This Puerto Vallarta Resort Makes It Easy To Feel at Home

While some resorts feel hectic, have large, confusing layouts, and mill you in and out like cattle, you won’t get that here. Everything feels harmonious, purposeful, and once in the room, even homey. You can come and let your hair down at Velas Vallarta, so if you need to let go, this is the right place.

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Velas Vallarta is an easy place to feel at home

Photo courtesy Velas Resorts

For a traveler who lives on the road, finding a spot that feels like a “home” is a constant struggle. Velas Vallarta was more than just a place to lodge; it provided us with a genuine home away from home that we’d be happy to remain in. The resort offers a variety of rooms, ranging from cozy studios to spacious three-bedroom suites. Each space is meticulously designed with a keen eye for detail. Every room treats you to breathtaking views, whether it’s the lush gardens around the pool or the rhythmic waves crashing against the shores, framed by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains.

One unique feature of this resort is that the property started out as a condominium, so the “rooms” really are designed as a full-time home. While you may not plan to cook during your vacation, having a full kitchen is a great feature. The fridge, stocked with a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic ice-cold drinks, is particularly welcoming after an afternoon spent basking under the warm sun of Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Our stay in the One Bedroom Deluxe Suite was nothing short of incredible. Our suite boasted a king-sized bed, a generously sized living room, a dedicated dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a spacious patio that could be accessed from both the living room and the bedroom.

The icing on the cake was the view of the lush garden below, with two inviting pools among the trees and the soothing waves in the distance. The view was at its absolute best when we first woke up in the morning. There’s nothing like stepping outside in a cozy resort robe, sipping a hot cup of coffee, and savoring the moment.

There are studios and suites available at the resort with options from one to three bedrooms, and rates go from $300 to $8,000 per night depending on your room and whether you choose their all-inclusive packages or not.

Comfortable amenities in the heart of Marina Vallarta

Photo courtesy Velas Resorts

When you begin to explore Velas Vallarta, it’s immediately apparent that this resort epitomizes the Puerto Vallarta resort experience, from the posh area north of the city center known as Marina Vallarta. The property features two distinct pools, each offering a distinct vibe. The first pool is lively, with a swim-up palapa bar where the sounds of blenders crafting piña coladas blend with the gentle swaying of palm trees overhead. It’s a vibrant oasis designed for those seeking a spirited atmosphere.

The second pool, connected to the first via a small channel, presents a serene escape surrounded by lush greenery and a rocky waterfall. This one is often the quieter pool of the two. While I must admit that relaxation came effortlessly here, Velas Vallarta takes it to the next level with an on-site spa. I couldn’t resist indulging in a full-body massage that left me in a blissful trance. If you’re traveling with little ones, you’ll also find a children’s pool and a kid’s center, adding an extra layer of convenience.

While the city of Puerto Vallarta offers an abundance of activities and attractions, Velas Vallarta offers its own entertainment if you don’t want to leave. Almost every night, the resort hosts special events to delight its guests, from thrilling casino nights to enchanting magic shows, and lively Sunday night fiestas.
Velas Vallarta gives you the choice to go all-inclusive or not. Having the option to order your drinks as you please, enjoy room service at your leisure, or savor a fine meal at one of the restaurants without constantly reaching for your wallet is a priceless benefit, though it does nearly double the rate, depending on your package. Basic non-inclusive packages can be found for $168, with all-inclusive options starting at $298 at the time of writing.

Onsite dining at Velas Vallarta

Photo courtesy Velas Resorts

The resort boasts two restaurants, La Ribera and Andrea. What makes these dining experiences truly outstanding is their ever-evolving themes, ensuring you’re never stuck with repetitive menus – an issue I’ve encountered at some all-inclusive resorts, but luckily, not here.

From Mexican delights to the flavors of Italy and the vibrant spices of Asia, the resort’s dining options offer a variety that keeps your taste buds excited. You can order from the menu or dive right into the buffet on offer that night. For those who prefer to savor their meals in the privacy of their room, Velas Vallarta offers in-room dining service with its exclusive menu. We ordered in-room service for a light lunch one afternoon simply because we were too lazy to go out and not hungry enough to need a full meal.

If that’s not enough and you find yourself feeling a bit peckish while wandering the property, fret not. A crepe bar awaits at the front lobby, ready to serve up delectable savory and sweet crepes for those random cravings.

Off-resort activities near Velas Vallarta

Photo: eskystudio/Shutterstock

Tau Beach Club
A must-visit within the Velas Vallarta experience is the Tau Beach Club. Situated just a stone’s throw from the resort, it’s a secluded adult-only beachfront paradise. Envision an intimate outdoor dining area overlooking the bay, a perfect pool with inviting loungers, and a friendly waitstaff eager to serve you drinks and fresh coconuts.

As if the setting wasn’t enough, the menu offers refreshing snacks and meals. The octopus appetizer and aguachiles (shrimp in pepper and lime juice) are to die for.

Tau Beach Club is included for guests staying at Casa Velas (Velas Vallarta’s sister property), but you can purchase a day pass for 2,000 pesos (about $100), 400 of which can go towards food and drink. As DINKs ourselves (that’s double-income-no-kids), my partner and I loved spending the day here just soaking up the sun to the sound of the waves.

Explore Yelapa on a day trip
Don’t miss the chance to head out on a Yelapa day trip, a one-hour boat ride from Los Muertos Pier to reach this charming coastal town. Yelapa greets you with its picturesque tiled walkways, a pristine beach, a couple of mesmerizing waterfalls to chase, and vistas from the opposite side of Bahía de Banderas.

Stroll along the Malecon
In Centro Puerto Vallarta, the Malecon, or boardwalk, is the city’s hub of activity. On one side, the waves crash gently along the shore, and on the other, you’ll find a mix of shopping, dining, and stunning streets to explore. You can take a stroll along the Malecon or weave through the streets, where a treasure trove of Mexican restaurants, art galleries, captivating murals, and quaint shops can be found.

Getting around Puerto Vallarta

Reaching Velas Vallarta is a breeze and less than 10 minutes away from the airport. You’ll fly into Puerto Vallarta (PVR), and from there, the resort is just a short shuttle ride away. You can organize pick-up from the airport through Velas Vallarta or grab a taxi or Uber.