I've always believed that a great resort is about more than beautiful accommodations and an impressive list of amenities. It's the service, the attention to detail, and the little things that make a stay memorable.
I recently had the pleasure of joining 15 fellow travel advisors in Puerto Vallarta for the 2026 Velas Resorts Partner of the Year celebration. Over four days, we experienced the hospitality of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, explored other properties within the Velas portfolio, and spent time with the team behind one of Mexico's leading luxury resort brands.
While I've always appreciated the convenience of an all-inclusive vacation, this trip was a reminder of just how elevated that experience can be.
A Little Background on Velas Resorts
Velas Resorts is a family-owned Mexican hospitality brand with a collection of luxury properties across some of Mexico's most sought-after destinations, including Riviera Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, and the Riviera Maya.
The collection is best known for its Grand Velas properties, which take a different approach to the traditional all-inclusive model. Think spacious suites, sophisticated restaurants, premium cocktails, extensive spa facilities, and a level of personalized service more commonly associated with luxury hotels.
The portfolio also includes smaller, more intimate properties, such as the adults-only Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta, offering travelers a different experience and price point while maintaining the brand's commitment to hospitality.
One thing I especially appreciate about Velas is the emphasis on food and beverage. Dining is an important part of any vacation, and the brand has made it a central part of the guest experience rather than simply another amenity included in the nightly rate.
After spending several days at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, I came away particularly impressed by how consistently the resort delivered on its promise of personalized service.
Sunday | Arriving in Riviera Nayarit
Our trip got off to a slightly delayed start thanks to weather in the Dallas area, but we eventually made it to Puerto Vallarta.
Once we landed, everything was easy. Our prearranged transfer was waiting at the airport, and approximately 15–20 minutes later, we arrived at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit.
The arrival experience was a wonderful first impression. Rather than checking in at a traditional front desk, we were greeted at the entrance and escorted to a comfortable lounge area, where a concierge handled our check-in and introduced us to the property.
From there, we headed to our suite.
The Accommodations
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has been updating its accommodations, and the newly remodeled suites are beautiful.
Our suite was approximately 1,000 square feet, with a spacious seating area, a large bathroom featuring a separate shower and soaking tub, and a balcony overlooking the resort's pools and the Pacific Ocean.
The interiors felt fresh and contemporary without losing the warmth of a Mexican coastal resort. I particularly appreciated the generous amount of space, which makes a noticeable difference when you're spending several days at a property.
With the travel delays behind us, we had just enough time to get settled before heading down for the welcome celebration.
Dinner on the Beach & a Nightcap at Koi
Our first evening began with a beachfront welcome cocktail reception and seated dinner at the resort's Beach Gazebo.
Between the oceanfront setting, live music, and wonderful company, it was a lovely way to begin the trip.
After dinner, we stopped by Koi Bar for a nightcap. The cocktail menu is extensive, with plenty of options beyond the typical resort offerings, but I opted for a carajillo.
It's become one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails, and Koi made an excellent one.
After a full day of travel, we were more than ready for bed.
Monday | Behind the Scenes with Velas Resorts
Monday morning was dedicated to learning more about the Velas Resorts portfolio.
Getting to Know the Velas Portfolio
Casa Velas is an intimate, adults-only property surrounded by tropical gardens and the Marina Vallarta Golf Club.
It's a different experience from the larger Grand Velas resorts, with a quieter atmosphere and a more approachable price point. For clients looking for an adults-only getaway without the scale or price of a flagship luxury resort, it's certainly a property worth considering.
Having the opportunity to see multiple properties in person was especially valuable. While each belongs to the same hospitality family, they appeal to different travelers, and understanding those distinctions is an important part of recommending the right resort to my clients.
A Conversation with Juan Vela
One of the highlights of the morning was meeting with Juan Vela, CEO of Velas Resorts.
We learned more about the history of the family-owned company, the renovations currently underway at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, and the brand's vision for the next three to five years.
As a travel advisor, I always appreciate opportunities to connect directly with the people behind the properties I recommend. Understanding the direction of a brand, its investment in existing resorts, and its approach to hospitality provides insight that goes well beyond what you can find online.
It was particularly interesting to hear about the continued investment in the guest experience and the company's plans for the future.
An Afternoon by the Pool
After returning to Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, we spent the afternoon enjoying the pool.
The property has a beautiful oceanfront setting, with expansive pools, comfortable loungers, and attentive poolside service.
Our waiter was fantastic. After taking our initial order, he quickly remembered our drink preferences and made sure we were taken care of throughout the afternoon.
Lunch was equally enjoyable, with a great selection of food available poolside.
What impressed me most was how effortless the service felt. We never had to flag someone down or wonder when our next drink would arrive. The staff was attentive without being intrusive, which is exactly what I look for at a luxury resort.
Dinner at Lucca & Día de Muertos
That evening, we joined the other travel advisors from the Southern region for dinner at Lucca, the resort's Italian restaurant.
The meal was excellent, and it was a wonderful opportunity to spend time with fellow advisors and exchange experiences from our respective markets.
We were also fortunate to be visiting during the resort's Mexology celebration.
Following dinner, we attended the Día de Muertos festivities and Mexology Fest Koi Takeover, which brought together Mexican traditions, cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.
I loved that the resort incorporated elements of Mexican culture into the experience. While the property offers everything you'd expect from an international luxury resort, there's still a strong connection to its location.
