Photo of the day – Flying Mariachi band


Last week, Virgin America launched new flights from San Francisco to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. What better way to get into the espíritu than with a Mariachi band? Frommers editor and Flickr user DavityDave was on board to get this shot and taste some Mexican goodies. We wonder if the band had to purchase an additional seat for their guitars or if they could just fit them in the overhead bin. Did they perform the safety demo too?

Have you ever flown on an inaugural flight? Seen anything else fun on a plane? Add your best shots to the Gadling Flickr pool and we may use it for a future Photo of the Day.

Daily Pampering: “Primera clase” in Puerto Vallarta


“Primera clase” refers to the first-class experience you’ll have in the brand new penthouses at Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa (above).

Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa is located on the famously pristine Garza Blanca Preserve, where celebs like Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Fonda have frolicked (probably not together, but who knows?). The excitement of Puerto Vallarta is just minutes away, making the serenity of the resort feel all the more exclusive. The resort just opened in December, 2009, so each 3,700 square foot penthouse is equipped with all-new amenities including private terraces and spacious whirlpool jacuzzis. Guests of the penthouses are furnished with a private gourmet chef, a personal assistant and a private elevator. Simple decadence, no tricks.

A night in a penthouse at this privately-owned property starts at $1,195. Visit the website for more information.

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

Daily Pampering: Welcome massages in Puerto Vallarta


Villa Premiere Hotel & Spa
, a luxury boutique hotel in the paradise that is Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is offering a few extra free perks to make their property stand out from the crowd. Our favorite? Complimentary welcome massages.

“Getting to paradise for a vacation can often be long and frustrating,” says a rep for the hotel. That’s why when you arrive, they hand you a welcome cocktail and give you a a relaxing anti-stress hand and neck massage. Then, you choose what kind of pillows you’d like in your room and decide whether or not you’d like butler service. The butlers will do everything from unpacking and ironing your clothes to making your dinner reservations and bringing you your morning coffee — just be sure to tip them well.

Complimentary yoga and meditation classes take place all year on the beach, so if you find yourself having a difficult time unwinding (it’s hard to let go of the stress of the work you did to get to your vacation), there’s help.

The AAA Four Diamond, Bahia de Banderas beachfront Villa Premiere Hotel & Spa has 83 elegantly appointed rooms and suites with Mexican art and furnishings, private terraces, generously sized whirlpool tubs and superb ocean views. Rates start at $270 (based on double occupancy). Click here to book.

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.