Only ten minutes from the Puerto Vallarta is the boutique hotel, Casa Velas. This luxury all-inclusive, adults-only resort is located in Puerto Vallarta. Tucked under a canopy of towering trees on the Marina Vallarta Golf Club in the exclusive Marina Vallarta neighborhood, I was invited to attend a World Meditation Day Wellness experience.

Puerto Vallarta is touted as one of the safest cities in Mexico and the Marina Vallarta neighborhood is known as a safe area for tourists and residents. Arriving at the gated resort, I received a warm welcome at the reception area. A tray holding a welcome beverage and fresh washcloth was delivered as I handed my passport to the staff for them to make a copy to keep on file.

Plunge Pool in Suite 515. Photo Jill Weinlein

Reminiscent of a Spanish hacienda, the hotel feels more like a wealthy friend’s home. The common areas look like grand living rooms with soothing water features to promote relaxation. A staff member led me to my Suite #515 and shared some information about the beautiful resort. There are 80 spacious suites in different categories, some have private plunge pools and Jacuzzis. Walking into my suite I appreciated the dramatic sculpted shell wall behind the king size bed. Pulling back the drapes an inviting plunge pool awaited to cool me down. 

GUEST SUITES

Each of the villa-style suites have a scenic gardens with flowering bougainvillea adding a pop of vibrant color. My suite was exquisitely furnished and adorned with textures and colors inspired by traditional Mexican design. Art pieces are by local artists, including acclaimed Mexican sculptor Sergio Bustamante.

The suite categories include Master Suites and Grand Class Suites offering either a large king bed or two double beds with soft duvet covers and different comfort levels of pillows. Besides my plunge pool, I also had a Jacuzzi bathtub inside the spacious marble bathroom. I appreciated the L’Occitane beauty amenities, comfortable robes and slippers.

After unpacking and getting settled, I took a tour of the other room categories with Casa Velas Marketing Manager Isabel Rizzo. Walking into the Presidential Suite, I discovered a 5,564 square feet penthouse offering living space for up to 8 guests. There are four en-suites, two have a king-size bed and the other two bedrooms have two double beds. The main suite has a large luxurious Italian marble bathroom with a deep soaking bathtub and hydro-massage shower. The dining room next to the entertaining living room can seat up to 10 people. Open the nearby sliding doors onto the private 376 sq. ft. terrace with a long plunge pool. This terrace offers picturesque 180 degree views of the resort, golf course and resort pool area.

ENRICHMENT AND WELLNESS ACTIVITIES

During World Meditation Day, guests met in the Botanical Garden under towering shade trees to begin a journey to relaxation and rejuvenation. This new two-hour holistic wellness experience begins with a revitalizing yoga session, followed by a calming guided meditation with sound therapy, and a tea-making workshop in the Chef’s garden. Guests snipped herbs growing in the greenhouse such as rosemary, lavender, spearmint and basil to make a hot tea to sip after the session. This new offering is now available every Wellness Wednesday. On Mondays and Fridays guests can take a Hatha Yoga class in the morning at the Botanical Garden lawn at 9:30 a.m.

ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT

Dining is a highlight of Casa Velas, starting in the morning at Emiliano Restaurant overlooking the tranquil koi ponds and signature swimming pool. For those seeking in-suite dining, a variety of options can be delivered to your room for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Emiliano Restaurant in the evening is an elegant dining venue inside or out on the terrace to enjoy Surf and Turf steak and lobster, and a variety of Mexican specialities by the resort’s culinary team.

Breakfast at Casa Velas. Photo Jill Weinlein

I enjoyed a poolside lunch each day at Casa Velas. There are plenty of lounge areas and cabanas to enjoy a day of sunshine and shade. Servers bring guests a bucket of cold bottled waters and any beverage you wish. The pineapple margarita, guacamole, and shrimp tacos or a chicken burrito were my favorites. During the day, the pool deck near Aqua Bar is set up for a weekly wine and paint class and an al fresco cooking class.Paint Class at Casa Velas. Photo Jill WeinleinPoolside lunch. Photo Jill Weinlein

MINDFULNESS BEACH EXPERIENCE AT TAU BEACH CLUB

For those seeking a beach experience, the staff are happy to drive you over to the resort’s Tau Beach Club. Within five minutes, guests are on the sand overlooking Banderas Bay. The name Táu, which means “Sun” in Wixarika, the indigenous language of the Huichol people of Mexico’s Pacific coast. They gave the destination it’s name because it has more than 2,500 hours of sunshine a year. Casa Velas guests can enjoy poolside lunch, beverages at the pool or in one of the beach cabanas overlooking Puerto Vallarta’s coastline.Dine at Tau Beach Club. Photo Jill WeinleinDine at Tau Beach Club. Photo Jill WeinleinDine at Tau Beach Club. Photo Jill Weinlein

GOLF

Nestled on the greens of Marina Vallarta’s 18-hole golf course, Casa Velas guests receive a 25% discount on green fees, and during some months, gift is complimentary.

Golf at Casa Velas. Photo Jill Weinlein

ABJA SPA

One day I relaxed in a pretty blue and white spa robe at ABJA Spa. Before my treatment, I enjoyed a hydrotherapy session to experience the benefits of sauna, a pressure shower, steam room with eucalyptus inhalation and warm whirlpool bubbling water. Reserving a Harmony Massage for 50 minutes, I received a choice of aromatherapy scents before my therapist caressed agave oil and hot stones all along my back. This soothing deep tissues massage transported me to a state of inner peace through a series of gentle manipulations to unite and harmonize my body. Afterwards, I walked downstairs to see the garden-view fitness center filled with the latest equipment, weights and mats.

THOUGHTFUL CRAFTS

Throughout the week, staff members offer cultural crafts to enrich guests experiences at Casa Velas. One day I attended a God’s Eye dreamcatcher class. Each guest received an individual craft kit, with hands on instruction of how to make a beautiful ancient cultural symbol. While weaving different colored yarn, we learned the origin of its spiritual and cultural significance for the Huichol and Tepehuan Americans of the region. This keepsake was made to protect and watch over babies and children. It’s a symbol for a good long life and protection.  

This summer discover the wellness opportunities at Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta.  The resort is offering specials and ultimate experiences, such as dinner under the stars, romantic picnics, botanical cocktail classes, and wedding proposals with a bubbly toast. It’s less than a three hour flight from Los Angeles, and ten minutes from the Puerto Vallarta International airport.