Velas Resorts Experiences

In Condé Nast Traveler 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards

Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico (December 8, 2010) – Grand Velas Rivera Nayarit, the all-suite and spa resort located on breathtaking Banderas Bay, was named one of the “Top Resorts” in Mexico by Condé Nast Traveler magazine readers in its 2010 Reader’s Choice Awards. In Condé Nast’s detailed annual survey, the magazine’s readers recognize the world’s premium properties based on the criteria of location, food/dining, overall design, rooms and service.
“I feel honored to accept this great award on behalf of the Grand Velas Rivera Nayarit staff, who have helped the resort to excel by continually striving to achieve the highest level of customer service. I want to also thank our devoted guests for their vote of confidence,” said Rolando Miravete, general manager of Grand Velas Rivera Nayarit.
Exceptional features that helped Grand Velas Rivera Nayarit achieve its top status include the Spa at Grand Velas, the crown jewel of the resort and a member of Leading Spas of the World. The Spa features 20 treatment rooms, over 80 spa treatments, gym and exercise room, spa boutique and beauty salon. The resort’s five restaurants, three of which have been awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award, feature stylish decor and a la carte choices for French, Italian or Mexican cuisine.
Guests also find tiered three-temperature infinity pools, tennis courts, 25,321 total square feet of meeting space, and a family-friendly Kids Club. As a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit’s all 267 guest suites feature stunning ocean views, private terraces, beautiful teakwood furniture, and white goose down comforters and pillows.

Book by Dec. 31 & Receive 2 for 1 Kids Special at Luxury All-Inclusive Velas Resorts

Pay For One Child’s All-Inclusive Stay and Get Second Child Free in 2011

Puerto Vallarta (December 3, 2010) – This Holiday season, give your family the gift of an incredible luxury vacation with Velas Resorts’ 2 for 1 Kids Special. Pay for one child and receive a complimentary stay for a second child when booking by December 31st at three beachfront Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta.

Overlooking the Caribbean Sea and equipped with two state of the art Kids’ Clubs, Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers a large selection of family-friendly activities ranging from exploring Yucatan jungles and visiting Mayan ruins to scuba diving and snorkeling. Families will also enjoy the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Velas Vallarta, both located on the Banderas Bay, that offer easy access to numerous eco-tours, whale watching, swimming with dolphins, surfing, kayaking and more. At all of the resort Kids’ Clubs, children can take part in cooking classes, arts and crafts, outdoor activities and pool games, as well as many eco-friendly initiatives.

Velas Resorts’ all-inclusive rates include luxury suite accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness center, nightly entertainment and more. The 2 for 1 Kids Special applies to bookings made now through December 31, 2010. The promotion at Velas Vallarta and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is valid for travel for all of 2011; and from January 1 to March 31 at Grand Velas Riviera Maya. For reservations, please call 1-866-495-9902 or visit http://www.grandvelas.com/

By Julieta Del Toro

Velas Resorts invites you to enjoy a spectacular vacation with your family! Imagine starting 2011 in a beach paradise, celebrating with your loved ones in the blue Pacific waters of Velas Vallarta, on the tranquil Bay of Banderas beach of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit or the turquoise Mexican Caribbean of Grand Velas Riviera Maya.

Experience an enchanting getaway full of magical moments that will forever remain in your memory. Celebrate in an environment that has everything for your family. While your little ones have a blast participating in fabulous Kids’ Club activities, you can enjoy the sun, sea and beautiful pools. We also have delicious spa treatments for your children, making them feel like super heroes and princesses as you relax with massages and therapies that will seduce your senses. Enjoy gourmet dining as a family or have a night to yourselves in one of our world-class restaurants.

For a limited time take advantage of our special 2 x 1 Kids Promotion. Pay for one of your children’s stay and receive another child’s stay free. Reserve until the 31st of December for your 2011 vacation.

To reserve, call toll free from the USA and Canada: 1 866 495 9902 | From Mexico: 01 800 831 1162 or email contactcentergv@velashotels.com. Visit www.velasresorts.com for more information about the resorts.

