Experience Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

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 Manuel Calderon de la Barca

This art form originated in China in the 16th and 17th centuries during the Tang Dynasty. Since that time it has spread to countries such as Japan, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and now Mexico.

Among the most common vegetables used are carrots, radishes, cucumbers, bell peppers and celery. The most often-used fruits are cantaloupes, kiwis, apples, watermelons, pineapples, papayas and citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and tangerines. At Casa Velas a Mukimono demonstration is given once a week as an activity for guests, lead by Executive Chef Antonio Martínez.

by Manuel Calderon de la Barca

The anticipation of a child is without a doubt an unforgettable time of life. At Casa Velas Boutique Hotel and Ocean Club, member of The Leading Hotels of the World, we have prepared the perfect celebration of this special moment. Imagine a vacation in an ambience full of tranquility, where the future mother and father can rest and relax at our world-class Spa with a soothing massage or foot and hand treatment. Take advantage of this precious time to enjoy each other’s company and prepare for new parenthood.

So that mom can look and feel radiant and healthy throughout the day she will receive various surprises: a gift set of luxurious lotions, a 50-minute facial treatment, and a special menu of gourmet delights that feature all of the nutrients that she requires during this time. You will also receive a book of baby names to help decide what name to bestow on the special little person who is about to grace your lives with his or her presence, and much more.

Casa Velas offers an unforgettable experience to the family awaiting new life. Enjoy your spacious and exclusive Grand Class Suite, as you are served a wonderful a la carte breakfast. Have an incredible photo session as a couple, and treasure your 20-photo album of the best portraits for years to come.

Delight in the delicate atmosphere of Casa Velas, the perfect blend of luxury and tranquility, where each detail makes a difference.

Enjoy an ideal vacation with our Babymoon Package, designed for future parents; relaxation and comfort as a couple as you anticipate the arrival of the newest member of the family.

Courtesy of Convention Visitors Bureau, Riviera Nayarit

Some of the best Mexican and International Surfers will fight for first place during the first edition of the San Pancho Pro. The tournament will be held on the San Francisco (San Pancho) beach from the 14th-16th of January and will include slots for amateur short-boarders, female surfers and surfers under 18, as well as long boarding and boogie boarding.

The event will be attended by surfers such as Diego Cadena, Felipe “Bodoque” Hernandez and brothers Travis and Dylan Southworth. Over 100 contenders are expected, along with approximately 2000 spectators, all organized by Christianos Surf Team and directed by Artemio Rosas.

by Nyima Bieber

The 16th anual Puerto Vallarta—Riviera Nayarit Gourmet Festival will delight the palates of experts and the general public between the 11th and 21st of November, 2010. The events will take place in the most accomplished restaurants and hotels in of Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta. Among the participants of this great event are Andrea restaurant of hotel Velas Vallarta and Lucca of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit.

At Andrea, chefs Hans Gruber (local) and José Manuel Gordian (guest) will showcase their special dish: Grilled snapper with dried tomato biscotti and limoncello fumet. At Lucca, chefs Rafael Borbolla (local) and Christian Testa (guest) will present among other delicacies, their Shrimp-filled Mahi-Mahi over fried risotto in smoked tomato sauce.

Velas Resorts is pleased to host these prestigious chefs and to highlight the award-winning restaurants at the resorts. We look forward to successful events in both settings!

by Julieta Del Toro

November 13th is the official start date for the 2nd Half Marathon Riviera Nayarit, the only marathon in the region endorsed by the Federacion Mexicana de Atletismo (Mexican Athletic Federation), the International Association of Athletic Federations and the International Association of Marathons and Long-Distance Races.

This year, in addition to the 22 kilometers of the Half Marathon, a simultaneous 10 kilometer race will take place; both will cover beautiful natural scenery, golf courses, a marina, ocean views and 10 kilometers of sailable canals. A festive environment that combines celebration and sports awaits the runners.

The race is registered in the bulletin put out by the Federacion Mexicana and on their website. This year they expect to receive 800 participants, exceeding the amount from last year!

Supporting events such as these not only attracts a high number of tourists with low environmental impact but also serves to promote the destination through activities that both national and international athletes attend.

For more information please visit the Official Page.

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.