Experience Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Part of the sheer luxury and bliss experienced at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit occurs the moment you arrive. Whisked away from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, a short ride in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle leads you through the neat rows of swaying palms, vibrant tropical foliage and elegant homes and waterways that characterize the Riviera Nayarit. The resort stands out gracefully- there is no glitz or gaudy signs- just a gently curved majestic building decorated with hanging bougainvilleas and an immense palapa, or tropical palm-thatched structure.

Pulling up to the resort, white-clad attendants await to help you out of the car and instantly relieve you of your heavy luggage. Stress melts at the first gentle sensation of the ocean breeze; the palapa lobby has sky-high ceilings and the infinity pool and deep blue of Banderas Bay can be seen in the distance. A quietly bubbling rock fountain, comfortable rattan sitting areas designed in elegant contemporary Mexican style and opulent marble and stone flooring set the scene. Near the wide entrance are found whimsical, original sculptures by Sergio Bustamante, whose work is featured on the famous Puerto Vallarta Malecón and in Guadalajara’s historic Centro. His famed “Mago”, or magician creates many a memorable photo for guests. He holds a sign stating the obvious, “Aqui empieza la magia” or The magic begins here.

At Grand Velas one does not wait at a reception desk and wait patiently for a clerk to find their name on a screen. In the true sense of Mexican hospitality and world-class style, you are lead to a comfortable chair or couch and immediately served a glass of refreshing hibiscus infusion- a specialty locally known as Té de Jamaica. Attendants appear with freshly moistened towels scented with signature spa essences (a great preview of what’s to come during a visit to the sumptuous spa). Expert hands administer a relaxing neck and shoulder massage and then it’s time to check in. Check-in is a personalized process consisting of the verification of accurate reservation details and the stroke of a pen on the documents brought to you.

The blissful initiation ritual leads to the next phase as your bell boy brings your luggage and offers a tour of the grounds or efficient guidance straight to your suite. The facilities continue to impress as you discover the resort’s tranquil ambiance enhanced by Koi ponds, tropical foliage and the subtle, ever-present sound of the rolling tides. A flick of a key card and your suite door opens, leading to your next delightful discovery of the world of magic that is Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit.

Las lujosas suites de Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit han sido merecedoras de un prestigiado lugar en la exclusiva lista de Oro Condé Nast del 2011 dentro de la categoría de Mejores Habitaciones. Dicha lista se conforma al reunir los votos de 25,000 lectores de la revista Condé Nast Traveler en la calificación de mejores hoteles, resorts y cruceros en todo el mundo.

Diseñadas especialmente para disfrutar de la belleza de Bahía de Banderas y con un amplio espacio, cada suite cuenta con más de 1,000 pies cuadrados, una terraza privada con vistas panorámicas para disfrutar del azul del Pacífico Mexicano y la majestuosa Sierra Madre, además del impecable paisaje tropical de los jardines o la alberca infinita. Muebles de teca importados desde Bali adornan las habitaciones y salas de estar; lujosas amenidades se encuentran en los espaciosos baños, muchos de los cuales cuentan con jacuzzi interior y áreas para recibir tratamientos de spa. Las camas cuentan con edredones de pluma de pecho de ganso y un menú de almohadas de lujo se ofrece para asegurar una maravillosa noche de descanso, mientras escucha el suave sonido de las olas del mar.

Con televisiones de pantalla plana, DVD, batas y zapatillas, además de un mini bar surtido diariamente dentro del todo incluido, es fácil ver por qué nuestras suites recibieron una calificación perfecta. Para ver la lista completa Condé Nast Gold, favor de dar clic aquí:  http://www.concierge.com/tools/travelawards/goldlist/2011/category/rooms.

By Nyima Bieber

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit’s lavish suites have earned us a place on the exclusive Condé Nast Gold List for 2011 in the Best Rooms category. The complete list is created after compiling the votes of 25,000 readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine on their ratings of the best hotels, resorts and cruise lines in the world.

