Sipping a mojito in my cushy cabana at Velas Vallarta while gazing at the cerulean sea, sure felt like paradise to me. Puerto Vallarta captivates with its sun kissed beaches against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre Mountains. This trendy resort town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast with a lively palm tree lined oceanfront malecon (promenade), offers a vibrant art scene, voguish boutiques, superb gastronomy and happening nightlife. Not to mention the former glamorous home of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Additionally it’s LGBT friendly with warm, personable locals.

Velas Vallarta Resort

Stand out resorts in this beachy chic locale include two from the award-winning family owned Velas Group. Velas Vallarta Resort, situated on beautiful Banderas Bay offers an impressive all-Inclusive family friendly experience. Set on ten acres along the scenic beachfront with 375 suites and two restaurants, the resort features 3 pools, one with a swim up bar and comfy loungers to loll about.

Poolside, mixologist Misael provides an array of crafted cocktails such as guest favorite ‘ tequila seduction.’ For those who want to be close to the ocean, day beds, cabanas and attendants await. I loved watching the waves, the flying fish, hearing the sound of the sea and feeling the powdery sand between my toes on beach walks.

My spacious suite was stylish with artfully designed Mexican décor and colorful accents, smart contemporary furnishings, mini bar, kitchen area, bathtub that called out for soaks, a large screen TV in both my living and bedroom and a supremely comfortable bed perfect for drifting off to dreamland. The bougainvillea bedecked balcony with table and chairs made an ideal spot for morning coffee and taking in nature’s beauty.

Meandering the resort’s lush gardens rich with tropical plants, fragrant flowers and resident peacocks, is a sensory delight. And for some well deserved pampering head to the spa where a menu of massages, facials and body treatments will de-stress and rejuvenate. Nearby, the boutique has a snazzy collection of jewelry, hats, handbags, beachwear and dresses by some of Mexico’s top designers.

As to the cuisine: I had a disappointing Asian dinner at Andrea. I hope they do Italian and Mexican food better. However, my Teepee experience on the beach at sunset amid dream catchers, candles, and torches where I dined on delectable steak and other yummies from La Ribera Restaurant was excellent. Guests can have their meals at either eatery, as well as pool or beachside. The menu at oceanfront La Ribera includes ceviche, marlin, tuna, short rib tacos, chicken mole, pork chop, enchiladas, catch of the day, their signature steak, and more.

The daily list of activities has something for everyone and you can do as little or as much as you like. I loved morning yoga on the jetty with Master Yogini Javier. Learning to fish right on the beach with resort fisherman Ernesto, was a thrill. All levels welcome and you get to eat what you catch. Guests can observe the sea turtle egg rescue program where the adorable protected sea turtles are hatched and released into the sea. For golf aficionados, Marina Vallarta’s 18-hole course is minutes away. The evening Taco Adventure in town by Vallarta Food Tours, where you savor scrumptious varieties of the Mexican specialty each with its own distinct sauce made by talented locals at various eateries, taco trucks and street stands, is not to be missed.

After dinner the action at the resort is in the main lobby where guests gather for a cocktail and a show. The International Dance Show was quite good with some amazing acrobatics. I totally enjoyed casino night where I got to play blackjack with fake money and hone my skills. Most memorable was karaoke night when two ladies started singing Whitney Houston’s ‘I Want to Dance with Somebody’ and the entire room (including me) spontaneously erupted into a joyous dance party.

Casa Velas Resort

The gate opens to a verdant garden filled with banana trees, palms, koi ponds, red izora and yellow cassandra flowers at nearby sister property, swanky Casa Velas Resort. This all-Inclusive adults only luxe boutique hotel in the posh district near the marina is perfect for honeymooners, couples and celebrations. Reminiscent of a Spanish hacienda, it’s a cozy cocoon with an enormous scalloped swimming pool and plush cabanas, gourmet dining, state of the art exercise equipment, organic garden supplying herbs for the resort’s restaurant, a boutique and close by golf course.

Eighty spacious designer suites with terraces, some with private pools and Jacuzzis, accented in marigold and burnt orange are adorned with native paintings, artifacts and striking sculptures at this intimate country club like oasis. The serene ambiance extends to ABJA Spa where you can indulge in an aromatherapy massage, soothing facial, rejuvenating body treatment or herbal ritual.

Guests have access to all amenities at excusive Táu Beach Club, with infinity pool and sun loungers overlooking Banderas Bay as well as Balinese beds on the beach. Culinary delights for lunch and dinner abound such as tuna tiradito, mahi mahi, shorts ribs, lobster and more. And their tortilla and mixology workshop will teach you how to make a native guacamole and bring Puerto Vallarta home with you.

Since this region of Jalisco is the birthplace of tequila you’ll find this spirit at its finest here. A lively mezcal/tequila tasting with tequila sommelier Mallio in the resort’s glam Presidential Suite was followed by an al fresco dinner of delicious sea bass carpaccio and tuna with olives, cherry tomato and basil at Emiliano. The resort’s signature restaurant, open for all meals, serves gourmet Mexican and international cuisine.

The Trendy Town – Cafe des Artistes

For those who want to explore the charming town: Galleries open for the popular Art Walk Wednesday evenings and fashionable boutiques and ateliers such as Pepe Cerroblanco’s Gallery and Cassandra Shaw Jewelry, line Badillo Street.

I highly recommend dining at Cafe des Artistes, downtown, considered one of the best restaurants in the world. Renowned master chef owner Thierry Blouet creates inspired artistic cuisine at his high temple of gastronomy. Seated in the gorgeous, lush garden area, my evening began with a sublime Passion Blouet cocktail of vodka, passion fruit, homemade coconut foam and roasted coconut.

Next, a romantic violin serenade accompanied tuna tartare with avocado that danced on my palate.

Then beautiful music from the pianist as pistachio crusted lamb chops cooked to perfection paired with fine red wine, transported me to foodie heaven. For dessert, a hedonistic chocolate delight to die for. What a night!