When Agave Villas was founded in 2014, it was started from a passion to share Mexico, this diverse and incredible country that we love and call home. We believe that Mexico is a place that should be visited by everyone. It's a place of color, flavor, hospitality, music, art, beauty, culture, and kindness. Mexico is not just a place to go for a vacation; it is a place to be experienced.
Because we believe that our clients' vacation and time with their loved ones is valuable and they deserve the very best experience possible, we have become experts in all of our Mexican destinations and have hand-selected every villa in our collection. We believe that renting a Mexican villa is more than just about privacy, personalized service, comfort, or ease; it is about taking time to spend with family and friends and experiencing memories that will last for a lifetime.
Owners Larissa Magee, Stephanie Watts and Diandra Berman have a combined 50+ years of experience working in the luxury hospitality industry and are joined by a team of dedicated and knowledgeable rental agents, concierges and villa staff who share their values and passion for what they do. We are dedicated to creating the perfect vacation experience for our clients through our first-hand knowledge of all of our destinations and our luxury villa collection throughout Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita, Los Cabos and the Riviera Maya. We can't wait to welcome you and watch you fall in love with Mexico like we have.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada.
Where else have you lived in between?
I've lived for several years in some great places before settling down to call Puerto Vallarta home. I moved to Peterborough, Ontario for university and then
spent several years in Vancouver, Whistler and Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.
When did you move to Puerto Vallarta?
I moved first to Punta Mita in August 2011 and ran a boutique surf hotel there for 3 years before moving to Puerto Vallarta, which is where I now call home.
Why did you move here?
It had always been a dream of mine to live in Mexico. In the spring of 2011, I was living in Costa Rica when a friend of mine from Puerto Vallarta sent me a message telling
me about a small beach hotel that was looking for a manager in Punta Mita. I knew Vallarta well, having spent many vacations as a kid here, but I'd never even heard of Punta Mita. I toured the town using Google maps
before making the decision to take the job and moved there sight-unseen.
What's your favorite recommendation for visitors?
I love doing the coastal hike from Boca de Tomatlan along the south shore. There are so many great spots to stop along the way. The first beach
you hit is called Playa Colomitos where the fantastic Ocean Grill restaurant is located. Further along is Playa Maraika which has a funky little beach club. The furthest point is Playa
Las Animas which is lined with great seafood restaurants...my favorite is El Coral, right beside the pier which has the most incredible tuna tartare.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Hampstead, Maryland, a suburb of Baltimore. My entire family still lives in that area, so I visit a couple of times a year to see them and hit at least
one Ravens game a year.
Where else have you lived in between?
I lived in Elizabethtown, PA for 4 years while attending college. After college, I moved to Park City, Utah where I learned that it was possible to support myself
and constantly feel like I was on vacation.
When did you move to Puerto Vallarta?
We sold pretty much everything we owned and moved to Puerto Vallarta in September 2010.
Why did you move here?
My husband & I vacationed in Puerto Vallarta several times when we were dating. We decided to get married here and had a destination wedding at Villa Estrella Mar in the fall of 2009 with 50 close friends and family members. It was such an amazing time that we moved here less than a year later. We now own Puerto Vallarta's first microbrewery, Los Muertos Brewing Company, and
are parents to 2 "kids," Mancha and Pepperoni, a dog and a cat, both local rescues.
What's your favorite recommendation for visitors?
If you are a foodie or a first-timer to Puerto Vallarta, take a food tour on one of your first days in town. It is a walking tour of downtown, which
is a great way to learn your way around. Plus, you can try all types of Mexican cuisine and learn about the history of the area. Otherwise, my suggestion is to rent a private yacht to enjoy the beauty of the Banderas
Bay. Whether that is whale-watching in the morning or a sunset cruise with champagne and cocktails, you won't be disappointed.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. We spoke 3 languages at home because my father is of European descent and my mother was born and raised in Mexico City. Growing up in
such a multicultural city was a blessing and has given me a deep appreciation for the different languages, cultures and cuisines of the world.
What do you love most about Mexico?
It’s a tie between the food and the people. Mexico is known for its outstanding customer service and for its incredibly diverse and delicious cuisine, and the two
combined are a winning combination that is unmatched anywhere else I’ve travelled.
What’s your favorite thing to do while on vacation in Mexico?
I love to get out on the water. I will take any chance I get to see whales, dolphins or just enjoy the beautiful coastline views from the
ocean. A sunset cruise is always a good idea!
What’s your favorite recommendation for visitors?
To try the local cuisine. Our destinations have no shortage of high end restaurants and incredible gastronomic experiences, but I strongly believe that
everyone who visits should experience authentic Mexican food. Typically I would recommend a fresh seafood ceviche or aguachile, or street tacos - either way you cannot go wrong!
What do you love most about what you do?
Helping people fall in love with Mexico. Mexico is a country that is unparalleled and is simply incomparable; from the food, the culture, the history, the natural
beauty and the diverse landscape. I love helping repeat visitors, however what’s most exciting to me is helping someone plan their first trip to Mexico because I just know they are going to fall in love with the endless
beauty that the country has to offer!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Pennsylvania.
When did you move to Puerto Vallarta?
I made my move to Vallarta in 2011 and haven't once considered leaving!
Why did you move here?
I'll try to summarize and contain my excitement in my answer! From the time I was a little girl, it was in my mind. Mexico is so endearing through its people, culture, landscape
and food! Vallarta is a very international city that still holds a lovely old town charm. I sold almost everything I owned... aside from my tools and my cat. Then loaded up some duffel bags and said "Adios" to my northern
life
What's your favorite recommendation for visitors?
Not to sound repetitive of my team, but the south beaches are my favorite. I enjoy the slightly more rustic and laid back small communities all along
the way. Whether you go by car, panga, or hike, it's always a good time in my book. Though, for first timers I more so recommend getting to know Puerto Vallarta! There is so much to see and do in our city. Walking around
downtown and cruising the Malecon (boardwalk) is an absolute must and can easily occupy a week in our paradise. Eat, drink and be merry.
