FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

7 Reasons You’ll Love Grand Velas Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta

by Kelly Magyarics

Dec 28, 2023

© Kelly Magyarics

Daily

When it comes to Mexican beach vacations, the left coast might be the best coast. And located just 15 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, Grand Velas Nayarit is a 267-suite, all-inclusive resort checking off all the boxes. There are countless reasons you’ll fall for this oceanfront property; these seven will more than inspire you to grab your laptop and start booking a winter or spring break getaway:

terrace view

© Kelly Magyarics

Check-In Comes With a Massage

It’s not uncommon these days to be escorted to a comfortable chair upon arrival and given a welcome drink to sip while filling out paperwork rather than standing at the check-in desk. However, after guests at Grand Velas Nayarit are greeted with a hibiscus tea infusion and a refreshing scented towel, a staff member steps in to melt away travel stress and tension via a mini back and shoulder massage. It’s a nice touch, transporting you to blissful relaxation that much quicker.

Spacious Terraces are So Dreamy You Might Want to Sleep There

Suites come with private terraces outfitted with teak furniture imported from Bali. There is also a comfy daybed on which to luxuriate with a book or magazine — or your laptop if you are trying to sneak in some remote work. Depending on your room category, you’ll have views of the sprawling poolscape, Pacific Ocean, or both, along with the backdrop of the Sierra Madres Mountains. The view never gets old.

breakfast

© Kelly Magyarics

You Can Get Chilaquiles for Breakfast Every Day

If there’s a better way to start the day than crispy tortilla chips topped with red onions, cotija cheese, cilantro and salsa roja or verde, we’ve yet to find one. Build your own breakfast nachos at the breakfast buffet at Azul, the casual multilevel oceanfront restaurant located near the pool area, then take your plate to the egg station and ask the chef to finish it off with two over-easy eggs. Enjoy it all at a table overlooking the surf with a mimosa or two.

A “Forced” Digital Detox Can Help You Unplug and Unwind

If your family just can’t stick to the honor system of limiting screen time on vacation, the resort has a new (optional) program for that. After check-in, the concierge removes the flat-screen television from your suite and replaces it with board games. They’ll then go one step further by safely locking phones, iPads, laptops and gaming systems in a safe, leaving you with more time to focus on no-tech activities like SUPing, kayaking and swimming.

The Sunsets are Swoon-Worthy

Since Grand Velas Nayarit is tucked into Bahia de Banderas, the resort faces due west, meaning you’re in a prime spot to watch the sun turn the sky to various hues of pink, orange, peach and purple. Grab a drink from your mini-fridge and catch it from your ocean-view terrace, or head to the patio at Koi Lobby Bar for the aptly named Sunset, which shakes Montelobos Mezcal with passion fruit, lemon juice, Aperol and basil, rimmed with Tajin seasoning.

You Can Get Schooled in Agave Spirits

Resort activities include a class on tequila and mezcal taught by a member of the beverage team, so you can take your knowledge beyond the margarita or paloma. Held in the late afternoon at Koi Bar adjacent to the lobby, the class starts with helpful info on the regions in Mexico where the two agave spirits are produced, followed by a flight of expressions from blanco to reposado to añejo showing the depth and breadth of these spirits’ aromas and flavors.

noodles

© Kelly Magyarics

There’s a Restaurant Named for and Inspired by a Beloved Mexican Artist

The elevated cuisine at Grand Velas Nayarit will make you rethink the term “all-inclusive,” with several à la carte dining concepts including Italian dishes at Lucca, classic French at Piaf and Asian fusion at Sen Lin. Located on the second floor above the lobby, Frida is named for the beloved Mexican artist and serves up creative, colorful, vibrant spins on Mexican cuisine. Standouts include carnitas-stuffed tortas with guajillo chile sauce, confit mushroom tacos and beef tenderloin topped with aged cheese sauce.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
April 2025
Apr 17, 2025

Budapest, Hungary’s Vibrant Capital, Emerges as a Go-To City for Business and Beyond

Straddling the Danube River, the Hungarian capital splits into two parts: Buda and Pest. Buda sits on the west of the river with a series of historic buildings nestled among steep hills, while Pest is flatter and located on the east bank of the river.

A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways

This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.

April 2025
Apr 16, 2025

Plan Unconventional Meetings and Incentives in Iceland’s Extraordinary Landscape

With its enticing combination of vast natural beauty, fascinating traditions and sophisticated culture, Iceland offers lots of opportunities for meeting and incentive groups to create memorable experiences. And for groups, the capital city of Reykjavík makes an especially good hub thanks to its array of hotels, interesting attractions and event venues. It’s easy to experience all the island has to offer using the capital as a base for exploration and for getting down to business.

eFlyer Reviews
Apr 16, 2025

Grand Hotel Des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz Review

Switzerland’s most storied ski town (the one, in fact, credited with pioneering the very concept of Alpine tourism), St. Moritz legendarily attracts the rich, the famous, celebutantes and the wannabes. Yet, there’s something compellingly earthy about the place, a town on a lake rich with natural environs, where winter sports and summer activities draw athletes and mountain lovers aplenty. As at the mountain restaurants (where some arrive by chairlift rather than muscle movement, and all types of diners and imbibers convene), Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz straddles the old and new, the lavish and the understated. The hotel, one of St. Moritz’s oldest, opened as a spa haven in 1864, set atop a healing mineral spring.

Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach

Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.

eFlyer News
Apr 16, 2025

Aranui Announces Expansion with Second Ship

Aranui Cruises, the original cruise company in French Polynesia, just announced a second luxury ship set to sail the South Pacific in 2027. The new ship, Aranoa, expands the cruise line and will journey across the Austral Islands.

April 2025
Apr 15, 2025

Pause for a Harmonious Blend of Wellness and Nature in Hong Kong

I was illiterate when I first visited Hong Kong. Aged 17, I couldn’t understand a word of the Chinese neon signs. But 40 years later, I have changed, Hong Kong has changed, and my ability to understand the signs has changed. Now I point my phone at the unintelligible script, open a translation app, and everything magically morphs into English. The exotic becomes mundane: Shoe Store. Office Supplies. Laundry. Dentist. Insurance Broker.

Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive

Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.

April 2025
Apr 14, 2025

Focus on Wellness and Fitness in Finland’s Capital

For the past five years, The World Happiness Report singled out Finland as the happiest country on the planet; and recently, in the prestigious NUMBEO Quality of Life European City Index, Finland’s capital city, Helsinki, received a ranking of 14th-best city out of 267 European cities chosen for their quality of life. All of Helsinki’s neighborhoods are safe and filled with lovely food and drink venues; interesting boutique shops; and lots of walking, running and biking trails to suit the Finns’ love of year-round exercise, from warm summer days to the snowy months of winter.