People, Puerto Vallarta, and Poker!

Have you ever stopped to consider what might happen if you gathered a bunch of awesome people together, many of whom share your passion for poker, and took them to a beautiful retreat for some rest and relaxation? What you might get is the conclusion of a one-year promotion by the Oasis Hotel and Casino in Mesquite, Nevada. Cardroom Manager Bob Davidson and General Manager Tony George have been on the cutting edge of what is happening in poker lately, and this promo only confirmed their dedication to poker.

Anyway, I am sitting in the airport gate area, awaiting my departing flight from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where I have just spent five great days with a group of 23 people who just wanted to have fun. When we first arrived at our 12-bedroom, 24,000-square-foot villa known as Quinta Del Mar, we joked about how this unlikely group of 23 people from all walks of life could survive the days and nights together. We envisioned that we would end up playing a game of Survivor of sorts, and vote out those who didn't fit in. The funny thing was that everyone fit in. Never have I been part of such a great group of people … and I hope to repeat that experience soon. How did all this come about? Let me explain.

During the past year, the Oasis held a special promotion in which its twice-weekly tournament winners were given points that could be used to compete in a freeroll tourney. Players earned extra starting chips for multiple wins. At the end of the year, 63 contestants competed, and everyone who made the final table was awarded an all-expense-paid trip for two to the luxurious Quinta Del Mar in Puerto Vallarta. These 10 finalists also played for an added $10,000 in prize money. The trip package was transferable, and I bought one from someone who couldn't make the trip. We couldn't have handpicked a nicer or more fun group to travel with. This great promotion kept the interest of the players, and the weekly tournaments grew in size as word-of-mouth about the promotion got others interested. Hint: Other cardrooms may want to try this promotion as something different for their players.

Upon arrival at the Puerto Vallarta airport, we were met by three drivers in huge Suburban-type vehicles and were driven to the villa, which overlooked beautiful Banderas Bay and provided a 270-degree view from many spots. The villa had 11 master suites and an owner's apartment. Since Don Busby, the owner of the villa, had also won a package, he stayed in his own apartment on the property; thus, the other suites were available for guests. The Oasis sent Barry Hill as a host, and we all drew names from a basket for our room assignments. Then, the staff delivered our luggage to our rooms; we didn't have to lift a finger. Each room was totally unique and different, so the luck of the draw was the fair way to determine room assignments. Some rooms had balconies overlooking the crashing waves far below, while others had three or four windows with a different vista from each. Some rooms had separate sitting areas and small kitchenettes, while others had outside entries that enabled you to sneak in and out without being noticed. Nearly all had a view of the breathtaking sunset each night, although seldom were we in our rooms at that time, as that typically was cocktail time before the gourmet feast each night. Each room came with complete maid service, and we were waited on and pampered throughout our stay. A staff of 10 cooked and cleaned for us, did our laundry, and catered to our every whim. Quoting Busby, when fondly speaking of his villa, "We are in the fun business!" And fun it surely was.

One night we had a Mexican fiesta complete with a live Mariachi band, where the staff danced and sang for us and then teased us with a piñata! I had never really witnessed a pinata done Mexican style (like, what other way would there be to do it?), but it was fun. With only the ladies participating, beginning with the youngest, we were blindfolded, given a stick, and pointed to the piñata. Then, we were spun around, and began swinging at the trophy. Of course, as soon as the swinger touched the piñata, it was moved, and again one was left swinging at air. The funniest part took place when guest Marilyn Selleck hit what she thought was the target. She swung and swung, but the only problem was that she was striking a beautiful houseplant. Hopefully, it will survive!

During our first full day in town, we were treated to a private beach party and barbecue. We played poker on the beach, swam, kayaked, socialized, and relaxed. The next day, many of us went ATVing. Mesquite local Bill Thomas came along "with us youngsters" and had one of the best days of his life. Some of the houseguests went deep-sea fishing, while others shopped or enjoyed a canopy tour. One night we held horse races with wooden horses advancing one tile at a time based on the roll of a die. There was a team fee to enter, and the winner got the lion's share of the money, with the last-place finisher getting his money back. The winners kindly donated their score to the villa's accommodating staff. The bar was open at all times and the drinks were plentiful, with piña coladas and margaritas being the drinks of choice. One night, around the dinner table, we each drew a number and, in order, got up and told the group a bit about ourselves. I was shocked and impressed to hear how many of these fine couples had been married 50 years or more, and still genuinely loved each other. I was the second-youngest person there, and hope to be as cool as these folks as I age. I learned a lot about what makes one cool. Many from the group live in the Mesquite or Overton area, with some from St. George or Beaver, Utah. I really enjoyed hanging out with these fine people, and very little poker was even discussed! Who said poker players are one-dimensional?

Our departure was set for a Friday, but Linda Johnson and I just couldn't bring ourselves to leave, so at the urging (it didn't take much!) of host Don, we changed our flight home and stayed two more days. We had the opportunity to move into another of Don's properties, a beachfront condo. What could be sweeter? It just kept getting better. We were even invited to a private poker game on our last day in Puerto Vallarta. It is a game that has existed for about 40 years, and was started by movie director John Huston. In fact, the game was played with the same chips, bearing his monogram on them. It was a very friendly dealer's choice game played eighthanded. The dealer anted 80 pesos (about $8) and then the game was no-limit, with an option to check the opening round! What a structure! The friendly locals and regulars who play in the game were kind enough to accommodate us and let us play, even though the seats were pretty well locked up. I hope someday to go back and play again.

I truly enjoyed the wonderful people and the peacefulness of Quinta Del Mar, and thank the Oasis for providing this unique opportunity to so many players.

There was not much schooling this time; it was more like spring break! Class dismissed.

Editor's note: To contact Jan, go to www.cardplayercruises.com.