This is an elegant, mature and established resort. If you're looking for
a "trendy" or "new wave" type of vacation resort, this is not it. This resort is
a tradition in "little America", or the Marina area of Puerto Vallarta, which is
characterized by an American school for expat kids, a golf course, and
several different ethnic restaurants which most Americans enjoy.
We have been traveling to PV since 2005, and of all the resorts we've stayed
at, we are most pleased, and comfortable at Club Velas. The staff is
extremely professional, and well-trained. No matter how late in the day, or
how busy the day may have been for them, the staff provides impeccable
service. Even when we accidentally ordered the wrong wine and food from
room service, the server and the phone waiter were more than professional
and eager to please. We have traveled throughout Asia, where service is
outstanding, and in our opinion, cannot be matched in the west. This
resort comes very close.
Our last trip to Club Velas was a spring break trip with a group of teenage
boys and several families, and we were so happy that we were staying here!
Although the boys had plenty of other teens to mingle with during the day
and evening, it was not the teen haven that we'd stayed at further north in
Nuevo last year. There is an air of civility and cultured class around this
resort, as it has been around for a while and is frequented by wealthy
nationals during off peak times. The club staff are proud to work here.
They were respectful of our sons, and yet not indulgent. We parents had a
great time as well! While waiting up for our kids to return from the local
clubs, we got treated like beloved houseguests by staff - they got to know
us by name and face, and were happy to put aside our favorite wines for
after dinner apertifs.
Although we had a large group, we were accommodated with ease each
night for dinner with reservations. We definitely preferred Andreas to the
outdoor restaurant, but even the outdoor restaurant was enjoyable - it
made for a lovely dinner background - against the Bay of Banderas. The
restaurant at the Boutique, a sister resort, is extremely romantic for
couples - they take only a small number of reservations per day from
members at Club Velas, so make your reservations early. We were so happy
to dine there on our last evening outside by candelight, with exquisit food,
beautiful scenery, wonderful piano music, and impeccable service! We
spent hours at dinner, as the staff does not pressure or rush, but allows
guests to savor each course before moving on to the next. Truly a pleasure
and forgotten extravagance ... the gift of time.
There is much to see and do in PV, but since we've done most of the tours,
we simply enjoy laying poolside with a good book and sipping periodically on
cocktails or fruit smoothies. My favorite is the bloody mary, which I've not
been able to replicate even at home! They must use fresh lime juice and
something else, but they truly are unique and delicious! The wait staff at
poolside periodically appear with fruit cups, or wings with guacamole dip as
a complimentary snack for all - very gracious.
This resort feels like part of an old world classic movie ... where families
spend evening meals leisurely together, and staff are attentive and
respectful. I would and will go back year after year. It's a tradition.