Experience Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Courtesy of Visitors and Conventions Bureau of Puerto Vallarta

New York, May 26, 2011 – In an innovative initiative aimed to study the safety standards found in Puerto Vallarta and enjoyed by visitors from around the world, the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board appointed Thomas Dale & Associates (TDA), a leading global investigative and security firm who lists several Fortune 100 companies amongst its clients, to complete a Security/Threat assessment. The international security company visited the destination between April 6 to April 13 to conduct interviews and a thorough assessment on the ground, and based on findings develop a comprehensive report in relation to all aspects of tourist security in the destination.

Photos: Courtesy of Carlos Chavez

TDA has just released its report which concludes that Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest tourist destinations for international and national tourists.

TDA individually interviewed domestic as well as international tourists, American and Canadian Consuls, retired ex-pats, time-share members, part-time residents, seasonal boaters, business owners, hospital administrators, gay community business representatives, health insurance professionals, cabbies, conventioneers, and honeymooners. The interviews were followed up by requests to local law enforcement sources for crime data and department deployment. The Civil Protection Department (FIMA) was also consulted regarding natural disasters.

The interviews focused on the following three areas; safety in Puerto Vallarta and the perception of its visitors; personal experiences and the US Travel Warning on Mexico.

The study found that the number of negative events involving foreigners or non-foreigners is fractional compared to the large ex-pat resident population and the millions of visitors that come to vacation each year in Puerto Vallarta. Overall the study found that visitors to the destination feel safe and continue to visit Puerto Vallarta numerous times through their lifetime and that the destination’s support services are well above the average standards and dedicated to serving the visiting public. In relations to the drug wars, TDA found that the limited land transit makes the smuggling of guns and drugs through Puerto Vallarta very difficult and thus a non-issue in the destination.

For more information on Puerto Vallarta visit: www.visitpuertovallarta.com

por Manuel Calderón de la barca

El mejor hotel boutique de Puerto Vallarta sigue dando sorpresas a la comunidad hotelera internacional. En esta ocasión La apertura de las nuevas instalaciones del Spa miembro de The Leading Spas of the World desde 2007, se llevó a cabo el pasado viernes 13 de mayo de 2011. Al respecto, Pierre Bonin Floret, Director General del hotel, anunció que la ampliación del Spa ha causado una grata impresión al huésped extranjero y al mercado local por sus innovadoras amenidades.

El renovado Spa está decorado con detalles mexicanos contemporáneos; cuenta con 2 cabinas individuales de masaje y una cabina doble para parejas; incluye áreas de relajación con completa privacidad para hombres y mujeres con un agradable ambiente de luz natural, salón de belleza y un gimnasio equipado con aparatos de última tecnología, con una espectacular vista a los exuberantes jardines.

“La atmósfera romántica de este hotel boutique, inmerso en el corazón del Campo de Golf de Marina Vallarta, se respira en un espacio en el que sentirá cómo su cuerpo experimenta el máximo bienestar con un extenso menú de tratamientos naturales, así como exfoliaciones, envolventes corporales, aromaterapia y una amplia selección de masajes y faciales, aplicados por expertos terapistas”, detalló Bonin Floret.

Dentro de las innovaciones, enumeró el Director de Casa Velas, se encuentra el circuito de hidroterapia de última generación, que incluye sauna, ducha de presión, baño de vapor con esencias de menta y el más novedoso Jacuzzi, con hidromasaje y cromoterapia.

También destacó que en el interior del Spa se ubica una exclusiva boutique, que ofrece productos europeos importados de las líneas cosméticas Natura Bissé y Germaine de Capuccini, para dar continuidad a los tratamientos.

Pierre Bonin aseguró no obstante que los cambios y las mejoras en el Spa obedecen al compromiso de Casa Velas de mantener los altos estándares de calidad en los productos y el servicio personalizado, pues han sido el sello distintivo que ha llevado al hotel a encabezar las listas de preferencia entre los viajeros de Trip Advisor y Expedia, y también a permanecer como un hotel recomendado por la prestigiada agencia Condé Nast Johansens.

Para mayor información marque al (322) 226-6680, extensión 6652, o al correo electrónico spa@hotelcasavelas.com. Consulte: www.hotelcasavelas.com.mx

by Manuel Calderón de la Barca

The best boutique hotel in Puerto Vallarta continues to surprise the international hotel community. On this occasion it opened the new facilities of its Spa, a member of The Leading Spas of the World since 2007, on May 13th, 2011. Pierre Bonin Floret, General Director of the hotel, announced that the expansion of the Spa has greatly impressed foreign and Mexican guests with its innovative amenities.

The renovated Spa is decorated in gorgeous contemporary Mexican style; it has two individual massage cabins and one double cabin for couples. It includes separate relaxation areas with complete privacy for men and women with pleasant natural lighting, a beauty salon and a gym with state-of-the-art equipment and spectacular views of the lush gardens.

