With direct-flight proximity from many major U.S. cities, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, has long been considered one of the world’s most glamorous getaways. You’ll fall in love with a city that celebrates authentic Mexican culture, with 50 miles of Pacific Coast beaches, world-class nightlife, dining, art, culture and activities for every taste. As travel destinations go, Puerto Vallarta lives up to the hype.

Although the Mexican Riviera is always paradise, the optimal time to visit Puerto Vallarta is between April and June when the weather is perfect, rain is scarce and so are the tourists. 

Photo by Jorge Mercado

Go For It All

When they first appeared on the scene in the 1950s as an option for budget-conscious travelers, properties advertised as “all-inclusive” often meant going basic: scant amenities, uninspired buffets, exchanging beads for watered-down drinks—cutting corners to cut costs. Over the decades the concept has been fine-tuned and today’s all-inclusive resorts are a great choice for families, couples and honeymooners. Now you’ll experience five-star accommodations, Michelin-starred restaurants, world-class spas and a variety of included and a la carte activity options—and the peace of mind of a surprise-free check-out. 

Casa Velas and Velas Riviera Nayarit

The Velas family of resorts includes two signature all-inclusive properties in Puerto Vallarta.

Promising “Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All Compare,” Casa Velas and Velas Riviera Nayarit have raised the bar on Puerto Vallarta accommodations. Both consistently top travelers’ “best of” lists. From proposal through honeymoon, the resorts offer an array of imaginative options, including elopement experiences, helicopter proposals, sky diving engagements, cultural ceremonies and live-streaming video feeds for friends and family unable to attend your event. 

Tucked away on the Pacific coast, the adults-only Casa Velas is a charming Spanish hacienda-style all-suite luxury retreat. The gated boutique resort delivers peace, quiet and luxury. Our all-inclusive stay included airport transportation, culinary experiences at the property’s two award-winning restaurants, easy beach access and proximity to downtown exploration and nightlife. We made the most of the resort’s centerpiece: the sparkling, expansive swimming pool. Cradled beneath towering palms and surrounded by lush gardens and koi ponds, we felt like we had truly found paradise. The swim-up Aqua Bar is right there for refreshments, and the friendly pool staff checked in on us to make sure we had anything we needed. Mojitos? Done. On-the-rocks margaritas and tortilla chips with fresh guac and pico de gallo? Served almost before we knew we wanted them.

INSIDER TIP: There is something magical about Casa Vela’s quesadillas that defies description. To experience the true meaning of getting away, grab a book and a poolside cabana, swim and doze the day away, then order up a couple of these beauties with ice-cold cervezas. We made this our daily ritual. 

DON’T MISS: Casa Velas’s four-bedroom 5,500-square-foot Presidential Suite includes accommodations for eight, dining for 10, a full en suite bar and a private terrace plunge pool. Book this unforgettable site for a pre-wedding bridal party getaway—or an epic groomsmen’s weekend with a custom package that includes treatments at the hotel’s ABJA spa, Mexican spirit and tequila tastings and a day on the links at the property’s award-winning 36-hole Vista Vallarta golf course.

The only all-inclusive resort in the Mexican Pacific awarded Five Diamonds by AAA, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is one of Puerto Vallarta’s most coveted gems. Our arrival experience was jaw-dropping as we were greeted with signature cocktails in the three-story-high, open-air thatched-roof lobby. Bookended by a pristine beach and the dramatic vistas of the Sierra Madre mountains, the family-friendly resort features 267 beautifully appointed ocean-view suites, a trio of pools, six restaurants serving French, Italian, Asian and Mexican gourmet cuisine, and the SE Spa, which has been included on Forbes Travel Guide’s list of The World’s Most Luxurious Spas. The vibe is easy-breezy luxury relaxation, and the resort is surprisingly quiet given its size. 

Picture-perfect wedding locations include ballrooms, sunlit terraces, lush tropical gardens, sandy beaches and a magnificent gazebo terrace with a breathtaking ocean backdrop.

DON’T MISS: Truth be told, grooms can often use a helping hand. The Grand Velas Groom Suite Experience includes a personal concierge who is well-versed in everything from writing last-minute vows to tying bowties and buffing shoes. The resort’s three-bedroom Imperial Suite can serve as the base camp for the groom and his groomsmen with 24/7 on-call concierge and bartender service and a 50-minute in-suite massage per person. A personal grooming expert is also available for a hot shave or last-minute haircut. 

INSIDER TIP: Immerse yourself in Mexican spirits with a day trek to the family-owned Aycya Raicilla 370-acre estate hidden deep in the Sierra Madre mountains. Once prohibited by the Spanish Crown, raicilla is an agave-based spirit similar to mescal and tequila, that harks back to Mexico’s colonial times. Ask your concierge about booking a small-group excursion where you’ll meet the company’s master raicillero, learn the artisanal distilling process and taste the final product. We came away with a nice buzz, a deep appreciation for the nuanced artistry and tradition of crafting this spirit—and a couple of bottles to savor at home.