Can a resort feel like a home away from home? At this Mexican-owned resort, the answer is yes.
Velas Resorts is a Mexico-owned resort collection, with each property committed to showcasing the country’s cultural heritage while creating unique opportunities for guests to engage with local traditions. I arrived at Velas Vallarta, an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort and the brand’s first property, to experience firsthand how the resort brings Mexico’s renowned Día de los Muertos celebration to its guests.
At first impression, the beachside resort is immaculate and scenic, from its winding brick pathways to its stunning arches. I could not stop photographing and filming the property from every angle at every hour; it seemed only to grow more beautiful as the day went on. The rooms proved as incredible as the property, with each offering a kitchenette, enviable views, and comforts that made it feel like a home away from home.
My favorite part of staying at this family-friendly and all-inclusive resort was the unique ways it engaged with local traditions and showcased Mexico’s cultural heritage. In honor of Día de los Muertos, guests were treated to a special guided Catrina Celebration, which included a traditional Ofrenda de Muertos arranged to honor and remember loved ones who have passed on, along with eight life-sized Catrinas, sculptures representing Puerto Vallarta’s history,
Beyond the Día de los Muertos festivities, Velas Vallarta offers a wide range of activities upon request that not only pamper but also connect you to the culture beyond the resort’s walls. I tried my hand at skull painting, water aerobics, morning yoga, enjoyed a stunning beachfront dinner, and took a tour of Puerto Vallarta’s downtown, where I was awed by the world‘s largest Catrina.
The resort’s food, too, was fantastic. From fresh fruit and breakfast burritos to short rib tacos, one night I enjoyed a Mexican Fiesta with local dishes and sweets, including corn tortillas and fresh churros, a meal serenaded by a local all-female mariachi band.
Over the course of the stay, I began to feel as though I was being hosted in a local’s home, which speaks volumes to Velas Vallarta. This is not a sterile resort environment where guests come and go, having never explored the local culture. Here, strangers become family, and Mexico’s culture is woven into every moment.