Velas Vallarta Evaluate: The Perfect Blend Of Classic Service & Modern Comfort In Puerto Vallarta

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In a journey world obsessive about brand-new, sprawling “mega-resorts,” it is a honest query for a savvy traveler: is a 35-year-old resort nonetheless a top-tier selection? Or is it a dated icon previous its prime?

Here at Travel Off Path, we all know that “legacy” can imply one in every of two issues: “tired” or “perfected.” To discover out which one utilized to the enduring Velas Vallarta, we went to see for ourselves. After 35 years within the sport and with a jaw-dropping 4.7-star ranking from over 5,000 opinions on Tripadvisor, we needed to know: may it probably dwell as much as the hype?

We stayed, we explored, and we came upon precisely what makes this basic legacy resort in Puerto Vallarta shine so brightly in any case these years.

An Amazing Location

First issues first: comfort. Velas Vallarta is completely positioned in Marina Vallarta, a fast, stress-free five-minute drive from the airport. From the second you land, you might be minutes away from a chilly drink and a pool lounger. This is a large benefit over resorts an hour or extra away.

A Lush Oasis, Not A Concrete Jungle

The very first thing that strikes you a few “mature” property is its sheer magnificence. This is not a concrete jungle. The resort has grown right into a pristine, inexperienced oasis. The grounds are immaculate, with vibrant bougainvillea, towering palm timber, and luxurious gardens that make it really feel like a real tropical escape.

It’s a surprising distinction to new-builds that may usually really feel sterile. The multi-level pool format is ideal, with a fundamental pool buzzing with a “good vibe” (not a wild social gathering, however not a useless zone) and a quiet pool tucked away for rest.

Modern Comfort Meets Classic Grounds

So the grounds are basic, however what in regards to the rooms? Velas Vallarta is within the ultimate levels of a full renovation of their suites (set for completion by January), and the outcomes are gorgeous. We stayed in a one-bedroom deluxe suite, and the “modern comfort” a part of our headline was instantly evident.

The rooms are huge, with a separate bed room, a eating desk, and a dwelling space with two sofas. But the star of the present is the massive balcony, which had two separate seating areas overlooking the gardens and swimming pools with a partial ocean view.

The all-inclusive mini-bar is not “mini” in any respect—it is a full-size fridge. And I’ve by no means seen this earlier than: it was stocked with 4 varieties of cereal (and milk!) for the youngsters, plus microwaveable popcorn for late-night films. The mattress was extremely snug, the AC was chilly, and the ceiling followers have been a pleasant contact you do not see as usually anymore.

One necessary notice: our bathe was a step-in tub, so when you’ve got mobility points, I’d suggest inquiring a few totally accessible room once you guide.

Last however not positively not least in my view have been the 2 good TV’s. I can not rely what number of instances I’ve been to an all-inclusive resort however they do not have good TV’s? Very unusual. This is not the case at Velas Vallarta. When crawling into mattress at evening, you’ll be able to atone for your newest Netflix, Prime & Disney collection.

The All-Inclusive Done Right

The all-inclusive expertise here’s a masterclass. We had breakfast by way of 24/7 room service twice, and it was unimaginable. These usually are not sample-sized parts; every meal was fantastically offered, arrived sizzling inside half-hour, and was scrumptious.

For eating, you will have two fundamental eating places. For a extra informal, open-air meal, La Ribera is the oceanfront spot with unimaginable views of the bay and mountains. It serves a bountiful breakfast buffet and an awesome à la carte lunch. I had a gourmand burger there that was significantly juicy and filled with taste—an ideal consolation meal.

The extra formal Andrea had Ribeye on the menu, and as a self-proclaimed ribeye guru, I can affirm it was tender and cooked to perfection. Alongside your á la carte fundamental, additionally they supply an intensive salad and appetizer buffet.

