves hanging by the pool the whole time. Delia's breakfasts were fantastic, and we hired a chef to come in and make us dinner for two of the nights. A clutch choice. The location was great, easy to walk to a lot of bars and restaurants. We lived like kings for a long weekend, the hardest part (apart from a couple really stiff mattresses) was leaving, but it did inspire us to make this a yearly trip. Thank you for the amazing stay Villa Leonarda!!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Georgie H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Love it but it needs maintenance

We love this property but it really needs more maintenance. back Bedroom shower drain doesn't work. Remotes for ac didn't work in main house. No hot water in kithen and other plumbing problems. Tile in the far left BR needs to be fixed, someone could fall. great location. Loved all the music we heard.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shannon R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Dreamy Weekend in PV

Villa Leonarda is nothing short of a dream. From the amazing rooms, friendly staff, art and greenery this place is hard to beat. It’s central location makes it so easy to walk everywhere too. We will definitely be coming back!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Neal D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Remarkable - Must see to believe

This is one of those places that makes you NOT want to write a review so that it will hopefully not be booked when you want to return. It is gorgeous. All bedrooms have private bathrooms; three of them contain king size beds. There is a small cabana off the HEATED pool with a bathroom. The housekeeper makes delicious juice and breakfast. We watched fireworks all over the city from the rooftop deck. My wife was literally close to tears when we were checking out because she didn't want to leave. The communication was top notch and very polite and kind. 6 out of 5 stars!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kevin H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Navidad 2022

The property was perfect for a large group. Everyone had their own space but there was also plenty of together time around the pool and common areas. The location was perfect. We never needed to take a taxi- we walked everywhere. The best part was Delia and Chapina. The food and service were amazing. We all shed many tears when we said goodbye. Se convirtieron en parte de nuestra familia.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amy A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house, great location

Went down for a friends weekend. House was beautiful, and everyone having their own suite was appreciated. Having breakfast made every morning was great. Would absolutely book again.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Adriana S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rustic Charm

The rental was gorgeous. Beautiful patio surrounded by nature. The sound of the river and birds was beautiful to wake up to. However, if you don't like mosquitos, Iguanas, and lizards this might not be the place for you. This house is ideal for adults or families with older children. All bedrooms are separate so I cannot imagine this set up working if you have small children and want to place them in their own room. We had our 9 month old and she was able to sleep in our bedroom since we had a king size bed. I subtracted one star only because house said there was a high chair for baby, however there was none at the home. I even confirmed with Delia. I would like to highlight that Josefina and Delia were the sweetest humans around. They prepared delicious guacamole, and amazing breakfast.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Hollie J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family vacation

This property was absolutely beautiful! It’s authenticity made it a wonderful experience! The ladies made us the most amazing meals and helped with anything we needed. I would definitely rent this home again! If I could say anything I would say that I wish the pool was heated. The pool is in an area that wash shaded most of the day, so it did not get very warm. The beauty of this rental far outweighed that!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Avalon R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Jungle vibes in Puerto Vallarta

We came to PV for a girls trip and had a lovely stay at this home. Each room is unique and feels very separate. The doors to each room open to the courtyard or outdoors which was fun. That being said, be sure to close doors and curtains at night to keep to rooms cool and bugs out. The location was very central to everything we wanted to do in town. We had a great time overall. I would definitely stay here again
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Brian F., Los Angeles

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Summer Vacay in PV

We stayed at Villa Leonardo in late July 2022. Overall I would say the experience was positive. The best part of the property is Josefina and Delia. They made delicious breakfasts daily and kept the place tidy and clean. Another positive part of the property is the location. It's close and within walking distance to everything. The property itself is beautiful and very historic. The AC in the bedrooms is great, but be aware for the rest of the house you really need to embrace the concept of outdoor living as is standard in many older Mexican homes. There is some critical feedback I will offer. It's quite pricey so for what we were paying I would expect that doors close all the way and stay closed (upstairs bedroom, not in the main house). During the rainy season, the doors would open easily with the weather soaking the floor. The ceilings also leaked in both upstairs bedrooms when it rained. The pool is also in dire need of a resurface. It would be nice as well for all the rooms to have a TV that worked with Netflix. Some TV's did work and had Netflix, but not all. Easy, but important fixes to help make future guests stay more enjoyable. Should we return to Puerto Vallarta we would stay again,
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kelly H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming and Rustic

