Experience Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Excellence in Service and Top Producers for supporting the effort to promote international tourism to Mexico.

RCI is an important and well-recognized organization in the vacation exchange and vacation property industry, and being recognized as an RCI Gold Crown Resort honors the resort’s quality facilities, services, and comfort and attention provided to its guests.

The awards were presented by Gonzalo Maqueda Cornejo, RCI Vice President of Service and Special Resort Solutions for Latin America and the Caribbean, and Angélica Hernández Medina, RCI Senior Manager of Resort Services in the lush tropical gardens of Velas Vallarta Resort. They were proudly received by Luis Angarita Mayorga, general manager of the resort and the most productive RCI salespeople, whose work is carried out in call centers throughout the world.

New Velas Weddings Website Launches Contest to Win “Beyond All-inclusive, Beyond All Compare” Bridal Package In Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit

Puerto Vallarta (February 9, 2011) – “Beyond all-inclusive, beyond all compare,” Velas Resorts make dreams come true this year with a photo contest to win a complete luxury all-inclusive beach wedding at AAA Five-Diamond Grand Velas Rivera Nayarit and a three-night honeymoon at Casa Velas, Puerto Vallarta’s most exclusive adults-only boutique hotel and ocean club. The winning couple will spend four days and three nights in a luxury ocean-front suite at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, in addition to a complete wedding ceremony for up to 8 guests that includes a welcome dinner, symbolic ceremony, full wedding reception, decorations, minister, live music, wedding cake, three-hour open bar, and more. A 50-minute couples massage, photographic session by Dream Art, gift certificate and necklace for the bride from Diamond International, and lingerie for the bride from ëa Lingerie top off the wedding package. At Casa Velas, the honeymoon comes complete with VIP roundtrip airport transportation service, accommodations in a Grand Class Suite with private plunge pool, bottle of champagne or wine upon arrival, one Spa Experience for two, gourmet dining and premium beverages. Second prize winners receive a three-night honeymoon at Velas Vallarta, where they will stay in a luxury ocean-view suite and enjoy champagne, a romantic dinner, “Rhythms of the Night” boat tour for two, and more special romance amenities. The contest takes place from Valentine’s Day to March 14th on Velas Weddings’ new weddings dedicated site that features a bridal planner, testimonials, blog, packages and more.

Residents of USA, Canada, and Mexico are welcome to participate by sending a creative photo along with 50-100 words describing why you want your wedding to be at Velas Resorts. For more details on how to submit, please visit http://www.velasweddings.com/. All entry photos will be published at http://www.velasweddings.com/. The Velas Resorts Communication Committee will choose the best 14 finalists, based on originality, enthusiasm, and emotion, and the public will select the first prize winners among the finalists.

Entries must be submitted between February 14th and March 14, 2011. Public voting will occur from March 16th-31st, 2011, and the winners notified on April 1st, 2011. For more information, visit http://www.velasweddings.com/

Encontraste al afortunado, tienes el anillo, probablemente ya fijaron la fecha, ya te imaginaste esa boda de ensueño en un jardín maravilloso o quizá a la orilla del mar con la brisa ondeando tu cabello y el atardecer enmarcando ese momento.Lo demás es sencillísimo, ¿qué puede salir mal? Sólo falta elegir el vestido, hacer la lista de invitados, su familia, tus amigos, el pastel, la cena… Sin embargo, el estrés se sale de control; hay tantas cosas y detalles en que pensar porque tu boda tiene que ser ¡simplemente  la mejor!

Dónde, qué decoración, qué colores, quiénes serán las damas de honor, ¡las flores!, registro civil, una ceremonia grande o pequeña, infinidad de pendientes. Ese presupuesto que no te deja tranquila y a donde sea que voltees no dejas de ver números y todos los preparativos.

No te preocupes más. ¡Aquí comienza la magia! Velas Resorts está preparando algo grande, un concurso con increíbles premios que harán tu boda  única e inolvidable.

