Once upon a time, a beautiful princess met a handsome prince. They fell in love, he bought her a villa in Puerto Vallarta, and they lived happily on-and-off for a number of years. Ah, fairytales . . . and this one happened just a stone’s throw away from your Puerto Vallarta Vacation Rental.
Liz and Dick
No doubt you know the names of the folks involved: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Casa Kimberly. Many people who call Puerto Vallarta home hang on to fond memories of the golden couple’s sojourn in the city, because honestly, who doesn’t love a happy ending, no matter how briefly it lasts? (Actually, there was also a strong current of disapproval at the time, as their mutual admiration led to two divorces – four, if you count the two that they went through together.)
Miss Taylor met Mr. Burton when they starred together in the 1963 film, "Cleopatra," where sources say they created a scorching chemistry. Shortly thereafter, she joined him in Puerto Vallarta while he worked with director John Huston on "Night of the Iguana." And local history was made.
Million Candle Star Power
Some people say that one movie was the beginning of the big time for Puerto Vallarta, and there’s no question that the film’s star power lit up the local scene like a mini sun. When filming was finished and the crews headed north, the celebrity couple remained behind. He presented her with Casa Kimberly as a gift for her 32nd birthday, and soon, their equally brilliant Hollywood friends began trouping to town as guests at the villa.
Eventually, Richard Burton bought the villa across the street for himself; the couple built a pretty pink footbridge over the street to connect the two homes. When she sold her house in 1990, Miss Taylor left her personal belongings behind. Today, star gazers can take a tour of the villa to see how the rich and famous lived, back in the day.
Casa Kimberly is located at Calle Zaragoza 445, just a few blocks from Banderas Bay. Many visitors insist that it’s a "must see" for anyone staying in the city, so certainly stop by. Until very recently, you could take the tour and try to capture a sense of what it must have been like walking through the stars’ old digs. Today you’ll have to content yourself with a walk down the street where they lived . . . Then, rent a Taylor/Burton film or two, and kick back to watch in the comfort of your own fabulous Puerto Vallarta Vacation Rental.
The author specializes in writing travelogues, tour diaries and travel reports. He is a huge fan of Puerto Vallarta and all the city has to offer. For further information on Puerto Vallarta Villa Rental and Villa Puerto Vallarta and Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta please visit at www.villaencantada.com.
