PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO—Nestled between the Bay of Banderas and the Sierra Madre Mountains is Puerto Vallarta. Here, you’ll find Casa Velas, an all-inclusive resort with a revitalized design reminiscent of a rustic, yet elegant hacienda.
“The name Casa Velas is derived from the Velas Resorts’ founder, Eduardo Vela. The most intimate of the Velas Resorts, the 80-suite Casa Velas was once a Spanish hacienda and is set upon acres of lush landscape and green scenery. The intimate boutique hotel provides guests with a very secluded and home-away-from-home feel,” said Luis Angarita, managing director, Casa Velas.
The adults-only boutique hotel and ocean club recently embarked on a redesign to commemorate their 10th anniversary and update the appearance of the resort for new and longtime guests.
“Casa Velas has the look and feel of a private hacienda and features Spanish-style architecture and expansive tropical landscaping throughout the resort,” explained Angarita. “All 80 suites are decorated in traditional Mexican colors and furnishings, and each suite features a private terrace with plunge pool or in-suite Jacuzzi.”
Melín Castro Ardavín, owner of MC Design, led the interior design and branding of the Velas Resorts property here, and in Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit. She sought to stay true to the hotel’s roots as a Spanish hacienda and highlight the natural spaces on the property.
“Casa Velas is a contemporary Mexican-style hotel with interior spaces that respect the details of a typical hacienda. It also pays tribute to the natural surroundings, full of luxury and harmony. In the interior architectural design, the style sought in the suites was one that could go from classical and elegant to contemporary and innovative,” said Ardavín.
Honoring its rich legacy as a Spanish hacienda while offering modern features was key for the new design scheme, which includes wall colors in vibrant pigments, surfaces in natural materials and upgraded amenities, according to Angarita.
“A total of 38 suites underwent suite modifications and complete bathroom upgrades to obtain a fresh and modern look, while still retaining their authentic Mexican atmosphere. Each bathroom received new Italian marble countertops, glass shower doors and double sinks. The suites received new furnishings in the living and bedroom areas, such as HDTVs, terracotta floors, expansive walk-in closets, wet bars and contemporary dressers,” he said. “A majority of the 830-sq.-ft. Grand Class suites each had Jacuzzis installed on their private terraces, while three One-Bedroom Ambassador Suites and one Two-Bedroom Ambassador Suite welcomed new mahogany bars in the kitchen. A highlight of the revamped suites is new art, paintings and textiles from leading Mexican artists.”
From the start of the project, the team at Casa Velas wanted Mexican art to play a significant role in the renovation.
“When we were determining the new look and feel for the suites, we knew right away that we were going to incorporate artwork from leading Mexican artists. When guests choose Casa Velas as their destination, we know that they are looking for a high-end experience in Mexico, and the artwork is just one piece of the Casa Velas puzzle that gives guests exactly that,” Angarita said. “The artwork has a sophisticated and authentic flair that we feel is a true reflection of Mexico and Casa Velas.”
More design projects are underway as Casa Velas transforms two of its suites into Wellness Suites, a concept recently launched at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. The suites, designed to renew one’s body and mind, will debut at the end of this month.
“Upon arrival to the suite, a personal spa concierge will provide counsel on spa treatments and in-suite fitness amenities, including a yoga mat, dumbbells, resistance bands and a Life Fitness Activate Series Recumbent Lifecycle Exercise Bike. After the intro, guests will be whisked to the upper terrace of the suite,” he said. “For bedtime, the suite includes an Alchimia Apothecary Aromatherapy Kit with scents ranging from cedar and lavender to tangerine and myrrh, and a Vitamin C Sprinkler that lightly spritzes guests on command with a warm bath of vitamin C essential oils.”
In addition, accommodations will feature a Nikken Kenko pillow, comforter and LED lamp with a clock and timer that increases brightness gradually, simulating dawn and dusk.
A fifth property, Grand Velas Los Cabos, will join the Velas Resorts network and plans to open in Baja, CA, in 2017.
