True luxury isn’t loud. It’s not overstated and doesn’t rely on hype. Instead, it’s tasteful, hushed, and spoken of in circles where if you know, you know. And one resort brand that has always distinguished itself in this way is Velas Resorts in Mexico.
Across their portfolio of seven exquisite resorts, this hotel group has perfected the ambiance of refined relaxation and exceptional dining. In fact, two of their on-site restaurants have been awarded a Michelin star each—a goal even celebrity flagship and big city restaurants find immensely difficult to reach. To this day, they remain the only all-inclusive hotel chain in the world that can boast of this achievement.
Particularly of note: Velas Vallarta.
Located on Banderas Bay, just minutes from the historic center and international airport serving Puerto Vallarta, this beachfront resort is the region’s most established family-friendly resort, welcoming many guests who return year after year. Its essential stats include:
- Ocean views from most suites
- Two main restaurants serving international and Mexican cuisine, plus a creperie, ice cream parlor, burger spot, and seasonal restaurant
- Two large swimming pools connected by a waterway, plus a children’s pool
- Three tennis courts and two pickleball courts, and a basketball court with evening play available on all
- A fitness center, beauty salon, and beachfront spa
It’s also hugged by the Marina Vallarta Golf Club and Vista Vallarta Golf Club, both of which offer discounts to Velas Vallarta guests.
But of course, it’s not headliners like these that define luxury. It’s the more subtle details that show up on the stay that creates the magic. Here are some of the low-key features that make Vellas Vallarta a high-key pick for luxury travelers.
Exceptional Service
What defines luxury service? To ALGV, it means a light, apparently effortless ability to anticipate guest needs. It means being on top of things without being on top of you, being attentive and proactive in a subtle way that allows you to fully relax and be yourself, while being able to trust that any needs are already pre-considered by the staff. In short, exemplary service is when assistance gently guides the flow of your activities—be they active or relaxing—in the direction you’re naturally inclined to go, smoothing over any eddies that may disrupt it.
That’s what they’ve perfected at Velas Vallarta, and why they’ve been named a Best All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico by Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for Best of the Best. Additionally, this resort is certified as a Great Place to Work®, which is why they’re able to treat guests with such genuine warmth and care. Meanwhile, the Distintivo S award highlights exceptional guest experiences as well as a commitment to sustainability, for which they’ve earned Master EarthCheck recognition for 17 consecutive years.
From the moment guests arrive, their team is ready to exceed expectations, greeting folks by name and carefully cataloguing preferences from the first step into the lobby. Whether arranging a last-minute celebration, remembering your favorite drink, or offering you a cool towel for your face as soon as they finish arranging your towel pillow on a lounge chair, their service goes far beyond standard hospitality, making each stay personal and unique.
Plus, extra, unexpected service inclusions that are offered for all guests that show that the resort is dedicated to going above and beyond. For instance, the Velas Vallarta Kids’ Club, which has indoor and outdoor areas with modern, beautiful settings; event catering and planning services for those who require it; available laundry and dry cleaning for convenience; luggage storage; and personal concierges and 24-hour room service for all.
In-Room Indulgences
In the bathrooms, you can expect premium bath products from the renowned British brand Molton Brown, offering an elevated in-room experience with sophisticated fragrances and high-quality ingredients.
Founded in 1971 by Caroline Burstein and Michael Collis, this brand gained recognition for its initially hand-mixed products created at their original London salon on South Molton Street in Mayfair. Since then, they became a high-end provider of travel toiletries, including for British Airways, and was even conferred with a Royal Warrant to supply toiletries to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Equally notable, as we focus on responsible travel and kindness in travel, Molton Brown has served as an example for cruelty-free, vegetarian formula, carbon-neutral, and renewable energy-created luxury—all of which contributed to Velas Vellarta’s decision to source from the brand.
But of course, the first step in getting ready for a day of relaxation or a night out is a good night’s sleep, and Velas Vellarta doesn’t spare any expense on that, either.
Every suite features plush, high-quality mattresses with independent spring construction that adapts to the shape of each guest’s body to provide optimal support and balanced weight distribution. It’s covered in fine linens by Elegancia Textil Hotelera made with natural materials selected for comfortable rest. Thread count is ideal at 450; it’s low enough for that clean, crisp feeling, high enough to be smooth and soft, but not so high that it becomes too thick and warm—the last thing you want when sleeping in a tropical region!
They also offer a variety of pillows. Luxurious goose down is the default for their duvets and pillows, but hypo-allergenic option with different firmnesses are also available. Every preference is accounted for in their pillow collection, and the whole inventory is just a call to the concierge away.
Palatial Accommodations
The list of default details may seem long, but it’s only the beginning for the well-heeled traveler. For those who opt to stay in the highest room category, the Presidential Suite, no expense is spared by the Velas Vallarta team to make it feel fit for a world dignitary.
The suite offers three bathrooms and four bedrooms in total, with the primary boasting a king-sized bed, walk-in closet, and bathtub. Bathrobes and slippers are in the closet upon arrival.
Common spaces include living areas shared between the bedrooms, a dining area in which to share meals, and a fully equipped kitchen, where one can request chef services at additional cost via concierge. Guests can relax on the terrace with a private plunge pool and enjoy stunning Pacific sunsets, too.
In the meantime, in the minibar, a selection of imported snacks are restocked at the ready, and other VIP amenities include:
- Nightly turndown service
- Two bottles of wine or liquor of your choice with mixers
- A city or cultural tour
- Credit for use at the AMET Spa on site
- Credit for use at the resort’s boutique
- Credit for a selection of imported wines
Want more luxury at its finest? Explore Luxe by ALG Vacations®, a collection dedicated to the finest, rarest, and most exquisite experiences around the world. Click here to find out how we decide what properties make the cut.