Barbara L.
Yelp
We stayed at Velas Vallarta over Christmas week (the weather was in the low 80's the whole time), and it was absolutely fantastic! They upgraded our room when we arrived, and every detail about the trip was perfect. My husband, our two kids (ages 18 and 23), and I were pampered with every detail. This resort was a wonderful choice for us, as we geezers could walk around the property and indulge in fresh-made crepes in the lobby, drinking margaritas, taking pictures of the wild peacocks roaming around the resort, and bargain shopping.
Our kids loved taking kayaks out, and Felipe (who runs the water-sports gear rental booth on the beach) escorted them to a spot down the bay where they snorkeled. My kids enthusiastically agreed that was a highlight of the trip. This was not part of the all inclusive package at the resort, and it was something like $35 each for a 1-1/2 hour trip.
The service at Velas Vallarta is impeccable, and the food was outstanding, including for my son who is vegan (they have vegan menus at the restaurants, besides the offerings at the buffets, which had plenty of great options).
We probably wouldn't do the massages again, which were also extra. The spa is clean and comfortable, and they also do massages in tents on the beach. We all agreed that it was lovely, but the masseuses felt more like they were rubbing lotion on you for an hour, rather than really giving a massage. They were very nice, but it was certainly not life-changing (unlike the crepes in the lobby). :)
Their Sunday Fiesta is a really good time. We're from LA, and we know all about fiestas, but they made it fun for everyone, and they had a nice variety of entertainment, food, and there was plenty of seating for everyone. We all really loved that.
They offer a free tour at a tequila factory twice weekly. That, of course, is an opportunity to try and to buy a variety of tequilas, which was interesting. Lunch after the tequila factory was quite nice (bring a little cash to pay for lunch).
Also, taking the city bus to El Centro (Downtown) was $0.50/person and about 30 minutes away. That's worth doing, just to experience it (people randomly get on the bus and sing for tips), but the taxi was less than $5 for all of us, and it was much faster and more comfortable. Fun shopping and exploring to be done, though.
I highly recommend Velas Vallarta, and we'll definitely be back.