Travelore Report, Monthly In Print Since 1971: TRAVELORE DESTINATION REPORT: Puerto Vallarta, Mex...

Travelore Report, Monthly In Print Since 1971: TRAVELORE DESTINATION REPORT: Puerto Vallarta, Mex...: Puerto Vallarta is a colorful resort town on Mexico's Pacific coast, in Jalisco state. It is best known for its friendly Engl...

Puerto Vallarta Should Be On Your List Of Wellness Destinations

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico— Enjoying oneself on a holiday does not mean abandoning one’s wellness goals. In fact, with wellness travel trending so highly lately, picking a destination that emphasize wellness is a way to marry vacation and fitness in one. Puerto Vallarta is a top destination in Mexico for wellness-minded travelers to stay in touch with their health goals while enjoying one of Mexico’s most famous beach destinations. From fitness programs, to spas, to healthy dining, and more, Puerto Vallarta is a haven for wellness travel. Later this month, the destination will host the health and wellness “Free Soul Festival” which will take place from November 29th to December 1st and will feature world-renowned yoga and meditation instructors. For those who cannot make it to this experience, fear not, Puerto Vallarta has health and wellness offerings year-round, including some truly spectacular hotels and spas. For visitors to Puerto Vallarta who want to incorporate pampering and holistic healing into their getaway, here are a few to know. The Spa at The Westin Puerto Vallarta drawing upon its serene beachfront setting and featuring a wide array of soothing treatments, creating an oasis to renew the mind, body and spirit. Step into one of its seven peaceful indoor treatment rooms or listen to the sounds of the ocean with a massage in one of the property’s outdoor pergolas. Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center’s Spa Maiavé is a holistic oasis that has been carefully designed to nurture a physical and mental experience for a balanced lifestyle. With wellness as an inspiration, it combines therapies and health techniques with the great power of natural healing and surrounding elements, including agave extracts, essential oils, floral elixirs and mud to harmonize, revitalize and relax the body and mind. Boutique in size, with just five treatment rooms, Abja Spa at Casa Velas, sets the tone with trickling fountains, aromatherapy fragrance, and candlelit corridors. Despite its small size, it offers a robust array of services, including separate hydrotherapy areas for men and women, a spa boutique, and beauty salon. Specialized packages cater to golfers, honeymooners, executives, and more, with luxe treatments that beautify, tone, relax, and invigorate. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the well-equipped fitness center offer pleasant views of the surrounding gardens. Yoga with facial yoga exercises included is offered Monday and Friday at 9:30 a.m. in the garden. The resort also has two 1,350-square-foot duplex Wellness Suites that offer a plethora of fitness and wellness amenities. Casa Velas recently unveiled new spa labyrinths and meditation pods to complement its spa and Wellness Suites. Based on the four elements - Water, Earth, Wind, and Fire - four new labyrinths offer mindful meditation reflection. Several meditation pods have been added to the garden for introspection. Then there is the Ohtli Spa at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa. This palatial paradise spans 22,000 square feet and offers treatments inspired by ancient traditions of the Huichol culture. The signature treatment is the "Rebirth" Therapy session, which is performed in a pool of warm water. There is also a Hydrating Tequila Coconut body treatment that combines the nation's signature product with local fruit to restore the hydration of the skin. Guests visiting the spa have access to a variety of hot and cold plunge pools to help stimulate and invigorate the senses before and after their treatment. Outdoor enthusiasts can always find something to do in Puerto Vallarta, whether it’s hiking, biking, or yoga on the beach. The mountains that frame the city are veined with hiking trails that lead back into the jungle or spill out to secret beaches and waterfalls. Cyclists can hit the pavement or the sand on two wheels with one of the many bike rental companies in the city, like Puerto Vallarta Cycling or PVBikes. And if it's yoga you're after, there are a variety of yoga studies and retreats within the area. One of the best yoga escapes is Xinalani, which offers an eight-day Ultimate Beach Yoga Retreat, packed with wellness-minded activities, healthy food, space to disconnect, and, of course, plenty of yoga. For something less immersive, Puerto Vallarta has many yoga studies in the city, like Davanna Yoga, which offers Vinyasa, Hatha, Morning Yoga, meditation, and even yoga teacher training courses. Visit The Yogi Bar in the Marina or Kupuri Yoga on the Malecon to practice some of these teachings. Finally, just because it is a vacation doesn't mean that the diet has to go out the window. Indulging may be part of the fun but staying true to your clean eating goals is also important. Puerto Vallarta has fantastic dining, and health food is no exception. Salud Super Food, for example, is one of the city's best spots for fresh, clean eating. Located in the Zona Romantica, the natural food cafe serves salads, smoothies, healthy tacos, light breakfasts, wraps, and vegan specialties. Also, in the Zona Romantica is Barra Light, a vegan-friendly restaurant that serves breakfasts, organic salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and juices. Other places to check out are Planeta Vegetariano, The Green Place, Playa Detox and The Yogi Bar So, when it comes to staying fit and wellness-minded when on vacation, it really comes down to the destination you choose. It’s possible to have that gluten-free cake and eat it, too, especially when visiting Puerto Vallarta.

