Experience Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

by Manuel Calderon de la Barca

According to the prestigious Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, this jewel of the Mexican Pacific is one of 10 favorite family vacation destinations in all of Mexico and the Caribbean.

Riviera Nayarit is a family-friendly destination, as the diversity of its options for tourists has something special for all ages. This is the magic of a place where luxury is surrounded by a beautiful natural environment, and what puts it on the list of the 10 best places to enjoy with loved ones, as rated by users of Trip Advisor on its Travelers’ Choice Awards list.Trip Advisor is the most important and trustworthy information portal for travelers in the world. Its marketing strategy includes testimonials from its consumers as a factor to positively influence travel decisions; over 40 million travelers have submitted written reviews and opinions to the site.

The Travelers’ Choice Award is awarded based on the real qualifications, comments and reviews published on this tourist platform and is therefore considered a highly credible recognition.

“In Riviera Nayarit you can leave your cares behind and relax on the beach or take an adventure tour on a quad bike through the Sierra Madre Mountains. The Aqua Park there has great slides. You can even spoil the kids with an unforgettable swim-with-dolphins experience; it will make for a great report about their summer vacation”, writes a Trip Advisor member.

Visir:

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

Expedia, la mayor compañía de viajes online, incluyó a Casa Velas, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit y Grand Velas Riviera Maya entre los que resorts ofrecen más calidad en sus servicios y una experiencia excepcional entre más de 130 mil propiedades evaluadas en el mundo, a través de su Insider´s Select

Basados en más de 500 mil cuestionarios de evaluación recibidos cada año, las tres propiedades de Velas Resorts entraron en la lista de los 500 seleccionados entre las más de 130 mil propiedades ofrecidas por Expedia en todo el mundo, y se destacaron por ser de los hoteles que obtuvieron las más altas calificaciones.

La lista Expedia Insiders’ Select es un premio anual que reconoce los mejores hoteles disponibles en el mercado global, a juzgar por las experiencias de los clientes de Expedia, la compañía más grande de viajes online a nivel internacional.

Dar a los huéspedes un servicio superior es una prioridad en Velas Resorts. Por ello, los esfuerzos han sido reconocidos por los viajeros de Expedia y se espera extender el alto nivel de servicio a más clientes, dijeron autoridades del corporativo hotelero.

Esta exclusiva lista muestra la amplia selección de destinos de viajes y establecimientos hoteleros y ofrece a los viajeros una poderosa manera de encontrar el hotel perfecto para su estancia. Como parte de este grupo élite de hoteles, Expedia otorgará una placa a estos desarrollos que los acredita como miembros de esta exclusiva lista de propiedades alrededor del mundo.

by Manuel Calderon de la Barca

On the occasion of the recent inspection to validate once again the certificate of Clean Beaches in Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, staff participated in cleaning crews for several days. When the government inspector arrived to the hotel, everything was set for accreditation.

On April 11th unofficially said that the beach could be considered ratified with this Certificate of SEMARNAT (Mexican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources).

por Manuel Calderón de la Barca

Con motivo de la reciente inspección para validar nuevamente el Certificado de Playas Limpias de nuestra playa en Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, colaboradores del hotel participaron en brigadas de limpieza durante varios días, para que el 7 de abril, cuando llegó el inspector, todo estuviera listo para la acreditación.

El pasado lunes 11 de abril extraoficialmente se mencionó que la playa ya podía considerarse ratificada con el Certificado de Semarnat.

by Manuel Calderón de la Barca

At Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, as part of the activities destined to care for the environment at the Kids Club, the little ones get to name their turtle and release them, setting them off towards the great Pacific Ocean.

From July until November, when the olive ridley sea turtle, also known as the Pacific ridley, has their nesting period, the Activities staff at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit organizes a beautiful ceremony for the liberation of baby turtles, for thechildren that stay at the Kids Club.

The Pacific ridley visits the beaches of the Nayarit coastline, amongst them, Grand Velas´ beach, certified as a Clean Beach by Semarnat, in order to lay their eggs.

Thechildren, formed up making a line, get to name their little turtle, and one by one, release them, setting them off to the great Pacific Ocean, thus, helping preserve the life of one of the most emblematic species of this destination, known as the Treasure of the Mexican Pacific.

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.

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

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.

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!