Vallarta Specials

El Grupo Editorial Orange, que publica en México la revista Mercado de Convenciones (MDC) realizó una encuesta entre los lectores de esta publicación, en su mayoría empresarios, altos directivos y líderes que toman decisiones en la organización de eventos, para conocer los hoteles más destacados en este rubro de la hospitalidad.

La investigación se dirigió también aquellas personas que realizan juntas de trabajo, congresos, seminarios, ferias, exposiciones, viajes de incentivo, negocio y placer; entre ellos destacan miembros de la American Express Corporate Meeting Card, “meeting planners” y “travel managers” de empresas nacionales e internacionales.

También se encuentran organizadores profesionales de convenciones y congresos (PCO’s), de ferias y exposiciones (B2B y B2C), así como presidentes de asociaciones y cámaras; de Gobierno, agencias de viajes, “Destination Management Companies” (DMC’s) y prestadores de servicios especializados, entre otros.

Luego del análisis de los resultados, según lo comunicó Renato Sandoval Martín, Director General de Orange, en carta enviada recientemente al director general del hotel, Pierre Bonin; Casa Velas fue seleccionado por cuarto año consecutivo como uno de los Top 20 Small Luxury Hotels for Meetings (Hoteles Pequeños de Lujo para Convenciones) México 2011.

La encuesta calificó varios puntos, y comprendió solamente a hoteles de categoría especial, gran turismo y cinco estrellas. Sobre el hotel y sus instalaciones se evaluó: número y estado físico de las habitaciones, salones, mobiliario y equipo audiovisual; capacidad en salones y su estado físico, centro de negocios, espacios en áreas públicas para eventos, estado físico de áreas públicas y mantenimiento del hotel en general.

De igual manera se tomaron en cuenta factores como facilidades para discapacitados, estado del campo de golf, servicios del Spa y condiciones del gimnasio.

En cuanto Alimentos y Bebidas, se valoró calidad y presentación de alimentos, precio versus calidad y estado físico del plaqué.

Con respecto al recurso humano del hotel, se evaluó la atención del personal de Ventas, del de Grupos y Convenciones y de Recepción. También de capitanes y meseros, así como la capacidad de respuesta en cuanto emergencias en Alimentos y Bebidas y montajes.

Editorial group Orange, publishers of Mercado de Convenciones magazine, or Conventions Market magazine, did a survey of their reader base, made up mostly of businesspeople, directors and decision-making leaders in event organization, to find out which hotels stood out as being the best for events.

The study was also directed towards people who organize business meetings, conventions, seminars, expositions, and incentive, business and pleasure trips; among them were members of the American Express Corporate Meeting Card and professional Meeting Planners and Travel Managers of Mexican and International companies.

Professional convention and congress organizers (PCOs), organizers of fairs and expositions (B2B and B2Cs), presidents of travel agencies and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and service providers also shared their opinion in the survey.

After analyzing the results, according to a recent letter from General Director of Orange Renato Sandoval Martín to Casa Velas General Director Pierre Bonin, Casa Velas was chosen for the fourth year as one of the Top 20 Small Luxury Hotels for Meetings in Mexico 2011.

The survey covered only Five Star, Grand Tourism and special-category hotels. The hotel and its facilities were evaluated on: number and condition of the rooms, conference spaces, furniture and audiovisual equipment, conference capacity and condition of the business center, common areas for events, condition of common areas and general maintenance of the hotel.

Accessibility for differently-abled attendees, condition of the golf course, Spa services and the gymnasium were also taken into consideration.

Food and Beverages were rated on presentation, price versus quality and condition of the dining facilities.

With regard to the quality of service offered, the Sales Department, Groups and Conventions and Reception were evaluated, as well as the managers and wait staff and the general ability to respond to Food and Beverage and event-setup emergencies.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit hosted the national presentation of the new Mazda 2, 2012 to the 31 distributors of Mazda in Mexico.

The vehicle made an astonishing appearance out of the blue coastal sky, upon being transported by helicopter over the beach in front of the resort to a platform in the center of the main pool.

Banderas Bay set the perfect scene for this creative presentation after being selected by Mazda’s national agenda as the site for the event. Every year a national meeting is held, and nothing could be better than the majestic natural scenery of this destination and the luxury and hospitality of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit for the official presentation of the new compact Mazda.

After the spectacular entrance, a grand afternoon cocktail and dinner reception was held around the pool to welcome the 31 Mexican Distributors.

Celebrations in Puerto Vallarta are a daily occurrence, and among the events that continue to reinforce the quality of this Pacific beach destination, the semifinal of the Nuestra Belleza Mexico 2011 beauty contest was held at the Puerto Vallarta Convention Center on August 18th. The 34 contestants, representing the women of all 32 Mexican States, gave it their best during the Traditional Wear (awarding only the designers), Swimsuit and Evening Wear rounds of the competition.

The event was a complete success; hundreds of people attended, including family members of the contestants who cheered them on with shouts and whistles of support.

The contest, hosted by actor and singer Jan and Karín Ontiveros, Nuestra Belleza Mexico 2010, lasted two hours and was recorded for television to be aired on Channel 2 in Mexico.

