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Mexico is unquestionably home to a fair number of luxury all-inclusive resorts. Then there’s Velas Resorts, which in my view, is in a class by itself and can compete head-to-head with some of the finest European Plan luxury properties.
This is something I can attest to, having spent two nights each at Casa Velas, an 80-suite, adults-only boutique property in Puerto Vallarta, and the 267-suite Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, which caters to virtually all types of travelers.
What the resorts share is superlative service and cuisine, stunning accommodations and one-of-a-kind activities.
Casa Velas. (Source: Claudette Covey)
Casa Velas
The resort is set on lush, manicured grounds adjoining the 18-hole Marina Vallarta Golf Course. In all, it has six categories of suites, some of which are equipped with pools and Jacuzzis. Accommodations range from 463-square-foot Master Suites to 614-square-foot Master Suites Plus to the 5,564-square-foot Presidential Suite.
A bedroom in a Casa Velas suite. (Source: Claudette Covey)
The tranquil resort boasts two onsite dining options, in addition to room service. The main restaurant, Emiliano, features a mix of Mexican and international options and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can dine indoors or outdoors in an area encircled by picturesque koi ponds.
During the day, they can dine by the pool, which has a swim-up bar, by ordering from the Aqua Bar menu, which offers delectable tacos, burritos, ceviche and more.
Guests also have access to the nearby Táu Beach Club on Banderas Bay, which is just a five-minute drive away via complimentary shuttle service. They are privy to the club’s bar and restaurant, Bali Beds, lounge chairs, bathrooms, showers and changing room – and it’s all included the Casa Velas price tag.
Casa Velas is also home to the ABJA Spa, which was awarded with four stars from “Forbes Travel Guide” for six consecutive years.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
The resort is equipped with 12 incredibly spacious ocean-view suite categories, ranging from the 1,000-square-foot Master/Parlor Pool View Suite to the 3,796-square-foot, three bedroom Presidential Suite.
It’s one of the prettiest I’ve ever stayed at and is the only all-inclusive resort in Mexico to be awarded Five Diamonds by AAA.
The property features six superlative restaurants, including those focusing on Asian, Mexican, Italian and French cuisine.
A bedroom in a Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit suite. (Source: Claudette Covey)
Its SE Spa received five stars from “Forbes Travel Guide” – one of only nine spas in Mexico to receive that designation.
The resort also has a fitness center; a range of programs for kids, including Baby Concierge, a Kids’ Club, and a Teens’ Club; and upward of 15,064 square feet of indoor meeting facilities.
And then there’s the view of Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre Mountains, which guests can take in by the enormous pool, which has an adults-only area, or at the beach.
Suggest that your clients sample the 24-hour dining service, which I did for breakfast one morning. Tell them to ask the delivery person to set up the meal on the terrace – all suites feature large terraces with teak furniture – which will enable your clients take in the spectacular views.
Distinctive Excursions
One of Velas Resorts’ key selling points is the wide swath of distinctive activities available to guests. Vallarta Adventures, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit’s activities’ partner, can book your clients on a diverse array of excursions.
A popular option is snorkeling excursions, which are ideally suited for FIT and small-group/ multigenerational guests. The company will also a robust portfolio or cultural and adventure tours.
Casa Velas also offers a wide swath of one-of-a-kind experiences, such as an excursion to the AYCYA Raicilla agave fields. AYCYA Raicilla produces raicilla, a spirit that predates tequila and mezcal. What was the best part of the excursion? Sampling the goods!
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