Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit — lostwithlina.com

Along the coastline of Nuevo Vallarta, standing seaside on the edge of the sparkling blue Bahía de Banderas, lies one of Mexico’s most luxurious all-inclusive resorts, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit.

I swear, everything here smells like sweet flowers and the colours are a few notches brighter than normal life. With a lush backdrop of palm-covered mountains, contemporary Mexican design and tropical, vibrant landscaping, this family-friendly all-inclusive AAA Five Diamond Resort is an ideal escape in the heart of Puerto Vallarta. With an array of accolades under its belt, including being recognised among the best in the world in TripAdvisor’s 2018 Travelers’ Choice Award, it’s no surprise that this picturesque resort, edged by more than 650 feet of pristine beach, boasts all the ingredients of an world class all-inclusive resort.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is home to some of the most incredibly spacious suites and guest rooms we’ve ever seen, and features five spectacular renowned dining options, expansive pools, a luxury full-service spa, and an array of activities including Spanish lessons, volleyball, scuba diving clinics, golf and various theme nights to keep you entertained. Each stay is complete with a generous all-inclusive package that allows you to indulge in gourmet cuisine across five different restaurants.

LOCATION & HOW TO GET HERE

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit sits right on the beach on the northern edge of Banderas Bay, north of Puerto Vallarta, known for its beautiful beaches, aquatic tours and large beachfront resorts. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International airport and around 30 minutes to El Malacón, the popular seaside boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta.

THE GRAND VELAS EXPERIENCE

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the perfect place to find relaxation, rejuvenation, and adventure. With the enormous range of activities and amenities on offer, you’ll be hard pressed to find a reason to leave (unless you wish to explore Puerto Vallarta and the nearby beaches).

The setting and the resort itself are remarkable. With a glistening blue three-tiered infinity pool, a swim-up bar overlooking the stretch of coastline (unfortunately covered in seaweed during our stay) and the Sierra Madre mountains in the distance; Grand Velas is one picturesque postcard. The vast number of cabanas and exceptionally comfortable lounges spread across the lush grounds allow guests to eat and drink to your heart's content while poolside. What more could you want?

During your stay you’re bound to come across the resident ‘pets’ of the resort meandering about. Grand Velas is home to two free-roaming peacocks, dozens of Koi fish amongst the various ponds, a bright green iguana and two hawks that work tirelessly to keep other birds at bay.

If you’re looking to pamper your mind and body, stop by the resort’ 16,000-square foot luxury spa (named among the best spas in the world by Condé Nast Traveler) for an indulgent treatment using natural and exotic ingredients. If you’re feeling more active, practice your swing at the sprawling, world-class golf courses which offer the most dramatic (and distracting) views. Downtown Puerto Vallarta is just a short drive away, where you’ll find a colourful vibe with vibrant restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, art galleries, and markets. There are also endless options for water activities, such as deep-sea fishing and scuba diving.

LUXURY SUITES & ACCOMMODATION

Each of the 267 ocean-view suites at Grand Velas are over 1,000 square feet, feature private terraces offering views overlooking Bahía de Banderas and Sierra Madre mountains, and some even have plunge pools. The interiors of the suites are classically decorated in neutral tones with hints of Mexican charm and teak finishings.

All guest rooms are complete with all the amenities one could wish for; plasma TVS, WiFi, a fully stocked minibar, L’Occitane toiletries and Nespresso machines. There are even a number of specialty “Wellness Suites” which include a personal training session and in-suite massage in addition to other fitness amenities, such as an in-suite lifecycle exercise bike, Vitamin C sprinkler, crudité minibar, wellness snacks, organic soaps, an Alchimia Apothecary aromatherapy kit, and a Nikken Kenko pillow and comforter.

THE ALL-INCLUSIVE DREAM

The notion of the ‘all-inclusive’ has been completely revolutionised at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. With five on-site restaurants, the resort offers a variety of exceptional dining options, where the flavours of Mexico and all your favourite international cuisines come to life.

Guests can dine in an array of eateries every evening, each offering guests fresh, creative meals in exquisite settings. Frida, the star of the show, serves contemporary Mexican-style cuisine; Lucca dishes out Italian and Mediterranean fare; Piaf serves a French-inspired menu; and Sen Lin, the resort’s newest addition, serves modern Asian fusion cuisine.

Breakfast is served just steps from the oceanfront at Restaurant Azul. Fancy a meal poolside? Selva del Mar serves your classic Mexican snacks (crispy calamari, beef tacos, fresh guacamole, ceviche) and a swim-up bar offers cocktails. The resort also offers 24-hour room service for any midnight cravings. In addition to food, guests can order premium liquors to their rooms.

SE SPA

If the resort's warm, powdery shore and steadily pounding surf aren't enough to chase away your worries, a visit to its sprawling spa should do the trick. With more than 30 treatments available, many are inspired by the native traditions of Mexico. Vela underscores the importance of this, noting, “the SE SPA by Grand Velas concept is steeped in Mexican culture and inspired by the changing pattern of the seasons. All spa services begin with the Grand Velas Water Ritual, a hydrotherapy circuit that treats the whole body with water at varying temperatures and states, from steam to ice. During our time at Grand Velas, I experienced this signature Hydrotherapy Water Journey treatment, which included a revitalizing sensory shower, herbal steam and Sauna, a dip in the two- temperature lagoon, reflexology foot tub, time in the Jacuzzi, ice fountain and a final multi-jet Swiss shower. It was rejuvenation for the mind and body in every drop.

WHAT TO KNOW

WORLD-CLASS AMENITIES: There's a full-service spa with a beauty salon and fitness centre. Activities include yoga, golf at three neighbouring clubs, kayaking tours and scuba-diving clinics. You can even test your skills on the tennis courts, though I doubt you’ll have time for exercise.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit prides itself on its family-friendly atmosphere, and families will find plenty of options to keep everyone entertained. Kids and teens can find plenty to do at the kids' and teen clubs and there's even a baby concierge service for little ones. Teens are even welcome at the luxurious spa, with three new 50-minute treatments that cater to the unique needs of the younger guests.

WHEN TO COME: Sargassum season, when the majority of seaweed arrives in the Mexican Caribbean, runs from April to August, so try to avoid visiting during these months.

Visit https://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com/ to check their availability or visit their Instagram page @grandvelasnay.

I was hosted as a guest of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, however, all the opinions expressed in this article are, as always, my own.