New Insuite Wellness Menus Bring Unique Spa Experiences to All Suites At Velas Resorts

A La Carte Offerings Complement All-Encompassing Wellness Suites

At Los Cabos, Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta Properties

 

 

Wellnessing by Velas Resorts has now expanded to include an a la carte menu of spa and wellness options for all resort suites. Designed to maximize relaxation—on-demand, upgrades range from a Shamanic life coaching and insuite de-stress or sleep kits to Vitamin C shower, Gem Roller Facial and DIY Dreamcatcher Kit. The new offerings are in addition to the resort collection’s all-encompassing wellness suites and plethora of wellness activities available. Everything from Wellness workshops inspired by local Mexican culture at the Spa Atelier, Muse meditation, state of the art spas and fitness centers, personal training included in the rate, and yoga, to shamanic healing spa treatments, vegan options in all the specialty restaurants, and dedicated Wellnessing getaways with wellness experts are featured at the resorts. 

 

The insuite menu at both Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Casa Velas allows guests to choose from everything from an aromatherapy neck pillow to a life-coaching class based on ancestral healing techniques with a Shaman. For tired feet, guests can slip on aromatic slippers infused in rosemary, clove, and rice essences; and to revitalize their face, guests can welcome a spa therapist into their room who will apply a cooling lotion with a jade roller to boost skin’s radiance. Stressed guests might appreciate the resorts’ in-suite de-stress kit, a collection of items meant to soothe aching muscles. A full line of shower oils is also an option, with ones that ensure different states of relaxation, revitalization, and comfort. An agate, jade and turquoise pendant Door Hanger ads both a delicate touch to decoration and helps balance your personal space. A MUSE brain sensing headband can also be rented to achieve a calm state of mind. The personal meditation assistant helps novices learn to meditate and form the habit of a regular and rewarding practice. It gives more experienced meditators glimpses into their brain's activity while they meditate.

 

Starting in November, Grand Velas Los Cabos will boast a variety of in-suite add-on amenities. Vitamin C capsules can be added to a shower while an aromatherapy diffuser and special pillow help troubled sleepers fall asleep faster. A special nightly turndown includes an exfoliating body treatment, moisturizing facial treatment, and a third body treatment.

 

Grand Velas Los Cabos, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, and Casa Velas also offer duplex-style wellness suites designed to renew one’s body and mind in every way possible. Amenities and services included in the rate are:

• Personal Spa Concierge to provide counsel on a wide variety of available spa treatments and health offerings at the resorts;
• Artisan soap selection;
• Muse meditation headbands;
• Healthy gluten free snacks and daily juice options;
• In-suite exercise kit comprised of a yoga mat, dumbbells, resistance bands, and even an exercise bike;
• Water menu with a selection from still and sparkling to Coconut and Alkaline;
• Organic skin care products from the spa;
• Aromatherapy Kit with scents ranging from cedar and lavender to tangerine and myrrh;
• Nikken Kenko™ pillow and comforter; and,
• LED Lamp with a clock and timer that increases gradually, simulating the dawn and dusk, which helps guests fall asleep and wake up more naturally. 