The judging panel was made up of television producer and TV y Novelas magazine editor Juan José Origel, reporter Aurora Valle and actor Gabriel Soto, as well as Jordi Avendaño, official photographer of Nuestra Belleza, Marú Ruiz del Caza, Mexican editor of Hola!, Arturo Velasco, Musical Director of Televisa, cosmetic surgeon José Abel de la Peña, Luis Moya, dermatologist to the stars, and Dafne Molina, producer, model and Nuestra Belleza Mundo Mexico 2004.

During this stage of the contest no winners were announced; the contestants would have to wait until August 20, for the final. After the semifinal, judges, contestants and organizers were invited to a grand Cocktail Gala at the Casa Velas Ocean Club to enjoy gourmet canapés and tropical beverages in the true exquisite style of Velas Resorts.

To support the young beauties, Miss Universe Ximena Navarrete, graced the festivities with her presence and announced that she would be present for the final, to meet and present the crown to the next Nuestra Belleza Mexico 2011.

After enjoying the event at the Ocean Club, the executive Nuestra Belleza committee moved to Emiliano Restaurant at the hotel, where they enjoyed a gastronomic tour with a dinner prepared especially for the occasion.

Ximena Navarrete, mentioned the world-class treatment and service she had enjoyed to the hotel’s General Director Pierre Bonin. “The Spa and food are incomparable; the facilities are beautiful, the staff has pampered me and exceeded both mine and my families’ expectations. We have had a wonderful time”, stated the most beautiful woman in the world.

She added, just as members of the judging panel, organizers and participants had, that she was left with a great impression of the hotel and of Puerto Vallarta;

“the people are wonderful and always smiling, and the service is first-class.”

“I will definitely be back, I loved it here”, said Navarrete, upon receiving an exclusive Casa Velas VIP card giving her access to special benefits during her next visit.

With the 2011 Pan-American Games set to take place in October in Jalisco, the Pacific Airport Group (GAP) reports important news regarding six projects considered priorities in facilitating the reception of thousands of visitors; they will be investing 320 million pesos in the Puerto Vallarta International Airport alone.

This sports event will be held principally in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and will contribute greatly to the flow of passengers in addition to bringing new ones who have never visited the destination. Puerto Vallarta will host the event for four competitions: Beach Volleyball, Triathlon, Open-Water Swim and Sailing.

To attract more visitors a joint effort is required to offer an attractive, modern destination that offers tranquility and comfort to its passengers, stated a GAP director.

At the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, the projects report significant advances, and will not affect the flow of passengers, as they are focused on a corner of the building next to the terminal, the rehabilitation of the runway, expansion of the platform and expansion of the four positions of the terminal.

In Guadalajara the security arches will be widened as well as the mezzanine, modifying the arrival area and expanding the national arrivals building.

The works being completed will also affect the design, image and painting of the airports to improve their appearance.

“Soy Vallarta, Soy Panamericano”

Literally meaning I am Vallarta, I am Pan-American, this campaign is being used by the City Council of Puerto Vallarta in light of the Pan-American games to be held in October, to promote various activities and create excitement and awareness of this grand event.

In the coming days the official game mascots, Huichi, Leo and Gavo will be around town to entertain kids and adults and provide fun photo opportunities.

More information: www.guadalajara2011.org.mx

El sol sale cada mañana, pero la del 7 de septiembre de 2011 tendrá un brillo especial. Las invitadas al delicioso desayuno gourmet frente al mar, aparte de reunirse para ayudar, algo que siempre está de moda, disfrutarán de la rifa de atractivos premios y del Desfile de Modas con los más exclusivos accesorios y ropa de playa del resort.

Con este tipo de eventos, Velas Resorts se suma a las instituciones que ayudan a quienes más lo necesitan y a aquellas personas que se preocupan por su comunidad. Lo recaudado se donará al Centro de Atención a Niños con Cáncer (Canica) y a Manos de Amor por Bahía, para que causas como éstas sigan resplandeciendo.

El costo será de 250 pesos por persona. Para más información y compra de boletos dirigirse a la Asociación Femenil Vallartense, A.C., asociacionfemenil@yahoo.com.mx, o en los teléfonos 322 224 9906 y 293 2276.

También en Manos de Amor por Bahía, candyvero_casahogar@hotmail.com, o llame al 329 298 3680 y al celular 322 121 7400. De igual manera, al Departamento de Relaciones Públicas del Hotel, al correo relacionespublicas@grandvelas.com, o al teléfono 322 226 8000, extensión 5003.

The sun comes out every morning, but on September 7th, 2011 it will have a special shine. Guests of this delicious gourmet ocean-front breakfast, aside from coming together to help, which is always in style, will enjoy a raffle of fantastic prizes and a Fashion Show of the most exclusive beach clothing and accessories of the resort.

By participating in these types of events, Velas Resorts joins forces with institutions that help those most in need and people who genuinely care about their communities. The proceeds will be donated to Canica, the Children’s Cancer Center, and Manos de Amor por Bahia, which helps needy children in Banderas Bay.

The cost of the event is 250 pesos per person. For ticket sales and more information please contact the Asociación Femenil Vallartense, A.C. by calling 322 224 9906 or 322 293 2276 or send an email to asociacionfemenil@yahoo.com.mx

You can also contact Manos de Amor por Bahia by calling 329 298 3680 or 322 121 7400 or send an email to candyvero_casahogar@hotmail.com or contact the Public Relations Department at Grand Velas by calling 322 226 8000, extension 5003 or send an email to relacionespublicas@grandvelas.com.

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.