Designed with ample space and maximum enjoyment of the beautiful Bay of Banderas in mind, each suite is over 1,000 square feet and boasts a private terrace with sweeping views of the deep blue Mexican Pacific, the majestic Sierra Madre Mountain Range or the resort’s impeccable tropical landscaping and infinity pool. Imported teak furniture from Bali graces the sleeping and living areas, and luxury bath amenities are found in the spacious baths, many of which feature interior jacuzzis and areas to receive insuite spa treatments. The beds feature the finest linens and white goose down comforters, and a deluxe pillow menu is provided to insure a wonderful night’s rest as you listen to the sounds of the gently rolling waves.

With flat-screen televisions, DVD players, robes and slippers and a daily-stocked all-inclusive Minibar, it’s easy to see why our suites received a perfect score. See the complete 2011 Condé Nast Gold List here
http://www.concierge.com/tools/travelawards/goldlist/2011/category/rooms.

In Condé Nast Traveler 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards

Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico (December 8, 2010) – Grand Velas Rivera Nayarit, the all-suite and spa resort located on breathtaking Banderas Bay, was named one of the “Top Resorts” in Mexico by Condé Nast Traveler magazine readers in its 2010 Reader’s Choice Awards. In Condé Nast’s detailed annual survey, the magazine’s readers recognize the world’s premium properties based on the criteria of location, food/dining, overall design, rooms and service.
“I feel honored to accept this great award on behalf of the Grand Velas Rivera Nayarit staff, who have helped the resort to excel by continually striving to achieve the highest level of customer service. I want to also thank our devoted guests for their vote of confidence,” said Rolando Miravete, general manager of Grand Velas Rivera Nayarit.
Exceptional features that helped Grand Velas Rivera Nayarit achieve its top status include the Spa at Grand Velas, the crown jewel of the resort and a member of Leading Spas of the World. The Spa features 20 treatment rooms, over 80 spa treatments, gym and exercise room, spa boutique and beauty salon. The resort’s five restaurants, three of which have been awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award, feature stylish decor and a la carte choices for French, Italian or Mexican cuisine.
Guests also find tiered three-temperature infinity pools, tennis courts, 25,321 total square feet of meeting space, and a family-friendly Kids Club. As a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit’s all 267 guest suites feature stunning ocean views, private terraces, beautiful teakwood furniture, and white goose down comforters and pillows.

por Julieta Del Toro

El spa de Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit le invita a redescubrir el contacto con la naturaleza a través de ceremonias spa basadas en filosofías ancestrales que lo llevarán por los 4 elementos que conforman nuestro universo y constituyen nuestro ser. A base de técnicas milenarias que estimulan la relajación en puntos específicos de nuestro cuerpo, se proporcionan sensaciones de paz y armonía que entablan una conexión profunda con la espiritualidad de nuestro ser, procedimientos que potencializan la energía y la vitalidad por dentro y por fuera.

Cada ceremonia se compone de 5 diferentes servicios que a través de distintas técnicas de masaje proporcionan bienestar y energía.

La ceremonia de agua puede constar de un masaje shirodhara, una terapia con aceite que se vierte en la frente, ideal para eliminar enfermedades de la cabeza y tensiones que afectan al cuello, nariz, ojos, oídos y sistema nervioso en general. Curativo natural y rejuvenecedor.

Sienta toda la energía y la revitalizante luz del fuego con un masaje a 4 manos; empleando movimientos firmes pero suaves, fluidos y circulares que estimulan al cuerpo de manera simétrica y simultánea adentrándose en un estado meditativo y profundamente relajante.

El viento llega con un completo masaje foulard en donde delicados y precisas flexiones y estiramientos en distintas zonas como la cintura, las rodillas, la espalda y los pies le brindarán una deliciosa libertad de movimiento de forma cuidadosa.

El sentir de la tierra tocará lo más profundo de su piel con un relajante masaje con barro noir que suaviza e hidrata la piel con elementos naturales que contienen nutrientes e hidratantes que aportan brillo y energía eliminando las células muertas.