 

In-suite add-on spa and wellness experiences range from $10 to $125 each.

 

For reservations or more information, call 1-888-407-4869, email reservations@velasresorts.com or visit https://www.velasresorts.com.

 

About Velas Resorts:

Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, and Los Cabos have earned 56 AAA Diamonds, including the prestigious Five Diamond Award. Other esteemed international awards for their services and facilities include Virtuoso’s “Best Spa,” Forbes’ “Coolest All-Inclusives,” Forbes’ Four Star Award, and TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame, among others. Offering unparalleled all-inclusive experiences, properties include the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas in Los Cabos, with dramatic ocean views and unique spaces infusing every area of the resort; AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, which enjoys a privileged natural setting with flowering, landscaped gardens beside a long stretch of pristine beach and a dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains; and AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya, located five minutes from Playa del Carmen, offering a sophisticated resort experience in the Caribbean with jungle and beach settings. In Puerto Vallarta, Casa Velas is a boutique adults-only hotel and ocean club located on the Marina Vallarta Golf Course, and Velas Vallarta, a family-friendly all suites resort and spa located on Banderas Bay. Mar del Cabo, a boutique hotel on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, opened on December 5th as its only European Plan offering. Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, operates Velas Resorts with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. For reservations or more information, call 1-888-407-4869, email reservations@velasresorts.com or visit https://www.velasresorts.com.

Huichol Cultural Micro-Adventure Included at Puerto Vallarta Boutique Hotel, Casa Velas

New Huichol Cultural Micro-Adventure Included At Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta, Mexico –As part of its ongoing commitment to showcasing Mexican cuisine, culture and traditions, Casa Velas, a boutique hotel and ocean club in Puerto Vallarta, has launched a new micro-adventure to a local Huichol village. Included in the nightly rate, guests can take part in a cultural tour led by a bilingual guide to the Kawitu Village in El Eden, Mismaloya, about an hour from the resort. When guests arrive at the village, a shaman performs an ancient energy cleansing ritual with herbs and copal.  Once inside the village, guests can browse Huichol art and artisanal jewelry, enjoy authentic Mexican foods like handmade tortillas, molcajete sauce, regional desserts and more, or even participate in an ax throwing, a traditional petition to the gods. En route to Mismaloya, the tour stops at popular sights in Puerto Vallarta, including El Malecon boardwalk and a Tequila Gallery. This new Huichol Micro-adventure is included complimentary for all guests at Casa Velas. The tour schedule will take place every Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Casa Velas also embraces the local Huichol traditions in other ways for guests. It offers Huichol weddings, that include a purification of the couple by shaman, and a new artisanal sunhat amenity. For guests staying in its Wellness, two-bedroom Ambassador and Presidential Suites, the 100% handmade hats feature traditional beading in a variety of different colors. All-inclusive resort rates start at $268 per person per night based on double occupancy. At Casa Velas, luxury accommodations, gourmet meals, premium liquor and wine, 24-hour suite service, use of the fitness center facilities, WIFI, taxes, and gratuities are included in the nightly rate. For more information please call 1-888-407-4869 or visithttps://www.hotelcasavelas.com. About Casa Velas: Casa Velas is a luxury all-inclusive boutique hotel and ocean club for adults only in Puerto Vallarta, reminiscent of a Spanish hacienda. The hotel features a private ocean club and is just minutes from the beach. Located just five minutes from Puerto Vallarta Airport and only 15 from the popular downtown area, art galleries and "El Malecon" (the boardwalk), the hotel features 80 spacious suites, some with private pools and Jacuzzis. Nestled on the greens of Marina Vallarta's 18-hole golf course, this Puerto Vallarta golf resort offers guests complimentary golf at three nearby signature-designed 18-hole courses. Its serene, exclusive setting provides an ideal backdrop for a Puerto Vallarta wedding ranging in size from 2 to 300. Lotus Spa at Casa Velas encompasses treatment rooms for singles and couples, a hydrotherapy area, garden-view fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment, and a beauty salon. A novel service is a handbag bar where guests can enjoy use of a "loaner" designer handbag at no extra charge. Emiliano, the AAA Four Diamond rated a la carte fine dining restaurant, is in the hands of one of the area's leading chefs serving Mexican and international cuisine. Guests can also enjoy dining privileges at the sister resort, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, with three gourmet specialty options. Forbes Travel Guide has awarded Casa Velas Four Stars, the only boutique hotel on the Mexican Pacific coast to receive. A member of SLH (Small Luxury Hotels of the World), it has been in the top five in TripAdvisor for Puerto Vallarta since 2010. Casa Velas is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. For more information please call 1-888-407-4869 or visit https://www.hotelcasavelas.com.

