Vallarta Specials

Por Manuel Calderón de la Barca

Luego de una investigación seria y amplia para coincidir en la selección de lugares, con un gran despliegue de esfuerzos y recursos, la institución financiera Bancomer ha publicado la Lista Gourmand de los 50 Mejores Restaurantes 2011 en México, donde dos restaurantes de Velas Resorts obtuvieron destacadas posiciones: Cocina de Autor, de Grand Velas Riviera Maya, en octavo sitio y Frida, del mismo resort, en el escalón 42.

Esta lista refleja el consenso de un equipo experto de “gourmands”, quienes visitaron cada restaurante un mínimo de 6 veces, durante un periodo de un año, practicando un ejercicio ajeno a intereses particulares o comerciales. Los organizadores declararon que era necesario “llevar a cabo esta encomienda para que la gente tuviera la oportunidad de consultar un documento fidedigno producido en México”. Cabe destacar que nuestros dos restaurantes premiados son los únicos de la lista que están dentro de un resort con el concepto todo incluido.

Every Sunday at 6:30pm, an unforgettable evening begins in the Convention Center of this 100% family-friendly hotel. The liveliest party in the area, on this night guests are attended to with the traditional hospitality and cheer that characterizes Mexican people.

Dazzling folkloric dancers perform to the rhythm of live Mariachi music, astonishing guests old and young with their blend of color and excitement. The event continues with traditional cock fighting and lasso work of agile charros, Mexican cowboys.

For those who would like to take a little piece of Mexico home with them, talented artisans display their work during this night of festivities.

Don’t miss the great variety of delicious buffet dishes- a mix of gourmet cuisine with recipes from our Mexican roots: shrimp enchiladas, gorditas, sopes, crispy tacos dorados, authentic mole and much more. The dessert table is the grand finale of this festival of flavors, with sweet, crunchy buñuelos, Mexican candied yams and pumpkin, and traditional rice pudding.

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the warmth and culture of the people of Puerto, only at Velas Vallarta.

At “Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All Compare”
Velas Resorts in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit

 - Grandparents Stay for Only $65, Spa Treatments, Eco-Park Tour, Special Family Bonding Activities & More Included -

Puerto Vallarta (April 22, 2011) – In celebration of baby boomers turning 65 this year, grandparents stay for just $65 per night at the “Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All Compare” Velas Resorts in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit. The Grandparents Packages also feature spa rituals, discounted golf, professional portrait, airport transportation, up to $500 in resort credits, and exclusive activities with the resort’s Family Reunion Coordinator. A guided tour of the property cenotes (sacred Mayan wells) and a trip to Riviera Maya’s renowned Xcaret nature park where families can swim in underground rivers, snorkel, snuba and see the butterfly pavilion and coral reef aquarium are also included at Grand Velas Riviera Maya. The 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. Packages start at $200 per person, per night based on double occupancy through December 22nd at Velas Vallarta, $344 per person, per night based on double at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit through December 18th and $439 per person, per night based on double occupancy through December 19th at Grand Velas Riviera Maya. Two grandparents are complimentary at Velas Vallarta. One grandparent pays just $65/night at both Grand Velas resorts. Four suites must be booked and a minimum three-night stay to qualify. Package components vary based on resort. Children rates start at $75 per night. For more information, call Velas Resorts at 1-888-323-2776 or visit www.velasresorts.com.

Rounds at Championship Courses, Green Fees, Partner Finder Program, Weekly Tournaments & More

Now Included in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Riviera Maya

Puerto Vallarta (April 11, 2011) – Dads can perfect their drives this Father’s Day and beyond with Golf Getaway Packages that include multiple rounds at championship golf courses, green fees, a partner finder program, organized weekly tournaments, suite upgrades and more at the “Beyond All Inclusive, Beyond All Compare” Velas Resorts in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit. Dads can opt to hit the greens at several different 18 hole courses including Marina Vallarta or Vista Vallarta Golf Clubs in Puerto Vallarta and Playa Paraiso Golf Club in Riviera Maya. Luxury suite accommodations, VIP airport/hotel transfers, spa treatments, international premium brands, room upgrades, a la carte gourmet meals at a choice of specialty restaurants, 24 hr in-suite service, minibar, fitness center, taxes and gratuities, and more are also included. Rates for the three-night minimum packages start at $225 (Velas Vallarta), $260 (Casa Velas), $346 (Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit) and $623 (Grand Velas Riviera Maya). All rates are per person, per night, based on double occupancy. Package offerings and minimum night-stay requirements vary by resort. The Golf Getaway Packages are valid now through December 18th. For more information and reservations, please call Velas Resorts at 1-888-323-2776 in the U.S. or Canada or visit www.velasresorts.com

Join our Social Networks!

by Manuel Calderon de la Barca

US News’ travel site, www.travel.usnews.com, highlights the quality, security and service of both tourist destinations, both of which are home to Velas Resorts. Casa Velas holds second place in the category of best hotels in Puerto Vallarta.