Josefina and Delia are amazing! They are truly the kindest women and took very good care of us. If you are looking for a modern home this would not be for you; however, if you appreciate art, Mexican architecture, open spaces, and fabulous foliage this is absolutely the place for you! It is unique and comfortable as all the rooms have air conditioning and there is plenty of spaces for privacy.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jack G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Old Villa

Staff was great. Good hot water. No problems
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Location

My wife and I love visiting Puerto Vallarta and this was our first time staying in Gringo Gulch. What a fabulous location! So close and walkable to everything, yet quiet in the evenings. Delia and Josefina took wonderful care of us. We loved overlooking Rio Cuale, and that pool is absolutely perfect!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

Emily M.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy

Historic property!

Wow, this villa is beautiful and has a lot of history! It does however need some work. There was a sewage smell coming from the drains and some of the tiles were missing and the floors uneven, But overall we had a great stay. The location is absolutely perfect, close to the beach, Malecon, lots of restaurants. I initially chose this place because I had been to Puerto Vallarta in the past and wanted to be near the river however we found out after arriving that a hurricane came and the river had been dried up for the last several months. This may have contributed to the smell and heat. Luckily the air conditioning units did work in the rooms. The pool was wonderful and dalya and Josefina did an amazing job cooking us breakfast and providing us with information! Because of all the open air in the home I would say that this is more like “Glamping ”. If you are not okay with bugs I would use caution. I still would come back, but hope that the owner can do some renovations to make things a little more up-to-date. All in all, had a great time! Loved having fresh margaritas, chips, and salsa homemade when we arrived. Again, perfect location!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Curtis B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Stay

Our stay at Leonarda was amazing! An eclectic collection of spaces provided an idyllic backdrop to our relaxing vacation with unique accommodations for everyone. The pool was warm, the courtyard delightful, and shady nooks provided a respite from the sun. Delia and Justinia were as nice as can be and Delia's guacamole is truly outstanding! The easy going villa was just what we had hoped for our vacation. Due to it's open air design, there's a bit of a lack of privacy with most of the rooms, which wasn't an issue for us, but if you needed completely enclosed rooms, it could be an issue. We reveled in the experience of having Ernesto (the giant green iguana), Manny (the friendly cat), the nightly army of leafcutter ants (Hormigas), a tree-full of chirping birds, and other urban animals share the space with us, but I can see how these cohabitants may not be so welcome for everyone. They were some of the highlights of our stay! There were some mosquitos, but bug spray was on hand and we all found the mosquito nets around the bed to be charming and effective. Though not the villa's fault, construction along the river is ongoing - so be prepared for construction noise and associated odors until it is complete. The villa is within easy walking distance to great restaurants and the Love Bridge, while remaining convenient to shops and the beach. Access will only improve when the construction of the nearby bridges are complete. Overall, we loved it and hope to come back to stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Molly T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pure Enchantment

This Villa is by far the most charming, enchanting place I have ever stayed. It is a piece of history and a work of art. The architecture is so fanciful that photographs cannot do it justice. There were ten of us, all adults, who love spending time together but also value space and privacy. Each couple had an exquisite bedroom and bath, all spacious, elegant, and whimsical, and all situated for privacy. The house is really two or three buildings with a series of stairways, decks, verandas, and covered open air areas. It is situated around a stunning courtyard which overlooks the river and has a pool and areas for sunning, napping, reading, dining, dancing, birdwatching, or iguana sighting, The kitchen is open air with a very comfortable seating area. The living and dining area are very elegant but it was too beautiful outside so we just admired it. We were welcomed by Delia and Josefina, two kind ladies who took excellent care of us. They had a round of margaritas and guacamole ready when we got there. It could not have been more perfect. Delia made us wonderful breakfasts, Josefina served us gracefully. One night we had a birthday party and they did such a wonderful job! I kept on discovering works of art. I did not keep count, but there are lions all over the house. Staying here was an honor. I do love movies. I am a huge fan of Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, John Huston, and that whole era of Hollywood history. This place is authentic. It is the real deal.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elaine R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!

