Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit: The Family Resort That Doesn't Feel Like One

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit sits on a pristine stretch of beach north of Puerto Vallarta, nestled between the Pacific and the Sierra Madre mountains. What makes this property remarkable isn’t just that it accommodates families—it’s that it does so without sacrificing sophistication. No cartoon characters, no neon waterslides, no chicken nugget buffets. Instead, you’ll find thoughtful design that naturally separates family zones from adults-only spaces, exceptional dining, and service that treats both parents and children with genuine attentiveness. The property has mastered creating an environment where parents genuinely relax while kids are thoroughly engaged -- our three-year-old had the time of his life while we got spa treatments, quiet pool time, and uninterrupted dinners.

Service: Upon arrival, we were welcomed in an expansive open-air lobby with drinks and mini neck and shoulder massages – relaxation mode activated immediately! All guests are paired with a personal concierge who checks in daily and assists with restaurant reservations and activity planning. Throughout our stay, the service was exceptional across the board—attentive and responsive without ever feeling intrusive.

Accommodations: Rooms are updated and genuinely spacious with private terraces and pool or ocean views. We opted for the Parlor Suite—essentially a one-bedroom with a large living/dining area and sofa bed. The layout gave our toddler his own space while we had room to breathe. The minibar is stocked with healthy snacks and drinks, replenished daily at no charge. Housekeeping services twice daily.

Dining: This is where Grand Velas truly distinguishes itself. The specialty restaurants—particularly Frida (Mexican) and Piaf (French) – delivered exceptional experiences with sophisticated menus and service that accommodated our toddler seamlessly. These weren’t “all-inclusive quality” meals. They were legitimately excellent dinners we’d seek out anywhere. Lucca (Italian) and Sen Lin (Asian) were equally impressive. Breakfast and lunch are high-quality buffets with made-to-order stations, plus a convenient poolside bar.

Pool and beach: The large multi-level pool was a highlight, with wide open areas and plenty of seating, as well as a designated adults-only section aptly located by the swim-up bar. The adjacent, separate (and warm!) kids’ pool became our son’s favorite spot for making friends. Beach access is also perfect—direct, easy, with attentive service and lovely ocean and mountain views. The setup makes it effortless to spend full days seaside. One small disappointment: the hot tub is adults-only and not particularly hot. Our son was bummed he couldn’t join us, and we found the temperature lukewarm.

Kids club and activities: Programming runs on a well-organized schedule—arts and crafts (piñata making, cupcake decorating), sports, movie nights, and the beloved daily 2 pm picnic with live entertainment. Kids under four must be accompanied by a guardian or babysitter (available through concierge). For ages 4+, the kids club hosts nightly petit buffet dinners so parents can enjoy date nights. There’s also a separate Teens Club lounge with entertainment and epic sunset views.

Adult activities: Daily options include yoga, Pilates, water aerobics, pickleball tournaments, bicycle tours, kayak excursions, dodgeball, and dance lessons. Evening entertainment features live music and special experiences like tequila tastings. The property also offers family photographer services for professional vacation photos without the hassle.

Spa and wellness: The spa is world-class, offering a comprehensive menu of treatments and services. The water hydrotherapy circuit—featuring a sauna, steam room, cold and hot plunge pools, and relaxation areas—is a standout experience and worth carving out time for. Treatment prices reflect luxury resort rates, so plan your budget accordingly.

Beyond the resort: While the property offers more than enough to keep you occupied for an entire stay, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit provide excellent off-property excursion options if you want to explore the region. The charming cobblestone streets and galleries of downtown Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica are worth a visit, as is the scenic Malecón boardwalk. For adventure seekers, the area offers zip-lining through the jungle canopy, whale watching (seasonal), and boat trips to the Marietas Islands to see the famous Hidden Beach. Sayulita, a bohemian surf town about 40 minutes north, makes for a fun day trip with its colorful streets, artisan shops, and laid-back beach vibe. San Pancho (San Francisco) nearby offers a quieter alternative with excellent local restaurants. The concierge can arrange transportation and recommend reputable tour operators for any excursions, though honestly, with young kids in tow, we found the resort offered everything we needed without the logistics of venturing out.

This property is ideal for: Parents who want all-inclusive convenience without compromising on quality. Families with toddlers through elementary-age kids benefit from structured programming that creates easy socializing for children and genuine down time for adults. Multi-generational groups work particularly well here too, with separate spaces allowing grandparents, parents, and kids to each have their ideal vacation simultaneously. Active travelers will appreciate the robust adult programming. If you’ve written off family resorts as theme parks with mediocre food, this will change your mind.

• Getting there and arrival: The property is about 20 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta’s airport. Book your transfer in advance. The property offers a private van service that’s worth the convenience with young kids.

• Dining reservations: Book dinner reservations at check-in, or up to 30 days prior during peak season—popular times fill fast.

• Beverages: Cocktails tend to run on the lighter side—don’t hesitate to request stronger pours if that’s your preference. Top-shelf spirits may have upcharges, but the included selection is generous.

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