Puerto Vallarta’s Hidden Gem

Nestled in the prestigious Marina Vallarta neighborhood, Casa Velas is a boutique adults-only luxury resort that masterfully blends Mexican hospitality with understated elegance. This all-inclusive property, with its hacienda-style architecture and intimate atmosphere, features an 18-hole golf course, peaceful koi ponds, and lush tropical gardens. The resort offers a refined escape from the bustling tourist zones of Puerto Vallarta while maintaining convenient access to the city’s attractions.

Home Sweet Home

Once we checked in, we settled into our Grand Class Suite. At over 600 square feet, our suite was roomy with plenty of space for two queen beds and a sitting area with a sofa and desk. Just outside the glass door was a private terrace, complete with a private plunge pool and an expansive view of the golf course. The room itself is a study in Mexican luxury: hand-crafted furniture, local artwork, and the kind of attention to detail that makes you feel less like a guest and more like a privileged houseguest in a wealthy friend’s estate.

There are 80 suites to choose from at Casa Velas,  from the cozy master suites at over 400 square feet to the impressive Presidential Suite at over 5,500 square feet. There is truly something for everyone, whether you are looking for a romantic retreat for two in one of the intimate suites, or if you are looking to celebrate a wedding or a special occasion that requires extra space. 

The Culinary Experience at Casa Velas 

Each morning at Emiliano, the resort’s signature restaurant, we were treated to a breakfast experience that sets the tone for the day. The extensive menu at Emiliano features tasty à la carte options, with standout dishes including chilaquiles verdes topped with locally sourced queso fresco, and huevos motuleños – a Yucatan specialty featuring eggs on tortillas with black beans, ham, and plantains. There are many delicious options to choose from; when in doubt, we always went with the Mexican specialties and we were never disappointed. 

Emiliano transforms throughout the day, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, but dinner is when the culinary experience truly shines. The restaurant’s evening menu expertly fuses Mexican and European techniques, creating sophisticated dishes that celebrate local ingredients. The corn soup, infused with truffle oil, duck confit, and shrimp and the rack of lamb with Mexican coffee crust and guajillo chile sauce exemplifies the kitchen’s creative approach to fusion cuisine.

For seafood lovers, the tuna tartare, dressed with local avocado and serrano chile, arrives looking like an abstract painting. But it’s the Sea Bass Carpaccio – fish prepared with lemon, olive oil, and morita chili – that truly captures the essence of coastal Mexican cuisine. The restaurant’s intimate atmosphere, with its elegant wood-beamed ceiling and gentle evening breeze, makes each meal feel like a special occasion. And the service is impeccable.

If you want dinner with an ocean view, guests of Casa Velas have access to the private Táu Beach Club where the chef creates beautiful and delicious dishes using the freshest local ingredients – the marinated mushroom appetizer and the arroz con leche for dessert are unforgettable. Make a reservation in time to see the sunset – you will enjoy a memorable meal with a lovely view. 

Location Location Location

Situated in Marina Vallarta, Casa Velas offers the best of both worlds – peaceful seclusion and easy access to Puerto Vallarta’s attractions. The resort is just a 5-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta International Airport and 15 minutes from the historic downtown area and the iconic Malecón boardwalk. The Marina Vallarta Golf Club surrounds the property, while the marina’s waterfront promenade, with its shops and restaurants, is a pleasant 10-minute walk away. There is plenty to do around the resort, but our favorite thing to do was spend hours cooling off in the pool, ordering margaritas from the pool bar and floating on our backs to admire the clouds. and the blue sky.

Beyond the Ordinary

What truly sets Casa Velas apart are its distinctive features: The property’s immaculate gardens with its koi ponds and various quiet nooks perfect for reading or reflection, the suites featuring private plunge pools or Jacuzzis, the  main pool with the swim-up bar where guests can enjoy premium cocktails and small bites throughout the day.

Along with the property’s amenities, Casa Velas also offers unique cultural experiences, from  tequila tastings led by certified experts to mixology classes, golf retreats, jewelry making and workshops celebrating local traditions. During our stay, we took a field trip to the mountains to visit a raicilla distillery via the resort’s Raicilla Roots program, where we had the opportunity to learn the distillation process of raicilla, a unique spirit similar to tequila and mezcal. 

For travelers seeking an alternative to the larger beachfront resorts, Casa Velas offers something increasingly rare in today’s travel landscape: an authentic sense of place combined with world-class luxury. It’s a reminder that true hospitality is about creating an environment where every element has been thoughtfully considered and perfectly executed.