Tuesday | A Morning at SE Spa
Tuesday began with what ended up being one of my favorite experiences of the entire trip: the spa.
We had scheduled 50-minute Grand Velas massages at SE Spa, but arrived approximately an hour early to experience the resort's signature hydrotherapy water ceremony.
If you're planning a visit, I highly recommend allowing time for the water ceremony before your treatment.
The Water Ceremony
The hydrotherapy experience includes a series of hot and cold treatments designed to promote relaxation, including sensory showers, a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, and cold plunge.
What made the experience particularly impressive was the spa valet.
Rather than navigating the different facilities on our own, we had someone guiding us through each portion of the ceremony, explaining the sequence and preparing us for the next experience.
It's a small detail, but one that makes the entire process feel much more personalized.
By the time we finished the water ceremony, we were completely relaxed and ready for our massages.
And the massage itself? Easily one of the best I've ever had.
The treatment was excellent from beginning to end, and the combination of hydrotherapy and massage made for a wonderful morning.
I've visited some beautiful hotel spas over the years, and SE Spa is one I would happily return to.
One More Afternoon by the Pool
After the spa, we headed back to the pool for lunch and a few hours of relaxation before our evening plans.
Our waiter from Monday immediately recognized us and remembered our orders, which I thought was a particularly nice touch.
Throughout our stay, our personal concierge also made a point to stop by the pool each day to check on us and see whether we needed anything.
These are the details that stayed with me most. The rooms and amenities were certainly impressive, but it was the consistency of the service that made the experience stand out.
Sunset Sailing to Majahuitas
Tuesday evening was our farewell celebration, and Velas Resorts had arranged something special.
We departed the resort in the afternoon and headed to the pier, where we boarded a large catamaran for a sunset cruise hosted by Vallarta Adventures.
Our destination was Majahuitas, a secluded beach along the southern coast of Banderas Bay.
The cruise itself was fantastic. Sailing along the coastline as the sun began to set was such a beautiful way to experience Puerto Vallarta from the water.
Majahuitas is surrounded by lush tropical scenery and is primarily accessible by boat, giving it a completely different atmosphere from the larger resort areas.
We spent the evening enjoying cocktails, dinner, and the company of the other advisors and Velas team members as we celebrated the conclusion of the Partner of the Year event.
It was a memorable final evening and a great way to experience another side of Puerto Vallarta.
Exploring Puerto Vallarta with Vallarta Adventures
Our evening at Majahuitas was also a great introduction to Vallarta Adventures, one of the area's well-known excursion operators.
While Grand Velas offers plenty of reasons to stay on property, I always encourage clients to experience a destination beyond their resort when possible.
Vallarta Adventures offers a wide range of experiences, from luxury sailing and snorkeling excursions to more adventurous outings.
Depending on your interests, options include exploring the Marietas Islands, seasonal whale watching, ziplining, ATV excursions, and the popular Rhythms of the Night evening experience.
For travelers who enjoy spending time on the water, I would particularly recommend considering a sailing excursion. Banderas Bay is beautiful, and seeing the coastline from a boat offers an entirely different perspective.
Whether you're looking for a full day of adventure or a relaxed evening cruise, there are plenty of opportunities to explore beyond the resort.
Wednesday | Heading Home
Wednesday morning arrived quickly.
We enjoyed one final breakfast at the resort before checking out and heading to the airport.
The departure process was seamless, and both the airport experience and customs formalities for our return home were surprisingly easy.
After four days in Puerto Vallarta, I was heading home with a much greater appreciation for the Velas Resorts portfolio and the people behind it.
My Takeaways | Who Should Book Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit?
After spending four days at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, I can confidently say that it's a property I would recommend to clients looking for a luxury all-inclusive experience.
The resort delivers on the things that matter most to me: spacious and comfortable accommodations, excellent dining, a beautiful setting, and genuinely attentive service.
But what I appreciated most was the consistency.
Whether we were checking in, dining at one of the restaurants, enjoying the spa, or spending an afternoon at the pool, the service never felt like an afterthought.
I would particularly recommend Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit for:
Couples looking for a relaxing luxury getaway with excellent dining and spa experiences.
Families who appreciate the convenience of an all-inclusive resort but don't want to compromise on accommodations or service.
Groups and celebrations where having dining, beverages, and activities included makes planning easier.
Travelers who typically prefer luxury hotels but are interested in exploring a more elevated all-inclusive experience.
One of the biggest advantages is the location. With the resort just a short drive from Puerto Vallarta International Airport, it's easy to enjoy a long weekend without spending hours getting to your hotel.
And while the resort itself has plenty to offer, the surrounding area provides wonderful opportunities to explore the coast, enjoy a boat excursion, or experience more of Puerto Vallarta.
For me, the biggest takeaway was that an all-inclusive resort can still feel genuinely personal. At Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, the thoughtful service made all the difference.
A Special Thank You
A sincere thank you to Velas Resorts, Jessica Sebesta, Regional Sales Director, Vallarta Adventures, and Herff Travel for a wonderful experience.
It was an honor to be included in the 2026 Partner of the Year celebration alongside 15 fellow travel advisors.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to spend time with the Velas team, learn more about the portfolio, and experience the properties firsthand.
Planning a Trip to Mexico?
Whether you're considering Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, exploring other luxury all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, or planning a completely different getaway, I'd love to help.
