Casa Velas - Press Room
Casa Velas Hotel, Puerto Vallarta
It's an
unexpected paradise perfect for Boomers with deluxe dreams and casual chic
lifestyle.
It didn't take more than 5 minutes from the airport in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to reach Casa Velas, Boutique Hotel but since this wasn't peak hour traffic, I was shocked that we were soon at the security gate. (During my stay never I was aware of any noise from the jets.)
In a nano
second, at first glance, I knew that this was exactly what I wanted for my few
days in the sun. This huge lush area with the most perfectly manicured trees,
blossoming and hanging colorful flowers, five peacocks casually wandering
around as though they were the managers, there in the midst of this wondrous
space was an elegant 80 suite, terra cotta roofed ‘casa' with a photo perfect back
drop of the Sierra Madre Mountains and right on the Pacific coast.
When I
entered the lobby, my jaw dropped. The persimmon colored sofas, low coffee
tables, a divider of several 6 foot high and unknown circular dimensions wax
candles (lit every night), were all set on an island surrounded by a small
stream of water. How could I not be impressed by this unique ambiance. It was
certainly a great intro to this casual chic hotel.
I thought
about what author/playwright George Bernard Shaw had written. "The great
advantage of a hotel is that it is a refuge from home life". Home was nothing like this.
Much has to
do with 47 year old, Manuel Oviedo, the managing director who makes time to
meet as many guests as possible and believes in a hands-on policy.
It took
less than an hour before every staff member knew my name. I don't know about
you but I appreciate gracious manners. Little wonder that Puerto Vallarta was
awarded "La Ciudad mas amigable del mundo"- the friendliest city in the world.
Another manifestation was the tradition of placing the right hand over the
heart to welcome or thank you.
One of my
great dislikes when I enter the hotel room assigned to me, is trying to
discover what switch goes with the various Iights, how to lower the air/con and
fan, fiddle for hours trying to discover how the TV and Safe box works and
getting the right tap in the shower. All this was shown when I settled in with
my luggage. Also, I don't want a map to figure out the locations of various
public rooms, pools, restaurants. Casa Velas was built with a clear plan and a
pathway that even the most directionally handicapped person could find their
way. This is, after all, a place for relaxation, rejuvenation, not frustration.
Never
having been to Puerto Vallarta before, so many of my friends had told me how
romantic all Velas Resorts are. I was on my own, not looking for romance but
getting a good story about a deluxe hotel. The latter was the easy part. As for
the former, I did see so many couples of various ages all looking adoringly at
each other and hand holding as they walked through the lovely botanical garden.
Was there something in the air? Yes, it was the poignant scent of all the herbs
and veggies from the very large area for use in the restaurants and the aroma
came from the bountiful flora throughout the acres
Much
thought has been given for the needs of the guests. The imagination and
innovations just thrilled me. Perhaps, if the environment proved to be so very
romantic, some couple may have become overwhelmed. It's a perfect venue for a
marriage or a proposal and there's a wonderful situation solver. Rent a Rock,
is for the unexpected engagements or marriages. There are numerous choices of
genuine diamonds and other precious stones starting at .8 to 4 carats, with a
reasonable rental charge..that is, unless you wanted to purchase the gem to
savor this memorable moment. And to continue with clever rentals, if you happen
to have forgotten a designer label evening bag, you could borrow. Some of them
by designers, Michael Kors, Chanel, Carolina Herarra and more.
From the
public outdoor patio with wicker chairs and tables, always filled with guests
having tea, coffee or whatever, before heading to my room on the 2nd floor, I
looked through the palm trees and could see the wonderful large pool and its
poolside restaurant.
Casa Velas
does provide an abundance of activities. It sits beside a well tended 18 hole
golf course, which my room overlooked and was gratis for the guests to use.
There are two tennis courts, a very active gym, and a not-to-be forgotten spa.
My 80 minute Shiatsu deep tissue/muscle massage, was expertly done. The spa
menu has a variety of treatments all performed by specially trained
estheticians.
With all
richness of food and drink and to-the-manner-born atmosphere, this is an
exceptional all-inclusive, adult-only hotel. No screeching from kiddies but
sweet noises from the various birds that tweeted all day and was my morning
alarm clock. What a way to be awakened.
As for my
accommodation, it was lavish. The balcony had a plunge pool from where,I could
see the bluest sky with white stripes clouds looking as though they were being
pulled by invisible angels. Inside the seating area and desk was a step down
from the larger than usual ecru decorated room, marble flooring and walls
featuring original paintings by Mexican artists and a very ample marble
bathroom. Not fond of high air.con, it was a delight to open the doors and have
the slight breeze waft through the room.
Although I
hadn't yet tried their truly wonderful coffee (I see myself as a java
aficionado), I had this sudden caffeine high when the always available
shuttles, drove me to the private Casa Velas Beach Club, just minutes from the
main building. This is an option instead of the swimming pools. The sand was
fine, the beach clean while the Pacific was refreshing and the Oriental cuisine
served was the perfect mixture as the soft, gentle waves swished in and out.
As for fine
dining, Emiliano Restaurant, overseen by executive Chef Juan Luis Ruelas, has
designed a great and tasty international menu accompanied by the perfect wines.
With the great ocean view, a small group took a hands-on cooking class at the
Beach Club. My job was to prepare the crusting of tuna sashimi. Honey,
soya,pepper, paprika and heavy on the sesame seeds, before it was set on the
barbecue for a short time. keeping the tuna reddish under the crust.
Of course
there was a day trip to downtown Puerto Vallarta. Walking in the charming
cobblestoned (flat shoes are a given) historic quarters then viewing the
marvelous Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, a stroll the El Malecon ( promenade)
beside the ocean and adorned with sculptures, cafes, art, made for a fine
afternoon.