Casa Velas Hotel
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| Casa Velas Hotel | |
| Hotel facts and statistics | |
|---|---|
| Location | Puerto Vallarta, Mexico |
| Opening date | 1989 |
| No. of restaurants | 4 |
| No. of rooms | 81 (inc) |
| Website | [Casa Velas Hotel page] |
The Hotel Casa Velas is a boutique hotel located at Pelícanos #311 Fracc. Marina Vallarta, C.P. 48354 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The hotel is one of the biggest hotel resorts in the world. The 18-hole Marina Vallarta golf course borders the hotel on three sides. Guests may play tennis at two lighted courts, splash around in the pools and spa tub, or use jogging and biking trails. The Gran Real Spa offers massage and other treatments, and the fitness center provides workout equipment and classes. Guests request a complimentary shuttle to get to the hotel's private beach club, which has a seafood restaurant, lounge, and another swimming pool.
The 81-room hotel, opened in 1989, currently Set along the greens of the Marina Vallarta golf course, the Casa Velas has a large, freeform swimming pool, spa tub, and swim-up bar. While the hotel is not directly on the ocean, its exclusive beach club is a half-mile away. The hotel provides complimentary shuttle service to and from the beach club upon request. The Real Gran Spa offers fitness classes and an extensive menu of health and beauty treatments, such as warm stone massage and flower petal baths.
For business meetings and social events, the hotel provides dedicated staff, flexible gathering spaces, catering, and services such as faxing, copying, and shipping. A wedding coordinator is available (fee). The resort also has a gift shop and small library with complimentary Internet access.
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[edit] Awards
Casa Velas was voted one of the must visit hotels of 2008 by Ecityoftravel.com
[edit] Nearby Cities
Bordered by the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a spectacular resort destination with gorgeous scenery, tropical climate, over a 1000 restaurants, and every imaginable activity to engage in – even flying through the tree canopy! From cobblestone streets to beautiful marinas to championship golf courses to miles of pristine beaches, Puerto Vallarta offers an ideal vacation of relaxation, exhilaration, and tranquility. Downtown Puerto Vallarta offers many attractions highlighted by El Malecon, a gorgeous beachfront walk that offers views of the emerald waters of Banderas Bay and Downtown. Several historic churches, bronze statues, a bustling market, authentic restaurants and art galleries are part of your sightseeing experience. Relax on wrought-iron benches or in a café overlooking the sea. Art, culture, shopping, and nightlife make Puerto Vallarta an unforgettable vacation. For those seeking active pursuits, Puerto Vallarta offers an abundance of outdoor activities, such as ocean excursions, scuba diving expeditions, snorkeling, kayaking, floating parties, romantic dinner cruises, hiking, biking, eco-tours, swimming with dolphins, whale watching, and 4-wheeling. Experience the natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta by exploring pristine sand beaches, parachuting over Banderas Bay, deep sea fishing, playing golf, horseback riding, and indulging in plane rides and canopy tours over secluded mountain villages. Tee off at Marina Vallarta and Vista Vallarta Golf Club.
[edit] Attractions
Marina Vallarta. Mexico's most sophisticated marina and one of the most popular in the country, Marina Vallarta features a modern 500-slip boat marina, an 18-hole championship golf course, and a beautiful beach. Lining the Marina boardwalk are numerous shops, boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants. The Marina’s famous landmark, El Faro (the Lighthouse), offers spectacular views of the Marina and Banderas Bay. Los Arcos. Los Arcos Amphitheater, or Aquiles Serdan Theater, is known for its four stone arches which have become a symbol of Puerto Vallarta. At this beautiful open-air theater, you can enjoy festive nightly performances, street venders that offer an array of native food and artisans. It is the perfect spot to watch the sun set behind the natural arches of Los Arcos and beyond to the horizon of Banderas Bay.
Banderas Bay. The largest and deepest natural bay in Mexico, Banderas Bay (Bay of Flags) is a horseshoe-shaped bay with gentle, emerald waters. Measureing 20 miles across with over 40 miles of coastline, the Bay is one of the deepest bays in the world with depths up to two miles. Framed by the Sierra Madre Mountains, the waters of Bahia de Banderas are protected from the open seas. With its deep, calm waters, Banderas Bay offers some of the best sport fishing in the world. Cruise out into the waters to encounter humpback whales, dolphins, giant sea turtles and manta rays that inhabitant the beautiful Bay. [Top]
El Malecon. One of the most beautiful miles on Earth, Puerto Vallarta’s famous Malecon is a mile-long oceanfront boardwalk that follows the beach and runs along the main street in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Malecon begins at Hotel Rosita – the first hotel in Vallarta - and ends at a beautiful open-air theater known as Los Arcos, or The Arches. Puerto Vallarta's Malecon is a wonderful strolling, sightseeing and shopping destination, where art, culture, shopping, and dining are at your fingertips. On the city side of the boardwalk, Malecon is lined with trendy boutiques, downtown stores, gift shops, cafés, bars and wonderful restaurants that offer stunning views and gorgeous sunsets over Banderas Bay. Watch the rolling surf from the wrought-iron benches, take pictures of the famous Dolphin and Seahorse sculptures, or relax in a café overlooking the sea.