Velas Resorts Announces Black Friday And Cyber Monday Offers

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Whether guests are looking to arrange a festive escape, plan a special holiday for 2019 or snap up a spontaneous last minute sunshine break, Velas Resorts has announced that it will be offering additional savings and added values for Black Friday and Cyber Monday bookings on future travel. Additionally, spa credits, airport transportation, suite upgrades, unlimited golf, up to two kids complimentary, access to the resorts’ renowned hydrotherapy, and more are included at select resorts. For Christmas bookings, select Velas Resorts will be including savings on the insuite trees available for guests. Velas Resorts consists of Casa Velas and Velas Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta, and Grand Velas in Los Cabos, Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit.  At Casa Velas, an adults-only boutique hotel and ocean club in Puerto Vallarta, the Black Friday promotion features discounted suite rates starting at $232 per person per night for travel in 2018 and 2019. Up to $50 in spa credits, 25-minute massage, suite upgrade, $60 credit towards a private beach dinner and more are also offered over select dates. Additionally, a dinner for two at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is included with a 3-night minimum stay. Unlimited golf at Marina and Vista Vallarta Golf Clubs, complimentary city and cultural tours, and nightly activities are also included when staying at Casa Velas. At Velas Vallarta, an all-inclusive family resort on the beach in Puerto Vallarta, the Black Friday promotion features discounted suite rates starting at $160 per person per night for future travel. Up to a $500 resort credit per room, kids (ages 4 – 17) at 50% savings, early check in or late check out, and a private dinner for two with a bottle of sparkling wine on the beach are also part of the Black Friday promotion. The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya will have rates starting at $436 per person per night for the Black Friday promotion. Kids stay free, airport transportation (value of $90 each way), a $50 credit in the SE Spa, early check in, discount for teens and more are available on select dates. The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit’s rates during the Black Friday promotion start at $336 per person per night. A $50 spa credit for adults as well as 10% off in the resort’s boutique and $50 of golf credit are also included. The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Los Cabos’ rates start at $540 per person per night. During the Black Friday Promotion, a $50 spa credit, 10% off in the resort’s boutique, and access to the Water Ceremony, as well as suite upgrades are offered. Additional inclusions vary based on travel dates and resort property. For full details on Velas Resorts’ Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale, visit https://blackfriday.velasresorts.com/. About Velas Resorts: Offering unparalleled all-inclusive experiences, Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Los Cabos have earned 52 AAA Diamonds, including the prestigious Five Diamond Award. Other esteemed international awards for their services and facilities include Virtuoso’s “Best Spa,” Forbes’ “Coolest All-Inclusives,” Forbes’ Four Star Award, and TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame, among others. Properties include the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas in Los Cabos, with dramatic ocean views and unique spaces infusing every area of the resort; AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, which enjoys a privileged natural setting with flowering, landscaped gardens beside a long stretch of pristine beach and a dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains; and AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya, located five minutes from Playa del Carmen, offering a sophisticated all-inclusive resort experience in the Caribbean with jungle and beach settings. In Puerto Vallarta, Casa Velas is a boutique adults-only hotel and ocean club located on the Marina Vallarta Golf Course, and Velas Vallarta, a family-friendly all suites resort and spa located on Banderas Bay. Velas Resorts feature spacious accommodations, spas, a unique culinary experience at a selection of restaurants, 24-hour in suite service, fitness centers, personal concierge service, wedding inspections for couples, state of the art conference centers, extensive family programs, fully stocked mini bar and more. Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, operates Velas Resorts with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. For reservations or more information, call 1-888-407-4869, email reservations@velasresorts.com  or visit https://www.velasresorts.com.

