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.

Meet the Agave Villas Team

Larissa Magee, COO at Agave Villas

Larissa Magee

Owner - Chief Operating Officer
  • 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 Colomit​o​s 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.

Stephanie Watts, CFO at Agave Villas

STEPHANIE WATTS

Owner - Chief Financial Officer
  • 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.

Diandra Berman, Director of Business Development at Agave Villas

Diandra Berman Gomez Farias

Owner - Director of Business Development
  • 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!

Carla Duell, Concierge at Agave Villas

Carla Duell

Concierge - Puerto Vallarta
  • 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.

Alejandro Estrada, Concierge at Agave Villas

Alejandro Estrada

Concierge - Puerto Vallarta
  • Where did you grow up?
    I am fortunate to have been born in this incredible town that I can call home, Puerto Vallarta. I grew up in a neighborhood near the beach, so I lived in a perpetual summer, which was basically walking after crabs, playing with the waves of the sea and going to the rivers. My childhood was marked by nature and for that I am entirely grateful.
  • What are some of the things you enjoy doing in PV in your free time?
    Vallarta, although it is a small town, has abundant gastronomic offerings. There are always new places to discover. Going out to dinner is one of the things that I enjoy the most in my free time, also being able to go for a run on the Malecon in Vallarta at sunset, enjoying the view of the sea and its mountains.
  • What do you love most about being a concierge?
    I personally love to talk to and meet new people. The best part of my job is that no day is ever the same. Every single group is different and represents a unique challenge making my job a great fulfilling experience, but the thing I love the most about being a concierge is the spirit of service and the retribution of knowing that our guests had an amazing experience with the service at Agave Villas.
  • What's your favorite recommendation for visitors?
    It is discovering Vallarta as a local, walking and getting to know its historic center, going to dinner and trying its exquisite cuisine.
Laura Aranda, Villa Specialist at Agave Villas

Laura Aranda

Villa Specialist
  • Where did you grow up?
    I was born in Mexico City but moved to Puerto Vallarta when I was 7. My grandparents traveled here from Mexico City in the 1950s to celebrate their honeymoon, fell in love with the city and never left. They actually founded one of the first travel agencies in PV and the first newspaper. My grandpa used to be best friends with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. I've lived in other cities but my hometown will forever be Vallarta.
  • What are some of the things you enjoy doing in PV in your free time?
    I love exercising, mostly yoga and crossfit. I am a certified 500 RYT and spent a year in India doing my teacher training. I love going on hikes, one of my favorites and one that I always recommend is the hike from La Boca to Las Animas beach. Traveling! I really enjoy getting to know a place for the first time and meeting new people from all over the world. And honestly, I also enjoy just lying on a couch at home with a cup of coffee and my favorite book or movie.
  • What's your favorite recommendation for visitors?
    Going out to eat at restaurants, Puerto Vallarta has amazing gastronomy and lots of options. If you like to eat, this is the place for you. My favorites are La Palapa and Cha for breakfast, Maria Baja for lunch if you enjoy fish tacos! They are absolutely amazing. Salud if you are vegan or vegetarian at the Romantic Zone. And for dinner Barcelona Tapas, Archie's Wok, Pal Mar or Joe Jack's.
    Also, whale watching, if you are here during whale season, you have to go! It's beautiful to watch.
  • What do you love most about being a Villa Specialist?
    I love being able to help people plan their vacations and create lifelong memories with their friends and family.
    I love that every day I get to talk to different people from different places that share my same passion for traveling and being creative in order to provide travelers with amazing experiences.
Diana Rubio, Villa Specialist at Agave Villas

Diana Rubio

Villa Specialist
  • Where did you grow up?
    I was born and raised here in Puerto Vallarta and I don't see myself living in another place. I love it here!
  • What are some of the things you enjoy doing in PV in your free time?
    I really enjoy swimming in the ocean, I also enjoy walking along the Malecon while eating a delicious oreo ice cream, going camping or getting to know cute little towns, and last but not least, enjoying all of the really good restaurants we have in Vallarta.
  • What do you love most about being a Villa Specialist?
    I love knowing that I have the trust of the client to help them plan an unforgettable vacation so they can spend quality time with their family and friends. I love knowing how happy they are when they return home and knowing that I was a little part of that happiness.
  • What is your favorite recommendation for visitors?
    There are many, but to mention a few I would say take a walk along the Malecon to enjoy the sunset, take a tour to go zip lining surrounded by our tropical mountains, take a boat ride to Las Animas beach and enjoy a swim in crystal clear water and of course try the great seafood (if you are more adventurous, there is a trail to hike from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas beach). Last but not least, enjoy our really good restaurants, a must try are the tacos al pastor from "Pancho's Takos".
Susana Padilla, Villa Specialist at Agave Villas

Susana Padilla

Villa Specialist
  • Where did you grow up?
    I was born and raised in the beautiful town of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, my parents met here in the 80s. My fondest childhood memories revolve around playing on its local beaches and rivers, as well as my parents taking me on plentiful excursions to nearby towns and road trips around the country. After taking some time to discover other shores, among other things, through years living in Mexico City and some shorter stints in Europe and South East Asia, I am now back in this place I call home.
  • What are some of the things you enjoy doing in PV in your free time?
    My passion for helping others discover the region's bountiful beauty through the eyes of a local isn't solely limited to my day job: I love hosting friends and taking them around the Banderas Bay beaches, towns, outdoor excursions, and getting them to enjoy local culinary dishes like shrimp grilled tacos (my favorite!). I also like to keep active by taking my dogs on long walks along the Malecon and going on regular runs. Traveling and discovering new places and cultures is another of my passions, immersing myself in the local life and always making good new friends.
  • What's your favorite recommendation for visitors?
    I would always recommend visitors to explore the area by boat, it truly is the best way to take in as much of the natural beauty this region is so rich in. One specific recommendation I have is to set sail towards our secluded southern beaches, hidden gems between the mountains and ocean. If you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a majestic humpback whale! If not in the season however I promise the breathtaking sunsets won't disappoint. We "Patas Saladas" (read: locals) enjoy the simple delights of our town: a golden sunset and a seafood dinner while being surrounded by friends and loved ones.
  • What do you love most about being a Villa Specialist?
    I've always enjoyed speaking with people from all over the world, sharing their cultural backgrounds and love for traveling. I love that as a villa specialist, I get to be in touch with people who want to experience a lifelong memory on the coasts of beautiful Mexico by helping them to plan their dream vacation, matching them with the perfect villa and the right destination. I love that they always leave with a feeling of already wanting to come back.
Briana Berman

BRIANA BERMAN

Listing Coordinator and Administrative Assistant
  • Where did you grow up?
    I grew up in Montreal, Canada.
  • What do you love most about Mexico?
    What I love most about Mexico has always been the people, the hospitality and the customer service!
  • What's your favorite recommendation for visitors?
    I always recommend for people to try and see the side of Mexico that the locals know, as it has all the best things and hidden gems that aren't so mainstream.
  • What's your favorite thing about working for Agave Villas?
    My favorite thing about working for Agave Villas is that everyone is so nice and like a little extended family.

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