Arrival/Check-in: A striking bronze sculpture by Sergio Bustamante—a four-legged magician-clown—welcomed me in the open-air lobby, which featured an elegant fountain and a towering palapa roof that felt like stepping into a grand Aztlán temple. Beside the statue stood a bronze podium adorned with sculpted ears and eyes and a sign that read, “The magic begins here.”
My luggage was quickly taken away and I was shown to a soft couch to relax. Staff presented cool orange-blossom-scented towels and a refreshing glass of fruit juice. While one attendant gently massaged my neck with aromatic oils, another brought my paperwork and room key. Without any line or delay, I was escorted to my room, where my luggage had already been delivered.
Guest Quarters: The room was spacious, clean and well appointed, with a large balcony offering a breathtaking ocean view. The twin beds were comfortable and came with a selection of pillows. The bedroom provided ample closet space, a large flat-screen TV and a clock with an iPhone dock. The bathroom was stocked with Gilchrist & Soames toiletries and included a telephone conveniently located near the bathtub and shower.
The sitting room featured a comfortable sofa, a dining area, another large flat-screen TV, and a well-stocked assortment of snacks and soft drinks that were replenished regularly. A glass dining table doubled perfectly as a work desk, and I used it for most of my work during the stay. The only issue I experienced was an intermittent problem with the sitting-room phone where callers sometimes could not hear me; the problem was not resolved during my stay. Otherwise, housekeeping was prompt, attentive and friendly.
Services/Amenities: The pool and beach area at Grand Velas is exceptional—an ideal balance of privacy and lively atmosphere for lounging with a cocktail, sunbathing or taking in the ocean view. Resort staff were consistently friendly and approachable without being intrusive. At sunset, strolling musicians serenaded guests near the lobby bar, creating a relaxed and romantic ambiance.
Dining at Grand Velas is outstanding. Drawn by the ocean view, I tried Azul, the casual beachside restaurant, on my first night. I also dined at Pilaf, the resort’s renowned French restaurant, and found the food and wine list to be among the best I’ve experienced in Mexico. Fellow guests spoke enthusiastically about the other on-site restaurants, Frida and Lucca. The resort also offers a large luxury spa with an extensive hydrotherapy area, a fully equipped gym, botanical gardens and a modern business center.
The Experience: The Bustamante magician at the entrance was an apt symbol—the resort truly lived up to its promise of magic from the moment I arrived until I left for the airport. Grand Velas provided a memorable and enchanting hotel experience.
GT Checklist
- Doorman/valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub/shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Large, flat-screen TV
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Ample lighting
- High-quality bed linens
- Choice of pillows
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- Iron and ironing board
- Easy-to-set alarm clock
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- In-room coffeemaker
- Large, complimentary laptop safe
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Av. Cocoteros, 98 Sur, Nuevo Vallarta
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico C.P. 63735
tel 52 322 226 8000
http://vallarta.grandvelas.com