Published in the Travel section of their website the long-awaited Us News ranking (according to tourists and their reviews), of the best tourist destinations, most-visited beaches, top hotels and most exclusive locations for different events such as weddings, honeymoons, Spring Break, family vacations and more.

Puerto Vallarta, home to our resorts Velas Vallarta and Casa Velas, and Playa del Carmen- where Grand Velas Riviera Maya is found- are mentioned in various categories, listed here in order of importance:

Puerto Vallarta

• First Place in Best Vacations in Mexico

• First Place in Spring Break destinations worldwide

• Sixth Place in Best Beaches in Mexico

• Twelfth Place worldwide in Best Place to Visit

• Seventeenth Place worldwide in Best Honeymoon Destination

• Casa Velas, Second Place in Best Hotels in Puerto Vallarta

Playa del Carmen (Riviera Maya)

• Third Place in Best Vacations in Mexico

• Third Place in Best Beaches in Mexico

• Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Third Place in Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen

Appearing on prestigious lists such as these, viewed by thousands of people who plan to visit Mexico affirms that Mexico remains, in the opinions of travelers, a place of luxury and safety with an impressive range of tourist services for all tastes. It features magical, exclusive and colorful sites, and rivals destinations such Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas and more.

By Nyima Bierber

You found the guy. You’ve got the ring. You’ve set a date. Or maybe not. A lovely spring wedding with chirping birds or a brisk autumn affair beneath the changing leaves? A winter wonderland reception or a sultry summer celebration? From here it’s simple right- a dress, a guest list, a little cake and menu tasting? But no, now the stress sets in- there’s so many things to think about!

Venues, color schemes, flowers, bridesmaids, decorations, marriage licenses, big, small, everyone you know or a select few? Oh and the gosh-darned budget hanging over your head, everywhere you turn its numbers and items waiting to be checked off!

Get ready for something big from Velas Resorts. Something that just might help with the pre-wedding anxiety and planning. A contest like no other with a grand prize that will make your wedding planning breezy and your big day into a dream. Stay tuned for details!

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.

Riviera Nayarit has been recently chosen by ABC News as one of the top safest places to visit in Mexico, along with Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Mazatlán and Mexico City.

This destination is also one of the top golfing locations in the country, with beautiful signature courses inspired by the local natural scenery. Lush jungles, tropical forests and the Sierra Madre Mountain Range make the Riviera Nayarit a wonderfully unique location.

“Mexico is a vast country, and while problems have certainly occurred in some areas, it does not make the whole country a dangerous zone. To say that the entire country of Mexico is dangerous would be like saying that because of the violence suffered in New York, the city of Los Angeles is not a safe place to visit”, explains the Executive Editor of ABC Travel on line. [View full article on ABC News.]

[Visit the online gallery of Sergio Barba, renowned Mexican photographer.]

Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s in a new and different environment. Casa Velas has prepared a special series of activities to enjoy during this special time of year; meet new friends, have fun and maybe even meet your soul mate in beautiful Puerto Vallarta.

Come and have an unforgettable experience! Enjoy the sunny climate, relax and allow yourself to be pampered by excellent service and personalized attention. Dance and laugh during fun salsa and meringue classes, unwind with Yoga techniques and thoroughly enjoy yourself at our over-the-top gala dinner held at our sister property, Velas Vallarta. Special gifts, surprises and much more will make this an event to remember.

Our Christmas and New Years packages offer an excellent way to celebrate in paradise, relax and have a great time.

  Complimentary Night, Innovative Activities and  Specialty Cuisine Included With Last Minute Holiday Travel Promotios

Folkloric Dances, Bicentennial Fiestas, Christmas Circus & More for the Holidays in Puerto Vallarta

   Puerto Vallarta (November 10, 2010) – This Holiday season enjoy quality family time during an activity-packed Christmas and New Years, with one night free, folkloric dances, fiestas celebrating Mexico’s Bicentennial, a Christmas circus and more, from the oceanfront all-inclusive family-friendly Velas Vallarta and Casa Velas, an adults-only boutique hotel and ocean club on the Marina Vallarta Golf Course.

The Christmas and New Year’s Special includes a range of daily exciting activities for children and adults alike. The Velas Vallarta Kids Club, open from 10 am – 5 pm daily, offers treasure hunts, water balloon fights, juggling, and Christmas fun, as well big surprises. The whole family can participate in regional folkloric dances, casino night, dance lessons, and a Christmas adventure circus. Velas Vallarta restaurants’ Andrea and La Ribera and Casa Velas’ Emiliano offer unique menus each night including Oriental, French, Italian, Steak House, and authentic Mexican cuisine. Nearby is downtown Puerto Vallarta with its art galleries, cafes and shopping, ideal for family strolls.

Casa Velas’ and Velas Vallarta’s 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 Christmas and New Year’s Special is available from December 18 to January 2, starting at $295 per person, per night in double occupancy, with a minimum stay of five nights. For reservations, please call 1-866-847-4609 or visit http://www.velasvallarta.com/ &  http://www.hotelcasavelas.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 345 suites, 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.

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.