At the invitation of prestigious Mexican hotel group Velas and Aeromexico, the national carrier, our content director traveled to Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s west coast, a highly popular destination in the Riviera Nayarit. Here, in Puerto Vallarta Velas operates three hotels: Casa Velas, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Velas Vallarta. Take a look at these three exceptional properties and the region of Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit which undoubtedly lives up to its high praise

Discover Velas Vallarta: the first hotel of the Velas brand

The Velas Vallarta is a historic hotel, a member of the Preferred Hotels of the World, and having recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, is also actually the first hotel of the brand Velas. This family-friendly all-inclusive resort set on 10 acres of waterfront in Puerto Vallarta, just steps from the Marina Vallarta Golf Course and minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta, offers 345 one-to-three bedroom suites that are all equipped with a kitchenette. The hotel was, at the time of its opening, a residential building, which is why, today, all the suites distributed in the three eight-storey buildings of the Velas Vallarta are designed as apartments.

"Velas Vallarta is a unique establishment filled with history,” sales and group coordinator Nubia Ramirez told us during an inspection tour. “When inaugurated, the Puerto Vallarta region experienced a major recession and the condos in this complex were not sold. The owners of the Velas hotels then saw an opportunity to buy it and convent it into a hotel. Velas Vallarta’s strength is that we find quality Velas, but at a better price (we are talking about 380 US $ per night in high season, double occupancy, all inclusive). The architecture is original and the style is very Mexican. Our convention centre accommodates up to 700 people, three swimming pools, a spa and beachfront spa cabins, a fitness centre, several restaurants and a welcoming lounge / lounge with live music every evening."

The Velas Vallarta is indeed a very family-friendly "resort" that offers the Velas quality of service in a historic seafront setting. There are three pools, two restaurants, two bars, a spa and a cardio centre. In terms of entertainment and activities guests can choose from a range of original and exciting activities and events both during the day and evenings, activities like: piñata, jewelery, yoga sessions with a sea view (every morning), Mexican fiestas and casino evenings (weekend).

The newly refurbished kids' club also welcomes children under 13 to participate in supervised activities such as treasure hunting, make-up, sand castle contests, and more. Everything and more is included at Velas Vallarta, which stands out from its big sister the Grand Velas Vallarta, located a little further and differentiated by its competitive prices, its 1 to 3 bedroom suites with kitchenette, its authentic architectural style and family ambience.

Velas Vallarta was also one of Puerto Vallarta's first Green Globe certified hotels since 2008. Puerto Vallarta offers world-class golf courses, world-class spas and beautiful, almost deserted beaches. The hotel is located just minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta, a destination long relegated to the rank of "old fashioned", but which has had a second wind the last five years.

With the inauguration of this new luxury hotels and the efforts of several carriers, such as Aeromexico, Velas Hotels hope to attract more Canadians to come visit their seaside resort, located just 1:30 flight from Mexico City, where the carrier flies twice a day from Montreal. Through this partnership, they have both contributed to the development of this wonderful destination recognized for its beaches, its surf, and its boho-cool atmosphere - a pleasant alternative between Los Cabos and Quintana Roo.

Stay tuned as our editorial team further explores the area with Velas hotels in the coming days.