But the actual magic occurs at their particular occasions. Every Sunday, the resort hosts a Mexican Fiesta, a full-blown social gathering with a large buffet of genuine dishes, mariachi music, and hilarious interactive exhibits. Make positive to avoid wasting room for the churros! They are mouthwateringly scrumptious.

We additionally skilled a personal seaside dinner that fully blew me away. A 7-course tasting meal, a personal saxophonist, candles, and gorgeous decorations, all proper on the seaside—it was a dream dinner that made our group of 10 really feel actually particular.

The “Legacy Advantage”: They Anticipate Everything

This is what 35 years of expertise will get you, and it’s the one largest factor that separates Velas Vallarta from its newer opponents: they’ve service right down to a science.

It’s the little issues. I by no means as soon as needed to hunt for espresso, sugar, or water within the room—it was at all times totally stocked. This anticipation of a visitor’s wants is my private make-or-break take a look at for a real luxurious resort, and so they handed with flying colours. At each single meal, from the fiesta to the pool, my glass was by no means empty.

Savvy Tip: Leave a small tip in your mini-bar fridge with a notice for what you need additional of (like Diet Pepsi or water). They will gladly hook you up.

A Vibe for Every Hour: Culture & Daily Fun

This is the place you’ll be able to actually inform the distinction between Velas Vallarta and a typical resort. They do not simply have a pool; they’ve a pulse.

There’s a full schedule of free day by day actions if you wish to take part, from water aerobics, seaside volleyball, and yoga to Spanish classes, arts and crafts, and even a strolling tour of the close by marina.

They additionally go all out for holidays, utilizing their attractive grounds to create an immersive cultural expertise. We have been lucky sufficient to be there for Day of the Dead, and it was spectacular. They had a strolling tour of life-size, artist-made Catrinas winding by means of the gardens, main to an enormous, conventional altar. It was a ravishing approach for friends to absorb the tradition of such an necessary day in Mexico.

In the evenings, there are dwell exhibits in the principle foyer. It’s not a late-night social gathering scene—in one of the simplest ways. It’s the proper, enjoyable, and complicated vibe to get pleasure from just a few cocktails earlier than you fortunately go to mattress after an extended day within the solar.

The Perfect Pool Day (And The Ranch Dressing😅)

The poolside vibe is ideal, however let’s speak in regards to the meals. Wings at an all-inclusive is usually a actual hit-or-miss. These have been unimaginable. Plump, juicy, and served with… the most effective ranch dressing I’ve ever had. Seriously. I don’t know why it stood out a lot, however it was good. You had me at, “Would you like extra ranch, sir?”

Even the loungers are a step above—totally padded and so snug you’ll be dozing off within the solar.

And for dessert? A full, all-you-can-eat ice cream bar proper by the pool with tons of wonderful flavors.

The Beach Vibe: A Place to Lounge

The resort is totally beachfront, with a large stretch of sand filled with an countless provide of lounge chairs. We by no means needed to hunt for a spot.

We seen most individuals (ourselves included) most popular the colourful pool scene, which meant the seaside itself was quiet, peaceable, and uncrowded. While the Pacific water here’s a bit darker and the sand is not the silky-smooth powder of the Caribbean, it’s the proper, enjoyable spot to learn a guide and take heed to the waves. It’s extra of a lounging seaside than a swimming seaside, and for that, it’s wonderful.

Our Final Verdict

This resort stole my coronary heart. It might not be the latest or most tech-heavy (although the room-key wristbands are an awesome contact), however it seems like dwelling, and so they know the right way to make you’re feeling particular. The service is impeccable, from the chilly towels at check-in to the superb (and I imply superb) beachfront therapeutic massage.

With the newly renovated rooms, the plush jungle really feel, and that unimaginable ranch, Velas Vallarta has confirmed that “legacy” is not nearly age; it is about mastering the artwork of the proper trip.

Travel Off Path was a visitor of Velas Vallarta, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by internet hosting a few of our lodging and points of interest. Our opinions, suggestions, and solutions stay our personal