Offer valid only for new reservations made between today and December 31st, 2010. Valid for travel to Velas Vallarta and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit for all of 2011. Valid for travel to Grand Velas Riviera Maya from January 1st to March 30th, 2011. Subject to availability.

by Julieta Del Toro
“Capture a magical, splendid moment on the beautiful beaches surrounded by an incredible scenery”, was the instruction given to the participants of the “Vive Mexico in a photo” contest, promoted by the Mexico Tourism Board, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Sony Entertainment.

The image of a beautiful pelican against an incredible sunset was the shot that won Francisco Sosa Elizondo first place and the opportunity to travel with his family to enjoy the enchanting Riviera Nayarit.

The happy family was honored with a stay at the luxurious Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, the best resort in the area and the only all inclusive in the zone to be rated Five Diamonds by AAA. In addition to enjoying the beauty of the magnificent property, they were pampered with the excellent service and warmth that characterizes Velas Resorts.

The winners also had the opportunity to enjoy the culinary creations of guest Chef Christian Testa, at restaurant Lucca (located within the resort) during the Gourmet Festival that was held during that time throughout the region.
Sony Entertainment will soon be releasing clips of the Sosa family’s amazing experience!

Velas Vallarta is preparing to celebrate “20 years of existence”, making it one of the most established hotels in the area.

It seems like just yesterday that the inspiring scenery of the beautiful port of Vallarta, surrounded by majestic mountains, gorgeous beaches and incredible sunsets, made way for the creation of this marvelous resort complex.

In 1989, Eduardo Vela Ruíz embarked on this adventure with the idea of purchasing condominiums the Marina Vallarta, through which he decided to go further and create a condo-hotel called Velas Vallarta Grand Suites Resort. The project evolved into what today is known as Velas Vallarta Suite Resort and Convention Center.

On the 20th of November, 1989, the complex received the first condominium owners, and on the 16th of December of the same year the section designed for hotel guests was opened, receiving the public with the excellent facilities, service and quality that to date are the hallmarks of the resort. .

In 1992, the person who continues to lead Velas Vallarta, General Director Luis Angarita, joined the company. Setting his sights on excellence, he cleared the way through a difficult path full of competition. Sr. Angarita’s valuable experience in the hospitality industry, dynamism and vision propelled the resort to the highest level, placing it among the best in the entire city.

It was during the renovation of 1999 that the Convention Center was created. This key part of the organization generated important changes, including the addition of over 300 staff members, bringing the total number of collaborators from 200 to 500. The name of the complex then changed to Velas Vallarta Suite Resort and Convention Center.

The new millennium was brought in with a grand celebration, new objectives and the determination to continue to be the preferred vacation destination among national and international tourists. Following a path of continuous improvement, in 2004 an interior transformation of the resort succeeded in maximizing the beauty and décor of the common areas and suites. The Mexican Contemporary style and exquisite minimalistic touches simply exude relaxation and enjoyment.

A history full of success based on great effort, hard work and dedicated people are just a few words that sum up the first 20 years of Velas Vallarta.

Congratulations to all!

Great news for our West Coast friends! Alaska Airlines is now offering service between San Diego and Puerto Vallarta/Riviera Nayarit, from November 12^th, 2010 to April 11^th, 2011. This is in addition to the airline’s existing service from Los Angeles and San Francisco.  Alaska Airlines introduced service to Mexico in 1988 and flies an average of 1 million passengers annually between the U.S. West Coast and Mexico.

Booking a ticket with Alaska Airlines and reserving a luxury all-inclusive package at one of the three award-winning Velas Resorts in the area takes the guesswork out of vacation spending. Our all-inclusive packages at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Casa Velas Hotel Boutique and Velas Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta sumptuous suites, gourmet meals and premium beverages, 24 hour suite service, activities for guests of all ages,  tips and taxes and so much more.

Alaska Airlines ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Traditional Network Carriers” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008, 2009 and 2010 North America Airline Satisfaction Studies(SM). 

For airline reservations and information about the best all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, visit www.alaskaair.com and www.grandvelas.com.

