Mexico offers some of the best combinations of culture, food, weather, amenities, and service, which is why many families are choosing this nearby country for their family vacations. However, Mexico is a large country with many great vacation options, so you'll need to research towns and resorts to find the best option for your family. Recently, I traveled to Puerto Vallarta, a resort city along the Pacific coast of the Mexican state of Jalisco, and had the best time.
During my visit, I stayed at the Velas Vallarta, a family-friendly resort that's part of the family-owned Mexican Velas chain. This resort offers family suites with great amenities for families and couples visiting the area.
Disclosure: My trip to the Velas Vallarta was complimentary for review purposes. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links, and a purchase through one of these links may result in a commission for me.
Review of the Velas Vallarta Family-Friendly Resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Location of the Velas Vallarta
The Velas Vallarta is located about 10 minutes from the Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). It's also about 20 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. You won't need a car, although there is a car rental desk at the hotel if you decide to get one once your vacation starts.
Otherwise, there are cabs and public transportation options. After a long day of flying, I was grateful to just have a short drive before I arrived at this gorgeous resort.
Puerto Vallarta itself is a beautiful resort city with a marina and a downtown area featuring shops and cafes. During our visit, I enjoyed a few hours along the Puerto Vallarta Malecón boardwalk—it's a must-visit for anyone visiting the area.
All-Inclusive Resort
Velas Vallarta offers an all-inclusive experience, which is so convenient for families. All-inclusive means that your beverages (including alcohol), meals, and stocked fridge/snacks are included in your stay. In addition to the two restaurants, all-day room service is also offered. With a full dining room table in your suite, you can enjoy a private dinner or choose to go to one of the two resort restaurants.
Room Types
When you stay at an all-inclusive resort, the room matters a lot. Because you'll be spending most of your time on the property, you'll want to ensure you have plenty of space for your family to spread out. Luckily, the Velas Vallarta offers beautiful, spacious suites that are great for a family vacation.
I had a one-bedroom suite with a large balcony, a dining area (with a table for four), a bedroom with one king bed, a living room, and a double couch. There were also a variety of toiletries, including a razor, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. This room type can accommodate three adults or two adults and two minors.
My room included snacks, like microwave popcorn, boxed cereals, and chips. The fridge is also restocked daily, with soda, beer, juice, milk, and water. Free Wi-Fi is also offered. The rooms are beautiful with colorful accents and great balconies to enjoy the gorgeous weather.
Other room types include deluxe studios, two-bedroom lockoff suites, two-bedroom family suites, three-bedroom suites, master suites, oceanfront suites, and a presidential suite. We had the opportunity to tour the three-bedroom suites and the master suites, and they are large, spacious options perfect for a larger or extended family. There's lots of space for everyone!
Family Amenities and Activities at the Velas Vallarta
The Velas Vallarta offers so much for families to do. The three pools offer something for everyone, whether you prefer an exciting experience with all-day activities and a swim-up bar, or a more relaxing, quiet experience. I enjoyed just strolling through the lush gardens, watching the on-site peacocks along with the koi swimming in the various koi pods nestled throughout the resort.
The Velas Vallarta also has waterfront access, with loungers available for guests. There's also a sun deck for those looking to get some vitamin D on their vacation. During my trip, the water was a little rough, but I understand that isn't typical.
Looking for kids' activities to keep the kids entertained on your trip? An on-site kids' club offers a place for kids to have fun, including games, movies, arts and crafts, and more.
The resort offers other complimentary activities throughout the day. Upon check-in, you'll receive a seasonal list of activities. In the fall months, activities include morning yoga, a marina walking tour, beach volleyball, arts and crafts, water aerobics, blackjack, Spanish lessons, sound healing, ping pong, and Mexican Bingo.
Want to stay active? There is a gym, as well as three tennis courts and a basketball court. Pickleball is also offered.
If you want to explore the city of Puerto Vallarta, a city tour is included in your stay and offered twice a week. You need to make a reservation in advance, and all purchases in the city are at your own expense (including any food).
In the evening, the resort offers shows and activities, including a circus show, a mime show, karaoke, and casino nights. On Sunday, a Mexican dinner is offered at the convention center, featuring a buffet of delicious Mexican specialties and entertainment. My visit included a Sunday, and this event was the highlight of my trip. Not only was the food delicious, but the festive atmosphere was very memorable.
Food at the Velas Vallarta
As an all-inclusive resort, all of the food and drinks (with some upgraded, paid options) are included in your stay. The food I had during my stay was excellent.
Andrea
Andrea is the resort's most upscale restaurant, with a different theme each evening (including French, Asian, Tuscan, gourmet Mexican, Emilia-Romagna, Sicilian, and Neapolitan nights). That way, you can experience something different each time you visit for dinner.
Andrea offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reservations are required for dinner, and there is a dress code (casual/elegant t-shirt or shirt with sleeves, dress pants/shorts, closed-toed shoes, with no beachwear or sports shorts).
Ribera
Ribera is a beautiful beachfront restaurant that also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Like Andrea, the menu does rotate, including North American Night, Latin American Night, and Mexican Night. Ribera is closed on Sunday evenings due to the Mexican party at the convention center.
I enjoyed my breakfasts in Ribera and loved sitting oceanfront. There's a full breakfast buffet, along with your choice of menu items. While I loved the buffet, my favorite was the burrito (from the menu). I could have had that every day!
In Room Dining
Room service is complimentary and offered for all three meals. There's an extensive room service menu, and it's easy to eat at the full dining room table in the suites. I think this is a great option for families who may not want to eat out every evening.
Other Dining Options
In addition to in-room dining and the two restaurants, the Velas Vallarta offers some other dining options. For light bites, there's a hamburger station and ice cream right by the Ribera restaurant near the pool. Servers can also bring food and drinks right to your poolside chair, so you don't have to leave the pool area to eat lunch.
The resort also has a crepe stand in the lobby. Since I always had a big breakfast, I opted for a lunch crepe each day for a lighter meal. There are lots of both sweet and savory options.
Extras at the Velas Vallarta
While almost everything is included in the Velas Vallarta all-inclusive experience, there are a few things that cost extra.
Boutique: The resort offers a boutique right off the lobby, selling clothing, accessories, and jewelry.
Convenience Store: Located right near the spa, the convenience store sells snacks, beach essentials, toiletries, medications, and other essentials.
Beauty Salon and Spa: If you are looking for a special pampering experience, consider one of the beachfront spa cabanas on the jetty. During my media trip, I experienced this and was so surprised by how completely relaxing it was. It's a real treat during your vacation.
Other extra items include dry cleaning and laundry, car rentals, and excursions.
Overall, my stay at the Velas Vallarta was excellent. I was impressed by the delicious food, fantastic, friendly service, and beautiful, lush grounds. I'd highly recommend a stay there, and can't wait to return.
To learn more about the Velas Vallarta, visit their website.
Leave a Reply