Nestled along the southern edge of Puerto Vallarta, in the serene village of Boca de Tomatlán, Villa Lala is a 12-suite, adults-only retreat where nature, architecture, and intention meet. This intimate hideaway invites guests to slow their pace, rediscover each other, and vanish into a world shaped by nature and sophistication. I arrived for a relaxed birthday getaway, and from the first welcome, it was clear: Villa Lala makes every stay feel personal and unforgettable, inviting guests to reconnect with a world shaped by sea breezes and hand-hewn artistry.
A Vision Etched in Stone and Heartwood
Villa Lala is not the product of a brand, but the legacy of a man. Architect and owner Cachi Pérez was born and raised in this region. He inherited this jungle-cloaked land and spent decades shaping it. Originally his home, the property’s name honors Cachi’s mother, Eduarda “Lala” and was gradually transformed into a boutique hotel, expanding not by formula but by feeling.
Each addition was driven by demand and devotion: the desire to create more space for romance and intimacy, without compromising the soul of the land. A fig tree became a foundational element of the design, its branches documented in detail so the architecture could curve around it. Even the walkways are shaped after a native leaf, honoring the forms found underfoot. The result is more than a hotel, it’s a work of devotion rendered in wood, stone, and sky.
Design That Blends Seamlessly into Nature At Villa Lala, no two suites are the same, but all speak the same language of elegance and allure. Each enclave is a study in textures and curves that awaken the senses. Stone that holds the day’s warmth, wood polished to a soft glow, golden light spilling in through open windows.
Whether it’s the soaring ceilings of the Eagle’s Love Nest, the vine-wrapped privacy of the Hummingbird suite, or the jungle-immersed tranquility of the Tree Love Nest, every space draws you in its own world. Many suites feature private infinity pools perched above the forest canopy, where water meets sky in one continuous line. Swings suspended above the pools invite playfulness and pause, offering the perfect place to linger as the sun sets over the Pacific.
Within your suite, the sunken Jacuzzi and botanically infused amenities create a private haven, ideal for tranquil soaks under the moonlight and time to linger in moments of shared connection and quiet discovery.
A Living Landscape
The grounds of Villa Lala feel untouched by time, though every detail is the result of precise, deliberate care. Fruit trees heavy with mango, papaya, and tamarind scent the air. Butterflies and hummingbirds are daily companions. And from the private pier, it’s common to spot dolphins frolicking offshore or, in winter, migrating whales cresting the waterline.
Guests can slip into the day’s rhythm however they choose, reading in a shaded hammock, paddleboarding in the aquamarine bay, or lounging poolside beneath the swaying palms. There is no schedule, no pressure, only a gentle invitation to be present.
Cuisine Rooted in the Region
Dining at Villa Lala is an extension of the experience. Breakfast is served wherever you prefer, in the garden or on your terrace, savoring tropical fruits, fresh juices, warm pastries, and made-to-order fare.
Evenings invite romance. A private, three-course dinner under the stars can be arranged, complete with personalized touches, enhanced by a crackling fire, soft lighting, and the sound of waves below. The cuisine leans local and refined, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and the vibrant flavors of the region. Like everything here, it is thoughtfully executed and unforgettably delicious.
Wellness in Its Purest Form
Rather than offering a traditional spa complex, Villa Lala takes a more elemental approach to wellness, one grounded in nature, touch, and stillness. Massages are held outdoors, with the sounds of the jungle and sea as your ambient score. There are no walls, no music piped in, only warm sun and cooling breezes and the sound of the gently lapping waves.
There’s also a sense of mental stillness that begins to take hold the longer you stay. With no crowds, no noise, and no distractions, time itself softens. Take a refreshing swim, a scenic boat ride, or a gentle swing in a hammock. Whether you seek reconnection with your partner or with yourself, Villa Lala offers the space to simply be.
A Boutique Legacy, Built by Hand
Villa Lala is not a chain hotel. It’s not replicable. And that’s the point. Every angle, every pathway, every pool was dreamed, designed, and built by someone who lives here, someone who understands the land as home, not asset.
Its heart reflects the passion of a family, and a community, who chose to build something soulful and sublime. And its future remains rooted in intention: to offer couples an experience of elevated romance and shared memories. Come here to truly see the ocean, the sky, the person beside you, and yourself.
Article and Photographs by Raquel Baldelomar Raquel Baldelomar is an entrepreneur, author, and journalist. Her work explores how travel shapes creativity, balance, and human connection. Follow her at @raquel.b.la
