Let’s be honest—leaving the country for vacation is stressful enough, but throw kids into the mix and you’re officially at max-anxiety capacity. So when we arrived at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, the warm welcome of cold washcloths and refreshing drinks was exactly what this frazzled mom needed. The view while checking in—sparkling pools stretching toward Banderas Bay—didn’t hurt either. Since we’re a family of five, we opted for two connecting rooms. Best decision ever. We had space, the kids had theirs, and everyone was happy.
Vallarta-Nayarit is one of those vacation spots that truly has something for everyone, and as a mom, I loved how family-friendly it felt. Nestled on beautiful Banderas Bay where the jungle meets the sea, it’s more than just a beach getaway. We soaked up the sun and tried fun water activities like boogie boarding and jet skiing. If you are looking for an adventure off the property, you can go on jungle adventures, explore charming local towns, and even spot humpback whales and dolphins. There’s also snorkeling, fishing, and ziplining. Honestly, it’s the kind of vacation where you come home with way too many favorite memories and wish you had just a few more days.
Mornings quickly became a routine at Azul, the breakfast buffet that made me crave fresh fruit and made-to-order omelets before I’d even gone to bed. Days were spent poolside, where my daughter proudly became the “first in, last out” swimmer, surviving almost entirely on chicken nuggets and mocktails. (The piña colada and “Superman”—a red and blue Shirley Temple combo—were the kids favorites.) The poolside service was next-level; by midweek, our waiter not only knew our entire order but was slipping my husband off-menu dishes and cocktails he swore by.
And can we talk about the Kids and Teens Clubs? Lifesavers. When the boys had their fill of the pool, they darted off to the Summer Land Kids Club for water slides, soccer, and endless games. By day two, the staff knew one of my sons by name and greeted him like an old friend—such a personal touch that melted my heart. After dinner, my daughter enjoyed her quiet time in the room and the boys leveled up to the Teens Club, where they played pool, ping pong, video games, and, of course, air hockey. Meanwhile, my husband and I enjoyed some grown-up time at Koi Bar with live music and drinks, and I remembered what it felt like to be on vacation as a couple again.
Finally, my Spa Day at SE Spa! The Water Ceremony began in the sauna which smelled like cinnamon, where the dry heat melted away tension and left me feeling lighter and more open. From there, I stepped into the steam room with chromotherapy, where the warm mist and shifting colors created this almost meditative calm. A quick bi-thermal shower followed, the cool water waking me up after the heat. Then came the Jacuzzi, where the bubbling jets felt like a full-body massage. I continued with hydro-reflexology, letting streams of water work over my feet and legs, which was surprisingly energizing. Afterward, I alternated between the hot and cold lagoons—a refreshing shock at first, but it left me buzzing with energy and clarity. The experience closed in the relaxation area, where I sank into a lounge chair with an aromatic neck pillow, cucumber slices over my eyes, and a cool scented towel. As I sipped fruit-infused water and nibbled on light snacks, I felt completely renewed, body and mind. Next, my aromatherapy massage left me so relaxed, I headed to the room to take a little nap. I really wish I could have this done every week of my life. I may not have so much anxiety!
Evenings were for dining at Sen Lin, Lucca, and Frida, where the food, ambiance, and service were fabulous. Watching my kids try new dishes and actually liking them was a parenting miracle. On lazier nights, we ordered room service and played games in our pajamas—sometimes the simplest nights are the sweetest. Our rooms looked over the amphitheater so we enjoyed watching the evening shows while the sun set on the patio.
From breathtaking sunsets to lazy afternoons by the pool and a little jet skiing thrown in, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit completely won us over. We’ve always been a beach-loving family, but this trip gave us a whole new appreciation for family-friendly all-inclusives. Let’s just say the kids are already lobbying for a return trip, and honestly, I can’t blame them. If your family loves the beach and a little adventure with a side of luxury, start packing your bags—you won’t regret it.
