Experience Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

[English version see below.]

Cortesía de/Courtesy: Restaurante Emiliano | Casa Velas Hotel Boutique

Sorbete de Maracuyá

Ingredientes:

Pulpa de maracuya 250 gr | Agua 175 ml | Azúcar 125 gr | Hielo frapé lo necesario | Sal de grano lo necesario

Procedimiento:

Calentar el agua, al primer herbor agregar el azucar y mezclar hasta disolverse.  Retirar del fuego y agregar la pulpa de maracuya , colocar en un recipiente cilindrico y dejar enfriar.

Colocar como base , un recipiente de mayor tamaño que el que contiene la mezcla de maracuya, vertir el hielo y vertir sal para endurecer el hielo.  Girar el recipiente de encima mientras baja el liquido de las paredes, con una pala pastelera hasta que se forme la consistencia de sorbete. ¡Que lo disfrute!

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Passion Fruit Sorbet

Ingredients:

Passion fruit 250 gr | water 175 ml | sugar 125 gr | shaved ice as necessary | salt as necessary

Procedure:

Heat the water until it begins to boil, then add the sugar and stir until fully diluted.

Turn off heat and add the passion fruit pulp, stirring well.

Place the mixture in a cylindrical container and let cool to room temperature.

Pour the ice into a bowl or container large enough to hold the container of passion fruit mixture, and surround the ice with a layer of the coarse salt (salt helps the ice to stay firm and keeps it from melting).

Place the cylinder with the passion fruit mixture in the larger bowl.

Turn the cylinder while stirring the passion fruit mixture with a rubber spatula, scraping down the sides until a firm consistency is reached.

Scoop into small bowls or cocktail glasses, garnish with mint and enjoy!

One of the favorite activities of guests of Velas Vallarta is finding a beautiful spot at the hotel to enjoy a good book.
For this reason, just a few months ago, the guests themselves created a very interesting book exchange within the hotel. Near the pool area, at the towel station, a wide variety of books can be found. The books have been given to the hotel by guests so that everyone is able to take one and possibly leave one that they have already read, or even exchange the book with another person.

Velas Vallarta Suite Resort and Convention Center

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 This program has come about in a relaxed and informal way, with a great reception from lovers of the written word, who take advantage of their vacation time to read as they sunbathe and rest.

by Julieta Del Toro

Puerto Vallarta is one of the most beautiful and well-known tourist destinations in all of Mexico.  It is also the favorite site of various species such as majestic whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Among all of the animals that visit Puerto Vallarta, some of the most interesting are the giant sea turtles that return year after year to the golden beaches to lay their eggs. In recognition of these beautiful animals and in order to preserve and protect the species, the government and private businesses have created programs to collect the turtle eggs and guard them during their incubation process until the baby turtles can be released and return to the sea. 

Species such as the Gulf Turtle (lepidochelys olivácea) and the Laúd Turtle (dermochelys coriácea), are some of the many that visit the tranquil beaches of the Pacific Coast.

It all starts at the beginning of June. Camps are established on the key beaches of the Bay of Banderas, the eggs that are found are deposited in turtle corrals and observed by various organizations, and the general public often helps.  Here the eggs will stay for their 45- 50 day incubation period. Then, during the final days of August, the baby turtles are released. The release coincides with the summer season, in which vacationers are able to participate in this unique and special activity.

Join this beautiful activity, and experience with your kids of the opportunity to set these dear friends free!

Courtesy of Riviera Nayarit Convention and Events Bureau

by Julieta Del Toro

Here we find the enchanting ambience of a Pacific fishing village where life flows without distraction or hurry, hidden in the beautiful Riviera Nayarit. Located southwest of Tepic about 100 kilometers from the Bay of Banderas, this beautiful beach is approximately 1 kilometer long and 40 meters wide. Surrounded by exuberant tropical jungle vegetation, it has fine pearlescent sand spectacular mild-temperature turquoise waters.

To see the best of Lo de Marcos, there is nothing like a trip on a lancha, or inflatable motorboat around the whole bay of Rincon de Guayabitos, Coral and Crab Islands, and Beso and Tortugas beaches. Tour Las Minitas beach (a scant 2 kilometers away), bathe in its crystal waters and enjoy the moderate swells of the breaking waves. Later you can savor exquisite fresh fish prepared local style, chat with the inhabitants of this enchanting village, and then grab a chair and head for the beach with a book to wait for the beautiful sunset.

Courtesy: Riviera Nayarit Convention and Events Bureau

With sweet, modest bungalows and areas for camping, Lo de Marcos is intimate, affordable and relaxing; ideal for those who seek tranquility in a beautiful place away from noise and stress.
This is a magical place to get to know and enjoy.

por Julieta Del Toro

Con el encantador ambiente de una pacífica villa de pescadores donde la vida transita sin distracciones y sin prisas, escondido en la hermosa Riviera Nayarit. Ubicada al suroeste de Tepic, a unos 100 Km en el municipio de Bahía, esta bellísima playa tiene una extensión aproximada de 1 Km de largo por 40 m de ancho con arena de textura fina y aperlada, aguas espectaculares de un azul turquesa y temperatura templada, además de una vegetación exuberante de selva tropical.

