There are luxury all-inclusives resorts – and plenty of them – and then there’s Velas Resorts.
While the term “luxury” has become ubiquitous in describing all-inclusive properties, Velas is the real deal.
Nearly a decade ago, I interviewed Velas Resorts Vice President Juan Vela, who had this to say about the company’s properties:
“There are no resorts in the market with our unique concept,” he said. “However, if we were EP, our competition would be luxury brands, including Rosewood, Four Seasons and The St. Regis. This is not only because of the quality of our facilities and services, but also because of our food-and-beverage offerings."
A decade later, I’m inclined to agree with him – following a four-night press trip to Casa Velas and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit in December, where I spent two nights at each resort.
The two resorts exemplify the depth-and-breadth of Velas’ luxury product offerings. While the boutique, adults-only Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta is set on Marina Vallarta’s 18-hole golf course with just 80 suites, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit boasts 267 oceanfront suites and accommodations all types of guests.
The bedroom in a Casa Velas suite. (Photo Credit: Claudette Covey)
What the two properties share is superlative service, gorgeous accommodations, excellent cuisine and one-of-a-kind activities and excursions.
The lushly landscaped Casa Velas features a tranquil pool area and swim-up Aqua Bar adjacent to indoor-outdoor Emiliano, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. During the day, guests also dine poolside with selection from the Aqua Bar menu.
They also have access to the nearby Táu Beach Club, which overlooks the ocean, and is equipped with a s a bar and restaurant that are open 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. – all of which is included in Casa Velas’ all-inclusive price tag.
The resort’s spa has been awarded four stars by Forbes Travel Guide for six consecutive years. (The spa at Riviera Nayarit just received five stars for the first time.)
A bedroom in a Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit suite. (Source: Claudette Covey)
A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the only all-inclusive resort to receive a Five Diamond designation by AAA in the Mexican Pacific region.
The luxury experience begins as soon as travelers arrive at the resort, where they receive super relaxing shoulder massages during the check-in process.
The property is set to the backdrop of Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre mountains, and boasts an eclectic range of lavish of accommodations and a formidable number of activities and amenities.
It features a large pool with an adults-only section, watersports activities, tennis, Baby Concierge, Kids’ Club Teens’ Club and upward of 15,064 square feet of indoor meeting space.
Four of its six restaurants have been designed wit AAA Four Diamond awards for distinguished cuisine and presentation – and deservedly so.
This column simply serves as a just a snapshot of the two properties offer travelers. For more information on Casa Velas and Grand Velas Riviera Maya, look for my story in the March issue of AGENTatHOME.
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