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
Read This Next
All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jun 20, 2025Hong Kong International Airport Reveals Redesign of The Bridge Lounge
The Bridge — Cathay Pacific’s stylish, oasis-like lounge at Hong Kong International Airport — is once again available to travelers. The Bridge is located close to Departure Gate 35 in Terminal 1. Along with a traditional, staffed check-in desk, guests will soon be able to choose the option of a biometric check-in system. Inside, architectural and design features include cherry wood, black granite, travertine and framed screens, along with original artwors from Cathay Pacific’s own award-winning Gallery in the Skies.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination
Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.
Daily
Jun 20, 2025World’s First Runway Sauna Opens at Helsinki Airport for Unique Campaign
The world’s first runway sauna opened for just one day this month at Helsinki Airport in Finland. In a country with more than 3 million saunas, this runway sauna may just be another in the country, but it served as a symbol of Finnish happiness and wellbeing.
June 2025
Jun 20, 2025The Majors Make Summer Tops for Tennis Fans
The world’s four most important annual professional tennis tournaments, collectively known as the Grand Slam, take place during the warmer months, so why not tack a Major onto your vacation?
Sponsored Content
Three New Routes from TAP Air Portugal as Airline Celebrates 80 Years
TAP Air Portugal offers three new routes to Portugal: from Boston (BOS) to Porto (OPO), Los Angeles (LAX) to Lisbon (LIS) and San Francisco (SFO) to Terceira (TER) in the Azores.
Daily
Jun 20, 20253 Hotels with Luxury Fly-Fishing Experiences
Peak fly-fishing season is underway, making it the perfect time to book a getaway to one of these three luxury resorts with fly-fishing experiences.
The Spa at Terranea Debuts $4.5 Million Renovation
Daily
Jun 19, 2025Don’t Miss These 5 Exceptional Museums in Budapest
Daily
Jun 18, 2025W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal Review
eFlyer Reviews
Jun 18, 2025eFlyer News
Jun 18, 2025United Airlines Launches First Non-Stop Service Between United States and Greenland in 20 Years
The first non-stop service between the United States and Greenland in 20 years is officially underway thanks to United Airlines. The airline launched the new route June 15, connecting Newark Liberty International Airport with Nuuk International Airport.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
eFlyer News
Jun 18, 2025Radisson Collection Debuts in France in Lyon
Cour des Loges Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel, marks Radisson Collection’s debut in France. Part of Radisson Hotel Group, the luxury lifestyle brand opens in Lyon’s historic center in the UNESCO-listed Vieux Lyon district. The site alone dates back to the 14th century, connecting six interior courtyards across several buildings.
ShareThis