Para conocer mejor Lo de Marcos, nada como un paseo en lancha por toda la Bahía de Rincón de Guayabitos, las islas Coral y el Cangrejo, las playas del Beso y Tortugas; recorrer la playa de las Minitas, (a escasos 2 Km) bañarse en sus aguas cristalinas y disfrutar del oleaje suave y moderado; después, saborear de un exquisito pescado preparado al estilo local, charlar con los habitantes de este pueblito encantador y posteriormente, tomar una silla plegable, su libro de cabecera y dirigirse hacia algún punto aislado sobre la playa, colocarla de cara al horizonte, y esperar a ver cómo más tarde se funde el sol con el mar.

Cortesía de la Oficina de Eventos y Convenciones de Riviera Nayarit

Pequeñas áreas con bonitos búngalos modestos y zonas para acampar, Lo de Marcos es económico, íntimo y relajante, ideal para quienes buscan la tranquilidad de un sitio hermoso y apartado del ruido y el estrés.

Un destino mágico para conocer y disfrutar.

por Julieta Del Toro

Puerto Vallarta es uno de los destinos turísticos más hermosos y concurridos de todo el país, pero además, resulta ser el sitio favorito de varias especies como las majestuosas ballenas, los delfines o los lobos marinos; de entre todas estas, destaca la tortuga marina que año con año escoge las doradas playas de Vallarta para desovar. Por esta razón y siguiendo con el proyecto de conservación y protección de las especies, dependencias de gobierno y empresas privadas han creado programas que consisten en recolectar a las tortugas y salvaguardarlas en todo su proceso de incubación hasta que son liberadas para que vuelvan al mar.

Especies como la tortuga Golfina (lepidochelys olivácea) o la tortuga Laúd (dermochelys coriácea) la más grande y espectacular por su tamaño, son algunas de las muchas que durante esta temporada visitan las tranquilas playas de la costa del Pacífico.

Todo se desarrolla a partir del mes de junio; se establecen campamentos en las playas clave dentro de la Bahía de Banderas, las tortugas que se encuentran son depositadas en corrales tortugueros que son vigilados por diversas organizaciones y público en general que se ofrece a colaborar. Ahí permanecen de 45 a 50 días que son los que se requieren para su incubación y posteriormente (en los últimos días de agosto) se da inicio a las liberaciones, por lo que coincide con la temporada de verano en la que los vacacionistas pueden participar de esta magnífica oportunidad de realizar una actividad única y especial.

No se pierda esta maravillosa experiencia y disfrute con sus pequeños la aventura de ayudar a estas bellas amigas a regresar a casa.

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.

por Julieta Del Toro

Sin duda una manera de divertirse y disfrutar de la maravillosa diversidad de  especies marinas que habitan Puerto Vallarta, es a través de alguna de las actividades en donde se puede convivir de cerca con ellas.

Una de las favoritas por turistas de todas las edades, es el encuentro con  lobos marinos. Estos bigotudos y graciosos mamíferos acuáticos conocidos por su inteligencia, su manera de juguetear y sus  peculiares sonidos, son parientes  de las focas (Otáridos). Al igual que los otros miembros de esta familia, se distinguen por sus oídos externos, su largo y flexible cuello, miembros elásticos y su aleta trasera que puede ser usada para caminar en tierra. Se diferencian de las focas principalmente porque tienen pelo delgado, corto y áspero en lugar de suave y grueso.

La mayoría de la gente no tiene la oportunidad de observar lobos marinos en el mar, y por esta razón, en Puerto Vallarta se brindan distintos tours en donde se tiene la oportunidad de convivir con ellos a una corta distancia. Estos programas de nado con lobos marinos son además de entretenidos, una forma de educar a quienes los visitan; a través de personal capacitado, se aprende y se conoce de una mejor manera todo acerca de estas increíbles criaturas. Una experiencia fabulosa  que no puede dejar pasar en su próxima visita a Puerto Vallarta.

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.

The weekend is around the corner. Bring a little bit of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit to your table and delight the people you love with this exquisite recipe:

Duo of Filet Mignon and Mahi-Mahi over Roasted Vegetable Ragout with Mushrooms Glazed in Cabernet Sauce.

[The recipe is for one portion].

Ingredients:

6 oz. piece of Filet mignon | 3 oz. piece of Mahi-Mahi or other firm, white-flesh fish | ½ cup zucchini chopped into ½ inch cubes | ½ cup chopped, assorted color bell peppers, cut into ½ inch cubes | 1/3 cup sliced mushrooms | 3 medium asparagus stalks | salt and pepper to taste | olive oil for sautéing | 2 tbs. butter at room temperature | ¼ cup plus one tablespoon veal stock | ¼ cup plus one tablespoon good quality Cabernet Sauvignon

Preparation:
If you have not already done so, wash and slice vegetables (minus mushrooms and asparagus) into ½ inch cubes. In a heavy skillet, sauté the zucchini and bell peppers in olive oil over medium heat to desired doneness. Season with salt and pepper and set aside (keep warm).

Season steak and mahi-mahi with salt and pepper and sear on the grill or grill pan on each side and transfer to oven-safe pan. Place pan in oven preheated to 350 degrees for 8 minutes to finish cooking.

In the same skillet that the vegetables were cooked in, reduce veal stock for 2-3 minutes over medium heat. Add wine and room-temperature butter. Season with salt and pepper and reduce to desired consistency.

While sauce is reducing, season asparagus and mushrooms with salt and pepper and grill to desired doneness. Glaze mushrooms with wine sauce.

Plate your dish by making a small mound of the roasted vegetables and grilled asparagus in the center, topped by the Mahi-Mahi. To the side place the filet mignon surrounded by the glazed mushrooms.

Bon apetit!