TRAVELORE DESTINATION REPORT: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico And The Exclusive Casa Vilas Luxury All-Inclusive Boutique Hotel.

Puerto Vallarta is a colorful resort town on Mexico's Pacific coast, in Jalisco state. It is best known for its friendly English speaking people, beaches and Gay friendly nightlife. Its charming cobblestone center is home to the beautiful Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe church, craft shops, pharmacies, restaurants and bars. El Malecon is a beachside promenade with nearby restaurants. Stars including Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor brought early fame to the area when they filmed John Huston's "The Night of the Iguana". Casa Kimberly, adjoining homes that they shared have been converted to a boutique hotel. www.casakimberly.Com  

The Gustavo Diaz International Airport, served by most major US and Canadian airlines, is located just minutes from the Casa Velas where we stayed. We observed transportation from most of the major hotels, Cabs rides can be purchased at the official taxi kiosk in main airport atrium, otherwise you could be roped into a timeshare presentation. To learn about Puerto Vallarta's new public transportation system please view our post here: http://travelorereport.blogspot.com/2018/04/puerto-vallarta-changes-entire-urban.html

We were hosted by the intimate adults only Casa Velas, an intimate luxury all-inclusive boutique hotel and ocean club  reminiscent of a Spanish hacienda. The hotel features a private ocean club and is just minutes from the beach. The hotel is only 15 from the popular downtown area, art galleries and "El Malecon" (the boardwalk). There are only 80 spacious suites, some with private pools and Jacuzzis.  The hotel offers guests complimentary golf at three nearby signature-designed 18-hole courses.

ABJA Spa at Casa Velas encompasses treatment rooms for singles and couples, a hydrotherapy area, garden-view fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment, and a beauty salon. A novel service is a handbag bar where guests can enjoy use of a "loaner" designer handbag at no extra charge.















Emiliano, the AAA Four Diamond rated a la carte fine dining restaurant, is in the hands of one of the area's leading chefs serving Mexican and international cuisine. Guests can also enjoy dining privileges at the sister resort, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, with three gourmet specialty options as well as full access to Velas Vallarta.  Forbes Travel Guide has awarded Casa Velas Four Stars, the only boutique hotel on the Mexican Pacific coast to receive. A member of SLH (Small Luxury Hotels of the World), it has been in the top two (five) in TripAdvisor for Puerto Vallarta since 2010.  For more information please call 1-888-407-4869 or visit  https://www.hotelcasavelas.com.




Canopy River in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta offers Ziplining on a 11 line course with mountain hiking,  mule riding, Tequila tasting, and ATV tours. They follow all rules of environmental protection and are part of a Select Group advised by the Mexican National Forestry Commission. Four Elements Nature Park just 15 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta. We found their operation to  be one of the best and safest adventure courses we've experienced in our world travels. Please visit: http://www.canopyriver.com/en 

Mike's Charters and Tours offers yacht sailings for fishing expeditions and visits to their beach club along with unlimited margaritas and very good fresh ceviche.

https://youtu.be/pjYFYzpaeGU

For more details please visit: https://pvmikesfishing.com


When seeking a creative and flavorful meal we recommend Azafran Restaurante Bar with a very nice outside cafe great for people watching. For more details please visit: www.azafranpv.com

For more details about planning your visit to Puerto Vallarta please visit: visitpuertovallarta.com/