Agua, fuego, tierra y viento transformados en un viaje memorable para sus sentidos que sin duda le ayudará a eliminar cualquier tipo de tensión, desvanecerá el estrés suavemente y le devolverá el vigor a través de una purificación total en un spa de clase mundial.

Viva una experiencia inolvidable de relajación y armonía en un spa de clase mundial, miembro de The Leading Spas of the World en las instalaciones de un hotel reconocido con 5 Diamantes de la AAA que le brindará un servicio como usted lo merece.

Vea nuestra Colección Spa.

by Julieta Del Toro

The Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit Spa invites you to rediscover your connection with nature through spa ceremonies based on ancient philosophies, based on the four elements that form our universe and our beings. These thousand-year-old techniques stimulate relaxation in specific areas of our bodies, bringing sensations of peace and harmony that stimulate a deep connection with our spiritual being and encourage vital energy to flow.   

Each ceremony is composed of five different therapies that provide wellbeing and energy through different massage techniques.  

The water ceremony is a Shirodhara massage, a therapy that includes a stream of oil on the forehead and is ideal for eliminating tension that affects the head, neck, nose, eyes, ears and nervous system in general; a natural and rejuvenating curative treatment.

Feel the energy and revitalizing light of fire with a four-handed massage, using firm but gentle fluid and circular movements that stimulate the body, symmetrically and simultaneously bringing you deep into a meditative and profoundly relaxed state of being.

The wind arrives with a complete Foulard massage in which delicate and precise muscle flexion and stretching in different zones such as the waist, knees, back and feet bring a delicious freedom of movement to your body.

The feeling of the earth will touch the deepest part of your skin with a relaxing massage using  barro noir, or black clay, to smooth and hydrate the skin with natural elements and nutrients that provide shine and energy, eliminating dead cells.

Water, fire, earth and wind are transformed into a memorable journey for the senses that will aid in eliminating all types of tension, softly making stress vanish and returning your energy and vigor during a complete purification in a world-class spa.

Enjoy an unforgettable experience of harmony and wellbeing in a Leading Spa of the World within a AAA Five Diamond-rated resort that pampers you with the level of service you deserve.

Chek our Spa Collection.

By Julieta Del Toro

Velas Resorts invites you to enjoy a spectacular vacation with your family! Imagine starting 2011 in a beach paradise, celebrating with your loved ones in the blue Pacific waters of Velas Vallarta, on the tranquil Bay of Banderas beach of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit or the turquoise Mexican Caribbean of Grand Velas Riviera Maya.

Experience an enchanting getaway full of magical moments that will forever remain in your memory. Celebrate in an environment that has everything for your family. While your little ones have a blast participating in fabulous Kids’ Club activities, you can enjoy the sun, sea and beautiful pools. We also have delicious spa treatments for your children, making them feel like super heroes and princesses as you relax with massages and therapies that will seduce your senses. Enjoy gourmet dining as a family or have a night to yourselves in one of our world-class restaurants.

For a limited time take advantage of our special 2 x 1 Kids Promotion. Pay for one of your children’s stay and receive another child’s stay free. Reserve until the 31st of December for your 2011 vacation.

To reserve, call toll free from the USA and Canada: 1 866 495 9902 | From Mexico: 01 800 831 1162 or email contactcentergv@velashotels.com. Visit www.velasresorts.com for more information about the resorts.

Offer valid only for new reservations made between today and December 31st, 2010. Valid for travel to Velas Vallarta and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit for all of 2011. Valid for travel to Grand Velas Riviera Maya from January 1st to March 30th, 2011. Subject to availability.

Recipe from Lucca, one of Grand Velas Rivera Nayarit’s AAA Four Diamond restaurants

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico –   The 26th annual Puerto Vallarta International Gourmet Festival is on this week until November 21st with an incredible lineup of award winning chefs and innovative menus from around the world.  Dining options include a World Fest Gourmet Party with tapas from five continents and a handmade Xocodiva Chocolate Pairing.  Among the chosen festival locations are Grand Velas Rivera Nayarit’s AAA Four Diamond award wining restaurant Lucca and Velas Vallarta’s popular Restaurant Andrea.  Get a taste of t he festival at home with shrimp stuffed mahi mahi, a delicious blend of traditional ingredients provided by Lucca.

