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

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.

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

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The Bay of Banderas, home to Puerto Vallarta and the Marieta Islands, is an exceptional setting for observing humpback whales during the winter and part of the spring. Year after year the whales arrive on the Mexican Coast to rest after their long trip from Alaska to the equator, mate and give birth to their young.

La Bahía de Banderas, donde se encuentra Puerto Vallarta y las Islas Marietas, son en el invierno y parte de la primavera, un escenario excepcional para admirar las ballenas jorobadas, que año tras año arriban a costas mexicanas a reposar de su largo viaje desde Alaska hacia el Ecuador, para aparearse, dar a luz y amamantar sus crías.

por Manuel Calderón de la Barca

The bride walks slowly toward the altar backed by a pink, postcard-perfect sunset as a soft breeze blows and the waves gently crash on the sand in a never-ending dance. The guests are dazzled by her brilliant white dress that floats freely about her, perfuming the air as the groom anxiously waits at the end of the walkway.

This is the kind of scene that we all wish to see when we speak of a memorable wedding. Velas Vallarta, a resort situated between the blue waters of the Bay of Banderas and the Sierra Madre mountain range, is the place that has it all to create this picturesque moment.

Allow us to make your wedding a magical adventure, with All-Inclusive Luxury, just as you have always imagined.

Enjoy an incomparable soirée enhanced by a full range of lavish surprises prepared especially for you and your guests. Details such as having a personal coordinator for the event, decorations full of gorgeous fresh flowers, an amazing wedding cake, a romantic 3-course dinner paired with excellent wine, and much more will make this moment unforgettable.

For more information, contact our wedding coordinator or visit our website www.velasweddings.com for photos, advice and ideas for your dream wedding.

From México: 01 800 837 3982

From the USA & Canada: 1 866 868 0922

Email: weddings@velasresorts.com

¡Llegó el momento de elegir al ganador de una boda de ensueño! Los 14 finalistas del concurso Quiero mi boda en Velas Resorts ya han sido seleccionados.

Muchas gracias a todos los participantes de este emocionante concurso! Recibimos tantas fotos increíbles e historias maravillosas, que la elección de los finalistas fue muy reñida. Después de mucha deliberación y debate además de un análisis exhaustivo de las historias, tenemos ya a los felices 14 finalistas. La elección de cada uno de ellos estuvo basada en su historia y la habilidad de mostrar el amor que se tienen, así como la creatividad de la foto. Aquí podrás revisar todas las fotos participantes http://3.ly/9P32 y podrás votar por tu foto favorita en esta liga: http://3.ly/3NWv.

El ganador del segundo lugar se elegirá entre los 201 participantes y será aquella foto que muestre mayor creatividad. ¡Mucha suerte!

Time to decide who will win a beach wedding! The 14 finalists in the Velas Resorts Wedding Contest have been chosen.

Thank you to all of our contestants for participating in the Velas Resorts Wedding Contest! We received so many incredible photos and histories that the Communications Committee had an extremely tough time choosing among all of the great entries. After much deliberation and debate, the 14 finalists have now been chosen! They were decided upon based on the pair’s history as a couple and the creativity shown in their photo. You can see all contest entries here: http://3.ly/9P32 and help your favorite couple to win here: http://3.ly/3NWv. The second prize winner has yet to be chosen! This prize winner does not have to be one of the 14 finalists, and will be based solely on the creativity displayed in the entry photo. Good luck!

To see all the wonderful entries again, take a look through the slideshow. Don’t forget to click on the actual photos to read the beautiful stories!

Recipe from Velas Vallarta Resort in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (March 15, 2011) – Fine dining restaurant Andrea at Velas Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta brings mouthwatering authentic Mexican cuisine to your kitchen with this easy-to-make salsa recipe perfect for Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for “fifth of May”) is a holiday held on May 5 that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla and is a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.

Preparation: dice the tomatoes, onions, cilantro and chiles. Mix with the olive oil and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Alejandra offers an a la carte menu of delectable dishes and live music daily. Award-winning chefs create a flavorful fusion of contemporary Mexican and world-inspired cuisine artfully prepared and presented. For more information on Velas Vallarta visit http://www.velasvallarta.com or call 866-847-4609 for reservations.

In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Velas Vallarta is one of four Velas Resorts, which have earned 26 AAA Diamonds and other numerous prestigious international awards for its services and facilities, among them Conde Nast’s “Most Excellent Resort” and “Most Excellent Spa Hotel,” AAA’s 5 Diamond Award, and the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences’ 5 Star Diamond Award.

The Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta are looking forward to the 2011 Banderas Bay Regatta! This year will be the 19th year that this 5 day, non-profit event takes place. It is designed mainly for Cruisers and features fun but competitive races. Catamarans and race boats join in too. The signature event of the Vallarta Yacht Club, the Banderas Bay Regatta also includes live music and entertainment during nightly fiestas. Event takes place from March 8-12, 2011. For details please visit http://www.banderasbayregatta.com/.