Pool at Grand Velas. (Photo Credit: Melissa Cooper)
Escaping the frigid weather in New Jersey to gallivant
around the Puerto Vallarta area would have been a treat regardless of the
hotel, but the exceptional experiences at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Casa
Velas make for a dream vacation for your clients.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Our stay began at the beautiful, all-inclusive,
family-friendly Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, which is in the business of making
every guest feel important. From their above-standard specialty restaurants and
unique room categories to the kids' and teens' clubs, this resort puts extra
care into every aspect that makes them unique.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has 267 suites, all with ocean
or garden views. They cater to everyone, from couples and families to weddings
and bachelor or bachelorette trips. The suites are beautiful and clean with
plenty of natural light and are centrally located to the pool, beach, theatre,
and restaurants. There are also 10 "secret" terrace suites with their
own private rooftop pools that look out over the whole property and ocean. The
view is spectacular, to say the least!
Regarding food, put aside your preconceived notions about
all-inclusive hotels for this property. Of the resort's six restaurants, a
whopping four have AAA Four Diamond awards for cuisine and presentation, and
this foodie can confirm they are well-earned. Your clients will find
top-quality French, Italian, Asian, and Mexican cuisine. We visited Sen Lin and
Frida, the Asian and Mexican restaurants, respectively, and were incredibly
impressed. Pro tip: Order the rib eye tacos at Frida for a literal *chef’s
kiss*.
The Se Spa, a Forbes Travel Guide 5-star spa, offers a
tempting menu of treatments. I was lucky enough to enjoy a hydrotherapy session
and the Neeyari Shamanic Massage, which combined traditional massage and sound
therapy, leaving me unbelievably relaxed. The spa staff was knowledgeable and
accommodating, and the facilities were lovely. If you have spa-loving clients,
I can't recommend this enough.
View from a “secret” terrace suite at Grand Velas. (Photo Credit: Melissa Cooper)
What truly makes this resort unique, however, are the VIP
touch points awarded to every guest. Upon check-in, which takes place on the
lobby couches and not in line for a desk, guests receive a complimentary scalp
and neck massage, a welcome cocktail, and a cold towel to refresh themselves
after a long flight. The concierge messages guests with a daily itinerary via
WhatsApp and can also easily make any restaurant or activity reservations with
a simple text. In addition to the usual chaise lounges and cabanas at the pool,
even the little ones get the VIP treatments with their own (insanely adorable)
kiddie cabanas. The service was phenomenal, some of the best I’ve experienced,
with each staff member friendlier and more hospitable than the last.
The entertainment left much to be desired, and the music by
the pool could've used an extra injection of energy, but this resort is a
fantastic option for any of your clients.
Casa Velas
The stay continued as we shuttled to the marina area to
check into Casa Velas, a much smaller, more boutique-style property that could
be considered an oasis in the middle of a golf course. It’s adults-only, with
80 suites designed in a Mexican hacienda style, featuring unique pieces by
local artists in each one. While the Grand Velas is a more lively environment,
Casa Velas is totally tranquil.
I'd describe it as quiet serenity.
There's just one restaurant on the property with a limited
menu, but the kitchen staff is happy to accommodate custom requests. I was
craving a cheeseburger on our last night in paradise, and they made me one of
the best I've ever had! No wonder 60-70 percent of their guests are repeat
customers. I would, however, have appreciated a more casual dining option.
Tau Beach Club. (Photo Credit: Melissa Cooper)
Guests can enjoy the beautiful pool and swim-up bar, 25
percent off golf rounds, an on-property botanical garden, and a spa when
they're at Casa Velas, but if they’re in the mood for a beachier vibe, their
stay includes free transportation and access to the Tau Beach Club. This beach
club is also open to locals at an additional cost but is still a serene way to
enjoy a change of scenery. The club features day beds in the sand, a pool, a
restaurant/bar, and some of the best coconut ice cream you'll ever taste – and
that's a first-hand testimonial.
If you have clients who absolutely want to shut off from the
outside world and chill, this is the spot for them. It's not a party resort;
you won't see children running around.
The mood at Casa Velas is, in a word, peaceful.
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