“The romantic atmosphere of this boutique hotel, immersed in the heart of the Marina Vallart Golf Course, allows you to breathe in a space where your body will experience the ultimate feeling of wellness with an extensive menu of natural treatments such as exfoliations, body wraps, aromatherapy and a wide selection of massages and facials administered by expert therapists”, added Mr. Bonin Floret.

Among the innovations, continued the Director of Casa Velas, is the cutting edge hydrotherapy circuit which includes sauna, pressure shower, steam bath with mint essence and the most modern of Jacuzzis with hydro massage and chromo therapy.

He also highlighted that within the Spa is located an exclusive boutique, offering European products from cosmetic lines Natura Bissé y Germaine de Capuccini, also used during Spa treatments.

Pierre Bonin assured that the changes and improvements to the Spa are in line with the Casa Velas commitment to maintain the highest quality standards in products and personalized service. This commitment to quality has distinguished the hotel and carried it to the top of preference lists among travelers on Trip Advisor and Expedia and made it a recommended hotel by the prestigious Condé Nast Johansens agency.

For more information please dial 011 52 322 226-6680, extension 6652, or send an email to spa@hotelcasavelas.com. Visit www.hotelcasavelas.com.mx

by Manuel Calderon de la Barca

Casa Velas has always been known to innovate and provide exclusive services to its guests. At Emiliano gourmet restaurant, apart from enjoying a mouth-watering variety of delicious Mexican specialties, you will find a special brand of mineral sparkling water that has revolutionized dining in Mexico in recent time: Agua de Piedra.

Agua de Piedra’s natural spring water owes its unique flavor to the mineral profile provided by the filtration through the geological formations of the Huasteca Basin. This water basin is high in the Sierra Madre Mountains, located in north eastern Mexico, specifically, Monterey, in the state of Nuevo Leon. This source was discovered more than 100 years ago and up until now has remained mostly untouched. The water temperature at the source is 21°C (70°F).

The packaging is unique too. When a glass bottle manufacturer changes production from one color to another, thousands of “transition” bottles are produced, representing the largest energy waste in the glass industry. Agua de Piedra only uses transition bottles in an effort to minimize its impact in the environment, and is the reason you may notice slight variations in glass color. This is a small price to pay in order to do some good for the environment.

Agua de Piedra, the finest Mexican sparkling water, only at Casa Velas.

by Manuel Calderón de la Barca

Enjoy Casa Velas to the European way

Due to assortment of visitors that choose Puerto Vallarta year after year as their favorite vacation hideaway, the best boutique hotel in town has opened doors to a new touristic segment with European Plan, following the very same quality standards of Luxury All Inclusive concept which has made this Hotel being a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and to being on top of the Trip Advisor and Expedia travelers lists.

European Plan includes lodging, Ocean Club full access, luxury amenities, special offers on 3 nearby Pro Golf Courses and much more.

With such marketing strategy, Casa Velas is proud to feature two great choices –Luxury All Inclusive & European Plan- in order to enjoy this world-class resort.

Velas Vallarta te invita a participar en la rifa de Una estancia para Mamá y Papá de 2 días y 1 noche Todo Incluido*.

Sólo deberás decirnos: ¿Cuántos años cumple Puerto Vallarta como Ciudad este 2011? y postear la respuesta en nuestra página en Facebook del 7 al 14 de mayo 2011, para entrar a la rifa de este increíble premio.

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Velas Vallarta invites you to enter the raffle of One stay for Mom & Dad, 2 days and 1 nigh All-Inclusive*.

Tell us: How old will Puerto Vallarta become this year since it was officially named: City? Post the answer on our Facebook page from May 7-14, 2011 to enter the raffle of this incredible prize.

*No aplica con otras promociones. Premio válido durante Mayo y Junio 2011.

*Not applicable with other promotions. Prrize valid throughout May and June 2011.

Would like to impress mom this Mother’s Day?

If you LIVE in Puerto Vallarta and are looking for the perfect gift for her: Casa Velas has something for you!

Go to our Facebook page from May 7 through May 14 2011 and tell us in 1 phrase: “Why is mom the BEST in the world?” and enter to win a Day Spa* for mom and a 50% for one companion.

Participants will automatically enter the raffle of 3 Day Spa.

If you do not live in Puerto Vallarta but you are planning to stay at Casa Velas between June 1-30 2011, and still want to impress mom, just send us an e-mail and tell us “Why is mom the BEST in the world?” with your Reservation number to: socialmedia@velashotels.com to automatically win a Day Spa for mom!

Day Spa en Casa Velas

• Breakfast – Spa Menu at Emiliano

• Special selection of treatments and massages at the renowned Spa

by Leading Spas of the World and Condé Nast

• 50% off for 1 companion

*Not applicable with other promotions  | Valid throughout May 2011.

