The Velas brand encompasses seven resorts from this 100% Mexican owned company. Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta, immersed in a golf course, is intimate and lushy, giving it Forbes Four Stars. From live music on the terrace to pops of color from the botanical garden, wellness permeates the property.

Programming throughout the week, such as a guided meditation, a mixology class, or a cultural performance, at this adults-only all inclusive resort is designed for you to arrive on property and not need to leave.

However, there is a free shuttle that can take you to the beach club, and the property next-door to that, which is Velas Vallarta, a large family style resort, sitting on the beach. Guests are welcome to dine at either location, enjoy the lounge chairs on the sand, and have easy access to the ocean.

November through April marks the high season at Casa Velas with the hurricane months of September and October being the lowest. An average stay is 3 to 5 nights.

The bougainvillea-dotted property features 80 suites, including a four-bedroom presidential suite.

Spa Abja features a hydrotherapy routine which is suggested to take prior to indulging in a massage. This would include a dry sauna, a cold sensory shower, a hot eucalyptus steam room, and an indoor Jacuzzi tub.

Breakfast is taken outdoors at Emiliano, the main restaurant on site. If you’re lucky, you will be served and entertained by the most skilled waiters including Avalos (who told us he works 7am-3pm). Desayuno (breakfast) starts with a healthy fresh squeezed juice such as the anti-flu juice featuring delicious fresh squeezed juices (carrot, sweet lime, ginger, apple, Vitamins A, B, C, E and zinc). Then, a basket of sweet breads will be brought to enjoy, including pan de chocolate (chocolate croissant). My favorite experience at Casa Velas was enjoying this delightful outdoor breakfast while being serenaded by a live saxophone entertainer, playing one of my favorite holiday songs, Silent Night. Vacay perfection.

You might choose to share a plate of fresh seasonal fruit and don’t miss the chilaquiles! If you’re like me, this will be your standard breakfast every single morning!

I recommend ordering lunch poolside. Again a phenomenal wait staff, including Ulises who will make sure your glass stays full, as well as your tummy.

Dinner will be enjoyed either at Emiliano, the beach club, or you might choose to take a walking taco tour with Vallarta Food Tours to really experience the culture of the city. During this tour, you will indulge in as many as eight street tacos, chalupas, and enchiladas that are offered from families who have created these homegrown recipes for decades in this coastal town.

Puerto Vallarta is an easy nonstop flight from Texas, with a small airport that is easy to navigate. The airport is only about five minutes from the resort, so treat yourself to a long weekend where you can simply read a book on the beach or by the pool, turn in early after some great live music and rejuvenate.

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Cover photo courtesy Velas Resorts

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as KVUE, Daytime (FOX), San Antonio Living, Good Morning Texas, and KXAN!  Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. She loves reading a book poolside and getting to know waiters whose thrill it is to provide the very best service. Thank you, Avalos and Ulises!