A mammoth palapa -- the thatched-roof structure that is typical in many Mexican beach areas -- covers the entrance and lobby at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, and it is an appropriate setting for guests to be welcomed. Everything at this resort is geared to inspire wows.
The only AAA Five Diamond-rated, all-inclusive resort in the Puerto Vallarta area, the Grand Velas provides one of the most luxurious vacation experiences for those who are looking for an all-inclusive on the Pacific coast of Mexico.
The 267-room property opened in 2003, and the owner, Grupo Velas, has since built other resorts that are bigger and even more luxurious (its 490-room Grand Velas All Suites on the Riviera Maya opened in June).
But the Grand Velas here, a 10-minute ride north of Puerto Vallarta Airport in the Nuevo Vallarta development that lies in the Riviera Nayarit, remains a favorite, drawing a loyal cadre of repeat visitors, said Rolando Miravete, general manager.
Miravete was brought in to manage the resort a few months ago and shift business away from the group-and-incentive market that the hotel had focused on for many years. That market, impacted by the so-called "AIG effect" in which companies are forgoing business meetings viewed as lavish, shows little signs of recovery, said Miravete, who previously worked at Royal Hideaway and several other Mexican resorts. Instead, the property is targeting the U.S. leisure market and working more closely with tour operators that sell packages.
Also to stimulate bookings during these difficult economic times, the hotel is holding prices steady for 2010 and extending a program in which children age 12 and younger can stay and eat for free. The Grand Velas will not engage in the heavy discounting that is rampant in Mexico this winter, Miravete said.
"In my opinion, hotels that hold their prices will have higher profits when the market rebounds. Customers will always remember that your rates were lower, and they'll refuse to pay the higher rates."
To further strengthen its sales in the leisure market, Grand Velas hired Pilar Alvardo,a longtime veteran of the Mexico tourism industry, as director of sales for tour and travel.
Miravete said much of the attraction of the resort is in the attentive service; the high-caliber food at its variety of restaurants; and the spacious, well-appointed rooms, which are a minimum of 1,000 square feet and have granite and marble floors and balconies with ocean views.
In the next few months the rooms are scheduled to be enhanced with the addition of large, flat-screen TVs.
Ideal for couples, particularly honeymooners, are the 80 master suites with king-size beds; two-person chaise lounges on the balconies; large bathrooms with whirlpool tubs; and separate showers large enough for two. Another 58 master suites are fitted with two queen-size beds.
The hotel also offers 89 parlor suites that are more appropriate for families; the suites are fitted with two queens or a king and include a living room with a sofa bed that is separated from the bedroom.
The hotel also has an assortment of even grander suites, including 12 two-story Ambassador Penthouses that have large terraces with panoramic views and hot tubs.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the casual Azul restaurant overlooking the Pacific and a wide beach. There are also three elegant, gourmet restaurants -- Frida (Mexican), Lucca (Italian) and Piaf (French) -- and a poolside snack bar. The outstanding service extends to the pool, where fresh fruit kabobs; ice cream; cold, fresh towels; and face misting are available from wait staff.
The resort's 16,500-square-foot spa is a sanctuary that starts with a stunning and peaceful open-air lobby made of stone and granite from the region.
With every treatment, whether it's a massage or facial, guests receive a "bathing ritual," a six-step process of soaks in plunge pools, lounging in steam rooms and saunas that leave guests with a deep sense of serenity and relaxation. Treatments are not included in the all-inclusive resort fee.
Visit http://vallarta.grandvelas.com.