By Teresa Greco
There is a kind of travel that isn’t about checking off landmarks or rushing through itineraries. It’s about indulging in the kind of luxury that doesn’t shout but whispers—through intuitive service, serene settings, and cuisine that nourishes the spirit as much as the body. It’s about entering a world where time stretches and senses awaken, where every detail has been curated to elevate rest into ritual. That was the rhythm of our recent journey through two extraordinary resorts in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico—Casa Velas and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit.
Casa Velas: An Oasis of Tranquility
With just 80 suites, Casa Velas offers an intimate, boutique experience that stands in contrast to the larger scale and energy of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. This adults-only retreat emphasizes personalized service and a serene ambiance, making it ideal for travellers seeking privacy, relaxation, and a deeper connection to nature and culture.
Tucked within the emerald folds of Marina Vallarta Golf Course, Casa Velas welcomes you like a secret garden. From the moment we arrived, the experience was nothing short of magical. We were greeted at the entrance by smiling staff who offered us a refreshing welcome drink—infused with cucumber and mint—and a cool eucalyptus-scented towel. The lobby itself felt like a serene living gallery, adorned with local art and the vibrant, dreamlike sculptures of Sergio Bustamante. The warm terracotta tones, grand floral arrangements, and hacienda-style arches created an atmosphere that felt both grand and deeply personal.
After a swift check-in, we were escorted to our suite—one of the Grand Class Suites—via a flower-lined path shaded by royal palms. Our room was a sanctuary of authentic Mexican elegance: handcrafted furnishings, traditional clay tiles, whitewashed walls, and vibrant textiles. The suite opened onto a private garden with a plunge pool, surrounded by lush greenery and chirping birds. Through the sliding glass doors, the sunlight spilled in softly, illuminating the textures of the room. The bathroom featured a walk-in shower and luxury L’Occitane amenities, while the minibar was restocked daily with bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks for our convenience.
Lunch by the pool that first day was a vibrant introduction to the region’s cuisine. Reclining on our shaded loungers beside the resort’s large freeform swimming pool, we ordered directly from the attentive poolside staff. The area was serene and elegant, with cushioned wooden loungers and cabanas arranged beneath the swaying canopy of tropical trees and flowering vines. Our meal was light yet flavourful: a refreshing shrimp ceviche marinated in lime and served with crisp tostadas, grilled chicken tacos topped with tangy pickled onions and fresh cilantro, and creamy guacamole paired with chilled aguas frescas. From the nearby Aqua Bar within the pool, other guests sipped cocktails without ever leaving the water. As we dined, birds chirped lazily in the palm fronds above, and the soft hum of water trickling from a nearby fountain became our background music.
After lunch, we wandered through the resort’s lush botanical garden. A haven of native plants, fruit trees, and blooming flowers, it felt like an invitation to slow down and reconnect with nature. Along the paths, sculptures by Mexican artists peeked through the foliage, adding a whimsical touch to every corner.
That evening, Emiliano, the property’s AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, served an elegant dance of flavours. Our table overlooked manicured gardens lit softly by golden lights. Each dish arrived with precision and artistry, guided by seasonal ingredients and regional influence. From the chili-encrusted sea bass to the avocado mousse dessert, it was a celebration of taste and technique. As the night unfolded, a fire show took place just beyond the garden’s edge—two skilled performers twirling flames to traditional rhythms. The combination of fine dining, open-air beauty, and elemental spectacle was unforgettable.
Morning brought a sun-drenched breakfast back at Emiliano, this time at one of their outdoor tables, where the scent of fresh pastries complemented vibrant fruit platters and mingled with the warmth of the morning air. But the soul of the day emerged during our personalized yoga and meditation session in the resort’s botanical sanctuary. Led by an instructor with a voice like velvet, we flowed gently through movements and then blended our own lemongrass tea in the adjoining herb garden. It was ritual made real—an invitation to pause, sip, and savour.
Later, we strolled to the interior courtyard—a picturesque space with arched walkways and tranquil koi ponds. The sound of water features and the gentle rustling of palm leaves created an atmosphere of contemplative quiet. There were moments when we sat on wrought-iron benches, just breathing in the peace.
That afternoon, we were transported to Táu Beach Club, Casa Velas’ exclusive oceanfront retreat. As we reclined in shaded cabanas, the ocean unfolded before us in ribbons of blue. Lunch was a medley of local flavours: shrimp aguachile, charred elote, and tacos wrapped in handmade tortillas. The soundtrack? Waves lapping the shore and the occasional cry of a gull overhead.
Dinner brought us back to Táu, this time under a canopy of stars. It was Mexican Night, complete with vibrant live music performed by local singers. We dined on grilled lobster tail and tender ribeye, finishing with a flaming Spanish coffee prepared tableside, the sugar rim igniting like stardust.
Earlier that day, I also visited the ABJA Spa, Casa Velas’ peaceful sanctuary of wellness. Nestled near the resort’s gardens, the spa welcomes guests with the scent of jasmine and lemongrass. The relaxation lounge features soft chaise lounges, calming water features, and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring nature indoors. My massage treatment combined Swedish techniques with warm aromatherapy oils, melting away any remnants of tension. The therapist’s touch was intuitive and rhythmic, and afterward, I was invited to sip herbal tea in a tranquil nook surrounded by orchids and the sounds of nature.