Mantente en línea.

By Nyima Bierber

You found the guy. You’ve got the ring. You’ve set a date. Or maybe not. A lovely spring wedding with chirping birds or a brisk autumn affair beneath the changing leaves? A winter wonderland reception or a sultry summer celebration? From here it’s simple right- a dress, a guest list, a little cake and menu tasting? But no, now the stress sets in- there’s so many things to think about!

Venues, color schemes, flowers, bridesmaids, decorations, marriage licenses, big, small, everyone you know or a select few? Oh and the gosh-darned budget hanging over your head, everywhere you turn its numbers and items waiting to be checked off!

Get ready for something big from Velas Resorts. Something that just might help with the pre-wedding anxiety and planning. A contest like no other with a grand prize that will make your wedding planning breezy and your big day into a dream. Stay tuned for details!

por Julieta Del Toro

Cada año, de diciembre a marzo, las aguas del Pacífico mexicano se engalanan con la presencia de uno de los más encantadores mamíferos marinos, la ballena jorobada.

Hacia los siglos XVI Y XVII, desde San Blas hasta el actual Nuevo Vallarta, ya se le conocía a esta parte de la región como La Bahía del Jorobado debido al gran avistamiento de estas hermosas criaturas.

Oficialmente, el inicio de avistamientos para este año está marcado para el día 8 de diciembre, esto según datos de la Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT). Se informó además, que se otorgaron 200 permisos especiales para el servicio de avistamientos a embarcaciones de la región, cuyas tripulaciones han sido capacitadas para que quienes vivan esta experiencia la disfruten al máximo y que de igual forma, las especies no se vean afectadas.

Grupos de ballena macho se pueden encontrar en la zona de Rincón de Guayabitos luciéndose y tratando de conquistar a una hembra dando espectaculares saltos para impresionarla, mientras que en el área de Bahía de Banderas, las madres enseñan a sus crías a sumergirse lentamente y con gráciles movimientos.

Cabe destacar que además de la ballena jorobada, a estas cálidas aguas, llegan especies como ballenas grises y orcas; con un poco de suerte, puede gozar del espectáculo natural de estos maravillosos animales.

¡No pierda la oportunidad de admirar este sensacional espectáculo natural!

Reserve su lugar para vivir esta experiencia inolvidable.

Observe este espectacular video:

By Julieta Del Toro

Every year from December to March, the waters of the Mexican Pacific are graced with the presence of one of the most enchanting marine mammals, the humpback whale.

Since the 16th and 17th centuries the area from San Blas to what is now Nuevo Vallarta was known as The Bay of the Humpback, due to its grand sighting of these beautiful creatures.

The whale season for this year officially starts on the 8th of December, according to the Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). The Secretary’s office grants 200 special permits per year to recreational boats in the area, whose crews have been specially trained in responsible whale watching and to provide the best possible experience to those who go on whale-watching tours.

Groups of male whales can be found near Rincón de Guayabitos, showing themselves off and attempting to conquer a female by performing impressive leaps into the air to impress them. In the Bay of Banderas, mother whales teach their young to dive slowly and gracefully.

It is important to mention that in addition to the humpback whales, the area is visited by other species such as gray whales and orcas; with a little luck, one can see these marvelous animals as well.

Come to Velas Vallarta and take advantage of the perfect Whale Watching Package to enjoy this incredible natural show. Don’t miss the opportunity to see these wonderful creatures!

watch this amazing video:

Art, Music and Gastronomy

Courtesy of Convention Visitors Bureau, Riviera Nayarit

Once again the Chalk Festival and gourmet expo returns to the Riviera Nayarit, where professional artists will use different urban art techniques to create a visual delight for each spectator. The event is scheduled in Bucerias from the 19th to the 21st of January, between Benito Juarez and Galeana.

The artists will participate with creations based on the theme “Los Niños de Nayarit” (The children of Nayarit), competing for cash prizes. On the 21st, a workshop will be offered for 150 children.