Josefina and Delia were amazing! It was a pleasure having them there with us. Thank you!
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Paige B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Outstanding and Excellent Location!

I don’t even know where to begin with this… From the moment we arrived, it was as if we walked into old Mexico! Stunning architecture, private, and a perfect layout for my family. Delia and Josefina are the women who took care of us all week and couldn’t have been more lovely. They cooked breakfast for us every morning to our specifications, kept our house and rooms fresh and tidy, and helped us with our Spanish! If these walls could talk…The history of this Villa is such a great story… you can really imagine all the artists and celebrities that enjoyed this space. The beautiful views on the top decks were where we’d watch the sunset. All the bedrooms had air-conditioning and ceiling fans. My family is a tough group to please! The kid's ages range from 12 to 32 and they all have different ideas and expectations… this place did not disappoint one of us!!! One thing you do have to realize, is that it is a very lush tropical like jungle surrounding the house. If you have problems with iguanas crossing your path, or little harmless bugs from time to time, this may not be your place. But, if you truly want to immerse yourself in a villa that feels like Mexico and enjoy seeing lush grounds and nature in Mexico, definitely stay here!! We were a quick three or four block walk to the Malecon… We loved that, there were no steep hills to climb, and we could go to the beach every day if we’d like without any effort. But mostly, just being inside the Villa was enough for everyone! So much space and decks to spread out if you wanted to. We also hired a private chef, Edwardo. He made works of art for meals and so delicious! Incredible 5 star meals every night, and completely affordable for our group of 10! I truly hope my family can go back and visit, and stay in this outstanding Villa again, it will be one of our most memorable family vacations. Thank you again Delia, Josefina and Chef Edwardo!!!
Stayed 11 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michael W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pretty Magical Place

Our group of 10 adults had an incredible time. The property is actually quite large, especially by downtown standards, and the bedrooms are well spaced and private across the two buildings. Whether we were enjoying the sunset from the 3rd level terrace, hitting the pool or just enjoying a cocktail while listening to the river rush by, it was actually difficult to leave the house at times. The lovely staff will take care of any need you may have but are never in the way. We especially enjoyed the breakfasts (made to order) that they prepared. Really a top notch experience. The location must be one of, if not THE, best for a property of this size in El Centro. For the times you want to stay close to the house: within a block is a great little spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, chocolates AND cigars (Vallarta Factory), one of the best dinner spots (Trio) and, of course, an Oxxo convenience store sits around most corners in PV. There's also an internationally known bank (with atm) for safely pulling out pesos if you need them. If venturing out further towards the Romantic Zone or Malecon, it's a very easy walk from this address. We were extremely happy to have found Villa Leonarda and I'd be willing to bet that you will feel the same.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sandra L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

Place was great for a large group. The house ladies we’re exceptional. Had a hot water problem, fixed within hours of notifying owner. Definitely recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

jessica B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect way to experience PV

If you are looking for an authentic travel experience Villa Leonarda is it! The property is huge with multiple living spaces connected by a cool pool. There are no truly closed in spaces—-all open tote outdoors and awesome. The jungle is at your fingertips and the culture right outside your door. We loved our time here with our kids ages 9-13 and recommend to anyone looking for an adventure outside your routine resort vacay. This villa is safe, the people are wonderful and the overall experience was exactly what we were looking for! Thank you!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2020

About the host

Hosted by Jeff Castaneda

Host profile image
I was born in Mexico City, says our host, but from an early age I moved here, right after my mother died. It was my uncle, Xavier de la Torre, who brought me to Vallarta to live with him.
The fame of Xavier de la Torre grew when pictures of Elizabeth appeared in Vallarta displaying their designs.
Xavier was very close to Rock Hudson, an endearing friend of Elizabeth, so it was not long before she also became part of her uncle’s group, an incredibly creative man and a celebrity in Vallarta. From fashion to interior design and from there to sculpture or cooking. Everyone knew him and he knew everyone. His home (Villa Leonarda) was a true creative mecca.

