Ah, our first ever real vacation with our son who was 13 months old at the time. It was my Mother's Day present from my husband and I was ready to get off the sofa and head to a tropical destination that had a swim up bar and an infinity pool. Our son, C, had been a pro at flying. His first flight was when he was 6 weeks old and by the time he was 7 weeks old he had flown 4 times. But of course, I was still worried about the flight, not to mention him getting sick in Mexico, what food he was going to eat, nursing in public, naps, meals out, the temper tantrums, him in a pool, sand in his eyes, him waking up at night crying, etc. Wow, this wasn't sounding like a vacation to me. Sounds more like a nightmare! But the hotel was booked, flights were purchased and it was MY Mother's Day present after all. I might as well try to enjoy myself.
And I can honestly say, this has been my favorite family vacation. The flight was a snap (thanks Mexicana Airlines, Goldfish, Baby Einstein and the sweet man that didn't mind my son kicking his seat). We purchased a 3 night stay at the all inclusive Grand Velas in Nuevo Vallarta through Sky Auction for about $200 per night in a Parlor Suite. After we walked out of customs, we walked to the VIP Transportation and were immediately swooped into a newer van for the short 10 minute drive to the hotel. By the way, this a free service offered by Grand Velas which is very much apprecitated. Once we arrived at the hotel we were greeted by a warm staff, hot towels and jamica water. Our room was ready and the Parlor Suite (which is there basic room) was outstanding. I had a very large separate bedroom with 2 queen beds, tv and a large closet. The bathroom was also large with a deep tub and shower. There was living room/dining room with a sleeper sofa and breakfast table. The balcony faced the infinity pool and the the ocean. I was finally glad to be off the sofa and in paradise.
The first thing we did was put on swim suits and head to the pool. Of course I brought a separate suitcase for floaties, inflatable rings, sand toys, sunscreen, and snacks. God forbid I couldn't find Gerber Graduates or Goldfish in Mexico. lol. The pool was fantastic. I guess i should say pools because it was really 3 interconnected pools. The pool closest to the ocean had a wonderful ledge that was about 18 inches in depth so my son spent most of the 3 days just walking on the ledge which was perfectly located by the swim up bar. There is a children's pool which is small but my son refused to get in it. He wanted the big pool.
The restaurants were good, we especially loved Azul. At this time I brought all of C's food so I didn't pay attention to a specific kid's menu. But the staff was always so accommodating, making him grilled chicken, finding more mango slices, etc. My only complaint were the wooden highchairs. Armed with Pampers Clean n Play (do they make that anymore?) i would diligently sanitize the tray but I never felt it was really clean.
We did not use the Kids Club since it was for children 4 plus, but my understanding is it is a few loosely supervised activities, not a true kids club where you drop you child off in the morning and pick up before dinner.
The only thing that turned me off was we stupidly signed up for the "tour" which was basically a 90 minute meeting with a staff member trying to sell you a timeshare (which is separate from the hotel). In return we received a $100 voucher to the spa. Not worth it. I wish I had the 90 minutes back to play in the pool with my son.
One last note- the spa is amazing! I had a wonderful experience and a good massage on the beach.
Overall, this has been my favorite resort. Next time we go, I won't be fooled by the tour and I will leave sand toys, sunscreen, floaties, inflatable tubes, Goldfish, Gerber Graduates and stroller at home. The gift shop sells everything but strollers, Goldfish and Gerber Graduates. And just like that I became less of a pack mule.
And to be honest, we had so much fun at Grand Velas, we came home with a souvenir. Our daughter was born a little over 9 months later. :)
-Vacation Mama
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