I am disturbed by the news that Casa Velas is planning to allow children, starting in January.

We spent a glorious, quiet, relaxing week there in May 2011. We met a couple from England at the resort and have become good friends. So good, that the four of us have made reservations to return to Casa Velas in May 2013. Our friends were so impressed in 2011 that they bought into the resort. I'm waiting to hear from them whether they're ok with the adult-only status about to change to families (absolutely classic case of bait-and-switch...but I doubt that legal concept has any footing in Mexico).

We have our air fare and our hotel reservations and probably will still go in 2013. But if the ambiance and the serenity are compromised by this change in resort policy, it will be the last time we stay at this resort.

My wife and I returned just days ago from our second, week-long stay at Casa Velas. We loved the resort the first time around, and the second time was no different. The resort is small, having only 80 suites. We visited during the low season, and at times had the pool and beach club all to ourselves and in fact one night while dining at 8pm, we were told we were the first diners at the restaurant. The most guests we saw in any one place at once were 10 people....simply amazing to have such privacy and peace.

The resort is situated in the midst of a quiet golf course, about 1/4 mile off the beach. Some might find this concerning, however I urge you to give it a chance. The beautiful resort is worth it! The grounds and facilities are well maintained and gorgeous. The resort is so peaceful and quiet, it is easy to truly relax and enjoy yourself. The staff is very friendly and well-trained in service. It is a real treat to be greeted by name by staff whom you have never met before, and welcomed back by others who recall you from previous stays. Benny at the terrace bar is always a hoot, and dotes on your every need. Edgar is the star amongst the very good breakfast and lunch staff. Lluvia at the front desk was always very sweet and helpful. And Jorge is very pleasant as he helps you with baggage and on trips to the Beach Club.

Oh, the Beach Club. To make up for not being on the beach, Casa Velas has it's own private beach house just a 3 minute shuttle van ride away. Here, you can sit beside the infinity pool and jet tubs and lounge in deck chairs. You can also lounge on the beach itsself if that is more your thing. You can enjoy lunch and snacks from the menu here, featuring some staples and asian-themed fare such as the delicious tuna sashimi and sushi. The shrimp burrito is also very tasty. And from experience, the bloody mary's are top-notch. During high season, I believe they also serve dinner here, but during low-season understandably they do not.

There are no buffets at Casa Velas, only the gourmet restaurant Emiliano. The menu here is varied, with many mexican staples at breakfast (LOVE the chilaquiles!) and more european/continental fare at dinner. There is a good variety of entrees for dinner, however we found the desserts to be the real weak spot of all the food. Often during breakfast, the resident peacock, Pancho, will visit your patio table looking for some bread. A real plus is that the staff are so accommodating, if you don't see something on the menu that suits you, just ask. They will do their best to whip something up to please you, and also have a lot of things not on the menu (such as delicious fruit sorbets).

You may also order from a poolside menu, and 24 hour room service. It is very nice to have all the options and not have to worry about making sure you could eat when the mood struck.

A final note, during our trip my wife unfortunately required the services of a doctor. Casa Velas was extremely helpful and summoned a very good doctor for us in under 45 minutes right to the hotel. We were very appreciative in their assistance.

Thank you Casa Velas, and we hope to return again soon!

The Velas Brothers ask us to "make this your home in Mexico " and we have ! Casa Velas is a wonderfully welcoming , elegant , calm oasis. Once you enter through the gates one can feel the difference. This is unique in Puerto Vallarta, an adults only resort. This is the reason that we changed our membership from Velas Vallarta to Casa Velas. We love children, do not interpret this as otherwise but we love our special time together. It is lovely to return to special members of staff that we have come to know over the years. It is nice to welcome new staff members. To reacquaint with fellow owners or meet new friends. Yes we do this at Casa Velas. The facilities are wonderful. The Beach Club, the pool area, the Spa and lobby bar never let us down. Emiliano's , with Chef Luis and Captain Manuel and his staff delight our culinary expectations. Changes are becoming more constant and diverse in the menu. In the evenings Benny looks after us at the Lobby Bar. Our concierge is Angel. Nothing is too much trouble. Questions are answered, reservations are made, all in a most professional manner. Stefano is there each morning to make and advise re trips, ownership and he has a wonderful memory for his returning clients. Jorge's good humor and smile navigates us to and from the Beach Club and Velas Vallarta.
Why should this now be changed to include children ? Velas Vallarta, Grand Velas in both the Mayan and Nuevo Vallarta welcome families and children. We visit there with children and family and have a super time. I humbly suggest that you rethink the change in designation. You do have a Jewel, truly La Jolla. Market it as it should be, the owners and guests shall come and they shall thank you.

My wife and I visited Casa Velas in November of 2010 and fell in love with the setting, food, service, employees, and quality...totally exceeded all expectations... and we are world travelers! We liked it so much that we came back a month later with our adult children as our christmas gift to each other. Since then we returned again in 2011 and are returning for the fourth time in December 2012. Four visits in 3 years speaks for itself along with the accuracy of the other top reviews that I just read again for 2012. Casa Velas needs to be a must do for everyone that appreciates the finer things in life as much as I hate to share their luxury with the rest of the world. Let us know if you have found another Casa Velas anywhere else in the world.