When it comes to Mexican beach vacations, the left coast might be the best coast. And located just 15 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, Grand Velas Nayarit is a 267-suite, all-inclusive resort checking off all the boxes. There are countless reasons you’ll fall for this oceanfront property; these seven will more than inspire you to grab your laptop and start booking a winter or spring break getaway:
Check-In Comes With a Massage
It’s not uncommon these days to be escorted to a comfortable chair upon arrival and given a welcome drink to sip while filling out paperwork rather than standing at the check-in desk. However, after guests at Grand Velas Nayarit are greeted with a hibiscus tea infusion and a refreshing scented towel, a staff member steps in to melt away travel stress and tension via a mini back and shoulder massage. It’s a nice touch, transporting you to blissful relaxation that much quicker.
Spacious Terraces are So Dreamy You Might Want to Sleep There
Suites come with private terraces outfitted with teak furniture imported from Bali. There is also a comfy daybed on which to luxuriate with a book or magazine — or your laptop if you are trying to sneak in some remote work. Depending on your room category, you’ll have views of the sprawling poolscape, Pacific Ocean, or both, along with the backdrop of the Sierra Madres Mountains. The view never gets old.
You Can Get Chilaquiles for Breakfast Every Day
If there’s a better way to start the day than crispy tortilla chips topped with red onions, cotija cheese, cilantro and salsa roja or verde, we’ve yet to find one. Build your own breakfast nachos at the breakfast buffet at Azul, the casual multilevel oceanfront restaurant located near the pool area, then take your plate to the egg station and ask the chef to finish it off with two over-easy eggs. Enjoy it all at a table overlooking the surf with a mimosa or two.
A “Forced” Digital Detox Can Help You Unplug and Unwind
If your family just can’t stick to the honor system of limiting screen time on vacation, the resort has a new (optional) program for that. After check-in, the concierge removes the flat-screen television from your suite and replaces it with board games. They’ll then go one step further by safely locking phones, iPads, laptops and gaming systems in a safe, leaving you with more time to focus on no-tech activities like SUPing, kayaking and swimming.
The Sunsets are Swoon-Worthy
Since Grand Velas Nayarit is tucked into Bahia de Banderas, the resort faces due west, meaning you’re in a prime spot to watch the sun turn the sky to various hues of pink, orange, peach and purple. Grab a drink from your mini-fridge and catch it from your ocean-view terrace, or head to the patio at Koi Lobby Bar for the aptly named Sunset, which shakes Montelobos Mezcal with passion fruit, lemon juice, Aperol and basil, rimmed with Tajin seasoning.
You Can Get Schooled in Agave Spirits
Resort activities include a class on tequila and mezcal taught by a member of the beverage team, so you can take your knowledge beyond the margarita or paloma. Held in the late afternoon at Koi Bar adjacent to the lobby, the class starts with helpful info on the regions in Mexico where the two agave spirits are produced, followed by a flight of expressions from blanco to reposado to añejo showing the depth and breadth of these spirits’ aromas and flavors.
There’s a Restaurant Named for and Inspired by a Beloved Mexican Artist
The elevated cuisine at Grand Velas Nayarit will make you rethink the term “all-inclusive,” with several à la carte dining concepts including Italian dishes at Lucca, classic French at Piaf and Asian fusion at Sen Lin. Located on the second floor above the lobby, Frida is named for the beloved Mexican artist and serves up creative, colorful, vibrant spins on Mexican cuisine. Standouts include carnitas-stuffed tortas with guajillo chile sauce, confit mushroom tacos and beef tenderloin topped with aged cheese sauce.
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