Dorado Relleno de Camarones  

Shrimp Stuffed Mahi Mahi over fried risotto with smoked tomato sauce 

Serves 4

Velas Vallarta is preparing to celebrate “20 years of existence”, making it one of the most established hotels in the area.

It seems like just yesterday that the inspiring scenery of the beautiful port of Vallarta, surrounded by majestic mountains, gorgeous beaches and incredible sunsets, made way for the creation of this marvelous resort complex.

In 1989, Eduardo Vela Ruíz embarked on this adventure with the idea of purchasing condominiums the Marina Vallarta, through which he decided to go further and create a condo-hotel called Velas Vallarta Grand Suites Resort. The project evolved into what today is known as Velas Vallarta Suite Resort and Convention Center.

On the 20th of November, 1989, the complex received the first condominium owners, and on the 16th of December of the same year the section designed for hotel guests was opened, receiving the public with the excellent facilities, service and quality that to date are the hallmarks of the resort. .

In 1992, the person who continues to lead Velas Vallarta, General Director Luis Angarita, joined the company. Setting his sights on excellence, he cleared the way through a difficult path full of competition. Sr. Angarita’s valuable experience in the hospitality industry, dynamism and vision propelled the resort to the highest level, placing it among the best in the entire city.

It was during the renovation of 1999 that the Convention Center was created. This key part of the organization generated important changes, including the addition of over 300 staff members, bringing the total number of collaborators from 200 to 500. The name of the complex then changed to Velas Vallarta Suite Resort and Convention Center.

The new millennium was brought in with a grand celebration, new objectives and the determination to continue to be the preferred vacation destination among national and international tourists. Following a path of continuous improvement, in 2004 an interior transformation of the resort succeeded in maximizing the beauty and décor of the common areas and suites. The Mexican Contemporary style and exquisite minimalistic touches simply exude relaxation and enjoyment.

A history full of success based on great effort, hard work and dedicated people are just a few words that sum up the first 20 years of Velas Vallarta.

Congratulations to all!

Reciente Visita de Lorena Ochoa a Riviera Nayarit

 El 4° Torneo de Golf Aeroméxico reunió, en este destino, a la golfista Número Uno del Mundo con directivos de los principales clientes y socios comerciales de la aerolínea.

Lorena Ochoa volvió a los greens en Riviera Nayarit. La golfista Número Uno del mundo estuvo presente en el 4° Torneo de Golf Aeroméxico que se jugó en días pasados en El Tigre Golf & Country Club de Paradise Village, y que reunió en este destino a directores de los principales clientes y socios comerciales de Aeroméxico.

La golfista, quien se retiró de la LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) en mayo pasado durante el Torneo Tres Marías, pero que sigue compitiendo profesionalmente, se hospedó en Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit en compañía de su esposo, Andrés Conesa, Director General de Aeroméxico, y de los principales directores de la línea aérea.

Además de la presencia de Lorena y el torneo de golf como tal, se ofrecieron otros eventos sociales paralelos a la competencia, en los cuales los participantes y los medios de comunicación podían convivir e intercambiar experiencias con ella, como la rueda de prensa que se realizo en Grand Velas, en la cual previamente se ofreció un cocktail a los medios de comunicación en uno de los espectaculares lugares con que el resort cuenta.

Al término de la rueda de prensa, Lorena Ochoa llegó al cocktail inaugural del cual se retiró temprano para al día siguiente tomar de nueva cuenta los bastones para jugar con los más importantes clientes de Aeroméxico, así como con representantes del destino.

Este evento llegó por primera ocasión a Riviera Nayarit, un destino donde el lujo se combina con la naturaleza y uno de los más importantes entre los amantes del golf, no sólo por la cantidad de campos disponibles sino también porque la calidad y retos que estos presentan; Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit se enorgullece de haber participado como hotel sede y haber tenido el honor de hospedar a la golfista número uno del mundo, Lorena Ochoa.