mexico Archives - Hacienda San Angel

20 years ago my Mother, Janice Chatterton, began the creation of the Hacienda San Angel. The evolution over the years has been nothing short of amazing especially considering it was never planned. In grief after losing her only son, she poured herself into two passions; rescuing dogs and looking for antiques. Pursuing her two greatest passions in trying to soothe her grief, she found a new purpose in life, and wa la…the Hacienda San Angel and the SPCAPV were born.

For 2 decades now, people have been arriving through our large wooden doors, whipping out their cameras in surprise as they try to capture the unexpected beauty that greets them, receiving delicious signature welcome drinks upon arrival, been pampered by attentive staff, basked in shadows of elegant colonial Mexican architecture, refreshed in one or all of 3 pools, been appreciating antique furnishings, lounging in luxury linens, enjoying the mountain and bay vistas, oh and petting the dogs. Couples have been engaged and married here, people have celebrated birthdays and anniversaries here, our space has been adorned with romance and joy many times over. There’s even been times the Hacienda served as a sanctuary to animals and people in distress. The Hacienda San Angel became an oasis for both people and animals.

This is a bittersweet time to honor and celebrate Mom and the Hacienda San Angel. What Mom created deserves to be celebrated on its 20th anniversary; it was such an unexpected, unplanned but wonderful accomplishment. However it is with a mixture of sadness that she is not here to be celebrated herself. We lost my beloved mother, grandmother and creator of the Hacienda San Angel in 2019 without any warning at all. Now, somewhat recovered from the shock but never the same since without her, the family strives to preserve, protect and continue what she created in her memory.

The Hacienda San Angel also served as a sanctuary for more than 50 dogs during a hurricane one year. Mom was absolutely passionate about dogs insisting they were more loyal than most humans. She was followed by 8, sometimes a dozen dogs wherever she walked throughout the venue. People who didn’t like dogs in the restaurant were asked to leave. The dogs trumped. She started one of the first animal rescues in Puerto Vallarta and over 20 years, with the help of many caring volunteers, created a network of adoptive homes in Canada and the US. Volunteers who would take dogs to their new furrever homes were given complimentary stays at the hotel in appreciation and we continue to do this still as she would want.

In the spirit of celebrating the Hacienda and it’s patrons we have a couple of offers:

For the month of February Only

A celebratory drink on the house, please clink your glass and “Salud” my Mom and Hacienda San Angel.
20% off any reservation made for stay during 2023.

To redeem just say…

“Happy Anniversary Hacienda San Angel!”

I consider Puerto Vallarta one of many “sweet spots” on the planet.

Right now, Puerto Vallarta is humming with activity. The weather is great, people are happy and having fun even when they’re working! The bridge to old downtown is coming along and soon we won’t be able to tell Hurricane Nora ripped through last August. For a small town, this one holds a lot!

Memories to Create
There is so much to do in Puerto Vallarta and for almost every kind of desire. One can hike to a waterfall in the jungle, zipline through the trees, take an ATV ride, go horseback riding, pet an iguana, go snorkeling, fishing, parasailing, golfing, boating, live theatre, live music, art galleries, dinner cruises, fireworks, shopping, swimming, eating and drinking. One can also do nothing but relax while listening to the birds and the ocean. The views never stop here; between the Sierra Madres and the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta hosts an array of beautiful flowers, birds, reptiles, trees and landscapes.

People to Meet
I think it’s enough to boast about having beautiful and enjoyable surroundings to attract visitors, but now add “friendly” to the mix. Puerto Vallarta must be one of the friendliest towns on the planet. Local Mexicanos and ex-pats both are so welcoming and supportive. The community here is fun loving, diverse and genuinely caring. Hurricane Nora’s devastation really illuminated this when everyone came out to help those most harmed and to help businesses clean up the sidewalks outside their doors.

Community to Know
There is a notable animal rescue community that has grown and made a huge difference in housing strays and reducing the proliferation of unwanted animals through free spay and neuter clinics. Lastly but no less important there is an artist community and volunteer gardening group that also contribute to keeping Puerto Vallarta beautiful and loving.

If you haven’t visited or explored Puerto Vallarta, it is time to add it to your bucket list. This is a “Sweet Spot” on the planet for sure!