Fairy godmother
My relationship with her was very special and unique, explains Sergio. How did she become my godmother? In a very natural and innocent way. One day, my uncle showed me a picture of her and commented: Look Sergio, your godmother. I just smiled and answered: Yes, I want Elizabeth to accompany me on my First Holy Communion. He replied: Very well, the next time you see her, ask her if she wants you to be her godson. And so it was. The desire of the little boy became a reality in a mass officiated in the Parish of Guadalupe, in front of a few assistants. She asked me to call her “madrinita” which is little godmother. No one else call her that, just me, Sergio remembers.
Would you like to know more? Continue on the link below ...
https://www.villaleonarda.com/libro-amarillo/

Why they chose this property

I often wonder when Vallarta’s destiny was written, says Sergio. Could that has been when Tennessee Williams wrote The Night of the Iguana imagining a magical place in Mexico? or when John Huston decided to film the movie at the port? Or when Elizabeth decided to accompany her husband during the filming? Anyone who has been the true detonator, the history of the port changed forever.

Of course, don’t forget the unique geography of this place. It’s one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The water is temperate, the sierra – which ends at the sea – is majestic and its inhabitants are extremely friendly, Sergio describes with great pride. In the end I think that everything contributed to create the myth of Puerto Vallarta.

Located in downtown Vallarta, in the colorful and lively area known as Gringo Gulch, Villa Leonarda is a quiet oasis for a perfect vacation in a casually stylish ambiance.
Built alongside the Cuale River, home to majestic iguanas, egrets and parrots, this rental villa, ideal for a family or a group of friends, is within walking distance from the boardwalk and main beaches, terrific restaurants and quaint shops. Imbued in a star-studded history, the house consists of two buildings where period and custom-designed furniture pieces alternate with artworks signed by renowned Mexican contemporary artists.
Three dining areas and a high-ceiling living room with a fireplace complement five spacious, well appointed rooms, with their whimsically decorated bathrooms. Once a favorite hangout for Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, today Villa Leonarda offers all the comforts of world-class accommodations.

What makes this property unique

Villa Leonarda is an oasis in the middle of the City. When looking from the outside you never imagine what's hidden behind its walls.
One of the great classic villas from the jet set days of the 1960s, recently updated with an urbane sophisticated style and upscale art and furnishings, Villa Leonarda evokes a glamorous age when Hollywood ruled Puerto Vallarta. Behind the stately hacienda walls, you will step into a magical world of beauty, charm and grace.
Villa Leonarda offers a unique experience that connects with the City history in a traditional Mexican architecture but renewed, fully equipped to provide a comfortable and sophisticated stay.

My uncle Xavier was of the zodiacal sign Leo, so all his friends always gave him figures of lions. That’s why he named his house “Villa Leonarda”. And although it has undergone some transformations, now it is the oldest one that exists in Vallarta. The house was abandoned some time after his death. I came from time to time, but on one of those occasions the house wouldn’t let me go. Elizabeth used to visit his house regularly. I remember returning from school and there they were all gathered talking. They could be Richard, Elizabeth, Xavier and Burt Lancaster, for example.

In addition to being an extraordinary designer; he had an outstanding talent to create friendly atmospheres, to cook and to decorate, -the reason why the meetings were always made in Villa Leonarda-. He was a splendid host. There is even a very interesting anecdote about the property. According to my uncle, one day Richard offered to buy it because, apparently, he always liked it more than the one he inhabited, to which Xavier responded in a friendly but definitive manner: Look Richard, you have fame, private plane an extraordinary career and, especially Elizabeth Taylor, but this house will never be yours.

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