Nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountains and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit stands as a monument to Mexican luxury hospitality. As we stepped into the open-air lobby, with its soaring palapa roof and panoramic views of Banderas Bay, we were immediately enveloped by an atmosphere of refined tranquility. We were warmly greeted by the welcoming staff, offered a cool lavender-scented towel, a refreshing cocktail and even a soothing neck massage! We had yet to check in, but our vacation had already begun.

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Luxury Accommodations 

The resort’s 267 ocean-view suites cascade down the property in elegant tiers, each offering breathtaking views of Banderas Bay – the signature bougainvilleas blooming everywhere. The entry-level Parlor Suites, at 1,000 square feet, would be considered luxury accommodations at any other resort. Here, they’re just the beginning.

The Master Suites elevate the experience with wrap-around terraces and outdoor Jacuzzis. But it’s the Presidential Suite that truly captures the essence of ultimate luxury – 2,793 square feet of sophisticated design featuring a private fitness area, in-suite spa treatment room, and a terrace seemingly suspended between sea and sky.

Every suite shares common threads of luxury: Italian marble bathrooms, Nespresso machines, L’Occitane amenities, and private terraces large enough for proper outdoor living. The décor strikes a perfect balance between contemporary Mexican aesthetics and international luxury, with handcrafted furniture, original artwork, and a color palette that mirrors the natural surroundings.

The Setting

The resort’s 42 acres of tropical gardens are immaculately maintained, with winding paths through fragrant plumeria trees and native flora. The beach stretches for what seems like miles, with powder-soft sand and excellent swimming conditions. The setting at Grand Velas Nayarit is truly paradise.  

A Culinary Journey

The resort’s dining program is nothing short of extraordinary. One of the best things (if not the best thing) about staying at a Velas resort is the food. Velas sets the bar high for an all-inclusive experience and guests will definitely eat well during their stay. All of the restaurants at the resort are quite remarkable, each featuring different international menus. Here are some of the restaurants where we dined during our stay.

Frida (Mexican Fine Dining)

Frida is a temple to modern Mexican cuisine where traditional recipes meet contemporary technique. On the night we dined at Frida, we dined from a menu offering a Mezcal & Mole pairing which featured a memorable pink mole with an octopus confit that I still think about. We also got to sample grasshoppers with aged cheese and black mole – interesting and quite good once I got over the fact I was eating insects. The churros with chocolate sauce and ice-cream were a highlight. For tequila connoisseurs, the tequila library features over 100 premium varieties.

Azul (International Buffet)

Azul is the resort’s ocean-view restaurant featuring a bountiful buffet offering live cooking stations featuring global cuisine, a fresh seafood bar with local catches, and themed menus celebrating foods from around the world. Proximity to the beach and pool made Azul our favorite dining spot where we ate breakfast and lunch every day. 

Piaf (French)

Piaf serves amazing dishes using classic French techniques with modern presentations. Just the bread alone is worth dining at Piaf. We also enjoyed the French onion soup, and the short ribs. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu – there were three of us at the table and we all swooned over our 3-course meals – the fish dishes are highly recommended. The extensive French wine collection is worth a look – it’s very impressive. 

Sen Lin (Asian Fusion)

Sen Lin is another fine dining favorite at Grand Velas. The dining room is lovely with walls of stone adorned with bamboo and greenery – it’s very Zen. Menu offerings include elevated versions of favorites including pad Thai, Vietnamese pho, Penang curry, and butter chicken. The exotic cocktails at Sen Lin are tasty too; the lychee martini is perfect, icy cold and not too sweet – refreshingly delicious.

The Spa Sanctuary

The 16,500-square-foot spa is a triumph of holistic wellness. The hydrotherapy journey alone is worth writing home about – a guided progression through different temperature pools, pressure showers, and therapeutic waterfalls. Treatments incorporate local healing traditions with modern techniques, using indigenous herbs and pressure point therapy.

Amenities & Activities

Three tiered infinity pools cascade toward the ocean, each maintaining different atmospheres – from family-friendly to adults-only tranquility. The fitness center offers ocean-view yoga sessions and state-of-the-art equipment.

The resort’s workshops and activities program is impressively diverse. There are so many activities included at the resort that you never have to leave to have a good time. One of our travel companions enjoyed an early morning bike ride each day. I participated in a water aerobics class and it was FUN! I was so proud of myself, I went directly to the pool bar afterwards and celebrated with a margarita! 

Here are some other activities that guests can participate in: 

– Mexican cooking classes

– Tequila tastings

– Art workshops

– Daily fitness classes

– Kids’ Club with cultural activities

– Teen Club with modern entertainment options

If you do find the need to explore outside the resort, nearby attractions include:

– Historic San Blas (colonial town)

– Sayulita (surfing village)

– Marietas Islands (wildlife sanctuary)

– San Pancho (artisan community)

The Ultimate in Luxury

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit isn’t just a luxury resort – it’s truly the ultimate in Mexican hospitality. Here, luxury isn’t about opulence for its own sake, but rather about creating moments of genuine pleasure and connection with both the natural environment and Mexican culture.

For those seeking a luxury escape that combines world-class amenities with authentic local experiences, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit stands as one of Mexico’s finest offerings. It’s a place where luxury feels not like an indulgence, but a natural expression of hospitality at its highest level.