For reservations call: 1-866-529-8813

by Manuel Calderon de la Barca

Velas Resort official sponsor of the LPGA Futures Tour 2011 announces that 111 Professional Golf women players, had the opportunity to participate in this tournament held from April 4th to 10th. These ladies are aspiring and eager to become part of the top and most elite golf league in the world, the LPGA

Velas Resorts, beyond all inclusive, beyond all compared is always in major events. This time, Riviera Nayarit was the perfect spot where the very only season in Mexican territory of LPGA Futures Tour 2011, takes place with the Riviera Nayarit Classic

The Californian third-year pro Ryann O´Toole started final round tied for tenth, four shots off the lead, but she carded a bogey-free finish with six birdies to post a winning score of 8-under 211 at El Tigre Golf & Country Club.

O´Toole signed a 67 card, six under par, to claim the amazing huichol trophy of Championship of the Riviera Nayarit Classic, within LPGA Futures Tour in third season.

Golfers arrived to our country on april 4th to participate 6th and 7th in Pro-Am Tournament, open for everyone in which amateurs golf lovers played among professionals and were eligible to win extraordinary prizes, as luxury stays in Velas Resorts valued in 15,000 USD and so much more.

Beside offering a $125,000 dollars bid -which $17,500 was for the winner- all funds were donated to benefit causes through Lorena Ochoa Foundation, the best Mexican golfer in all history, who was there at El Tigre supporting and cheering their latin partners.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offered a fancy welcome cocktail at the beach for all contestants.

por Manuel Calderón de la Barca

Los chefs ejecutivos de Velas Resorts sacaron los manteles largos y presentaron sus propuestas para el menú de la noche del 28 de mayo, cuando el brillo de 50 estrellas de la cocina mexicana engalane los jardines de Casa Velas, en uno de los eventos más elegantes de la industria restaurantera, la gala de los Star Diamond Awards.

En días pasados, los talentosos chef ejecutivos de Velas Resorts se reunieron en las instalaciones de Casa Velas para afinar todos los detalles de la muestra gastronómica que se ofrecerá el próximo sábado 28 de mayo en este hotel boutique, en lo que promete ser una velada para recordar: la entrega de los Star Diamond Awards a los 50 restaurantes más lujosos de México.

En el encuentro, todos los participantes expusieron sus más deliciosas creaciones para maravillar a los paladares de tan prestigiosa fiesta organizada por The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (La A cademia Americana de Ciencias de la Hospitalidad).

Recetas originales y con sabores de la costa de Jalisco como langostinos zarandeados, curvina al aioli, tamal de verdolagas, birria de cordero, granizado de tejuino, dulce de coco de raspa y muchos más, fueron presentados por los chefs para elegir los platillos más representativos de esta tierra tapatía.

En la confección del menú participaron los chefs Antonio Martínez, de Casa Velas; Kunibert Lengger, de Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, así como Jorge Sierra, de Velas Vallarta; acompañados de su gran equipo de sou chefs y cocineros.

Para llevar a cabo la difícil tarea de seleccionar el menú, el voto de calidad lo tuvo el Sr. Pierre Bonin, Director General de Casa Velas, anfitrión de la Gala.

El restaurante Emiliano, de Casa Velas, se unirá en esta fiesta a la lista de ganadores en el país, al haber cumplido los más exigentes estándares en lujo y servicio, a la altura de las mejores cocinas del mundo.

por Manuel Calderón de la Barca

En el Futures Tour 2011, de la LPGA, 111 mujeres golfistas profesionales, aspirantes a incluirse en la mejor liga del mundo, pisaron los greens del Campo de Golf El Tigre, del 4 al 10 de abril, donde Velas Resorts participó como patrocinador oficial con increíbles premios
Velas Resorts, vanguardia en lujo y servicio, presente en los eventos de clase mundial. En esta ocasión, en el paradisiaco destino de Riviera Nayarit, tuvo lugar la única fecha en tierras mexicanas del Futures Tour 2011, avalado por la LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association), con el torneo Riviera Nayarit Classic.
La estadounidense Ryann O´Toole firmó una tarjeta de 67 golpes, seis bajo par, para proclamarse campeona del Riviera Nayarit Classic, en la tercera fecha del Futures Tour de la LPGA.

Los golfistas arribaron a nuestro país desde el 4 de abril, para participar 6 y 7 en el Pro-Am, abierto al público en general y en el que los aficionados jugaron al lado de alguna profesional y se hicieron merecedores de premios extraordinarios, como estancias en las 3 propiedades de Velas Resorts, ascendiendo a más de 15 mil dólares.
Además de ofrecer una bolsa de 125 mil dólares, de los cuales 17 mil 500 fueron para la ganadora, se destinará lo recaudado a beneficencia de la Fundación Lorena Ochoa, la mejor golfista mexicana en la historia, quien estuvo ahí para apoyar a sus compañeras latinas.

En ocasión de este importante acontecimiento, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit ofreció un coctel de bienvenida en la playa para las participantes.