Depends on how big you need...most of Amara's are 3 and 4 bedrooms...BVG has 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms. On same beach...same views...right across the street from the same Commercial Zone of Ixtapa.

OK, I own at the Amara and have stayed at the BVG.

Both are great and it may come down to size, price and availability.

Most of the units are 4 bedrooms at the Amara with very few being three. More choice at BVG for the smaller units.

Amenities are better at the BVG ie: tennis, gym and pool snack bar.

Both have very nice pools and great access to the commercial area restaurants and shopping.

The standard of fit and finish is very nice at both so it depends on what the owner has for amenities in their condo and what you want. I have seen some that are beautifully kitted out (read big bucks!) and some which are basic but still nice and serviceable.

Amara is well run / organized and when we stayed at the BVG (Dec 2006) it was a little hectic but the staff were really helpful and nice. Slight edge to the Amara here.

Overall they are both great places to stay. Make your best deal and enjoy Ixtapa!

Sikkensman, can you tell me a little more about the difference in the pool bar and snack bar? Does BVG have a larger selection or better food/drinks?

Also what about the atmosphere? Less kids at one that the other?

Thanks for any info - I'm looking at both of these and trying to find the best fit for us.

I only have experience at BVG. There were some kids but not a ton. There were my two little ones, and some mexican families on vacation. All kids there were disciplined and not screaming and making fools of themselves. The pool areas each had a snack bar but only one side was open at the time as it was pretty calm. The food and drinks were VERY cheap. Chicken nuggets and fries were like $2.75 us. The most expensive thing was a carne asada plate which was good and maybe $7 or so. Drinks were equally as cheap. They had 3-4 computers withy free access in a small business center which was nice. I think we were there in july. If you have small kids consider a ground floor Villa. No balcony to fall off of, and private dipping pool and small whirlpool tub. I think ours was unit 110344 from vrbo. Staff was friendly but pool security was a bit up tight which is either good or bad depending how you look at it. Id go back in a heartbeat.

BTW in case it wasn't clear pool food was dogs, burgers and small mexican plates etc. No real full gourmet meals at all. Tons of good full meals are 100-300 yards away across the street. It was a full bar though.

The pool food at the BVG was really good and cheap! Just the usual fast food stuff with some Mexican specialties but we really enjoyed the convenience of it. Good drinks at the Amara but that’s about it. There are lots of great places to eat across the street as well.

The BVG is a lot larger complex so the chances are you'll see more kids. We have had no problem with children at either spot. Everyone we have met or seen has been reasonably well behaved. It also depends on when you go. Christmas will be lots of kids everywhere!

Both places are really ideal for larger groups but the BVG allows you to rent a smaller condo and save significantly if you only need say two bedrooms but get the same great amenities. We liked the configuration of the larger Amara units better. We used the gym and tennis courts at the BVG regularly and found it to be a real bonus. One golf course is only a 5 minute walk from the BVG as well.

One point I should mention thing is that the Amara has clear glass balconies and the BVG has traditional style (wrought iron I think). If you have an issue with heights, then the Amara can be somewhat disconcerting at the beginning, especially on the higher floors.(still is for me at times) It is not a safety issue, as both are equally safe, but I preferred the BVG.

Been trying to think of a real “tie breaker “for you, but they’re both excellent resorts.

I would go back the BVG in a heartbeat but just happen to own at the Amara.

Couple of other things: the Amara has wireless internet access so if you bring a laptop you can stay connected and I remember the BVG having a small business center to check emails with wireless available also in the common area on ground level. The BVG had people to help you loading and unloading luggage and groceries (not sure now) and the Amara does not. They also had an inhouse massage therapist at the BVG by the gym.

Thanks for the info. I am curious though, if you liked BVG so well, why did you buy at Amara? Maybe price?

The snack bars at BVG sound good, not looking for anything fancy, just something to tide us over til dinner and not pull us away from the pool! So did Amara not have much or any food? We may end up there as most of the units at BVG are already taken for our time frame. Wish I had discovered these condos months ago!

Amara has any food that you want...it is ordered and just comes from the Krystal Hotel kitchen...and at owners rates...as are the drinks at the Amara. You can order fancy, or simple...and it is delivered by the pool for sun/fun eating...or you can eat it in your condo.

I will confirm the exact food situation at the Amara for you as I'm not sure they even allow food around the pool.

Price was actually our last concern in purchasing, as the prices per square meter were really close. We just really liked the configuration of the four bedroom Amara condos best. They are also little more private with the three towers and two units to a floor.

One way or the other you won’t be disappointed.

One more thing if you rent in the Amara the first two towers (A&B) have the best views. We are in tower C so I’m not playing favorites! :)