Arrival/Check-in: The doorman guided me from the taxicab straight to a chair next to an indoor pond. I was offered chilled towels and hibiscus tea. Fresh, aromatic flower petals coated the furniture and fixtures throughout the open-air lobby. The polite, friendly staff brought check-in paperwork to me, along with orientation information. After a short tour of the grounds, I was escorted to my room and reunited with my bag.

Guest Quarters: The first thing I noticed when I entered my quarters was a candy-filled dish with my name on it that was placed prominently on the writing desk. A selection of chocolate-covered strawberries and slices of fresh fruit was provided. The marble floors, white plaster columns and honey-colored walls contributed to the room’s Mexican ambience. But the highlight of the interior design was the bed, with its giant, illuminated seashell relief in place of a headboard.

I quickly came to appreciate the fast wireless connection in my room, as other hotspots I used in Puerto Vallarta seemed slow by comparison. Outlets for my computer and mobile devices were easy to find and use. A large, flat-screen TV stood in the middle of the room atop a cabinet that housed a small refrigerator, a coffeemaker and an assortment of snacks. At the nightly turndown, the television was set to play a moody, looping art film that I quite enjoyed. The bathroom had a large marble sink, a phone and a giant walk-in shower. Though the size of the shower was impressive, the water was not always as consistently hot as I would have liked.

Services/Amenities: With 80 guestrooms and an adults-only policy, the boutique resort was always quiet and intimate. It felt as if Casa Velas was as ideal a location for a romantic getaway as it was the perfect place to finish writing a novel. Unlike many oceanfront resorts in Puerto Vallarta, tropical jungle and a popular 18-hole golf course surround Casa Velas. An off-site beach club with oceanfront dining was only a five-minute shuttle ride away. The pool area was serene and featured an array of roving wildlife to watch, including iguanas and peacocks. A poolside bar served up wine, cocktails and food. Tequila-tasting demonstrations were also held near the pool. The hotel had a well-equipped gym, a salon and a large spa, where I enjoyed a soothing, 50-minute holistic massage.

The Emiliano restaurant at Casa Velas served delicious gourmet dishes and desserts. Room service was good as well. Guests can also ride shuttles to Grand Velas, the beach club and the Velas Vallarta sister resort, for additional dining options.

The Experience: Private, tranquil and lush, Casa Velas was a great all-inclusive hotel in which to work, relax and play while in Puerto Vallarta. At every turn, I was made to feel comfortable and pampered.

GT Checklist

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub/shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Large, flat-screen TV
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Ample lighting
• High-quality bed linens
• Choice of pillows
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• Iron and ironing board
• Easy-to-set alarm clock
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• In-room coffeemaker
• Large, complimentary laptop safe

Casa Velas Hotel & Ocean Club

Pelícanos 311 Fracc. Marina Vallarta
C.P. 48354, Puerto Vallarta
Jalisco, Mexico
tel 52 322 226 6688
www.hotelcasavelas.com