The holidays are just around the corner, and while some will start planning family gatherings and festivities, for others, becoming part of the holiday traveling trend is becoming more of the norm holiday tradition. After all, sitting beachside with cocktail hand while listening to the melodic sounds of the ocean waves crashing does sound tempting, doesn’t it?

So, let’s talk travel and let’s talk Mexico! From Houston, direct travel to the best beach destinations in Mexico can be pretty cheap but you will want to book right away; flights do tend to get more costly as the holiday dates get closer. And if you are looking for a laid back destination if traveling solo, with a significant other, or even with children, then Velas Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta is the resort for you. This all-inclusive beachfront resort touts itself as a resort dedicated to providing the ultimate all-inclusive vacation on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. So of course I had to visit - although I was quite skeptical considering my previous visit to a different resort was probably one of the worst vacations I’ve ever experienced. However, Velas Vallarta truly changed my mind about Puerto Vallarta – luxury resort experience without the hefty luxury price tag.

(As I sit and type these words, I anxiously await the opportunity to return once again.)

After the airport experience, I’m usually quite anxious to arrive to my destination, unpack and head out to the beach so the fact that Velas Vallarta is only minutes away from the airport is a bonus because that means less time commuting and more time vacationing! Upon check in, the staff greeted me with a refreshing cocktail (always appreciated) – quickly checked me in and a staff member escorted me to my room while giving me a brief history of the resort and notifying me of all of the amenities offered. The resort’s luscious green foliage landscape, wind blowing upon my face with the clean crisp ocean air fragrance and the welcoming smiling faces automatically put me at ease and just like that, the woes of my everyday hustle and bustle seemed to dwindle away.

My one bedroom suite was way roomier than most resort suites. The spacious kitchenette was fully stocked with water, sodas, and beer. There was also a snack basket filled with chips, nuts, granola bars, popcorn and much more – which can come in handy during those times that you want to munch on a little something and don’t necessarily want to get dressed to go to one of the restaurants or poolside bars. Drinks and snacks are complimentary and restocked daily at no extra charge if you opt for the resort’s all-inclusive plan.

The recently updated bathrooms are spacious and have plenty of counter space which is completely appreciated if you are anything like me and my over abundance of toiletries. The bedroom has a huge sliding glass door that opens up to a spacious balcony that can also be accessed from your suite’s living area.

The patio has a table and chairs, should you choose to dine al fresco or maybe sip a few margaritas while enjoying the sunset. Yes, you can order a pitcher or two of margaritas to be delivered to your room! (Insert any song that makes you get up to do the happy dance.)

But back to the bedroom – I am very picky about the soft to firm mattress ratio. Let’s just say that Velas Vallarta did not disappoint. I slept like a baby after a long hard day of sunbathing. The living area is also a nice place to relax while winding down after a day of beach or poolside nothingness. Open up the sliding door and listen to the soothing sounds of the ocean while watching your favorite movies and sipping on another margarita! Quick note: when booking, ask for a room above the 5th floor so that you can enjoy the pool, ocean, and sunset views.

The service at Velas Vallarta is outstanding. From room service, which is available 24 hours daily, to pool and beachside service, there was plenty of staff readily available to tend to my needs. I never experienced any wait time or standing in line at any of the resort’s restaurants or bars. Can I quickly mention that the resort is fully stocked with top-shelf liquor and none of that off brand stuff that leaves you with a horrible headache in the morning? Hey, don’t judge me, that’s important info for some of my readers.

The three on-site restaurants, with two being formal and requiring reservations, offer plenty of options to choose from so you won’t easily get bored with the menu. The poolside grill offers the regular staples such as hotdogs, burgers, etc. which is very convenient. Oh, and don’t skip out on the ice cream – it is served all day and is a complete delight during those sunny afternoons.

While beach and poolside lounging is all of the activity needed for me to fully enjoy a vacation getaway, there are plenty of on-site activities for both adults and children. The daily schedule, posted by the pool, offers activities such as water volleyball and aerobics, beach volleyball, zumba lessons, ping-pong tournaments and much more. Evening activities usually occur indoors near the resort’s lobby. From karaoke to casino nights to International dance shows, there’s plenty of fun and entertainment to appease every vacationer no matter the age.

The resort’s 3 large pool areas offer plenty of space and options for adults traveling without children who are wanting a more quiet and relaxed atmosphere and for families looking for a kid-friendly pool experience, and for those wanting the swim up bar experience with music and a full range of pool activities.

Also, if you are traveling with children, the kid’s club range of activities from video games, to tennis lessons, scavenger hunts, movie nights and much more is sure to keep the kiddos entertained so you can maximize your relaxation time – perhaps a couple’s oceanside massage? Let me just say that the massage was well worth it. I’m just hoping that the sound of the waves crashing against the cliff made enough noise to drown out my snoring – I was in complete bliss!

Velas Vallarta is the perfect destination getaway if you are looking for a full all-inclusive resort experience with top-notch service offering the ultimate beachside experience, fun-filled daytime activities, quiet romantic evenings, 24 hour room service dining options, beautifully cultivated on-site restaurants, and much more.

The attention to detail and value offered for the price you pay is the definitive reason to choose Velas Vallarta as your next holiday vacation getaway!