Experience Vallarta

by Julieta Del Toro

Puerto Vallarta is one of the most beautiful and well-known tourist destinations in all of Mexico.  It is also the favorite site of various species such as majestic whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Among all of the animals that visit Puerto Vallarta, some of the most interesting are the giant sea turtles that return year after year to the golden beaches to lay their eggs. In recognition of these beautiful animals and in order to preserve and protect the species, the government and private businesses have created programs to collect the turtle eggs and guard them during their incubation process until the baby turtles can be released and return to the sea. 

Species such as the Gulf Turtle (lepidochelys olivácea) and the Laúd Turtle (dermochelys coriácea), are some of the many that visit the tranquil beaches of the Pacific Coast.

It all starts at the beginning of June. Camps are established on the key beaches of the Bay of Banderas, the eggs that are found are deposited in turtle corrals and observed by various organizations, and the general public often helps.  Here the eggs will stay for their 45- 50 day incubation period. Then, during the final days of August, the baby turtles are released. The release coincides with the summer season, in which vacationers are able to participate in this unique and special activity.

Join this beautiful activity, and experience with your kids of the opportunity to set these dear friends free!

Courtesy of Riviera Nayarit Convention and Events Bureau

by Julieta Del Toro

Here we find the enchanting ambience of a Pacific fishing village where life flows without distraction or hurry, hidden in the beautiful Riviera Nayarit. Located southwest of Tepic about 100 kilometers from the Bay of Banderas, this beautiful beach is approximately 1 kilometer long and 40 meters wide. Surrounded by exuberant tropical jungle vegetation, it has fine pearlescent sand spectacular mild-temperature turquoise waters.

To see the best of Lo de Marcos, there is nothing like a trip on a lancha, or inflatable motorboat around the whole bay of Rincon de Guayabitos, Coral and Crab Islands, and Beso and Tortugas beaches. Tour Las Minitas beach (a scant 2 kilometers away), bathe in its crystal waters and enjoy the moderate swells of the breaking waves. Later you can savor exquisite fresh fish prepared local style, chat with the inhabitants of this enchanting village, and then grab a chair and head for the beach with a book to wait for the beautiful sunset.

Courtesy: Riviera Nayarit Convention and Events Bureau

With sweet, modest bungalows and areas for camping, Lo de Marcos is intimate, affordable and relaxing; ideal for those who seek tranquility in a beautiful place away from noise and stress.
This is a magical place to get to know and enjoy.

by Julieta Del Toro

Without a doubt, a great way to have fun and enjoy the marvelous diversity of marine species that inhabit Puerto Vallarta is by participating in one of the activities that allows you to get close to them.

A favorite among tourists of all ages is the Sea Lion encounter. These funny mustached aquatic mammals known for their intelligence, playfulness and peculiar sounds, are relatives of seals. Similar to their seal relatives, they have external ears, long flexible necks, elastic limbs and tail fins that can be used to walk on land. They differ from seals because they have thin, short, coarse hair instead of smooth thick hair.

Most people do not have the opportunity to observe Sea Lions in the sea, and for this reason Puerto Vallarta offers unique tours that give people the opportunity to get close to and interact with them. In addition to being entertaining “Swim with Sea Lions” programs educate visitors. With the help of trained staff, participants get to know and learn all about these incredible creatures. This is a fabulous experience that can’t be missed on your next trip to Puerto Vallarta.

Fandango: De forma colorida y amena, los turistas y locales podrán conocer parte de la historia y el folklore representativo del país, al mismo tiempo que disfrutan de un magnífico show.

by Rolando Miranda

Puerto Vallarta has it all, and when we say “all” we mean that we will have the opportunity to interact with nature, find the best restaurants and most amazing hotels, and experience the traditions and culture of Mexico to the fullest. All of this is possible in this magical place.

Now that we are in the rainy season I recommend a tour called Outdoor Adventure offered by Vallarta Adventures.

This tour brings participants from different locations in the Bay of Banderas to Boca de Tomatlan, located at the southern end of the bay. There an all-terrain vehicle waits to transport us to the facilities in the jungle canopy. During the ride up the mountain, we see lush vegetation and a few small communities. You can definitely feel that the expedition has begun, as we climb higher into the mountains.

When we arrive at the facilities we receive our equipment, safety instructions and directions for riding our mules. The mules will take us to the top of the mountain, where we begin to go down the ziplines.

I have to confess that I am a little afraid of heights but this has been one of my best experiences. The first lines are for warming up, getting used to the system and gaining confidence to prepare you for the rappel that takes you down over a pair of waterfalls. During the rainy season the river levels rise and the water is cold, but this makes the trip unforgettable! We finished with a splash in the river, thrilled by the excitement of the trip.

For this tour I recommend bringing comfortabe clothes and shoes, insect repellent, cash and a change of clothes. Your camara may be used during the ride up the mountain, and can the be stowed in a locker provided to you for your belongings. At the end of the tour photos of your descent can be purchased, so just be ready with your best pose and have fun!

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por Rolando Miranda

Puerto Vallarta lo tiene todo, y al decir todo nos referimos que tendremos la oportunidad de interactuar con la naturaleza, encontrar los mejores restaurantes, hoteles con una gran infraestructura, las tradiciones y cultura mexicana en su máxima expresión; todo esto sólo es posible en este mágico lugar.

Ahora ya que estamos entrados en la temporada de lluvias les recomendaré un tour llamado Out Door Adventure, de Vallarta Adventures.

