One of Mexico’s most captivating wedding and honeymoon destinations
By Barb Duncan
Images courtesy of Grand Velas Resorts
Whether your heart is set on a destination wedding or a tropical honeymoon, you’ll fall head over heals for the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. As one of the Top 10 all-inclusive resorts in the world, this lush, luxurious sanctuary dishes all the ingredients for a sublime Big Day or first holiday as a married couple: spectacular sunsets, a pristine beach, deluxe amenities, plus AAA Five Diamond pampering.
Better yet, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has granted Riviera Nayarit the “Safe Travels” stamp. It’s your assurance this sublime and welcoming place is meeting the highest standards and hygiene safety protocols. Your only concern? Each other. And enjoying every last minute of bliss.
Sitting pretty on the northern edge of Banderas Bay along Mexico’s Golden Coast, the gorgeous beach resort is surrounded by the magnificent Sierra Madre Mountains. It’s just 25 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta, and it’s anything but a typical all-inclusive property. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is part of the acclaimed, multi-award-winning Velas Resorts collection built and operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, with brother Juan Vela by his side. The Velas have transformed the all-inclusive concept to offer a “Beyond All Inclusive, Beyond All Compare” experience that’s ideal for lovebirds wanting to start their happily-ever-after in a balmy paradise.
Ideal for Lovebirds
Designed by renowned architects Elias & Elias and prominent interior designer Melin Castro, the modern Nuevo Vallarta luxury resort features 267 suites. All are over 1,000 square feet and boast teak furniture from Bali, private terraces, and enchanting ocean views. You’ll appreciate the extraordinary around-the-clock, gourmet suite service and the 24-hour personal concierge. If you’re a honeymooner, you’ll really love the resort’s Sweet Romance Package. It includes such perks as private transportation to and from the airport, a welcoming amenity with sparkling wine, a romantic massage for two, and in-suite aromatherapy.
You’ll also get to experience the wonderful Water Ceremony at SE
Spa, which has been named one of the world’s most luxurious spas by Forbes Travel Guide. Along with a high-performance gym and exercise room, a beauty salon and 20 treatment rooms, the spa offers over 30 treatments and relaxing rituals. Many incorporate organic elements, from aromatherapy oils to coffee and chocolate.
The dining possibilities at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offer more unforgettable pleasure. The six restaurants present a delectable gastronomic tour of cuisine from around the world. Four of them have earned AAA Four Diamond awards recognizing impeccable cuisine, presentation, culinary experiences and service.
At Frida, named after iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, you’ll feast on Mexican haute cuisine. (You may be inspired by dishes Frida made for her lover, Diego Rivera.) Ask for a corner table on the terrace and enjoy the live guitar music as you share delicious bites.
At Lucca, you’ll enjoy Italian-Mediterranean specialties, including pasta and seafood, and relish the romantic ambience, live music, and mesmerizing ocean views. Piaf serves up classic French cuisine, elegant ambiance, and live trumpet music, while Sen Lin offers creative modern Asian Fusion cuisine. Selva del Mar, the poolside café, serves light, fresh fare and Azul offers dazzling oceanfront dining along with a casual international menu.
If you’d prefer to dine in the privacy of your suite, the in-suite options encompass all sorts of gastro delights, including creative dishes from the resort’s signature restaurants. The minibar in your suite is also restocked daily.
Other on-site highlights include a beautiful three-tiered pool with different temperatures, water sports, premium-brand domestic and international beverages, and pool and beach concierge service. From beginning to end, you’ll feel the love and deluxe pampering.
In fact, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is one of Mexico’s most desirable wedding destinations.
You can have a sunset wedding on a silky beach overlooking the sparkling water, toast your love in the native gardens and celebrate with friends and loved ones in an elegant banquet venue. A variety of indoor and outdoor settings, personal wedding coordination and comprehensive services and packages allow you to have the wedding of your tropical dreams.
vallarta.grandvelas.com; velasweddings.com
