With its expanse of pristine beach, lush grounds, stunning rooms, and welcoming vibe, Velas Vallarta offers a slice of idyllic heaven along Puerto Vallarta’s beachfront.
The all-inclusive, family-friendly resort spans 10 lush acres on the glistening emerald waters of Banderas Bay.
The moment you step into the lobby, you feel at home. You are greeted with warm smiles, and the staff is ready to make your stay as perfect as possible. In fact, while the resort and its amenities are stunning, it is the genuine warmth and solicitation of those who work here that makes a visit beyond exceptional.
The Rooms
Velas Vallarta features 345 suites, each with sleeping, dining (including a full kitchen), and living spaces. The options include everything from a studio to various configurations of bedrooms up to the four-bedroom Presidential Suite, making it easy to find the perfect configuration for almost any size group or family.
My suite included three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large terrace that overlooked the resort’s three pools and ocean and which had its own Jacuzzi and lounge chairs.
Things to Do
While I could have stayed on my private balcony all day, the beautiful grounds of the resort—complete with a koi river and the thatched-roof swim-up pool bar beckoned. From the lounge chairs around the pool—and the pool itself—you could look out over the beach and waters of the Mexican Riviera.
Guests here could choose to relax, eat and drink (waiters were constantly checking in to see if I’d like anything and everything is included), or take part in activities such as aqua aerobics.
There were also cabanas on the beach, beach volleyball games, guided walks, painting classes, and yoga on the nearby jetty.
Speaking of the jetty, one of my most wonderful experiences was visiting the spa. While guests can experience a treatment in the spa’s physical location, there were also spa cabanas on the jetty, which is where I had a massage, set against a backdrop of the sounds of the water and a sweet breeze.
There are also activities for children, live entertainment shows, and even casino and karaoke nights.
I was there during a casino night, and I participated, along with many of the other guests. Gaming tables were set out around the lobby, and we were all given play money to participate with.
The property also has several stores to wander through, a kids’ club, and golf can be arranged at the three championship-level 18-hole courses located within walking distance of the resort. (Note that some activities, such as spa treatments and golf, are separate fees.)
Dining
Velas Vallarta features several restaurants around its property.
Most days, I stopped by La Ribera Restaurant, the resort’s serene oceanfront restaurant, for breakfast and lunch. Its Andrea Restaurant was being renovated when I visited; however, I peeked inside and it looked stunning.
One night, I participated in the Mexican Fiesta, which is offered every Sunday and includes a buffet of Mexican buffet specialties and entertainment from a mariachi band and Mexican folk dancers.
A seasonal restaurant is also set to open soon.
As part of its all-inclusive amenities, suite service is also available around the clock.
Special Experiences
The unique destination is also a favorite for special events, from meetings to weddings. And those who work at the resort make it their mission to make each event—just like they make each experience—unforgettable.
Even those just visiting for a trip can book special experiences—for example, one night, I enjoyed a special private dinner with my husband in an open tepee on a secluded lawn. They arranged the multi-course dinner, which was served by a dedicated team and included a visit from the chef.
Eco-Friendly
Not only is Velas Vallarta good for its guests, but it’s good for the environment.
It is a leader among green hotels in Puerto Vallarta and holds many prestigious environmental awards. It utilizes the sun’s energy, biodegradable cleaning products, and creative composting and irrigation practices.
They also employ falconry—a trainer would wander the property and pool area with a bird on his glove—as a non-lethal way to scare away nuisance birds, which was a unique thing to see and learn about.
The day I had to leave, I truly felt like I was leaving my new home. The staff knew me by name, and I’d thoroughly enjoyed my stay. It could easily be my home away from home.
VelasVallarta.com