My husband and I stayed in a lovely house last year in San Pancho (also called San Francisco), just north of Puerto Vallarta. (The next beach town up from Sayulita.) It's a 2-bedroom house that we shared with friends. We rented again for this year, but no one can join us and we don't need a 2-bedroom place. Our deposit isn't refundable, so we're looking for someone to take over the reservation.
The dates we've reserved are: April 6 - 18, 2009. So, I'm hoping that's spring break for someone who wants some sunshine! Here are the details:
2-bedroom house with kitchen and living room, wi-fi, nice backyard, wonderful rooftop palapa. It's about 8 blocks to the water.
You can see photos of the house online: http://www.vrbo.com/176299
The town itself is lovely - food is spectacular. Really, for a small town it has some of the best dining options I've ever seen. (Perfect for those of us spoiled here in Columbia City.) An Italian bakery had just opened last year, and the espresso was great.
The beach is heavenly. A long, wide stretch of soft sand and a popular surfing destination. San Pancho is nowhere near as touristy as Sayulita. There are a couple places you can rent horses and go riding at sunset. There's also a lagoon with amazing bird life at the south end of the beach. There are a couple restaurants right on the sand - some ceviche and a cervaza, the sunset, and you're set for the evening.
Cost: $650/week + 20% for Easter week.
How it would work: You'd reimburse us the $600 deposit we paid, and then pay the balance to the property management company. And the house would be yours.
Please call me if you're interested: Joanne (206) 963-8599.