The 9th Annual Vallarta Golf Cup Returns to Puerto Vallarta

Value-packed Packages for Golfers & Non-golfers Alike at Velas Vallarta, Casa Velas & Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

Puerto Vallarta (October 26, 2010) –   The prestigious Vallarta Golf Cup returns to the championship Vista Vallarta Golf Club in Puerto Vallarta for its ninth year November 14th.  The Cup features play on the 18-hole Tom Weiskopf course set amongst a dramatic jungle backdrop and many attractive prizes, such as $100,000 cash, new cars, jewelry and other luxury amenities. In celebration of the tournament, Velas Resorts is offering value-packed packages at the oceanfront family-friendly Velas Vallarta, AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Casa Velas, a luxury boutique hotel and ocean club situated on the spectacular greens of Marina Vallarta’s 18-hole golf course.

Velas Resorts’ Golf Club Packages include registration in the Cup, a welcome cocktail hour, snacks during the tournament and an awards lunch for golfers.  Non-golfers will be treated to a $100 spa credit per suite per stay at the respective Velas Resort.  The Velas Resorts’ all-inclusive rates also include plush suite accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a choice of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24 hr in-suite service, fitness center, kids’ club, evening entertainment, activities for adults and children, taxes and gratuities, and more.

 Packages are valid from November 13th-16th at $240 per golfer per night at Velas Vallarta and $260 at Casa Velas.  Non-Golfers are priced at $225 per night at Velas Vallarta and $245 at Casa Velas.  All prices are based on double occupancy.  For reservations, please call 1-866-847-4609 or visit http://www.grandvelas.com

 About Velas Vallarta:

             Velas Vallarta, an all-suite resort and convention center located on 10 acres of oceanfront in Puerto Vallarta, is walking distance from Marina Vallarta Golf Course and just minutes from Downtown Puerto Vallarta’s captivating attractions, activities and landmarks. Situated on the emerald waters of Banderas Bay, Velas Vallarta features 339 suites,tech Convention Center that can accommodate up to 700 people, three swimming pools, a rejuvenating spa, fitness center, multiple restaurants, and an inviting lounge with live music and entertainment nightly. 

 About Casa Velas:

            Casa Velas, a boutique hotel and ocean club nestled on the greens of Marina Vallarta’s 18-hole golf course, is a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World and a recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award.  Located just five minutes from Puerto Vallarta Airport and only 15 minutes from the popular downtown area, art galleries and “El Malecon” (the boardwalk), the hotel features 80 suites, some with private pools and Jacuzzis.  Spa Casa Velas, a Leading Spa of the World, encompasses five treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy area, a fitness gym and a beauty salon. Emiliano a la carte fine dining restaurant is at the hands of one of the area’s leading chefs serving Mexican and international cuisine.

About Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit:

            Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, an all-suites and spa resort located just 15 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta on Banderas Bay, is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and a recipient of the AAA Five-Diamond Award.  The resort features 267 spacious ocean-view suites.  The crown jewel of the resort and a member of Leading Spas of the World, the Spa at Grand Velas features 20 treatment rooms, over 80 spa treatments, gym and exercise room, spa boutique and beauty salon.  Five restaurants, three of which have been awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award, feature stylish decor and a la carte choices for French, Italian or Mexican cuisine. The family-friendly resort also offers t iered three-temperature infinity pools, tennis court, 25,321 total sq feet of meeting space and a Kids Club. Nearby are championship golf courses, numerous options for soft adventure, and the charming town of Puerto Vallarta with its many shops, art galleries and nightlife.

  a high-tech Convention Center that can accommodate up to 700 people, three swimming pools, a rejuvenating spa, fitness center, multiple restaurants, and an inviting lounge with live music and entertainment nightly. 

  Join our Social Networks!

By Julieta Del Toro

Inspired by the idea of creating a new experience that awakens the senses, Casa Velas, Natura Bisse and Tequila 3 Generaciones have united to form a new concept. This concept takes the form of a workshop in which exquisitely flavored haute cuisine, the aromas of stimulating natural essences for relaxation of body and mind, and the unmistakable and delicious flavors of tequila come together in perfect harmony. 

