I'm sharing this review to convey my recent experience during my trip to Puerto Vallarta. Having frequented Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta and indulged in various activities offered by Vallarta Adventure for over two decades, from whale watching to zip-lining to dinner and shows at Las Caletas, I must commend the local staff for their hard work in ensuring we have unforgettable experiences.
However, I couldn't help but notice something peculiar, unlike anything I've encountered in other countries I've visited. The majority of the music played, even during the shows at the boats, had little to do with the local culture. Instead, the DJs and show hosts seemed to exclusively play American music mostly classics from the seventies and eighties. While I appreciate American music, I believe that when traveling, it's essential to immerse oneself in the local culture. Just as I enjoy listening to Italian music in Italy or Hawaiian tunes in Hawaii, I expected to hear more Latin or Spanish songs in Mexico.
I couldn't help but notice a recurring theme in the music selection. I heard "Sweet Caroline" a staggering 12 times, followed closely by "YMCA" with 9 repetitions, and "Cha Cha Slide" playing 8 times. Surprisingly, there was a notable absence of Latin or Spanish songs in the rotation. This repetitive playlist of American classics seemed to dominate the atmosphere, leaving little room for the rich local music culture to shine through.
During one of my evenings at night club "Kapon", I kindly requested the DJ to play some local music, but my request was met with resistance. Despite persistently asking and offering a generous tip, he reluctantly played a couple of songs before reverting to the same old playlist. Similarly, during a sea safari adventure, I inquired with our tour guide about the lack of local music, only to be told a surprising revelation. Apparently, the staff would love to play their own music, but they are restricted by management directives to stick to a predetermined playlist.
In conclusion, I urge fellow travelers visiting Mexico to respectfully request that hotels and resorts embrace and showcase the local culture through music. Let's allow the local staff to share their vibrant culture with us while they serve us.
Thank you.