Puerto Vallarta moves at a lively pace. Waves crash against the shore, taxis zip past the Malecón, and street musicians trail you with their melodies. And then there’s Casa Velas, the adults-only all-inclusive, just five minutes from the airport. Located within the Marina neighborhood, and flanked by the Marina Vallarta Golf Course, Casa Velas offers proximity without intrusion. Boutique shops and galleries are a quick drive or stroll away. Yet once inside the gates, the city exists only at the edge of your stay, invisible unless you choose otherwise. 80 suites surround gardens and terraces that spill into courtyards. A massive pool stretches toward a swim-up bar, and the ABJA Spa reminds you that vacation doesn’t have to be hectic.
The Velas Resorts Family
Casa Velas is part of the Velas Resorts family, known for its larger beachfront properties up the coast. This one is smaller. It’s a retreat for travelers who want the ease of an all-inclusive but not the volume. The buildings cluster around courtyards and gardens thick with palms and flowering vines. Terracotta roofs, white stucco, and shaded walkways give it a residential feel. The grand lobby sets the tone; polished tile underfoot, comfortable chairs, art on the walls, and a lending library of bestsellers.
Pool, to Beach, and Back
Casa Velas isn’t oceanfront, and that’s part of what keeps it calm. The expansive swimming pool, lined with cozy chaises lounge and daybeds, and with its thatched-roof swim-up bar, is usually enough for guests. But when sand and surf call, Táu Beach Club is just a short shuttle ride away. This is the resort’s private stretch of Pacific blue shared with its sister property, Velas Vallarta. Táu has the atmosphere of a coastal lounge with an infinity pool that runs along the shoreline, cabanas facing Banderas Bay, and an open-air restaurant (part of Casa Velas’ all-inclusivity) serving food that matches the setting—ceviche, grilled seafood, and mezcal cocktails enjoyed with a side of sunset.
The Suites
Polished stone floors and artisan textiles punctuate the suites, which come in a variety of sizes and layouts. Many open onto private plunge pools or hot tubs overlooking private gardens or the golf course. Complimentary minibars of snacks, beer, Gatorade and sodas are replenished daily. Nespresso machines provide an early morning caffeine fix. Bathrooms feature soaking tubs and L’Occitane bath amenities. The robes are soft, the bed linens luxe, and the furnished terraces encourage private lounging. There’s a rattan beach bag waiting in every suite, the kind that looks too chic to be complimentary, and it isn’t. Use it during your stay; buy it if you become attached. Most people do.
Emiliano: Effortless Dining
Emiliano is the resort’s pride and joy. It’s a AAA Four Diamond award winner, and it’s easy to see and taste why. Service is stellar, as is the menu. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the two-tiered dining room flows out to an al fresco patio that overlooks koi ponds and the pool. Breakfast is light and sunny—papaya, chilaquiles, eggs made to order, and fresh pastries (the banana bread is outstanding.) Dinner turns the courtyard golden with flickering candlelight; diners enjoy a vast menu including ceviche, catch-of-the-day, handmade pastas, and ribeye served with fine wines.
Wellness
Wellness here isn’t a brand promise; it’s just part of the day: morning yoga on the terrace, an afternoon massage, a dip in the pool. On-site ABJA Spa is compact, offering treatments drawn on local ingredients—coffee, cacao, citrus, herbs from the resort garden. There’s a hydrotherapy circuit, sauna, and steam room, as well as an adjacent fitness center that’s well-equipped. With floor to ceiling windows, it overlooks the gardens.
The Appeal
Casa Velas strikes just the right tone. Small enough that staff remember your name, large enough to offer spa, gym, golf, beach, and fine dining. Couples, friends, solo travelers are all are here for the same reason: space, privacy, and luxurious, anticipatory service offering just what you want, when you want it. (That’s the promise of “all-inclusive.”) Golfers hit the nearby Marina Vallarta course; spa devotees head to ABJA. Everyone follows their own relaxing pace: pool, terrace, Emiliano, cocktail in hand. It’s peaceful leisure. You leave rested, well-fed, and maybe just a little smug for having discovered Puerto Vallarta’s most discreet luxury secret.
Photos courtesy of Casa Velas, unless otherwise noted
