Casa Buena Vida

In 1981 designer Peter Bowman and his artist wife Tari, restaurateurs from California, first visited the area with their young son and daughter. Conchas Chinas acquired a secluded lot on a jungled hillside above the coast in the southern part of town. Thus was born Casa Buena Vida ( The Good Life). A four-story structure of brick and cement, the House hugs its steep site while at the same time utilizing open space to make the most of the climate, the light, and the views. Terraces on every level take advantage of the bay perspectives. Inside, time-honored Mexican design elements prevail, but with a modern twist. A two-story pyramidal ceiling spans the living room and second—main floor bedroom, an architectural detail Bowman had seen before. Still, in this case, the roof is rendered in brick instead of plaster and terminates in a 20-foot-high off-center skylight. There are Saltillo-tile floors and barrel-vaulted ceilings, but there are also floating walkways and massive sliding glass doors.

They’ve filled the airy rooms with rustic Mexican pieces (pine tables and chests, twig chairs, tin light fixtures), comfortable furniture of Peter Bowman’s design, Mexican folk, religious art, and contemporary art by both Mexican and American artists. Casa Buena Vida is a spectacular six-bedroom oceanfront luxury villa located in Lower Conchas Chinas, less than a mile from all the charm, energy, and entertainment of downtown Puerto Vallarta. With approximately 12,000 sq ft of living space, including four spacious king-size guest suites, a penthouse casita with two extra bedrooms, and eight bathrooms. The House has multiple outdoor dining areas, a heated saltwater pool, Jacuzzi, and full-time staff, it is ideal for entertaining or a quiet family gets away. From the moment you step through the door, you will feel you have entered the temple of the gods with a dramatic and sparkling Pacific overlook. The ethereal architectural design offers “sky-high” vaulted ceilings, a cupula-topped stairway, massive columns, and beams with high arched doors. Casa Buena Vida is cantilevered right into Conchas Chinas’ cliffs, also known as the Beverly Hills of Puerto Vallarta. The four-level Mediterranean-style villa has an open concept entertaining living space on the main level with the kitchen, living, media, bar, and outdoor dining areas flowing out to the wrap-around terrace with expansive ocean views. Enjoy the good life at Casa Buena Vida!