Yelapa. Nestled in the southernmost cove of Banderas Bay, the peaceful fishing village of Yelapa can be found. Most accessible by boat from Puerto Vallarta, Yelapa's tranquility is ideal for those seeking a laid-back vacation. Covered in a blanket of golden sand, the beautiful beach is a superb place to swim, snorkel, or parasail. Relax in one of the numerous beach chairs, soak up the sun, and enjoy a cold drink. [Top] Las Caletas Las Caletas. Situated on Puerto Vallarta's Banderas Bay, Las Caletas is an exclusive tropical beach hideaway. Enjoy the most fantastic coastal scenery that Vallarta has to offer while cruising to a private cove where you will discover the wonders of the bay while kayaking, snorkeling, surfing or scuba diving. On land, you can explore the surrounding forest, meet a colorful parrot or relax in a hammock on the golden beach. Las Caletas offers a beautiful beach and waterfalls.
Las Marietas Islands. Originally made famous by Jacques Cousteau in the 1970's, the Marietas Islands Marine Reserve is one of the most popular scuba diving areas in Western Mexico, with a great variety of caves, reefs, and drop-offs for exploring. This beautiful destination features a variety of tropical fish, mantas, turtles and whales (December to April).
[edit] Puerto Vallarta, Nearby Mexico Area Beaches
Situated on beautiful Banderas Bay, which boasts 34 miles of coastline and 26 miles of sandy beach, the Puerto Vallarta area offers Mexico’s most spectacular beaches. Bordered by the foothills of the Sierra Madre, Costa Vallarta beaches offer wide sandy expanses and a gorgeous tropical character. On the rugged beaches to the south, where the mountains tumble into the sea, you will discover small coves and intimate sandy stretches.
Nuevo Vallarta- Lined with sprawling resort hotels, this gorgeous, wide sandy beach hugs Banderas Bay for as far as the eye can see. This peaceful beach is a beautiful spot to soak up the sun, swim and relax. Nuevo Vallarta also offers a wealth of diversions from the sun and sand, including three professional golf courses, a water park, a yacht club, marinas, shopping and many excellent restaurants.
Puerto Vallarta Hotel Zone- Lined with resort hotels, this beautiful, wide sandy beach stretching from Marina Vallarta to the Sheraton is a tourist playground. The beach offers every amenity and water sport – from parasailing to whale watching. It's easy to have an adventure on this beach, simply by strolling and stopping into whichever beach-front bar, restaurant or venue that catches your eye.
Bucerias- Golden sands stretching for miles and gentle waves make this an ideal family beach – with oceanfront palapa restaurants and an interesting small town to explore. Boasting the longest beach on the bay, "The Place of the Divers" is known for its freshly shucked giant oysters and sublime seafood. Catch some rays in front of the beach restaurants and enjoy the constant breeze that makes the beach feel fresher and cooler. The town offers many waterfront restaurants and a colorful outdoor market by the main plaza, which is a fun way to absorb the local flavor.
San Francisco/San Pancho- Just a few miles outside the bay, this pristine beach on open sea is gorgeous, windswept, primitive and long and wide, with deep creamy sand and rougher waters than inside the Bay. A long-established adventure resort attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the world, offering every activity you can imagine, including surfing, kayaking, sport fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking, and tours to Matachen Bay, which boasts the world's longest surfable wave. The town’s main street is really cool, with an Internet Café and great restaurants.
Sayulita- A surfing mecca of international renown, the shoreline of this picturesque village is dotted with coves and beaches where surfers hang ten. Riding the gentle breakers to shore, most of the action happens off the main town beach, with lessons and board rentals available. Well known in the surfing world, the long, wide beach boasts a women only surfing school. Those looking for privacy will likely find it in one of the area's small coves, each conveying the sense it is yours alone. After a day of swimming and sunning, you’ll find palapa restaurants on the beach, comida-corrida spots, as well as gourmet dining. A funky fishing village with dramatic wild beauty, Sayulita offers an appealing town square, as well as trendy shops and businesses.
Punta de Mita- One of two beaches on this pretty peninsula at the northern tip of Banderas Bay, Punta de Mita is the ideal beach for strolling and absorbing the incredible beauty and tangy sea air.