Other touches added to the intimacy of Casa Velas: the hotel’s art walks featuring regional artists, the daily turndown service with handwritten quotes, and the soothing atmosphere of its open-air lounges and verandas. These communal nooks, lined with traditional Talavera tile and shaded by ceiling fans, offered quiet reprieve between spa visits and dinners, where guests could sip cocktails or read while enjoying the late afternoon breeze. The calm ambiance and thoughtful layout of these spaces elevated the entire experience, allowing us to feel not just pampered, but truly at home. It’s no wonder Forbes Travel Guide highlighted Casa Velas as one of the top boutique resorts for adults in Mexico.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit: A Symphony of Elegance
In contrast to Casa Velas’ intimacy, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit boasts 267 ocean-view suites and a sweeping layout designed to impress. With its expansive offerings—from family-friendly amenities to gourmet dining and a world-renowned spa—it delivers a vibrant, all-encompassing luxury experience on a much grander scale.
The shift in energy was immediate as we entered the soaring lobby of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Its grandeur was unmistakable—marble floors gleaming under a dome of natural light, panoramic views stretching out to the Pacific, and staff moving with practiced grace. As we sat on plush sofas during check-in, a spa therapist appeared and began massaging our shoulders and hands, as if to say: “Your vacation begins now.”
Our suite, perched on the seventh floor, was nothing short of spectacular. We stayed in a Master Suite Ocean Front View, a beautifully appointed space offering sweeping views of the Pacific. Inside, a palette of ivory, taupe, and sand echoed the coastal landscape. Stone accents and wood finishes added a refined warmth, creating a space that felt both expansive and intimate. Large sliding glass doors bathed the room in natural light, and the elegant interior featured a king-size bed, a seating area with a cozy sofa, and warm, coastal-inspired décor. The bathroom included a rainfall shower equipped with body jets, a whirlpool tub, and was stocked with luxurious L’Occitane products. The daily-stocked minibar featured coconut water, healthy artisanal snacks, and sparkling beverages, all curated for both indulgence and wellness.
The private terrace—spacious and serene—was outfitted with a plush daybed, outdoor seating, and a large hot tub. It quickly became one of our favourite spots, where we would soak under the open sky, sip morning coffee, and watch the horizon change colours with the day. One morning, as we sat wrapped in the quiet hush of dawn, a flock of pelicans glided past at eye level, their wings slicing gracefully through the air in a quiet procession. Moments like that, framed by the stillness of the ocean and the soft rustle of palms, felt cinematic and grounding in the best way.
We explored the property that afternoon, taking in the three-tiered infinity pool area that seemed to spill seamlessly into the Pacific. Cabanas lined the edge of the water, where staff quietly moved between loungers offering chilled cocktails, misting sprays, and even handcrafted popsicles. The rhythm of service felt effortless—gracious without being performative.
Families and couples mingled, laughter echoing over the water. The Kids’ and Teens’ Clubs, while not part of our experience, added to the sense that this was a resort that truly catered to every guest. From the state-of-the-art fitness center to the boutique shops featuring local designers, Grand Velas was a celebration of both indulgence and thoughtful design.
Dinner that evening was at Frida, the resort’s signature Mexican restaurant. Seated outdoors under a starlit sky, we were serenaded by a harpist whose melodies floated between tables. The staff here were exceptional—attentive, informed, and warmly professional. Our server’s thoughtful pacing and recommendations enriched every course. We began with duck carnitas tostadas and followed with slow-braised short ribs in mole negro. Each bite was layered, thoughtful, and distinctly regional.
The next morning at Azul, the open-air buffet, we were greeted by the unexpected magic of whales breaching in the distance. The service was warm and attentive—coffee cups were never empty, and thoughtful recommendations were offered without hesitation. Plates brimmed with vibrant fruit, fresh pastries, and made-to-order omelets. Coffee was strong, hot, and endless.
Later that morning, I joined a spirited aqua fitness class in the infinity pool while my partner remained by the water’s edge, relaxing on a shaded lounger beneath a wide umbrella. Friendly staff passed by with cool drinks and warm smiles, ensuring that his glass was never empty and that the serene rhythm of the morning remained uninterrupted. The energy of the class, set to upbeat Latin music, was contagious and rejuvenating.
Our spa experience at SE Spa was a pilgrimage of the senses. Rated among the best in Mexico, the Water Ceremony led us through a series of thermal therapies—steam, sauna, plunge pools—before we were cocooned in a massage that seemed to stretch time. Every scent, every texture, was curated to calm. The spa facilities themselves were impressive: candlelit hallways, whisper-quiet treatment rooms, and lounge chairs overlooking a Zen garden.
That evening at Lucca, the resort’s Italian fine dining restaurant, we dined beside windows overlooking the illuminated pools. A violinist played softly in the background, adding a graceful soundtrack to the evening. The service was impeccable—gracious, intuitive, and deeply knowledgeable. Our server anticipated our needs before they arose, guiding us through the wine list and menu with ease. We shared a bottle of Chianti, started with porcini risotto, and followed with grilled branzino and a silky truffle pasta. The flavours were bold yet balanced, served with a side of gracious hospitality. The restaurant’s atmosphere—with its soft lighting, wood-panelled walls, and gleaming glassware—felt like an elegant evening in Florence.
On our final morning, we took one last stroll along the beach that stretches beyond the resort, watching the sun cast golden reflections on the water. The sound of the surf, the feel of warm sand between our toes, and the distant laughter of other guests created a parting memory that lingered long after we left.
Lasting Impressions
Where Casa Velas invited introspection and stillness, Grand Velas celebrated vibrancy and opulence. One was a whisper, the other a symphony. Both were deeply immersive.
Casa Velas remains etched in my memory as a place where time slowed, where nature and culture danced quietly in the background, and where each moment invited presence. Grand Velas, in contrast, dazzled with its range and refinement—a destination unto itself, where every whim is anticipated and elevated.
Together, they form the perfect pairing for travellers seeking to experience Mexico through both serenity and splendour. And somewhere amid spa rituals and Spanish coffees, pelicans in flight and music under the stars, I found a deeper rhythm—one that still echoes now.