Fore STARS
Fore STARS
I had one of the best days of my life at Casa Velas — a luxurious adult-only vacation resort on the Puerto Vallarta coast in Mexico. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * I had one of the best days of my life at Casa Velas — a luxurious adult-only vacation resort on the Puerto Vallarta coast in Mexico. It started with a walk to the garden for an 8 a.m. yoga class. I’m not a morning person, or a yoga pro, but starting the day with some stretching while surrounded by nature is incredibly peaceful and healing. Upon your return to the hotel — which is reminiscent of a Spanish hacienda and features 80 suites, some with private pools and Jacuzzis — the first thing you’ll see is a wide-ranging breakfast buffet at Emiliano Restaurant. Chilaquiles, beans, scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage, waffles, fruit, vegetables and seemingly everything else you could ever think of. It’s high quality, too, unlike your typical fare. Views from the Governor Suite. Avalos, our server, sat us on the outdoor terrace and brought us coffee. “How about I add some Bailey’s?,” he suggested with a grin. You don’t have to ask me twice. While he spiced up my cup of joe, I listened to an acoustic guitar player by the koi pond strum . A very fitting song when staying here. Tequila tasting is one of the many activities offered by Casa Velas. The spa was the next item on the agenda. They have hydrotherapy facilities where you experience the benefits of sauna, pressure shower, and steam with eucalyptus inhalation before capping it off by jumping in a Jacuzzi that overlooks the garden. Their spa treatments and therapies are inspired by local Mexican traditions and international wellness trends, and with more than 60 holistic treatments to choose from, you’ll certainly find something that will help you feel your best. Before sitting down for lunch, there was one more thing on the schedule: a 60-minute massage. “Forget about any problems or stress you might have going on in your life. For the next hour, the only thing that matters is you,” said the masseuse before getting started. This is a place that knows how to make someone feel important and cared for. Feeling more relaxed than ever, I returned to Emiliano’s to enjoy some delicious chicken fried tacos. Taylor Allen enjoying his afternoon round at Marina Vallarta Golf Club. Emiliano is the only restaurant on site, but that’s not a bad thing. Emiliano was awarded the American Automobile Association’s prestigious (AAA) Four Diamond award for restaurants and a big reason for that is they grow many of their ingredients on site. It’s not your only option, though. The hotel has a shuttle that can take guests to Táu Beach Club for a fine dining experience right on the water. You’ll want to visit Táu in the evening so you can enjoy dinner — I recommend the beef fillet and shrimp medallions in chardonnay sauce — with a nice glass of wine while watching the sunset. All services and dining at the beach club are included in the all-inclusive experience. You can also check out Táu during the day if you want to soak up some sun on the beach. Casa Velas is right beside Marina Vallarta Golf Club and that’s where I spent the afternoon (fortunately it wasn’t too hot on this day). It’s Puerto Vallarta’s premier country club and one of the main reasons for that is the spectactular views. Over the course of 18 holes, you’ll see the the Bay of Banderas, the Sierra Madre mountain range, high end homes, and wildlife such as crocodiles and iguanas. On one of the last holes I had an iguana slowly make its way across the green as I stepped up to hit my putt. I can’t say I’ve experienced that at Kildonan Park. Photos by Taylor Allen / Winnipeg Free Press Táu Beach Club is a great place to enjoy dinner at sunset and is included in the all-inclusive package. You’ll certainly lose a ball or two (or close to a dozen if you’re like me) thanks to the all the water hazards. Fortunately, the locals know the drill as you’ll find someone near the halfway point offering to sell you a big bag of recovered balls for cheap. The Vista Vallarta Golf Club, which was designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, is another option close by. Casa Velas offers a stay and play package where you can play at both courses. They also have a golf specialist that can give individual or group lessons, or be an knowledgeable playing partner for anyone who’s looking to get the most out of their game. If chasing birdies isn’t your thing, Casa Velas offers other activities to keep you busy such as tequila, wine, and/or Mexican spirits tasting. I sat down for the tequila experience one afternoon and I’m really glad I did — even though beer is typically my go-to. Not only do you get to sip on several quality brands, but you also learn the history of tequila, how it’s made, and what it means to Mexico. If you’d rather cut to the chase, you can jump in the pool — which is surrounded by palm trees and comfortable cabanas for guests to lounge in — and swim up to the Aqua Bar to order your desired beverage. The in-suite mini bar in all the rooms is also stocked daily with drinks and snacks. Jump in the pool and swim over to the Aqua Bar to grab your favourite cocktail. After dinner at Táu, I returned to the resort to sit outside by the late-night bar to enjoy a piña colada or two with some new friends — a couple from Seattle — that I had met that morning during breakfast. As we enjoyed our beverages under the stars, they told me they’ve been visiting Casa Velas — which has been recognized as a top three resort in Puerto Vallarta on Tripadvisor since 2010 —year after year for well over a decade. It’s easy to see why. The staff treats you like family, the property is a slice of paradise, and the food and drinks are superb. It’s stress-free travel at its finest and worth consideration for your next winter getaway. [email protected] Supplied The Govenor Suite features Mexican decor and sliding doors to a garden terrace with a private plunge pool that overlooks the property. X: @taylorallen31 Eighteen years old and still in high school, Taylor got his start with the Free Press on June 1, 2011. Well, sort of... Eighteen years old and still in high school, Taylor got his start with the Free Press on June 1, 2011. Well, sort of... Advertisement Advertisement
Publish Date : 2023-09-30 07:00:07
Image and News Source : winnipegfreepress