I have intentionally waited for 3 months to write my review to ensure that my comments were based on reality and not just a dream. We spent 5 nights at this truly fantastic hotel in March and I am still ecstatic about our stay! My wife and I spent over 3 months searching for the PERFECT place to spend our 20th wedding anniversary. Our search included (warm) accommodations all over the world and finally settled on Hotel Casa Velas. From the moment we arrived I knew we would not be disappointed but never dreamed that it would be more than we imagined. This is the place where "dreams really do come true". I was truly hesitant to write a review sharing my experience because my selfishness wanted to keep this hotel a "secret" for only us to enjoy, but it is only just to the excellent staff at Casa Velas that I share with you my experience of the excellent, courteous and friendly service; the delicious and beautifully presented food; and the desire of the entire staff to make our stay the most incredible vacation we have ever experienced.
ACCOMMODATIONS
We stayed in a Grand Class Suite with a king size bed, in room jacuzzi and plunge pool off the patio. The linens were luxurious and the room was very spacious with an attached living area (couch, tv, and dining table). The hotel is gated with security, not that is needed, since we always felt secure even in taxis and while shopping and walking downtown.
SPA SERVICE
We booked an all-inclusive package that included spa treatments. Annabelle and her staff at the spa were fabulous! We scheduled an evening couples massage on the beach in private tents complete with white linens, rose petals scattered over the tables, and soft music and candlelight.....It was all we could do to drag ourselves back to the room after finishing the evening drinking champagne and savoring strawberries dipped in chocolates to look like they were wearing tuxedos. The spa at the hotel was clean, professional, and offered full services including salon treatments.
STAFF SERVICE
Everyone at the hotel including the front desk, the bellboys, the waiters, and the pool staff all called us by name and truly made us feel that we were the ONLY couple staying at their hotel. It seemed that everyone was there just to make sure we were well-pampered and had anything we wanted. The new manager of the hotel, Sergio, is constantly evaluating the service staff standards which results in outstanding and friendly service. The staff even remembered our favorite drinks and food selections from day to day. They would attentively spot our arrival at the pool and have our favorite drink available before we could even sit down. The food would arrive within the next 5-10 minutes hot off the grill (tempura shrimp and grilled mahi-mahi sandwich for me) once they confirmed what our desire was for that afternoon. The hotel is very well run with timely shuttle vans running constantly between the Beach Club, Velas Vallarta and if necessary the airport. Angel, Miguel, and the other gentlemen make the trips quick and entertaining. They are always smiling and enjoy making their guests happy. All of the hotel staff that conduct most of the interaction with the guests are bi-lingual and understand and speak English fluently. We enjoyed conversing in our atrocious Spanish and everyone was very gracious and experienced a lot of good natured laughter at our attempts and took time to coach us even though our improvement was limited.
FOOD
Emiliano's restaurant was beautiful and the staff was very knowledgeable and really enjoyed explaining the different selections in detail. Breakfasts could be enjoyed in your suite via room service or at Emiliano's vast buffet. We enjoyed the room service for several mornings and the staff gladly provided it wherever we wanted (on the patio, in the bed, or by the plunge pool). Omelletes made to order and huge selections of fresh fruits and entrees are the order at Emiliano's. Dinner is exactly what you would expect from a fine dining establishment serving 5 course meals, fabulously presented, and perfectly prepared. The wine list is extensive and complementary to every meal.
PRIVATE BEACH CLUB
The private Beach Club (only available to hotel guests) was a favorite destination. Our server, Emiliano, took excellent care of us and we also had a romantic dinner enjoying the sunset over the Pacific there one evening. The beach vendors are not allowed onto the elevated Beach Club area where the pool and lounge chairs are located. A simple, courteous, No, thank you from a distance was all that was required to let them know we only wanted to relax. They only try to get your attention if you are looking toward the beach or they can catch your eye. It's really a non-issue. They are really nice people just trying to make a living and are extremely low key.
One of the nice things was the additional access to Velas Vallarta, the sister mega-resort, which had additional restaurant selections and entertainment. After goint to a "fiesta" party, and listening the the mariachi band in the Velas Vallarta lobby, it was nice to be able to return in the evening to our little paradise which only has 80 rooms and is quiet and tranquil.
CONCLUSION
Our desire was to spend a relaxing and slow paced vacation to focus on each other without any interruptions, entertainment or excursions. We only left the hotel grounds once to travel into the city market for gifts and spent the remaining time on the hotel grounds or at the Beach Club. The comfortable room, beautiful hotel grounds with gardens of bougainvillea, pampering spa, and out of this world service made all of our dreams come true!! I hope it never changes and I promise you that we will be back for MANY future visits to this wonderful hotel. I highly recommend it for a romantic getaway, honeymoon, or anniversary celebration! Trust me, look no further gentlemen, this is the place to really treat your lady to the pampering she deserves!! A guaranteed HOME RUN!!