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An unusual combination of five-star luxury and all-inclusive rates makes this Pacific coast resort a find for discerning families.

This all-inclusive resort has the unusual distinction of membership in Leading Hotels of the World and a AAA five-diamond rating – both attributes that caught our eye since even the best all-inclusive resorts tend to do things in a "mass market" way. Nothing could be farther from the truth at the suavely austere Grand Velas, the third in a Vallarta luxury trilogy from owner Eduardo Vela, whose fanciful larger-than-life bronze clown at the entry invites guests in to enjoy the "magic" of his latest creation.

Mr. Vela's other resorts are tucked strategically along Mexico's Pacific coast near the classic resort of Puerto Vallarta in the neighboring state of Jalisco (about 20 minutes' drive south of this property). There is, as well, a new all-inclusive beauty in the Riviera Maya near Cancun. While his Casa Velas is a smaller, adult-oriented boutique property, the larger Velas Vallarta in the town of Puerto Vallarta markets to conventions and families, with a kids club and special offers.

Grand Velas didn't attract families with younger children at our summer visit, but its sophistication would certainly delight older kids and adult children.

Truly deluxe décor and facilities blend Asian accents with natural woods, Caucasian rugs with Balinese rattan seating, and soaring stucco walls and skylights with towering public spaces for an overall austere effect. Each of the vertical resort's 267 suites is 1,000-square-feet, whether it's a Master or Parlor suite and, in a nod to families, many can be connected. Masters have a loft-like configuration, with two king beds and a seating area opening onto enormous balconies. The double bed-sized, mattress-topped chaises are a wonderful touch.

The better-suited-to-families Parlor suites have one king bed in a private elegant chamber, plus a living room with double sofabed (and rollaway if needed) for children who can be trusted with their own enormous LCD TV, MP3 docking station, DVD player, electric curtain remote, and liquor-stocked minibar. Bathrooms spare no expense in terms of toiletries, towels, marble and pampering.

The impressive Grand Velas Spa has been voted one of Mexico's best by Conde Nast Traveler, and its 20 beautiful treatment rooms and hydrotherapy areas contribute to that accolade. The many wellness treatments on offer are delivered by a highly trained staff, and the signature Huichol and Diamond treatments using indigenous ingredients have garnered their own awards. New for 2010 are Family Spa Packages that provide for 25-minute massages for little princes and princesses ages 4-16. Younger guests are always welcome in the full-service beauty salon for a mani-pedi and other beach vacation essentials. All adult guests may use the spa's extensive wet areas (hot and cold plunge pools, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam and hydrotherapy) once during each stay without charge; fitness room, exercise classes and tennis are included in the all-inclusive rates.

Meals are served out by the three infinity pools (one heated for winter season) in a grand palapa, at the international buffet or at one of three gourmet restaurants: Frida for Mexican, Lucca for Italian, and Piaf for gourmet French. The food is great -- at Frida, we had a superb Mexican supper made up of dishes inspired by the journals of artist Frida Kahlo.

And Grand Velas does try to make kids feel welcome. There's a lifeguard on duty at the narrow sand beach where, as along much of the Pacific Ocean, the surf can be rough. There's a staff-supervised MiniClub open daily for ages 4 to 12-years. A hotel representative told us it accommodates up to 40 young guests though, she added, "There are rarely so many children here." The resort's new Family Package includes airport transfers, use of the expanded kids club, spa credits and other perks to lure families.

Teens will enjoy being left to roam the grounds (note that this is an all-inclusive resort and Mexico's drinking age is 18). We recommend periodic excursions into hip, happening Puerto Vallarta and a day with Vallarta Adventures, a local tour operator that arranges expeditions into local culture, eco-hiking, rappelling, canopy tours, boating, fishing and more. Flightseeing by helicopter and pirate boat parties are among the other nearby distractions.