Grand Velas – All Suites and Spa Resort in Riviera Nayarit Mexico

When travelling, we always make a point to venture off the hotel or resort, explore the area, and talk with locals. It’s our way of fully soaking in the experience and getting to know the destination and the people – to the fullest.

While taking in in Nayarit Mexico for the first time recently, we met a man with his own diving company, named Steve. In our conversations with him, we had asked which resort is the best in the area. He laughed and replied, “You’re staying at it!”.

The resort that our family was currently visiting was Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, yet Steve informed us that locals simply refer to the hotel as ‘5 Diamonds’.

The reference comes from the fact that Grand Velas was the first all-inclusive resort in the world, to receive AAA’s Five Diamond Award. Not to mention, it’s still the only all-inclusive in the Mexican Pacific to be awarded Five Diamonds.

As a traveller, awards such as these are impressive, yet it’s another level of prestige when locals hold a resort to such a high degree, since they basically know ‘the ins and outs’.

Grand Velas is so well-laid out, non-complex to the new visitor and impeccably clean and well-maintained. This ‘cleanliness’ stretches from the immaculate and unique lobby and inner walkway areas to the suites themselves, the grounds and beyond. It’s a resort that is kept up to date and flawless in every way possible.

In our 4-day stay at this resort we seen daily beach maintenance as well. Not the usual tidying and raking of the sand, yet the resort ensures that no hazardous items are washed up on shore each night by using metal detectors to search for sharp objects in the sand. It’s the first time I’ve witnessed this at a resort, and a safety precaution that I truly appreciated.

Upon arrival guests receive a shoulder massage at check-in. So literally from the moment you arrive, Grand Velas makes it known that top-notch care is their concern.

Each modern and comfortable suite at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has stunning views of the ocean and the beach. The pool complex is actually 3 different pools in a row {of differing temperatures}, with the furthest being a magnificent infinity pool that literally takes your breath away {check out our Grand Velas travel review video!}

Being a luxury 5 diamond resort, travellers will immediately notice that the lounge chairs are wooden and padded, very high quality. Also, there are no towel cards, each chair has towels on it, which are switched out when needed by staff. That, and there’s so many lounge chairs {you’re never without} along with numerous umbrellas for shade as well.

The pool area has ample staff that cater to your every need, and I’m not only talking about supplying food and drink. For instance, they will bring ice buckets of water bottles for your party, which seem to re-fill before you even realize that you need more.

A note to Canadian travellers, Grand Velas has Clamato as well! I know that’s hard to find when travelling outside of our country, and oftentimes I crave Caesars while in Mexico, as do many others I know!

Many times per day we witnessed staff moving umbrellas all around, to provide shade and comfort for guests. It’s common practice to spot umbrellas being moved when guests fell slumber in the comfortable lounge chairs. Umbrellas moving as the sun, very quietly of course, to not disturb guests relaxation. When I first watched this occurrence happen, I have to admit to being taken aback – it’s something that is so above and beyond other usual service.

I had the opportunity to spend a morning at the Grand Velas spa, which is in my opinion, the best I’ve experience thus far.

Before my drool-worthy relaxation massage, I went through a series of water treatments to relax and pamper the body, mind and soul. I even was offered cucumbers to cover my eyes three times, along with a refreshing fruit popsicle while in the hot pool. They also have a spa menu if you are hungry, complimentary to gusts of course.

 

Being a family that travels with three children, I appreciate that while Grand Velas is a luxury spa resort, they do cater to families. They have a kids club and separate kids pool, and daily activities are coordinated. Yet, it’s the staff that truly left their mark on us and our children.

At the start of every vacation, my kids aren’t eager to spend time at kids clubs at all, even outright refusing before we check into the hotel. Yet we do have them try it once and at some resorts, once is enough. That being said, it’s been hit and miss on past trips whether or not they spend ample time there.

On our second afternoon at Grand Velas, my family and I were lounging by the pool when a kids club staff came by notifying us of a club activity starting soon. She was friendly, talked to the kids and us, then reached out her hand for our daughters to join her. Our girls accepted the invitation and along they went.

An hour later, the girls came back, happy and excited to tell us about what they did {cooking class}. Then, the next morning before breakfast the girls asked to go to kids club again, which pretty much shocked us. Like I said, it’s a rare occasion when they ask to spend time at kids club.

So, off our daughters went and they actually spent the entire day there, refusing a few invites by us, to join us.

Later in the afternoon my husband and I realized that we would be alone for dinner {the girls insisted on dining with their new friends and the kids club staff}, so we thought it was the perfect opportunity to dine at the adults only restaurant at Grand Velas, Piaf. At that moment a pool staff approached my husband and I to see if we needed anything, so I asked him how we could find our concierge, to hopefully make a last minute dinner reservation. He pulled out a paper and pen from his pocket and asked us what time we wanted to go. Turns out there’s a pool concierge at Grand Velas as well – and within seconds we had dinner reservations – without even leaving the pool.

Dining at Grand Velas is a treat in itself, the options are plenty and the food is gourmet. Truly there isn’t a meal that I didn’t care for, and I especially liked the Fiesta dinner and party that they hold once per week. While there are restaurants, there’s also a snack bar and 24 hour room service – as well as ordering poolside if you wish.

 

Lastly, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is a quieter resort than many, staff walk around notifying guests of special events and nothing is shouted over a loud speaker. Music at the pool bar isn’t blasting, there is no disco – all combining to offer that tranquil and pampered feeling for the duration of your stay. At any time, you can can hear the waves and birds – it’s a blanket of peace and comfort that never lifts.

Located on the edge of Banderas Bay in Nuevo Vallarta, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is less than 12 km from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport and about 20 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta.

This all-inclusive resort is ideal for weddings, couples vacations, and travelling families looking for that perfect blend of fun and relaxation while on vacation. For more information on the amenities, activities and services at Grand Velas, please check out their website!