Picture elegant decor, exquisite dining experiences, and exceptional service where every guest is treated like they’ve just stepped onto the VIP list - welcome to Casa Velas, Puerto Vallarta's crown jewel of luxury and relaxed elegance.
Here's the thing about Casa Velas: there really is no other property like it in Puerto Vallarta. From its attentive staff and inviting Mexican hacienda-style architecture to its aura of tranquility, Casa Velas is in a league of its own. The all-suite, all-inclusive, adult-only property stands out with its prompt and personable service, 80 lavish suites, and value-added inclusions that bring a typical all-inclusive experience up a few notches.
The boutique property strategically positions itself to cater to a discerning clientele that values the exclusivity of an adults-only setting and the subtle nuances of a luxury experience, predominantly appealing to couples, zen-seekers, and groups/MICE parties.
Casa Velas' ideal target market also encompasses golf enthusiasts given the property's proximity to world-class golf courses.
"We are luxury all-inclusive and the only hotel in Puerto Vallarta with four stars by Forbes, so it's a really well-recognized and high-end property," Nadia Moreno, Associate Director of Sales at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Casa Velas, told Open Jaw during a press trip to the resort in DEC 2023.
"We call Casa Velas a hidden gem because of the atmosphere we feel here in the hotel. We are immersed in a golf course, which makes it really intimate and lush. It's perfect for couples as it's adults-only, or for group getaways. We have a really great vibe here."
When Open Jaw joined the press trip, Casa Velas' occupancy was estimated at around 65 per cent – but the ambiance remained comfortably spacious. The splendidly designed property exuded a breezy and fresh atmosphere, allowing guests to enjoy their space without any hint of feeling hemmed in. According to Moreno, the lowest occupancy rates for Casa Velas typically occur in SEPT and OCT, while the highest occupancy is from NOV to APR.
All-inclusive packages are available through major Canadian tour operators - Air Canada Vacations, WestJet, Transat, and Sunwing. According to Moreno, most Canadian guests book with Transat and WestJet. She also noted that Casa Velas sees more guests from the West Coast as there’s great flight frequency to Puerto Vallarta.
Casa Velas Value: Key Selling Points for Travel Advisors
To help you understand the value and perks of a stay at Casa Velas, we asked Moreno for three key elements travel advisors should keep in mind when presenting Casa Velas to their clients.
1. Added value with access to three other properties.
Casa Velas is an unforgettable luxury experience on its own – but there's even more added value for your clients.
Guests staying at Casa Velas get full access to the amenities at nearby Velas Vallarta, an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort located right on the shores of Banderas Bay. This includes access to restaurants and food stations (like a creperie), bars, swimming pools, beach and beach beds, and resort activities. The vibe at Velas Vallarta is more lively and doesn't have the sanctuary feel that makes Casa Velas so special. Still, it's a fantastic way to vary the stay and unlock a broader selection of dining venues.
Casa Velas guests also get full access to Tau Beach Club, including Bali beds, à la carte restaurant, bar, and infinity pool. One dinner at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta, about 20 minutes north of Casa Velas, is also included.
"Price-wise, Casa Velas has more value for your clients," Moreno said.
Velas Vallarta and Tau Beach Club are just a few minutes away and accessible by a complimentary shuttle.
2. The intimate atmosphere and impeccable service.
Casa Velas is located just north of Puerto Vallarta's famed Romantic Zone in the upscale Marina Vallarta development, steps away from fine dining restaurants, scenic coastal lookouts, boutique shops, and cultural activities. Its location offers the best of both worlds - close enough that the vibrant energy and bustling activities of downtown Puerto Vallarta are just a stone's throw away, yet far enough to afford its guests tranquility and relaxation.
"One thing that makes Casa Velas unique is our wellness ambiance. We have different features and amenities that involve wellness so we attract travellers who want to experience wellness during their stay," Moreno said.
The adults-only boutique hotel places great emphasis on exclusivity and a dedicated focus on personalized service.
"The service we offer here is really tailor-made. The staff knows perfectly what clients like. We want to personalize the experience and because of that, we have so many repeat clients," Moreno said.
The staff really do have a talent for knowing what you need before even you realize it, or have to request it. It can be a bottle of water waiting on your Bali bed when you come back from a dip in the Banderas Bay. Or an attendant bringing over and opening an umbrella over your lounge chair at the pool before you ask him to. Or even the staff at Emiliano remembering how you take your coffee in the mornings. By the end of their stay, many of the guests are on a first-name basis with the staff.
And it's not just the clients that have a long-term commitment with Casa Velas or the larger Velas brand – much of the staff have been a crucial part of its reputation, some boasting tenures of up to 30 years.
3. A golfer's paradise.
If your clients enjoy hitting the links, they'll appreciate the easy access to quality golfing during their stay. Casa Velas sits right on the edges of the Marina Vallarta Golf Club and moments from the Vista Vallarta Golf Club, which features a Jack Nicklaus Course and Tom Weiskopf Course – and guests get a 25 per cent discount at all three.
Marina Vallarta Golf Club features nine greens and fairways and three holes with views of the beautiful Bay of Banderas and the spectacular Sierra Madre mountain range from many vantage points on the golf course.
Without sacrificing comfort, your clients can balance their leisure time between golf and the hospitality that Casa Velas is reputed for.
The Velas Vision of Vacation Elegance
The Velas brand is known for its innovative and attentive approach to the hospitality experience.
Reflecting these exceptional standards and sophistication, Casa Velas' accolades speak for themselves:
- Awarded 4 stars by the Forbes Travel Guide rating, granted to properties with impeccable facilities and services.
- Became the only hotel in Puerto Vallarta recognized in the Top 25 All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best 2023.
- Included in the 15 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico ranking by U.S. News & World Report magazine.
This standard extends to other Velas properties, too. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, for example, was the first AAA Five Diamond resort along the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Over on the eastern coast, Grand Velas Riviera Maya stands out with three distinct so-called “ambiances” woven throughout the property, with one set right in the Mayan jungle.
This determination to establish a high-quality and unique identity in a competitive market speaks volumes about the brand's commitment to excellence, innovation, and cultural immersion.
Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos is the latest addition to Velas Resorts’ Mexico portfolio to uphold this standard, having opened on 09JAN. The 79-suite all-inclusive and adults-only newbuild joins two of its sister properties - Grand Velas Los Cabos and Mar del Cabo - on the prestigious Touristic Corridor of Los Cabos.