Garza Blanca Signature Residences is pleased and very grateful to report that the city of
It would seem that the mountains which envelop the bay once again protected the area from the potentially catastrophic effects of the category 5 hurricane.
Category 5 Hurricane Patricia
Hurricane Patricia has been classified as one of the most intense storms to have ever made landfall in the Americas, with wind speeds of over 200 miles per hour and one of the lowest ever recorded pressures. As such, its potential landfall in or very near to Banderas Bay was met with a lot of apprehension and well organized precautionary procedures. In preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Patricia, Puerto Vallarta was issued with a curfew from 2pm on Friday October 23rd prior to the predicted time of landfall and Garza Blanca carried out its own hurricane protection procedures for guests and residents who had chosen not to evacuate.
Fortunately for Banderas Bay, Hurricane Patricia’s trajectory took a turn, making landfall more than 150 miles south in a relatively unpopulated area (although there are many communities in need of intensive help for the clean up operation). It didn’t take long for the category 5 hurricane to lose intensity, degrading to a category 1 hurricane within hours as it hit land and passed through the Sierra Madre Mountains. Surrounded by mountains, Banderas Bay was sheltered greatly from the potential force of this meteorological phenomenon and experienced only rain with very little wind.
Garza Blanca a Safe Haven
Meanwhile, despite the fact that Garza Blanca’s residences are all built according to the toughest hurricane regulations, Garza Blanca took the safety of its residents and guests very seriously, putting into action its emergency procedures. As such residents and guests were invited to take shelter together in the Red Room conference venue, where they were kept comfortable with food and beverages by a team of loyal staff.
This is what Garza Blanca Residence Club member, Steven Kinzie had to say: “The hotel did an excellent job of letting everybody know about what might happen, and then they prepared everybody and prepared the evacuation rooms. The hotel boarded everything up and got us ready to go.”
The activities team also kept morale high with some distractions including movies and activities for kids while tensions ran high waiting for the arrival of Hurricane Patricia.
By around 6:30pm it was clear that Hurricane Patricia was not going to make landfall anywhere near Puerto Vallarta and the atmosphere relaxed until finally the all clear was given for guests to return to their suites around 8pm. Everyone was escorted to their rooms, protected from the rain, in an orderly fashion so that no one slipped in the wet conditions. Thankfully, all residents and guests slept safely and comfortably in their own rooms just hours after Hurricane Patricia had passed.
“It is an honor to be part of such a dedicated team that held everything together in order to safeguard our guests and still provide the quality service that we are known for in what could have been a highly unfavorable situation,” shares Carlos Aquino, Tafer Hotels and Resorts’ Vice President of Hospitality, “the contentment and safety of our guests would not have been possible without the commitment and loyalty of our team members.”
Throughout the evening into the night, once guests were safety in their suites, the Garza Blanca team continued to restore the resort back to its usual elegance. The artworks that had be stored for safety were returned, public and pool areas were arranged with loungers once more and the team prepared to deliver five-star luxury. By Saturday afternoon, less than 24 hours after Hurricane Patricia, Garza Blanca and all its facilities were functioning as normal to provide inspiring experiences at the beach in Puerto Vallarta.
It is worth noting that the area of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay is not a major target for hurricanes as the mountains form a strong protection from the destructive forces of hurricane winds. Nevertheless, precautions are necessary and we should never underestimate the powerful forces of nature.