Experience Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

by Vanessa Martínez del Río

As part of this monumental event – essential to the tourism industry- President Felipe Calderon met with national and international representatives of the sector during a private luncheon. Host resort, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, had the honor of receiving business leaders, developers, tour operators and legislators who arrived to hear words of welcome from the country’s highest official. President Calderon reaffirmed Mexico’s commitment to becoming the No. 5 tourism destination in the world (the country currently occupies 10th place), stating that Mexico “is not just sun and beach- although we have the best”.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance were governors of the states of Sinaloa, Michoacan, Quintana Roo, Puebla, Nayarit and Jalisco, who sampled culinary delights prepared under the direction of Chefs Claudio Hotter and Patrick Louis; both most certainly received the recognition of the President of the republic of Mexico.

por Vanessa Martínez del Río

En el marco de este exitoso evento –fundamental para la industria de turismo– el Presidente Felipe Calderón se reunió en una comida privada con los representantes nacionales e internacionales de este sector. El hotel sede, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, tuvo el honor de recibir a empresarios, desarrolladores, tour-operadores y legisladores que se dieron cita para escuchar las palabras de bienvenida del primer mandatario, quien afirmó el compromiso de convertir a México en el destino turístico No. 5 a nivel mundial (actualmente nuestro país ocupa el 10º lugar), pues “no es sólo de sol y playa –aunque tenemos los mejores–” puntualizó.

Entre los distinguidos asistentes, figuraron gobernadores de diferentes estados como Sinaloa, Michoacán, Quintana Roo, Puebla, Nayarit y Jalisco entre otros, que degustaron las delicias preparadas bajo la dirección de los chefs Claudio Hotter y Patrick Louis –quienes recibieron el reconocimiento del propio Presidente de la república–, y disfrutaron de algunas piezas de los Niños Cantores de Morelia y Mariachi en vivo.

por Vanessa Martínez del Río

En entrevista para Grupo Vallarta Opina, Juan Vela Ruiz destacó la importancia de mantener constantemente la calidad de los servicios turísticos, de ser creativos, de innovar, pues de otra manera se corre el riesgo de perder el liderazgo. Leer más.

Acerca de Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit:
Propiedad de la cadena Velas Resorts, certificada con 5 Diamantes de la AAA. Este Hotel Spa, miembro de The Leading Hotels of The World nombrado “Mejor Hotel Spa por Excelencia” e incluido en la “Lista de Oro” de Condé Nast, ha redefinido el concepto Todo Incluido por sus altos estándares de calidad y confort. Cuenta con 267 lujosas y espaciosas suites con impresionantes vistas a la costa dorada del Pacífico mexicano. La joya de la corona de este refugio es el Spa ubicado en el corazón del hotel que ha sido certificado como Leading Spa of the World, ofrece exclusivas travesías Spa en 20 cabinas de masaje con más de 60 tratamientos basados en ceremonias antiguas.

por Vanessa Martínez del Río

Durante un exclusivo coctel celebrado en los bellos jardines de Casa Velas, y frente a más de 400 personas entre las que figuraron importantes tour-operadores del mundo, e invitados de honor como Gloria Guevara –Secretaria de Turismo–, el Gobernador del estado de Puebla, Rafael Moreno Valle anunció que este estado será el anfitrión del Tianguis Turístico 2013. El discurso oficial del Gobernador fue realizado en inglés, ya que más del 50% de los tour-operadores provenían de otros países.

El evento se realizó entre delicias gastronómicas –preparadas personalmente por chefs de Velas Resorts –, que incluyeron mole traído de Puebla; artesanías y vestidos regionales. Dio además, la ocasión para celebrar la noticia del Festival 5 de mayo, que se llevará a cabo del 7 de abril al 6 de mayo, conmemorando 150 años de la Batalla de Puebla con un despliegue de tradiciones, folclor y diversas disciplinas artísticas.

Dentro de las actividades celebradas en el marco del Tianguis, resalta la presencia de Velas Resorts en el Centro de Convenciones de Puerto Vallarta, encabezada por:

Jorge Guzmán | Michael Roque -representante de Velas Resorts en Canada | Denys Montes de Oca | Aurora Ubeda | Ruby Morales | Francisco Rentería | Pedro Luna | Raquel Tacher | Georgina Godoy | Pamela Zepeda. 

