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The Inn of the GataGorda (named after our fat cat, Whiskey) spends its long tropical days lazing in the sun, peeking playfully down from its perch above the small fishing village of San Pancho. A gated compound with beautifully landscaped gardens reflecting the colors of each Mexican season, the San Pancho Inn’s centerpiece is its ample pool. With its cool ice blue tiles,soothing waterfall, and an underwater bench for reading and sunning on hot afternoons, the pool offers 360-degree mountain and ocean views of San Pancho. The jewel of the Riviera Nayarit, San Pancho, just 25 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, has become the destination of choice along Mexico's glorious west coast.

Our three casitas, Agave, Nopal, Los Pajaros, and the owner's suite, Villa V!, have much in common: large, airy rooms, Mexican tiles, comfortable beds, fully-stocked kitchens, breezy arches, hand-carved and painted furniture, original artwork, a collection of crafts from around the country and mountain, jungle and ocean views. Still, each has its own tasty flavor.

The Casita Nopal has a king size bed and is distinguished by its hanging garden, a lovely place to eat breakfast or share Marguerites while hummingbirds dip their tiny beaks into the brilliant flowers that spill over the wall to the street below.

Casita Agave has a king size bed, and a comfortable banco that doubles as a bed. It is enhanced by two additional spaces -- a front porch that overlooks both our gardens and cascade pool, and an impressive verandah where guests enjoy sweeping 180 degree views of pueblo, sea and mountain.

Villa Victoria, the owner’s suite and lovely lower half of the Inn, is a stunning open plan hacienda-style living space with a full kitchen, sala, library, verandah, king size bedroom, and a “secret” garden. Two banco/sofas – one in the sala, the other on the broad covered verandah -- double as single beds. Richly furnished, surrounded by flowers, steps from the pool, Villa V! is more than a rental, it’s a home.

The GataGorda's latest addition is the enchanting Casita Los Pajaros (The Bird House), a cozy cottage built just for two. Pajaros is an idyllic blend of Mexican elements with wrap-around windows, a beautiful palapa roof, handmade tiles, queen bed and shipshape built-ins.