After a long day of travel, I arrived at Casa Velas, Puerto Vallarta’s adults-only boutique hotel. Almost instantly, the mixologist warmly greets me with, “May I get you something to drink?” I settle into a chair at the front desk and croak, “A margarita, please.”. My watch reads 1 a.m. The mixologist quickly prepares my drink as I settle in for check-in. The setting feels more like a friend’s stylish living room than a hotel lobby. All the stress of travel fades away as I realize I know I’m in good hands. Casa Velas provides an experience where hospitality meets art.
During the next few days, I quickly discovered that alongside a 1 a.m. cocktail at check-in, the property offers many lovely amenities and things to do.
Writer was hosted.
On Property
Work out at the gym
I love starting my day with a great workout before the day’s activities (when did I become someone who works out on vacation?). The walk from my room to the gym felt like a moving meditation in itself, with koi ponds along the well-kept gardens of the main courtyard. The gym provides everything for a great workout—treadmills for cardio, world-class strength training equipment, and a mini fridge with water and towels to cool off afterward.
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Get a spa treatment
Right above the gym, the hotel’s spa awaits. The inviting aromas of relaxation drew me in as I looked at their wellness offerings—ancestral therapies for balance, body wraps for detox, and rejuvenating facials, just to name a few. Guests can also relax in the warm and inviting jacuzzi, overlooking the gardens, or enjoy the steam rooms and pressured showers.
Have a beachfront massage
One of my favorite moments here involved enjoying a beachfront massage. Attendants set up a private spa cabana, offering a personalized treatment while I listened to the calming waves of the shore. Don’t worry about undressing outside, the well-covered cabanas ensure privacy. While a highlight of the trip, remember that spa treatments aren’t included in your room rate.
Feed the koi fish
The koi fish lining the gardens of the main patio stood out as a memorable part of the trip. They brought a calming, serene vibe and looked beautiful. A lovely surprise awaited when I learned guests could feed them. The hotel provides special food for the fish, encouraging guests to sprinkle some in the water and watch the fish bob to the surface to eat. These lovely fish symbolize harmony and prosperity, perfectly matching the hotel’s vibe!
Eat an amazing meal
Emiliano at Casa Velas offers a unique dining experience where local cuisine meets experimental flavors. This AAA Four Diamond restaurant provides personalized service and a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. Guests can choose to dine indoors or enjoy meals outdoors on the main patio. Every staff member we met carried a wealth of culinary knowledge alongside their kindness and attentiveness. They truly have a way of making you feel like you’re the only table in the room.
Things to do off property
Go golfing
View of golfers enjoying a round. Photo credit: Lauren Harby
While you have everything you could possibly need on property, for those looking to venture out for the day, Casa Velas provides complimentary shuttle services to several locations. Guests can take up a day of golf at the Marina Vallarta Golf Club. Located just minutes away from the hotel, you can enjoy the 18-hole course, with stunning ocean views as a backdrop, and a clubhouse to wind down with some lunch.
Get a tan at Tau Beach Club
Casa Velas offers transportation and complimentary entrance to the adults-only Tau Beach Club. Guests can enjoy the coastal breeze with private cabanas, attentive staff, and a full-service menu with fine dining and hand-crafted cocktails. Your all-inclusive rate honors all expenses here. In the evening, enjoy a private beach dinner at sunset. This place offers the perfect setting to spend the day and unwind. Did I mention it remains adults-only?
Visit Velas Vallarta
This activity involves venturing to the sister property of Velas Vallarta, where the all-inclusive rate carries over. While less intimate, this resort offers plenty of amenities and activities. Guests can unwind by the pools, float along the lazy river, or enjoy the private beach with paddleboarding and kayaking options. The resort features gourmet dining with Mexican and international cuisine, a spa for relaxing treatments, and evening entertainment such as live music and cultural performances. Families will appreciate the kids’ club and family-friendly activities, while active travelers can enjoy yoga sessions, tennis courts, and a fitness center.
Walk the Malecon
Another must-do in the area – take a walk along the Malecon boardwalk. This oceanfront strip offers culture, arts, dining, and cuisine. Lined with palm trees, street art, and plenty of sightseeing, the boardwalk provides an ideal spot to soak in the sun and local traditions. At night, the strip transforms into a lively area for music, dancing, and seaside nightlife. Solo travelers need not worry; this centrally located spot remains safe, and local transportation will see to it that you get back to the property without worry.
As the trip began, so it ended – with a 1 a.m margarita, this time with some new friends. Sitting on the main patio with the soft rippling sounds of the koi ponds around us, I sipped my drink and looked around for one last time. I breathed in air of gratitude as I realized my suspicions were indeed correct – I wanted for nothing this entire time.
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