El Anclote- One of two public beaches at Punta de Mita, El Anclote is a bustling beach and seaside community with great swimming and surfing. Since the waves break right in front of the shallow, shelving beach, it's an excellent surfing spot. A favorite weekend getaway for Vallartans, this soft sand beach offers nice restaurants, activities, such as kayaking, catamaraning, snorkeling and kayak/boogie board rentals. Rent a boat and guide to take you to Las Marietas Islands nature preserve just offshore where snorkeling and diving are excellent. Hire a panga to take you whale watching in the Bay.
Destiladeras- A local favorite with families and surfers, Destiladeras offers a wide white sand beach, large waves, and fresh seafood at outdoor palapa-shaded restaurants at the water’s edge. Surfers and boogie boarders flock to its long, five-foot swells, while others enjoy strolling the long, sandy stretch. This is a wonderful beach for relaxing and savoring the beautiful sunsets. The large flat rocks found here can be used as picnic tables.
Boca de Tomates- A half hour north of Puerto Vallarta, Boca de Tomates is a peaceful, long sandy retreat where you’ll see more crocodiles, sea turtles and exotic birds than sun worshippers. An ecologist's paradise, the Tomates estuary is one of this area's most important refuges for wildlife. The beach is popular with boogie boarders and offers funky palapa restaurants.
Marina Vallarta- Catering to those staying at the resort hotels, this wide, sandy beach offers a great view of Puerto Vallarta and its undulating mountain backdrop. Check out Nikki Beach, a sensuous and cool restaurant-bar-beach club where you can eat in bed!
Los Muertos- It's ironic, considering that the literal translation of Los Muertos is "The Dead," that this long sandy beach on the South Side is the town's liveliest. This funky and popular beach is lined with restaurants and bars where you can grab a beach chair and table, and is a popular for parasailing. In the evenings, mariachi and other musicians wander the beach, stopping to play and charge by the song. From Los Muertos, many pangas depart for beaches further south.
Garza Blanca- Located off the Barra Navidad road on the way to Mismaloya, this small, tranquil white sand, city beach is framed with palms and crystal clear water that laps the shoreline. Garza Blanca is popular with the locals on weekends and the perfect spot for a picnic and enjoying the sand and surf.
Gemelas- “Twin" beach is two small crescent-shaped beaches at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Here the surf is gentle and good for swimming. Water sports and a restaurant are available at the beach hotel.
Mismaloya- A small sandy beach on a beautiful jungle-fringed cove south of Puerto Vallarta where the Mismaloya creek meets the ocean, this is where the "The Night of the Iguana" was filmed in 1963. Mismaloya offers a beautiful white sand beach, several restaurants, little palapa spots, and a major resort. You can even walk around what remains of the old movie set.
Boca de Tomatlán- With a primitive South Seas feel, this small sandy cove at the edge of the jungle three miles south of Mismaloya is where the mouth of the Tomatlan River meets Banderas Bay. Palapa restaurants serve fresh-caught fish and Mexican fare and small boats take folks to beaches further south.
[edit] Dining
Emiliano - Open daily from morning until late evening. Features gourmet Mexican and international cuisine, prepared using herbs and vegetables grown in the hotel's own garden. Tables are available in the air-conditioned indoor dining room or alfresco under oversized garden umbrellas on the terrace, with views of the pool, garden, and golf course. Sunday brunch is accompanied by live piano music.
Beach Club - Open daily from late morning until early evening. Thatched-roof seaside restaurant located one half-mile from the hotel, on the ocean beach. Lunch includes Asian cuisine with deli, sushi, and bar. Dinner includes Asiatic bistro menu. Great view of Banderas Bay and the beach.
Oasis Lobby Bar - The Lobby Bar, decorated with contemporary tropical furnishings, has seating indoors or outside on the terrace, overlooking the hotel pool. A wide selection of traditional and exotic cocktails is available. Open every evening until late night.
Hoyo 19 - The "19th hole" is a swim-up bar, located next to the main pool, serving tropical drinks in and around the pool area. Open daily from mid-morning until early evening.
[edit] References
[edit] Sources
- Jalisco Enciclopedia de los Municipios de México
- Munguía Fregoso, Carlos - Panorama Histórico de Puerto Vallarta y de la Bahía de Banderas. Guadalajara (2003) Secretaría Cultura Jalisco
- Montes de Oca de Contreras, Catalina - Puerto Vallarta en mis recuerdos. Guadalajara (1982) Gobierno de Jalisco, Secretaria General, Unidad Editorial
- Moon Handbooks - Puerto Vallarta Emeryville, CA (2003) Avalon Travel Publishing
- Martínez Campos, Gabriel - Recetario comlimense de la iguana - Mexcio DF (2004) Conaculta
- Mantilla, Lucia - Los barrios pobres en 31 ciudades Mexicanas: Barrio Ramblases, Puerto Vallarta - Mexico (2004) Secretaria de Desarollo Social