Esta actividad tiene salidas en diferentes partes de la Bahía de Banderas y como punto de encuentro para los que llegamos en lancha es Boca de Tomatlán localizado al sur de la bahía; ahí nos esperará un vehículo todo terreno el cual nos trasladará a las instalaciones del canopy. Durante el recorrido al subir la montaña podremos ver mucha vegetación y algunas comunidades. Definitivamente siente que la expedición ha comenzado.

Al llegar a las instalaciones, recibirán su equipo y todas las instrucciones de seguridad e indicaciones de cómo montar una mula, la cual les hará llegar hasta la cima de la montaña y empezar a deslizarte por las tirolesas.

Confesaré que le tengo un poco de miedo a las alturas, pero ésta ha sido una de mis mejores experiencias. Las primeras líneas son para ir calentando un poco, familiarizando, entrando en confianza y  preparándose para el rapel, en la cual bajarán un par de cascadas. En esta temporada de lluvias el nivel de río sube un poco y el agua está fría, pero este detalle hace que el tour sea inolvidable. Termina con un clavado en el río y muy emocionados.

Para este tour recomiendo que se traigan ropa y zapatos cómodos, repelente contra insectos, dinero y un cambio de ropa; una cámara fotográfica sólo para usarse en el recorrido ya que una vez llegando a las instalaciones se les proporcionará un locker para guardar sus pertenencias. Al finalizar el tour ellos les venderán las fotos, así que solo estén listos para sus mejores poses y diviértanse.

Be the star host of a grand 4th of July gathering. Enjoy this delicious recipe with family and friends!

Easy-to-cook and incredibly tasty, these Tequila Shrimps will shine on your table!

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Bon Appetite!

Photo Courtesy of dear guest: Denise White

Ingredients

200gr Shrimp U-15
10gr Green Bell Pepper
10gr Yellow Bell Pepper
30gr Poached Tomatoes
5gr Chipotle Chili
2 cloves Garlic
15grWhite Onion
Salt and Pepper to taste
1oz Tres Generaciones Tequila
2 teaspoons Corn Oil
Paprika to taste

Preparation

Heat the oil and cook the garlic finely chopped and onion until you notice a translucent color.
Add the chopped tomatoes and chipotle chili.
Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
Heat the oil in another pan, add the shrimp -previously marinated in salt, pepper and paprika.
Cook both sides of shrimp.
Add the tequila and then add the sauce. If you are a pro, then you can practice your ‘flambé’ skills!

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Mmmm! Give us your comments and let us know: Is there a special recipe you would like us to publish?

Please be welcomed to discover another star in our heaven of excellence in service. Today we would like to introduce Jaqueline Ortega.  Being a passionate of what she does, Jaqueline performs an outstanding job at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit: Great attitude and caring of her guests needs, place her amongst this series of posts dedicated to the Authentic Figures at Velas Resorts.

Meet Jaqueline.
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Position: Selva Snack Bar Waitress
Time working for Grand Velas: 4 years

1. Tell us about how you joined the Staff of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
I came to HR and they gave me the opportunity to enter this hotel

2. What you like most of working with this team?
I like the fact that I feel like home and the whole team is my family.

3. What inspires you day by day to keep doing a good job?
My 13-month old son

4. Do you usually interact with guests?
Absolutely, our guests really enjoy lying back by the pool area and come down pretty often.

5. What do you think guests like most about the resort?
I think that they appreciate the warmth and service we as staff, bring to them.

6. How do you contribute to making the stay of our guests more enjoyable?
I do my best making them feel as if they were at home.

7. Please describe ‘service’ in your own words
Go beyond our way to meet what our guests expect and ask for, and I imprint cordiality and kindness to my job.

8. What are the values that you add to your job?
I’d say: Respect, honesty and team-work.

9. What, in your opinion, is that make this resort different from others?
The personalized service we give to each one of our guests.

10. What is your favorite spot in the resort?
The pool area, you can enjoy a fantastic view from the bay from here.

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Thank you Jaqueline, for every effort made to attain so many goals together. You are part of the Velas family!

Excellence in service is an inherent quality of the Stars that take part of our wonderful staff, and Velas Resorts is honored to have them among the staff. They make of our dear guest’s experience, an unforgettable moment. Please be welcomed to discover one of this unique Stars: Jacinto Hernandez.

Working at the Aqua Bar in Velas Vallarta, Jacinto imprints enthusiasm and fantastic attitude to his job… and our guests adore this!

Take a look to his interesting Bio!

Thank you Jacinto, for all the magic you make! You are part of the Velas family.

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Please be welcomed to a journey of pleasant emotions and sensational experiences, where flavors, fragrances, sounds, colors and textures are the stars and enjoy the art of ‘feeling’ the aromas at our Botanical Garden, witness the magnificence of Natura Bisse® creations, participate on the Show Cooking Menu and taste the flavor of a three-time distilled Tres Generaciones® Tequila.

From the sumptuous Amazon, to chic Mediterranean Sea to sensual Oriental mysticism, let yourself be transported into a relaxing and pleasant experience and witness the magical connection between goods grown at the Botanical Garden in Casa Velas, and the hands that transform them into delectable dishes to remember –courtesy of Sous Chef Tony. Immerge into a fascinating world of relaxation, sensations and fragrances with Spa specialists.

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* Monica Patiño, Mexican Chef nternationally acknowledged for the passion and authenticity of her creations, studied at L’Ecole de Cuisine at La Varenne, Paris, France. Monica has outstandingly represented Mexico on International fests and events. Monica has also participated as co-author of a culinary enciclopaedia called: The Grand Mexican Cusine.

Please visit:  http://bit.ly/JardinBotanico-BotanicGarden

June 9-13th, 2010 Riviera Nayarit will be full of competitive spirit thanks to the exciting International Fishing Tournament, that will take place at the privileged seas of San Blas.