I have spent a lot of time traveling the world on my own.
There is something special about waking up and realizing the only person you have to please is yourself.
But finding a place that actually lets you relax is harder than it looks.
Most "vacation spots" are loud and crowded. They are full of big groups and noisy resorts.
That is why I keep coming back to Puerto Vallarta.
It is my ultimate sanctuary.
I have found my zen here.
And if you are looking for a place to breathe, I want to show you how to find yours.
Start with the Right Sanctuary
Finding your zen starts with where you put your bags.
You cannot relax if you are in a sterile hotel room.
I always look for puerto vallarta condos for rent by owner because they feel like home.
When I stay in a local place, I feel like I belong.
I love waking up to the sound of the city waking up.
I love having a kitchen to make my own coffee.
Zen is about control over your environment.
It is about having a quiet corner to read while the sun comes up.
Our family-run spots are designed for this.
They are tucked away from the massive crowds.
They offer views that make you stop and just breathe.
When you choose the best neighborhoods to stay in Puerto Vallarta, you are choosing peace.
I personally love the Zona Romántica and Old Town.
The cobblestones and the old-world charm are so much better than a shiny new skyscraper.
The Magic of the Morning Flow
My zen starts early.
I usually wake up around 6:30 AM.
The air is cool and the light is soft.
I head straight to Los Muertos Beach for morning yoga.
There is a group that meets right on the sand.
Feeling the sand between my toes while the waves crash nearby?
AMAZING!!
It is the best way to ground yourself.
After yoga, I walk the Malecón.
In the morning, it is quiet.
You see the local fishermen.
You see the street sweepers keeping the city beautiful.
It is a "meditation in motion."
If you want more tips on this, check out my post on the slow morning in 5 de Diciembre.
It covers my favorite local spots for a quiet breakfast.
Eating a fresh mango from a street vendor is a spiritual experience.
I promise.
Finding Zen While Working
I know many of you are like me.
You work while you travel.
Being a digital nomad can be stressful if you don't have a plan.
But in Puerto Vallarta, I have mastered the solo digital nomad life.
The secret is balance.
I set up my workspace near a window.
I need to see the Sierra Madre mountains while I type.
The greenery calms my brain.
Our units are built for this.
We make sure the Wi-Fi is fast and the chairs are comfortable.
When I get overwhelmed with emails, I step onto the balcony.
I take five deep breaths of salty air.
Then I get back to it.
Zen isn't about avoiding work.
It is about working in a way that doesn't drain your soul.
Hidden Spots for Solo Peace
Sometimes you need to escape the main streets.
I love heading into the hills of Old Town.
The higher you go, the quieter it gets.
I find little corners where I can sit and look at the bay.
The colors are so vibrant.
The pink bougainvillea against the white walls is SOOO beautiful.
I also love the local markets.
Buying fresh tortillas or local honey makes me feel connected.
Supporting local family businesses is part of the zen experience.
It feels good to know where your food comes from.
It feels good to see the same friendly faces every day.
Puerto Vallarta is a big city, but it feels like a small town.
People here are so kind.
They respect your space if you want to be alone.
But they are always ready with a smile if you want to say "Hola."
The Sunset Ritual
You cannot talk about zen in PV without talking about the sunset.
Every evening is a different show.
I like to find a quiet spot on the beach.
I bring a towel and just sit.
I don't look at my phone.
I just watch the sun dip into Banderas Bay.
The sky turns purple and orange and deep red.
It is a reminder that the world is huge and beautiful.
My problems feel very small during sunset.
That is the definition of zen to me.
If you want to see more photos of these incredible views, follow us on Facebook.
We post the daily colors there.
It is like a little dose of peace for your feed.
Why Solo Travel Here is Different
I have been to a lot of places where being solo feels lonely.
Puerto Vallarta is not one of them.
You can be as social or as private as you want.
I love that I can have a nice dinner for one at a local spot and feel totally comfortable.
I love that I can hike the Sierra Madre trails and feel safe.
The jungle is so lush and green.
The air smells like damp earth and tropical flowers.
It is the perfect place to clear your head.
I highly recommend taking a day to just walk without a map.
Discover a new taco stand.
Find a hidden staircase that leads to a view.
Let the city guide you.
Your Personal Retreat
We started The PVGirl because we love this city.
We grew up here.
We want you to feel the same peace we feel.
Our condos are not just places to sleep.
They are our family's pride.
We take care of them because we want you to be happy.
When you book with us, you aren't just a guest.
You are part of our community.
We will show you the best quiet spots.
We will tell you where the best coffee is.
We are here to help you find your zen.
If you are feeling burnt out, come see us.
The ocean is waiting.
The mountains are calling.
And your quiet, colorful home is ready for you.
I promise you will leave feeling like a new person.
Puerto Vallarta has a way of fixing what is broken.
It is truly the best place for a solo getaway.
Highly recommended for anyone needing a reset!
See you in paradise.
Traveling solo doesn't mean you have to be alone. It means you get to choose your own path to peace. Whether you are stretching on the sand at dawn or watching the lights of the bay twinkle from your balcony at night, Puerto Vallarta offers a special kind of serenity. We invite you to stay with us and experience the authentic, local side of this beautiful city. Your zen is waiting right here in the heart of Mexico.
About the Author
