Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Virgin America, the award-winning California-based airline, took its low-fare, upscale flights south of the border on Friday with the launch of its newest Mexican destinations – with five nonstop flights a week from the airline's home base of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR).

The PVR destination offers travelers easy access to both Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit - two of Mexico's top resort destinations. Puerto Vallarta was recently voted best Mexican vacation destination by U.S. News & World, and its northern neighbor Riviera Nayarit was named the newest global celebrity "hot spot" by Harper's Bazaar magazine.

To kick-off the airline's new service, Virgin America hosted a gate-side fiesta at SFO for its inaugural flight guests, complete with margaritas and Mariachi band.

"We continue to see strong demand for Mexico travel and we're pleased to launch new service to these historic and world-class destinations. With unrivalled service and amenities, we hope that our new flights will allow travelers to kick off their Mexican vacations in style – from the minute they step onboard one of our aircraft," said David Cush, President and Chief Executive Officer of Virgin America.

Joining the first commercial guests onboard Virgin America's inaugural flight to PVR were finalists of Virgin America's Viva la Vacacion Video Challenge powered by Squabbler, who faced off online with 30 second videos sharing their "best, boldest or most bizarre vacation stories."

The social media-driven video challenge attracted submissions from those acting out their most entertaining vacation memories, in order to compete for the ultimate getaway. The finalists scored a spot on the inaugural PVR flight and a luxury hotel stay. The grand prize winner will also have their vacation tale immortalized: as a video on the Red™ in-flight entertainment system onboard Virgin America fleetwide.

Upon touchdown, many of the invited guests onboard Virgin America's first flight to PVR enjoyed first class treatment at the Marival Residences & World Spa (an all inclusive luxury hotel located in Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit) and the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa (a 4 Diamond luxury resort located in the exclusive Marina Vallarta area.)

"Virgin America offers guests an unparalleled flying experience, just as Puerto Vallarta offers visitors a vacation unlike any other," said Salvador Gonzalez Resendiz, Mayor of Puerto Vallarta. "Puerto Vallarta is the perfect location for their newest warm-weather destination. We look forward to complementing Virgin America's excellent service."

Located on the Pacific Coast where the states of Jalisco and Nayarit meet, Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's hottest destinations with a rich cultural tradition, a historic cobblestone downtown, family-friendly attractions and world-class resorts. Puerto Vallarta was named "Friendliest City" by Conde Nast Traveler – and it is estimated that over three million travelers visit annually.

Nearby Riviera Nayarit, Mexico's in vogue destination, stretches along 192 miles of Pacific coast framed by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains just ten minutes north of PVR. The region extends along the entire coast of the Pacific state of Nayarit and includes the resorts of Nuevo Vallarta in Banderas Bay, the historic colonial town of San Blas, exclusive Punta Mita, picturesque fishing villages and one of California's favorites: the surfing village of Sayulita.

"We are thrilled to welcome the new Virgin America flights from San Francisco," said Marc Murphy, Director of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Guests of Riviera Nayarit will discover and enjoy a unique vacation experience complemented by pristine beaches, luxurious accommodations and outstanding service."

SFO-PVR fares start from $119 USD (restrictions, taxes and fees apply). Tickets are available for purchase at VirginAmerica.com and at 1.877.FLY.VIRGIN (1.877.359.8474).

The carrier's new PVR schedule will operate daily except for Mondays and Thursdays. Connecting flights are also available from PVR to Seattle Tacoma International Airport.