Casa Velas‘ botanical garden has been selected as the perfect space for this event to take place. After entering through its cobbled pathways and observing the verdant surroundings, you arrive to a beautifully assembled area: tables set with lovely linens, décor and flowers and ambient music create a place for the guest chef to make magic.

 The sommelier welcomes you and describes the delicacies that are to be enjoyed throughout the journey. The server proceeds to pour a taste of tequila plata (silver tequila, with smooth texture and taste), as the spa attendants provide the first fragrance (Neuro Aroma Detox), whose notes of lemon, orange, mandarin, lavender and rosemary are primary antioxidants and purifiers. The first plate is served, prepared by carefully and artistically combining and balancing the perfect ingredients to create a dish that presents in addition to its own flavor, a mixture of the essences smelled and the flavor of the tequila. A second taste of tequila, reposado (golden in color with a bit stronger flavor and texture and a woody finish) signals the beginning of the second phase of the experience. The next essence (Neuro Aroma Relax) is provided, in which notes of patchouli and sandalwood help to activate the circulation. In the same manner, a dish is served that incorporates all of the elements, such as a delicious salmon marinated with pepper, fresh herbs and paprika accompanied by a creamy passion fruit sauce.

 The third course begins with a taste of tequila añejo (aged for 14 months, with a dark amber tone and strong woody flavor) accompanied by the scent of Neuro Aroma Stimuli (a mixture of notes of clove, cardamom, myrrh, incense, sandalwood and black pepper that alleviates muscle tension) giving way to the third dish: lamb chops prepared with a sauce of mint, cardamom, fresh herbs and pepper with potato puree, which brilliantly integrates the sensory experience.

 For the finishing touch, a succulent dessert is served (luscious pink mousse of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries) in a glass like a Damiana, a beverage considered to be an aphrodisiac. With its lightly bitter flavor, it is a refreshing end to this journey in which flavors, aromas, colors and shapes intertwine, combining the finest in Mexican and international products. After the sensory workshop, the guest is ready to visit the spa or continue the culinary experience in the restaurant.   

 Concept origin and development

 For Pierre Bonin, General Director of Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta and José Cabrera, Director of Alliances and Special Projects for Natura Bissé International, the idea of development in the tourist sector and being on the cutting edge goes much deeper than offering excellent service and quality products. They wish to succeed in stimulating an emotional response in the client, by which the public then chooses and prefers their services and products because they have been made to feel more than they perceived possible. Based on this and inspired by the importance of the five senses, Bonin y Cabrera had the idea of creating a new concept that combines the elements into an authentic sensory workshop; although other hotels and spas already offer this type of activity, they focus principally on aromatherapy combined with massage or meditation, leaving out a wealth of possibilities to complement them. By adding an aromatherapy experience to a beautiful natural landscape, exquisite gourmet dishes, a taste of the best tequila and relaxing ambient music, a fabulous result is obtained that stimulates the most basic pleasures in life.

 Renowned chefs Mónica Patiño y Mikel Alonso together with professional spa personnel and expert tequila tasters collaborates with the idea’s creators to develop new routes to pleasure; they have achieved the perfect alchemy and absolute harmony between aromas, libations and edibles.

 The sensory workshop is a new activity within the hotel that proposes a unique and pleasing way to spend a wonderful moment before a visit to the restaurant or Spa. Contact the concierge to reserve: concierge@hotelcasavelas.com.

Go to the gallery

The Casa Velas staff seems to have mastered the art of pleasant service and anticipation of guest’s needs. Maybe it’s the natural grace of Mexican hospitality that seems ingrained from a very young age- it just makes you feel comfortable and at home. The service is personalized- they will remember your name and your preferred drink.

As has happened since 2003, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit will once again receive from RCI (Resort Condominiums International) and its program of recognition of the best in tourism, the Gold Crown and Excellence in Service awards for 2011.

These recognitions are awarded directly according to member traveler’s reviews, based on quality of service and their overall vacation experience at the resort. In this manner, Grand Velas strengthens its position with the public, confirming its class, service and quality, and reaffirms its promise to provide only the best.

Congratulations to each and every one of our staff members, whose perseverance, effort and enthusiasm have made this success possible. And thanks to our guestsfor their preference.