The Treasure Chest Bench

For many people, Puerto Vallarta and the vast blue waters of Banderas Bay are about as idyllic as they come. But legend has it that in the 16th century, the entire area was plagued by pirates who would storm the beaches, rape and pillage, bury their treasure, and set out to sea again. 

There are a few different theories on why Playa los Muertos (Beach of the Dead) is named what it is, but many believe that the name comes from the death and destruction the pirates caused. The story goes that skeletons were unearthed when they were building the first beachfront hotels, where many of us now hang out on weekends, soaking up the rays and spending quality time with loved ones.

To be sure, pirates aren’t the most savory characters. But their presence in Banderas Bay and the legends surrounding them are quite an interesting part of Vallarta’s story, so that’s why Tiffani chose this motif for her family’s bench.

Longest Project Ever

The Tile Park project is an integral part of Vallarta’s story too, and for that reason Tiffani knew she needed to be a part of it. She first discovered it about 6 years ago, on a scouting mission to purchase a home for their retirement years. The project had barely gotten going, but she could see the potential already and couldn’t wait for her family to have their part in it. 

But wait they would! This bench might actually hold the record for Longest Time Taken, coming in at around 3 years as opposed to 3 days. They had just gotten going on it, completing the back and top portions, when the pandemic hit and they were forced to go home to Oregon. It sat like that for 2 years, and was finally completed during the 2021-22 season.

But Tiffani knows good things are worth the wait. She even waited for her dream place to retire, until she found the one that checks all the boxes: mountains and rivers to nurture her Pacific Northwest soul, an outstanding food scene to rival any big city, and a sweet vibe to the people and local culture. 

She and her husband Mark started at the south end of Mexico, working their way up the coast, stopping in every beach town along the way, looking for The One. They finally found it in Vallarta, and this year Tiffani moved down full time. They still own a business in the US, but Mark will follow her to Vallarta permanently next season, where they will officially retire together in the land of tacos, amigos, natural beauty, and pirate’s booty.

Yar.

About The Plaques

The big plaque says Treasure Family, a reminder to all who visit that it’s so important to treasure your family. Tiffani jokes that some people think that’s their last name… Treasure… in fact Nat and the crew even nicknamed her Tesorita, which means “treasure” in Spanish.

The other two plaques are dedicated to Tiffani’s own treasured family: she and Mark have one, and their two kids got the other.

Interested in checking it out in person? Find the treasure chest bench near the gazebo at the center of the park.