Velas Vallarta. Photo Jill Weinlein
Kick off 2026 with a micro-cation at one of the luxury all-inclusive Velas Resorts. According to Allianz Global Assistance, since 2019, Americans have been taking more leisure trips that last four days or less. The study showed that 57% of Americans, with millennials at the forefront, are enjoying shorter and more intentional travel experiences. Micro-cations will continue to be popular next year.
Throughout the year, Velas Resorts provides guests with culinary experiences from the fishing villages of Puerto Vallarta to the exotic fruits of Los Cabos, each resort highlighting each region’s local cuisine.
The resort’s world-class executive chefs oversee unique dining experiences, including annual food festivals and special events that showcase Mexico’s vibrant food and drink culture.
Velas Vallarta. Photo Jill Weinlein
Velas Resorts has introduced a new “micro-cation” menu designed for travelers of all ages. In Puerto Vallarta, two of its luxury properties, Casa Velas and Velas Vallarta, offer spacious oceanview one-bedroom suites paired with a range of immersive experiences, from morning yoga on a grassy lawn to sessions held beside gently crashing waves.
At the five-star Grand Velas, guests can participate in water-based fitness classes that deliver notable physiological benefits. Research shows that water aerobics provides natural resistance and can increase caloric burn by up to 25 percent compared to land-based workouts, making aquatic exercise appealing across a wide range of fitness levels.
Travelers can also select themed three-night getaways with thoughtfully curated itineraries. Each Velas resort features its own lineup of activities tailored to specific interests, including poolside relaxation, culinary experiences, wellness, culture, adventure, and seasonal celebrations.
Casa Velas. Photo Jill Weinlein
Located at the Marina Vallarta golf course, the boutique Casa Velas offers an array of wellness classes that include yoga on the lawn and an ‘Essence of Botanical Garden’ workshop. This immersive sensory experience has guests explore personalized aromatherapy. The wellness offering combines nature, creativity, and scientific exploration to discover the therapeutic power of botanicals in an intimate, hands-on setting.
The experience begins with an introduction to aromatherapy. Guests learn about the profound effects aromatherapy has on one’s mood, wellness, and health. Led by expert facilitators, guests start with a guided botanical garden tour, identifying and sustainably harvesting herbs, flowers, and plants. Guests can pluck fruit and herbs straight from the botanical garden, from rosemary, lavender, mint, basil, and lemongrass, to peppermint, epazote (Mexican tea), aloe vera, sage, nopales (cactus pads), thyme, tamarind, jackfruit, mango, guava and more. Then, a hands-on crafting session teaches participants the techniques for extracting and blending essential oils to create signature aromas for scented oils, room sprays, and other applications. Each guest leaves with their own custom creation, a fragrant, memorable keepsake of their time at Casa Velas.
Casa Velas. Photo Jill Weinlein
For those seeking the ultimate botanical wellness journey, Casa Velas offers an elevated package combining the workshop with the resort’s acclaimed 4-Handed Herbal Ritual at the resort’s Abja Spa. This luxurious 50-minute massage treatment features aromatic herbal compresses filled with orange peel, cloves, bay leaf, horsetail, and other botanicals, applied using a signature healing spiral technique. Guests incorporate their personally crafted aromas into this indulgent spa treatment, creating a completely customized sensory experience that blends their workshop creation with expert therapeutic techniques.
The ‘Essence of Botanical Garden’ workshop is priced at $400 USD for up to eight participants. The complete botanical experience, including the workshop and 4-Handed Herbal Ritual for two guests, is $971 USD.
The all-inclusive Velas Resorts in Mexico are known for their tropical gardens, golden beaches, golf courses, art, pools, and curated immersive experiences ideal for micro-cations in 2026.