By Melissa C. Gillespie

On the stunning shores of Banderas Bay, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit  is a sophisticated iteration of the all-inclusive resort experience. 

Upon arrival at the AAA Five Diamond. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, the resort’s dramatic entrance—an open-air palapa lobby with 40-foot ceilings—is a stunning welcome and a small glimpse at the grand things to come. Immediately, the pampering and attention to detail unfolds. A cool, refreshing tropical drink and an aromatic moist towel quickly erase any ill effects from a day of travel. As an attentive guest services manager confirms your reservation, a spa therapist provides a gentle neck and shoulder massage. (This is the point when it becomes clear a visit to the spa is in order.)

Located just 15 minutes away from Puerto Vallarta International Airport along Banderas Bay, Grand Velas is an exquisite property featuring 267 one- and two-bedroom suites starting at 1,000 square feet. All have private terraces and spectacular oceanfront views.

The Grand Velas suite collection includes the six Spa Suites (the Ambassador Grand Class Suites) and two Imperial Spa Suites. Each Spa Suite is equipped with a separate spa room, which includes a treatment table, hydro-massage tub, floor-to-ceiling glassenclosed Swiss shower, wall-to-wall ivory marble, and a private terrace.

The crown jewel of the resort and a member of Leading Spas of the World, the 16,500-square-foot Spa at Grand Velas features 20 treatment rooms, over 80 spa treatments and rituals, a gym and exercise room, a boutique, and a salon. From the eucalyptus inhalation sauna to the aromatherapy neck pillow at the conclusion of the experience, this peaceful respite is a must for all resort guests. Allow for enough time to enjoy the full Hydrotherapy Ritual at the start of the visit.

Another destination delight awaits guests at any of Grand Velas’s AAA Four Diamond restaurants—Azul, Frida, Lucca, and Piaf. From gourmet Mexican to Italian, Mediterranean to traditional French, the all-inclusive resort has an eclectic mix of gourmet and traditional menus that fuse flavor with artful presentation.

When not indulging in gourmet cuisine or time at the spa, guests can spend time stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, boogie boarding, or strolling on the beach.

The family-friendly resort also offers tiered three-temperature infinity pools, an open-air theater with several shows throughout the week, and a Kids Club. vallarta.grandvelas.com

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (March 27, 2012) – A new Pre-Arrival Concierge Service exclusively for travel agents is now available at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. This new service offers agents the opportunity to handle any and all bookings, questions and issues that may arise for clients prior to arriving at the resort. The E-Concierge is also able to set up reservations at any of the resort’s AAA Four Diamond restaurants, local dining options, transfers, private dinners, spa appointments, destination activities and more. A service that is free of charge, the e-concierge can be reached via telephone and or email, seven days a week. Hotel reservations are commissionable to agents at a rate of 10%. Tel: +52 (322) 2268918. Email: econcierge@grandvelas.com

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 60 spa treatments, gym and exercise room, spa boutique and beauty salon. The family-friendly resort also offers tiered 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.

Forbes.com: “Game Changing” cuisine at Grand Velas Resorts

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico (March 22nd, 2012) – The prestigious internet media company, Forbes.com just named Grand Velas Resorts in the Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit among the 10 Coolest All Inclusive Resorts, chosen from a global list for their excellence in food and service to activities, that offer a one-of-a-kind experience that sets them apart.

“Grand Velas resorts have made history among all-inclusives by earning the highest possible AAA 5-Diamond rating at both properties, raising the bar high, with fine dining restaurants that are a la carte, no buffets, top shelf liquor, 24-hour room service included, butlers, yoga and pilates classes, and first class service and amenities all around”, highlighted the site.

The article goes on to say that the resorts “also got 4 Diamonds for their cuisine, have won awards for their spas, and feature accommodations that rival any luxury hotels.”Velas Resorts were the only resorts in Mexico to be selected.