On par with this art exposition, Jazz performer Armi will play, and attendees will enjoy special appetizers and dishes prepared by local restaurants in the area. As if that weren’t enough, local artisans will also present their work. Bucerias Craft Club and Bucerias Chalk Art Walk are the organizers of this event.

Festival del Gis

Arte, música y gastronomía

Cortesía de la Oficina de Convenciones y Visitantes, Riviera Nayarit 

Regresa el festival del Gis y la muestra gastronómica a Riviera Nayarit, donde artistas especializados en dibujo utilizarán distintas técnicas de arte urbano en tercera dimensión, creando un deleite visual para cada espectador. La cita es en Bucerías del 19 al 21 de enero, entre los cruces Benito Juárez y Galeana.

Los artistas participarán con creaciones basadas en el tema “Los Niños de Nayarit” compitiendo por premios en efectivo; además, el día 21 se ofrecerá un taller para 150 niños.

A la par de esta muestra de arte se presentará el jazzista Armi, en donde podrá disfrutar de bocadillos y platillos especiales preparados por los restaurantes de la zona. Por si fuera poco, conocerá el increíble trabajo de artesanos locales. Bucerías Craft Club y Bucerías Chalk Art Walk, se dieron a la tarea de organizar este evento.

Here in Mexico, festivals are huge celebrations originally based on the rich pre-Hispanic cultural heritage and religious fervor brought by Spanish colonialism. During these celebrations the deepest sentiments of Mexico can be felt, along with the social values that each region contributes.

An integral part of society, the festivals serve as a support for the social structure and have contributed to maintaining cultural identity and traditional values, as well as helping to avoid community disintegration.

Mexico has a well-deserved reputation as a lively country; it follows the traditions formed during its pre-Hispanic period and maintains the intent to preserve them despite the new religious values imposed by the Spanish during the conquest. Mexicans in every state celebrate important dates and national holidays, as well as more than 5000 fairs and festivals with farming, agricultural, commercial or simply fun themes.

Among this range of celebrations, 2010 is memorable (not only for Mexico but for other nations such as Columbia, Argentina, Chile and Venezuela) as the year of the Bicentennial anniversary of our independence from Spain. This year Mexico commemorates 200 years since the beginning of the struggle (which ended in 1821), when Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla announced the start of the rebellion to the entire country with the famous cry, “¡Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe! ¡Abajo el mal gobierno! ¡Viva Fernando VII!” (Long live the Virgin of Guadalupe! Down with the government! Long live Fernando VII!)

In honor of such rich history and tradition, Velas Vallarta has prepared a great celebration to end the year of the Bicentennial. We would like to share the last minutes of 2010 and the first minutes of 2011 in the company of our good friends and guests with a very Mexican festival, complete with typical dishes, colors, flavors and games that are always part of our celebrations, all accompanied by Mariachi and traditional folkloric ballet.

Please join us and be part of our history!

By Julieta Del Toro

We invite you to experience a night with your partner in an incomparable setting that will awaken your senses and transport you to a world of exotic beauty and pagan mysticism.

The adventure begins with a sunset cruise through the blue waters of the Bay of Banderas to the secluded cove of Las Caletas. A beautifully decorated private table and exquisite dishes await you, to enjoy amidst the romance and silence of the candlelight. Your servers attend to you almost unnoticed, allowing you to share this intimate moment in peace.

When night falls, Las Caletas transforms into a mysterious and enchanting place as the Rhythms of the Night show begins; a performance in which dance and music portray ancient mythological prehispanic rituals. The rolling of the waves, the sea breeze, the hypnotic swaying of the palms and the flickering torches create a captivating environment for this amazing show, one that is sure to remain forever in your memory.

For more information about the Rhythms of the Night, call 01-800-831-1162 or visit our website www.velasresorts.com

This fantastic opportunity cannot be missed.