Beach bum on Puerta Vallarta's palm-fringed beaches

Once a quaint fishing village, Puerto Vallarta is now a world-class holiday destination that has lost little of its "Old Mexico" charm.

Backed by lush mountains, the town itself boasts white-washed houses, palm-fringed beaches, a modern marina and diverse shopping, dining and clubbing opportunities.

Dolphin and whale-watching is a favourite activity and the bay hosts the usual smorgasbord of water sports, including surfing, parasailing, scuba diving, fishing, snorkelling and windsurfing.