From bougainvillea-draped balconies to authentic Mexican cuisine and spacious suites, Velas Vallarta offers plenty of reasons to linger a little longer in Puerto Vallarta. Set along Banderas Bay, this luxury all-inclusive resort pairs tropical scenery with warm hospitality, inviting guests to unwind poolside, indulge in local flavors and explore the best of Mexico’s Pacific coast.

First Impressions of Velas Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta

The moment you arrive at Velas Vallarta, you’re greeted with warm smiles from the staff and festive music that sets the tone for your visit. As you step inside the open-air lobby, the brick arches and domes create a striking architectural moment and offer a preview of the details waiting throughout the property.

Step outside and into the lush tropical landscape, where sparkling pools, wandering peacocks, splashing koi fish and guests sipping frozen cocktails set the scene. What caught my eye most, though, was the bougainvillea cascading along the resort’s balconies. The vibrant flowers add a beautiful pop of color against the greenery, making the entire property feel like a tropical paradise. Every turn reveals another beautiful detail.

The turtle sanctuary (yes, where they help foster turtle eggs and release them into the ocean) not only impressed me but really told me all I needed to know about Velas Vallarta and Velas Resorts. It’s a place full of love – love for its natural surroundings, love for its local staff and love for its visitors.

Inside the Rooms and Suites at Velas Vallarta

As a luxury all-inclusive hotel, you expect a lot from the rooms, and Velas Vallarta delivers. In fact, the rooms at Velas Vallarta make this property standout among a sea of resorts in Puerto Vallarta. The building was originally condominiums, which were converted to hotel rooms 36 years ago when Velas Vallarta originated.

Thanks to its origins, the resort offers seven suite categories, ranging from studio to 3-bedroom. The views from each are stunning, where you will take in either the hotels sparkling pools or the city of Puerto Vallarta – all with the ocean in the mix of course. Many rooms have balconies, which give guests their own private outdoor oasis.

The rooms themselves are recently renovated and beautifully styled. The décor is sleek and minimal with lots of earth tones that nod to Mexico’s rugged landscape.

My suite was a stunning two bedroom, two bathroom unit, with a full kitchen (of course stocked because it’s all-inclusive) and living room. The balcony was big enough to host a party – if I was not so focused on relaxing and just enjoying the view. The bathrooms were stocked with all the daily necessities, and the robes and slippers added a plush touch. Every inch of the suite was elegant, comfortable and felt like a home away from home.

For travelers who appreciate having room to spread out, especially families or groups, that extra space could be a real advantage.

 Dining at Velas Vallarta

There are many perks to staying at an all-inclusive resort, but the one you will most often hear about is the food. All-inclusive resorts pride themselves on quality and quantity of food and Velas Vallarta is no different. But as a luxury all-inclusive resort, they go a step above, offering authentic Mexican cuisine that celebrates local culture.

During the month of September for example, as Mexico celebrates their independence, Velas Vallarta celebrates with chiles en nogada. This special and equally delicious dish is served across Mexico to commemorate Independence Day. The dish features the colors of the Mexican flag – a green poblano pepper stuffed with meat heavily drizzled with white walnut sauce and topped with fresh red pomegranate seeds. As a luxury establishment, Velas Vallarta puts its own spin on the dish with offerings such as brisket chiles en nogada. Muy bien indeed!

Throughout the year, Velas Vallarta also offers a weekly fiesta dinner buffet with the best of Mexico’s authentic cuisine as well as entertainment from a Mariachi band.

I enjoy trying new food when in a new destination and Velas Vallarta certainly offers ample opportunity for that. If you’re a traveler who prefers to have the comforts of home, including burgers and steaks, of course you have those options too, as well as drinks of all sorts, served throughout the property. When in Mexico though, a cocktail just tastes better when it comes from the swim-up bar, and Velas Vallarta has one of the best.

Things to Do at Velas Vallarta

The real joy of staying at Velas Vallarta is the personalization of your visit. Total relaxation is an option, or you can pack your stay with activities. The property boasts tennis courts, basketball courts, pickleball courts, ping pong and volleyball for the athletic travelers. For the health seekers, outdoor yoga and water aerobics are a must. Prefer a stroll on the beach? There is sand just steps from the pool. If you’d rather lounge with a good book, multiple pools with comfortable loungers offer you ample opportunity.

Of course, no tropical getaway is complete without a little spa time. Velas Vallarta offers a full-service spa with a variety of treatments, and I can personally vouch for the massage. It was one of the best I’ve had! Between the spa, the beach and the pools, finding time to unwind at Velas Vallarta is easy.

When the sun goes down, the entertainment continues at Velas Vallarta. The resort’s evening lineup offers something for everyone, from casino-style games and karaoke to lively acrobatic performances. Whether you’re in the mood to show off your singing skills, try your luck at the tables, or sit back and enjoy a show, there’s always something happening after dark. It’s an easy way to round out a day in paradise without ever having to leave the resort.

Exploring Puerto Vallarta Beyond the Resort

There is plenty to see and do at Velas Vallarta that you may never wish to leave the property. But for those looking to explore beyond the resort I’d highly recommend strapping on your walking shoes, then taking a ride (Uber or Lyft are available) to the Romantic District. Stroll through this charming neighborhood, as you make your way toward El Malecón, an esplanade that follows the ocean for miles. As you stroll, you can grab a beachside bite to eat, browse for local handicrafts, spot well-known sculptures and see beautiful parks and churches. Walk until you’re ready to get back home, to the Velas Vallarta that is, and then catch a ride back.

Is Velas Vallarta Worth Considering for Your Next Adventure?

If you want a luxurious getaway, set in a tropical paradise, with endless options for activity as well as peace and tranquility, with gorgeous accommodations and warm hospitality, Velas Vallarta is absolutely your dream destination.

Time spent at Velas Vallarta will transport you from the everyday grind into a world of wonder. With its inviting atmosphere, Velas Vallarta is the type of resort that offers a vacation where you’ll long to return for another visit before the current one even ends.

For more information on Velas Vallarta visit velasvallarta.com. To see more properties in the Velas portfolio, visit velasresorts.com.

Be sure to follow @sarahemeyer on Instagram to see more video footage and stunning scenery from Velas Vallarta.

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