Located midway along Mexico’s Pacific coast, and just to the north of Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta is an exclusive community. It includes estate homes, luxury resorts, and stunning ocean scenery. In addition, it features an exclusive stretch of beach and countless amenities. The Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit provides an all-inclusive getaway catering to couples and families. From pampering spa treatments to swimming with dolphins to sampling the latest imaginative Mexican cuisine, this resort has it all.
Accommodation type: 5-star
No. of Rooms & Suites: 267
Pricing: starts at $535 for standard suites, at $645 for parlor suites, at $711 for governor suites, at $757 ambassador grand class suites
High season: November through June
Nearest airport: Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR)
Suitable for: couples, honeymooners, families
Awards:
- Trip Advisor’s “10 Best All-Inclusive Hotels in the World,” 2017
- Travel + Leisure’s “Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts,” 2016
- AAA Five Diamond Award, 2016
Accommodation
The Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit provides all-suite luxury accommodations for its guests. It was built in 2002 and renovated in 2012. Therefore, the impressive lobby area allows in fresh sea breezes and features a multi-story palapa roof. Even more, the guests can admire the beautiful splashing fountains. In addition, each guest suite is at least 1,000 square feet in size, with ocean views, tropical furniture, and a private balcony. Also, they feature down comforters, minibars, plush robes and slippers and the latest in technology. Upon request, that includes Apple TVs. So, the technology level is up to par for all tastes.
Three beautiful infinity pools stand framed by the boundless Pacific Ocean. For each guest, they create memorable sunrises and sunsets. Even more, the private stretch of beach features sparkling golden sand and immaculate cabanas that provide shelter from the noonday sun. Teens and kids each have their own dedicated clubhouse spaces. They feature fun activities like karaoke or Xbox gaming. Additionally, adults will enjoy the swim-up bar in the pool, live musical performances each evening or spending time on the resort’s tennis courts.
Facilities
- Frida, Lucca and Piaf Restaurants – enjoy innovative Mexican, Italian or French cuisine, respectively, in these three restaurants. They take inspiration from traditional Mexican ingredients and add wonderfully fresh and varied seafood caught locally. These restaurants present award-winning cuisine in an elegant setting.
- Cafe Azul – casual dining for the whole family. They offer a range of cuisines and choices, such as American hamburgers, Japanese sushi, Italian pizzas and Mexican enchiladas.
- Spa – garnering a string of awards for the resort, this full-service spa centers on wellness with a focus on using traditional Mexican ingredients in their massage. That includes oils, body scrubs, and nourishing treatments. In addition, hydrotherapy, exfoliation, manicures and pedicures, facials and body wraps are among the many treatments.
- Fitness Center -besides the full complement of cardiovascular machines and free weights, there are personal trainers on hand. They can assist in crafting an exercise regimen and daily classes in a range of disciplines like pilates and aquaerobics.
Complimentary Activities
There are daily meditation and yoga classes for guests to enjoy. In addition, guests have use of the resort’s kayaks for a tour around Banderas Bay with a guide, who will also instruct members in kayak lessons before beginning. There are also classes that will add to a guest’s skill set, like cooking, salsa dancing, and Spanish language courses.
Children from four to 12 years of age can join the Kid’s Club, with nature walks, arts and crafts, beach activities and time splashing in the resort’s family pool.
Travel Options
The airport is conveniently close, just over 11 kilometers or 18 minutes away by car. There are taxi queues upon exiting the baggage claim area, and fares will cost around $20 for the trip. For those renting a car, they will need to immediately exit the airport road and enter onto México 200. After 10 minutes or eight kilometers, follow the signs for Nuevo Vallarta Norte and take a left onto Boulevard Nuevo Vallarta. After two kilometers, there will be a roundabout. Take the first exit, continuing on Boulevard Nuevo Vallarta. At the next roundabout, take the second exit, which will be Paseo de los Cocoteros. The resort will be on the right after about 200 meters.
In addition, the concierge at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit can arrange airport pick-up or drop-off for guests for an additional fee.
Main Attractions Around Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Banderas Bay
Renowned the world over for its clear water and excellent diving conditions, Banderas Bay offers endless water sports. That ranges from snorkeling and scuba diving to sport fishing and whale watching. There are sailboat charters, or visitors can rent jet skis. Banana boat rides, parasailing, and sea kayaking are also on offer.
Aquaventuras Park
Fun for the whole family, this water park provides an exciting way to cool off on long summer days. It features a twisting labyrinth of colorful tubes, a lazy river, and dolphin or sea lion encounters. Also, there’s a zip line, an obstacle course, and a rock-climbing wall.
Puerto Vallarta Old Town
For a glimpse of Puerto Vallarta with a definite small-town Mexican flair, the Old Town, or “Romantic Zone,” has endless bars, shops, galleries and restaurants to explore. Strolling the nearby Malecón, or boardwalk, allows a close-up view of the artistic sculptures, access to the pretty beach. Even more, you get a wonderful panoramic view of the bay.
El Tigre Golf Club
Among the fun pursuits on land near the resort is a championship course, one of four in the Puerto Vallarta area. A welcoming clubhouse complete with a live tiger greets guests to this 18-hole, par 72 course. Other activities in the area include jungle trekking, horseback riding, zipline tours and all-terrain vehicle safaris. Additionally, the resort’s concierge can recommend outfitters and schedule activities.
Final Words
Balmy year-round temperatures allow Nuevo Vallarta to be a haven at any time of year. World-class golfing, fine cuisine, exciting activities and a wealth of Mexican culture promise to make memories that will last a lifetime. Have you had the opportunity to stay at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit? If you’ve been lucky enough to visit the resort or have spent some time in the Puerto Vallarta region, let us know all about your trip in the comments below. Even more, make sure to check out the Banyan Tree Mayakoba resort for more beautiful hotels in Mexico.