Velas Vallarta with Kids: The Perfect Family Beach Getaway

Velas Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta is not your typical Mexico resort. This beautiful oceanfront property offers some of the best qualities you want on vacation – cleanliness, an amazing staff, spacious accommodations, and a relaxing atmosphere. If you are looking for a family-friendly Puerto Vallarta resort, this is the place to be. Here is what we loved about Velas Vallarta with kids.

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We were recently guests of Velas Vallarta and had a lovely weekend exploring the property. The resort is less than a 10 minute taxi ride from the airport and is close to the marina, providing easy access to shops and restaurants.

It is an all-inclusive (AI) property, but there are condo rentals onsite as well, so guests with an AI package will receive wristbands on check-in. If you want to explore Puerto Vallarta with kids, the property has easy access to just about everything.

Rooms at Velas Vallarta

Rooms at Velas Vallarta are massive compared to many properties. Each unit has a small kitchen, which is perfect when traveling with family.

There are a variety of suites available, ranging from the Deluxe Studio (that sleeps 3 adults or 2 adults with 2 children) to the Presidential Suite (which sleeps 8 adults or 6 adults and 2 children). The two and three bedroom suites are perfect for those traveling with extended families or other families. There are even suites with private plunge pools.

With the exception of the studios, all of the rooms have balconies and ocean views. 

Our two bedroom suite had two bathrooms (one with a shower and one with a shower/tub combo), a kitchen, spacious living room, and large patio. One bedroom had two twins and the master had a king bed. 

Since we were on the all-inclusive plan, our refrigerator was stocked with soft drinks, water, and beer, and we had a basket with cereals, popcorn, and other snacks. This can be replenished as often as necessary which is great when traveling with hungry kids.

Activities at Velas Vallarta with Kids

We found Velas Vallarta to be quieter than other Mexico resorts we’ve visited (I think we have stayed at over a dozen at this point), but that was quite welcome. Perhaps it was the time of year. The property was full, just not overrun by children and misbehaving adults.

Kids Club

Speaking of children, there is a Kids’ Club on property for ages 4-12. They have an indoor and outdoor space, game room, movie section, arts and crafts area, and playground. 

Activities are planned around the clock, and include everything from tennis to rock painting to scavenger hunts. Babysitting is offered for younger children.

Swimming pools

There are three swimming pools at Velas Vallarta and they are all connected (but separate).

The pool closest to the lobby is the quietest. In the middle is a shallow, 2 foot deep wading pool that is perfect for kids. Closest to the beach is the largest pool, and this is where you will find music, organized daily activities, and typically, the most people. 

Aqua Bar (a swim-up bar) can be found near the large pool, but you can also ask for drink service to your lounge chairs. 

Note: Velas Vallarta does the best job I have ever seen with regard to “reserving” chairs. If you leave your stuff on a chair for more than 90 minutes they will collect it so someone else can have the spot. (Don’t worry, they keep your belongings safe until you come to claim them).

The Beach at Velas Vallarta

Velas Vallarta sits on a nice strand of beach that is perfect for relaxing, walking, or having a swim. Between the pool and the beach is a sand volleyball court available for use. Note: the sand is SO hot! Please wear shoes to avoid burning your feet.

There are about twenty cabanas on the beach that are first-come, first-served. Each one has three lounge chairs beneath the canopy, but you could easily move them around if needed. There is also beverage service.

Daily activities

At check-in you will receive a list of the property’s weekly activities. This includes everything from tours of Puerto Vallarta (about 15 minutes by car) to bingo, Spanish lessons, and water aerobics.

Should you want to leave the resort and take organized tours, there is a concierge that can help with planning or you can arrange for a taxi to pick up at the hotel. There are some really fun places to explore in Puerto Vallarta with kids.

Nightly entertainment

As with many resorts in Mexico, Velas Vallarta offers nightly entertainment. During a typical week you might have a circus performance, comedy show, and even a casino night. If your family enjoys evening entertainment, they will surely love the offerings here.

Amenities at Velas Vallarta

Spa

The spa at Velas Vallarta is intimate, but it does the trick. You won’t find all the bells and whistles here, but I had a wonderful massage and would highly recommend their services. There is also a beauty salon should you need it.

Shopping

There is a convenience store on site, should you need any supplies, as well as a boutique. 

Fitness Center

There is a fitness center at Velas Vallarta with about 10 cardio machines and a nice weight room. If you need to burn some calories, this is the place to go.

Tennis Courts

There are two hard surface tennis courts and one with artificial turf. The property has racquets and balls available to use. 

Note: Velas Vallarta is working toward offering Pickleball in the near future, so keep an eye out for that.

Restaurants

There are two restaurants at Velas Vallarta, Andrea and Ribera. 

Andrea is the more “fine-dining” of the two, although we had our best meals at Ribera. Dinner reservations are required at Andrea, but not at Ribera. Each restaurant has a different dinner theme each night. We tried Andrea on Italian night and were underwhelmed, but had a nice dinner at Ribera on Steak House night.

Both restaurants serve breakfast and lunch, or you can always order room-service.

There is 24-hour room service available, and there is a Creperia in the lobby every afternoon (highly recommend). 

If you are looking for a Mexico family vacation that isn’t over the top, but is comfortable, clean, and relaxing, Velas Vallartas delivers.