After an early morning flight, I arrived in sunny Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I quickly found my airport transfer and was on my way to my hotel, Casa Velas, an adults-only, all-inclusive oasis.

When we pulled up to the property, I was greeted by a friendly face who took my bags and led me to the check-in area. There, I was welcomed with a cocktail and warm towel. The check-in process went smoothly and, before I knew it, I was handed my all-inclusive bracelet before heading to my room.

My suite wasn’t located in the main part of the hotel, so the concierge offered to walk me to my room; I’m glad he did because I don’t think I would have been able to find it by myself. After a short walk to the apartment-style villas, we arrived at my first-floor room.

© Mary Melnick

When I stepped through the door, I entered through a short hallway leading into a small dining and living area. On the left is a stocked mini fridge holding water, beer, Gatorade and soda. On top sat a basket with snacks like chips, peanuts, candy and more. Since the hotel is all-inclusive, all snacks and drinks are free and replenished daily. As I walked further in the suite, there was a sitting area with plenty of natural light thanks to sliding back doors leading to my own private patio. When I opened the door, I was pleasantly surprised to see I had my own little lounging area, as well as a private plunge pool of which I definitely took advantage.

Moving back into the suite, I next went to check out the sleeping area, which had a king-sized bed, TV and a wicker bench with a beach bag I was free to use throughout my stay. Connected to the room was a space with full-sized closets and storage areas, which then led into the bathroom. The bathroom had Jack-and-Jill sinks, a Jacuzzi tub and a standalone shower.

After I was done exploring my room, I quickly unpacked and changed into my bathing suit to go soak up the sun and explore all the amenities the hotel offered.

© Mary Melnick

Guests of Casa Velas have access to the hotel’s pool, gym, restaurants, spas and full range of activities. I spent my days with a cold drink in hand while relaxing on plush lounge chairs or beach cabanas by the oversized pool. When I got too hot, I took a dip in the pool, visited the swim-up bar and sunbathed on one of the in-pool lounge chairs.

The hotel’s on-site restaurant Emiliano is a great spot breakfast, lunch and dinner, and reservations can be made by calling the concierge or visiting the main lobby. You can also order in-suite services for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Not only do guests have access to the amenities at Casa Velas, but they are also welcome to take the complimentary shuttle over to the hotel’s sister property, Velas Vallarta. Velas Vallarta has a wide variety of experiences, including a spa, multiple pools, a kids’ club, tennis and pickleball courts, beach access and beach cabanas, and more. At night, book the Teepee dining experience for a one-of-a-kind beachside meal.

© Mary Melnick

Another perk of staying at Casa Velas is having access to nearby Táu Beach Club. Here, I soaked up the sun on a lounge chair by the pool, relaxed in a cabana on the sand and grabbed an oceanside bite at the restaurant. At night, the beach club turns into a delicious restaurant offering views of some of the best sunsets in the area.

No matter how you choose to spend your trip, you’ll never be bored at Casa Velas.

Casa Velas Puerto Vallarta

C. Pelícanos 311, Marina Vallarta
48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
tel 52 877 418 3011