Written By: Geoff Millar, Ultimate All Inclusive Vacations
This month we are going to look at a very upscale resort chain, Velas Resorts. Their 5 resorts are located in Mexico on both coasts, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos. This chain is made up pf a combination of 3.5, 4 and 5 star all-inclusive resorts.
We will start in Puerto Vallarta, home to 3 of the Velas Resorts, the Grand Velas, the Casa Velas, and the Velas Vallarta.
The Grand Velas, one of the AAA 5 Diamond resorts is located in Nuevo Vallarta or what is known now as Nayarit. This resort sits on the longest beach in the Puerto Vallarta area and is 20 minutes from downtown. It has a 3 level pool and each level is heated to a different temperature. The smallest room at the Grand Velas Puerto Vallarta is 1,000 sq ft. and go up to the 2 bedroom Family Suites and the two bedroom Presidential Suite. Each room and suite has a fantastic Ocean View.
As far as dining, the Grand Velas has 5 fantastic restaurants, 2 of them are award winning. They serve everything from, Mexican, French, Italian, Seafood, and American, and there is always 24 hr. room service.
As far as activities there is something for everyone in the family. For the older set there is snorkeling, kayaking, tennis, water aerobics, a fantastic spa, and a gym for those who like to stay fit. For the kids there is the exceptional kids club with activities like beach and pool games, cultural programs, and arts and crafts. Teens will be happy with a teen club for kids 13 – 18 with Xbox, pool, air hockey, and a deli and lounge area for karaoke or dancing.
This is a great resort for those who want an luxurious experience filled with great food, exceptional service, and a wide variety of activities.
The next resort we are going to look at is also located in the Puerto Vallarta area. It is the beautiful AAA 4 Diamond Casa Velas. This resort is situated on one of the nicest golf courses in Puerto Vallarta. This resort is rated 8th in the Conde Nast top 15 resorts in Mexico. The resort does not sit directly on the ocean but is only minutes from its private beach club, with pool , jacuzzi, bar, and fine dining restaurant. Guests also have exchange privileges with the restaurants at the Grand Velas close by. This resort is not for everyone but is great for those who love golf and an exceptional relaxing vacation. It is like staying on a private estate.
Accommodations consist of 1,000 sq ft. suites, 2 bedroom ambassador suite to the 4 bedroom Presidential suite. Each suite can come with or without a jacuzzi. They all have fully stocked mini-bars, WIFI, cable TV, beach bag, and coffee maker.
Activities at the resort include golf, wine tasting, cooking lessons, Cuban night with Cuban delicacies, Tequila tasting, Yoga, casino nights. You are also very close to downtown Puerto Vallarta with its famous art galleries.
Again, a great resort for those who want lush surroundings, golf and upscale relaxation.
The next resort is the family friendly 3.5 star Velas Vallarta resort. This resort sits in the Marina district and is close to downtown Puerto Vallarta. This 10 acre family friendly all-inclusive resort sits on a beautiful beach. It has a fantastic kids club as well as great nightly entertainment.
The accommodations consist of Deluxe rooms up to 2 and 3 bedroom family suites. Rooms and suites each have either kitchenettes or full kitchens.
As far as activities, the resort has a great pool area with a lazy river. Tennis, various watersports. They also have daily activities such as yoga, water aerobics, beach volleyball, bingo, and a casino night.
Dining options consist of 1 restaurant that has different theme nights every night as well as a full breakfast and lunch buffet.
Again, this would be a good resort for families who are looking for a good moderate resort that prices well and is close to the action of Puerto Vallarta.
We are now going to move to the Cancun/Riviera Maya area of Mexico and look at the next AAA 5 Diamond award Velas Resort, the Grand Velas Riviera Maya. This resort sits between the airport and Playa Del Carmen. This is a large, spread out resort sitting on a lot of acreage. Be careful as the resort is split into 3 different sections. One section is located in the Jungle and not on the beach. This is the Zen Family section. The resort provides transportation to and from the beach. This section is a very nice tranquil section that offers beautiful jungle view suites. Each suite in this section is over 1,100 sq ft. This section does have its own pool and pool area. Some of the suites have their own plunge pool.
The next section is the Ambassador Family section. This family friendly section sits on the beach and the main pool area and suites are ocean view. It is open to family members of all ages. Rooms here consist of suites with a minimum size of 1.200 sq ft. Some of the suites also contain a private plunge pool on the patio. This section also sits close to the main public area with the majority if the restaurants.
The 3rd section is the Grand Class and is reserved for families that have children 16 yrs old and older. This section also sits on the main beach and is close to the main pool area and all suites are ocean view. Here the suites are a minimum size of 1,300 sq ft. and contain a plunge pool on the patio.
It is important to remember the 3 sections and make sure you match the client up with the section that best fits their requirements.
As far as dining at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya it includes 5 world class restaurants that serve everything from, Mexican, French, Asian, Italian/ Mediterranean, and even a restaurant that serves creative evolutionary cuisine as well as 2 buffets for breakfast and lunch. There is also 24 hr. room service. There are 6 upscale bars including a Karaoke bar and a piano bar. The resort also has pool and beach waiter service.
As far as activities, the resort has something for everyone. There are a lot of watersports including, snorkeling, kayaks, peddle boats, bicycle tours, and boogie boards. It also has an award winning Spa.
For the children, the resort has both a kid’s club (4-12) and a teen club (13-18) which include beach and pool activities, arts and crafts, and movies. Kid’s Club operates from 9:00 AM until 10:45 PM. As for the teen club it contain both Xbox and Play Station with special surround sound chairs, a dance floor, pool and air hockey, and a bar serving non-alcoholic drinks as well as snacks.
This is a great AAA 5 Diamond all-inclusive resort that would fit both the active family or the family that is looking for relaxation and wants to be in a very nice upscale resort with outstanding service.
Our agency is a top seller of Velas resorts and we always get glowing reports back from the clients we send there.
The last Velas Resort we are going to look at is the new Grand Velas Los Cabos. This resort just opened and was immediately awarded the AAA 5 Diamond rating. From spectacular ocean views, unparalleled luxurious suits, to a 2 Michelin star restaurant, experience a new level of All-Inclusive resorts. The Grand Velas Los Cabos is located in the corridor about halfway between San Jose Del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. The resort does not sit on a swimmable beach but is very close to one of the best swimming and snorkeling beaches in all of Cabo.
Accommodations contain suites that are just over 1,000 sq ft with a fantastic ocean view to 2 bedroom family suites with plunge pool. Upper level categories all come with a private concierge. Free WIFI and top shelf bathroom amenities come with every suite. You really have to experience it to fully understand.
As far as dining the resort contains a 2 Michelin star restaurant and a host of others covering Mexican, French, Seafood, Steaks, and Italian. The resort also serves an 8 course tasting menu. If your clients go hungry it will be their fault.
Activities run the gambit from a world class wellness spa, the signature kid’s club and teen club, world class fishing, over 8 professional quality golf courses, all the way to camel riding.
This resort would be great for that client that wants to take their all-inclusive experience to the next level. Everything they learned from the other 2 Grand Velas Resorts they have incorporated in their new Los Cabos Grand Velas. It is also located in an area suited for the outdoor sports enthusiast.
Next month we will explore another great all-inclusive resort chain. Until then good selling and safe travels.