About Grand Velas Riviera Maya:
The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya, an all-suites and spa resort located five minutes from Playa del Carmen, is the latest and most sophisticated iteration of the ultra-luxury, all-inclusive resort experience. This Leading Hotels of the World designated resort is the preeminent one of its class boasting 491 suites, each more than 1,000 square-feet, in three separate ambiances– premium ocean-front Grand Class Suites with terrace plunge pools for families with children 12 and up, family-friendly ocean-view Ambassador Suites and Zen Grand Suites embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungle. The resort presents a gastronomic tour of the Yucatan, Europe and Asia offering seven restaurants with world-class chefs from France, Spain and Mexico; dedicated butler service for each guest, and the region’s largest spa sanctuary at over 89,000 square-feet specializing in signature treatments inspired by ancient cultures from around the world. The spa was named “Best Spa” in the world by Virtuoso and also earned a SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Award. The resort was designed by lauded Mexican architecture firm Elias and Elias and features the sleek and modish interiors that fuse the serenity of the Caribbean with the vibrancy of Yucatan cultures.

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 Velasfeatures 20 treatment rooms, over 60 spa treatments, gym and exercise room, spa boutique and beauty salon. The family-friendly resort also offers tiered 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.

by Vanessa Martínez del Río

The 10 Coolest All Inclusive Resorts, according to Forbes.

“Can an all-inclusive resort really be as good as the world’s most luxurious 5-Star and 5-Diamond properties?” Larry Olmsted, writer for prestigious Forbes Magazine, poses the question and affirms that it is “absolutely” possible. Olmsted was tasked with the job of creating a list of the 10 best resorts that operate under this model; those that exceed all expectations and redefine the concept.

The selection features only two resorts in Mexico: Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Grand Velas Riviera Maya, whose highlighted aspects include gourmet dishes in their 4-Diamond restaurants, premium domestic and imported liquor, luxury suites with over 1,000 square feet of space and world-class Spas.

Signature Restaurants – Frida, Lucca and Piaf – Take Home AAA Four-Diamond Award for Fine Dining

Rivera Nayarit, Mexico (March 22, 2012) – The first all-inclusive family-friendly property ever to receive the award in North America, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit recently accepted the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) Five-Diamond Award for the sixth consecutive year. Its “Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All-Compare” facilities, service and attention to detail are the key elements that earned Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit the distinguished certification for 2012.

Tony Perrone, Manager Mexico at AAA, presented the award during a gala dinner celebration held at the resort. He mentioned the organization’s commitment to recommending the best hotels in the world, adding “Of 31,000 hotels evaluated by the AAA for 2012, only 120 will receive the Five Diamond Award; we know that what we call the ‘wow factor’ will be present at each one of those hotels from check-in to check-out”. Secretary of Tourism for the state of Nayarit, Raúl Rodrigo Pérez was in attendance, along with Luis Angarita, General Director of Velas Vallarta and Director of the Conventions and Visitors Bureau of Puerto Vallarta, and Pierre Yves Bonin Floret, General Director of Casa Velas.

Every year more than 65 AAA/CAA tourism editors visit over 70,000 lodgings, campgrounds, restaurants and attractions throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Tourism editors conduct unannounced evaluations, scrutinizing such areas as cleanliness, ambiance, amenities and service. AAA’s Diamond Rating System is the only rating system that covers the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean and is one of only two that conduct physical, on-site evaluations.

Juan Vela, Vice President of Velas Resorts, recognized the great effort and dedication of the team, specifically mentioning Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit’s General Director Rodolfo González, whose 18-year career with the Resorts has made him a key factor in maintaining the same excellent quality standards over the years.

“We are very proud to receive the Five-Diamond for our sixth year. It defines establishments that reflect the characteristics of the ultimate in luxury and sophistication from first class accommodations and extraordinary physical attributes to personalized services and amenities that enhance an unmatched level of comfort.” Vela continued, “Our staff strives to meticulously serve and exceed all guest expectations while maintaining an impeccable standard of excellence.”

by Vanessa Martínez del Río

Now in its sixth year, the Vallarta Wine Fest 2012 will unite connoisseurs of the culture of wine and experts in the culinary world. The second annual Expo Vino will also be held, attended by a wide range of domestic and international producers. A total of 21 participating restaurants will participate in the event in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit, including Andrea restaurant of Velas Vallarta, Casa Velas’ Emiliano, and Piaf restaurant at Grand Velas.

Once again, from March 22nd to 28th, our destination prepares for a festival that showcases the incredible gastronomy it is renowned for worldwide, during a grand event managed by Nacho Cadena and prominent leaders like Luis Angarita, General Director of  Velas Vallarta.