I’ll never forget the moment I stepped out of the taxi and first saw the elegant low‑rise sweep of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, its white walls glowing under the late afternoon sun like an invitation to something more elevated than a beach vacation. It felt less like arriving at a sprawling resort and more like arriving at someone’s private villa. Only this villa had every imaginable luxury and it was all waiting for me.
From the moment I walked into the open-air lobby, I felt at home. The design—modern Mexican, with fountains, soft light, and warm stone—was welcoming. A host appeared with a chilled towel and a welcome drink, then gave me a relaxing neck message while I waited to get my room keys. A great start. At check‑in, the front desk had already logged my preferences (teas, extra pillows, gentle waking call) and honoured them seamlessly throughout my stay.
Se Spa Water Journey is one of the signature experiences at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. At top, the resort sits on Banderas Bay and offers stunning views at all hours of the day. (Photos courtesy of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit)
A brief stroll took me past the lush gardens and toward my suite. When I opened the door, floor-to-ceiling windows framed the Pacific and the silhouette of the Sierra Madre mountains in the distance. My suite had just been renovated. Neutral tones in greens, grays, sandy beiges, blended with elegant wooden accents and subtle, intentional touches. It gave me relaxing spa vibes with its comfy couch, natural light and a terrace with a Bali bed ideal for sunset watching.
The bathroom was generous: double sinks, a marble walk-in shower, and a jetted tub whose windows could open toward both the suite and the ocean beyond. The care in details, like non‑slip marble floor and extra large bath towels, showed the resort prioritized guest comfort.
That first evening, as I stepped onto my terrace, the sky glowed pink. I realized: This property is not what I’d once described as “all inclusive.” This is a reimagination of it.
Levelling Up the Mexican All-inclusive
Food highlights at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit include the Progressive Taco Tour at Frida. (Photo courtesy of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit)
In the old paradigm of all-inclusive, resorts were giant, impersonal, and heavy on buffets. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit feels like a bridge to a new breed focused on personalized service, intimate spaces, out-of-the-ordinary guest experiences, and exceptional cuisine. With only 267 suites, the resort feels ample, but not overwhelming, which means more meaningful connections to the space and its staff.
Service is everything at the property. I was soon introduced to my personal concierge. She asked if I preferred mezcal tastings, French wines, or spa rituals. A few hours later, I had a private mezcal-and-mole dinner arranged at the on-site Mexican restaurant.
When the heart of a luxury resort is its food, you know the chefs must be stars. Under culinary leaders like Guillaume Morancé and Raúl Hernández, the resort’s six restaurants represent a global tapestry of excellence, including Sen Lin (Asian), Frida (Mexican), Piaf (French), and Lucca (Italian/Mediterranean).
The dinner at Frida featured three distinct mole styles—pink mole with charred octopus, a smoky black mole with chicken, and green mole with subtle herb notes. Each was served with espadín or reposado mezcals. The server led me through the cultural backstory of each pairing and encouraged me to be adventurous. I dared to try a dish with grasshoppers, a local delicacy, and was pleasantly surprised by their mild, nutty flavour. Another surprise was just the Mexican wine, especially the luscious reds.
The Governor Suite is one of the inviting and spacious accommodations available at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. (Photo courtesy of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit)
For a more casual midday vibe, Selva del Mar was perfect. It sits beside the multi-tiered infinity pool and offers comfort food, like tacos and shrimp rolls. I couldn’t get enough of the guacamole, ceviche and the fresh salsa and chips that appears on your table as soon as you sit. Lunch there, accompanied by the sound of the waves, became part of my daily routine.
Azul, the oceanfront buffet restaurant, showcases breakfast, lunch, and dinner with panoramic views over Banderas Bay. At breakfast, I sipped tea while sampling local specialties, cheese, yogurt, Belgian waffles, and a made-to-order omelette with salted black cod. The choices were bountiful, including the range of freshly squeezed tropical fruit juices, from soursop to mango.
Light bites and beautiful ambiance came from Amat Café, overlooking koi ponds and gardens: perfect for a quiet hour with a book. Meanwhile, the chic Koi Lobby Bar with its dramatic, 27-foot marble bar, offered stylish sitting areas, perfect for sipping craft cocktails with live music in the evenings.
Grand Velas Adds More Luxe to Nayarit
The Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit ramps up the luxury feel of the beach stay in Mexico. (Photo courtesy of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit)
The resort’s three-tiered infinity pool was a visual marvel. Some loungers were at the water’s edge, others more tucked away. Pool and beach concierges circulated with sunblock, chilled drinks, and snacks. Near the main pool is a fruit cart and a selection of global salts, inspired by the street-food scene in Mexico City. A bit of salt with fresh mango, for example, is a healthy snack that supports hydration and promotes electrolyte balance, especially important in the heat.
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On the beach, the waves of the Pacific greeted me. The resort arranges kayaking, snorkeling, and excursions to the Marietas Islands, as well as activities on-site, like fitness classes, a honey-extraction workshop, and hikes with a local naturalist. In the evenings, the amphitheater and open-air venues hosted Mexican fiestas, live music, DJ nights, and themed events that felt festive yet low-key.
On my last night, I walked the grounds under a full moon. I thought back on the week. How often had I paused to look around and soak up the quiet luxury? How many times had someone smiled, offered something unexpected, or made me feel special? I have stayed at many resorts in my life, but this one felt like a new direction—where scale, intimacy, culinary sophistication, and service converge in a thoughtful way.
Fitness classes are among Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit’s many on-site offerings. (Photo courtesy of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit)
What lingers with me is how the resort felt. It is redefining what “all-inclusive” means—not mass luxury, but curated, soulful, and beautifully rooted in a sense of place. I love that it is owned and operated by Mexicans, which comes through in its authenticity and local cultural touches. It is another way that the property stands out from others in the all-inclusive space.
Before heading to the Puerta Vallarta airport, I reluctantly zipped up my suitcase. But I was also grateful to have experienced a property like that. It felt like I had discovered something truly new, a resort where less is more and intention replaces scale.
