BEYOND
ALL-I NCLUSIV E,
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0 3 2017
Velas Resorts Adds to its
Collection of Accolades Mexico Has So Many Surprises in Store Grand Velas Fashion Show 2017 Surf & Turf: Nouvelle Tacos Chef Light Joins Sen Lin
#SoulEscape
BEYOND ALL-INCLUSIVE, BEYOND ALL COMPARE
CONTENTS
AWARDS Velas Resorts Adds to its Collection of Accolades
10 ADVENTURES Mexico Has So Many Surprises in Store
14 ELITE
Sip & Savor: From Raffle to Auction Grand Velas Fashion Show 2017
20 GREEN ZONE
Home of the Peacocks
22 FOR THE PALATE Surf & Turf: Nouvelle Tacos Learning to Make Yucatan Delights Chef Light Joins Sen Lin
MAKE IT AT HOME Baby Corn Antojitos
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LOS CABOS · RIVIERA MAYA · RIVIERA NAYARIT · PUERTO VALLARTA
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GR A N D V E L A S Riviera Nayarit Riviera Maya Los Cabos C A SA V E L A S Puerto Vallarta V E L A S V A L L A R T A Puerto Vallarta
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FAUNA | G R A N D V E L A S R I V I E R A N A Y A R I T
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AWARDS
Velas Resorts Adds to its
Collection of Accolades Velas Resorts continue to offer innovative services and activities, and these aspects have recently garnered new recognition.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Forbes Travel Guide included this resort on its prestigious list of “12 Top Destinations Of 2017”.
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Leading travel consortia Virtuoso selected Grand Velas Los Cabos as part of its “Hotels & Resorts” program, a select list of the best luxury properties, made up of 989 hotels in more than 80 countries. The resort is also now No. 1 in the destination on TripAdvisor, just four months after opening!
Grand Velas Riviera Maya and Casa Velas
EarthCheck is a leading organization in sustainable tourism certification that validates adherence to strict environmental policies. It recently awarded Casa Velas and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarait with Gold Level Certification, for the third and second year respectively.
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BABY CONCIERGE SERVICE OUR LITTLEST GUESTS ARE VIPS TOO! Options available for babies' comfort: Cribs • Strollers • Bath Items • Toys and More
Service available at all Grand Velas Resorts.
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ADVENTURES
Summer 2017 Velas Resorts invites you to enjoy a luxury experience that conveys our family values and traditions; where we take care of all the details so you don’t have to! We have carefully tailored our offerings for everyone to find their summer bliss, from babies to toddlers, energetic kids to easily-bored teens, parents who need to relax, and the honored senior members of the family. Delight in our Baby Concierge services, creative Kids’ Clubs, state-of-the-art Teens’ Clubs and multi-generational Spa menus. Plus, kids receive a welcome kit with items they can use during their stay and take home as souvenirs, including a backpack, t-shirt, cap and coloring book. Spend time together as you relax in the Mexican sun - activities planned for the summer season include: • Picnic parties with juggling, magic, seal and bird shows • Arts and crafts • Drive-in movie with snacks and drinks • Mini disco • Cooking lessons • Dance classes • Ping pong • Water polo • Cupcake decorating • Pirate Night • Mayan, Fire, Fantasy, Samba and Break Dancing Shows
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ADVENTURES
There are also plenty of ways to experience maximum romance and relaxation. Adults enjoy the tranquility of the natural surroundings, with the ocean, lush greenery and glowing sunsets, plus a number of things to do. Activities for adults include: • Romantic experiences (movies on the beach, night of stargazing, serenade and more) • Yoga and pilates • Beer tasting • Cooking lessons • Martinis and hookahs • Salsa Night with live music • Wine and cheese tasting • Spa Atelier workshops • Fire and Dance Show • Casino Night • Tequila and mezcal tasting These activities are just a fraction of the program, and activities vary from resort to resort. Guests can review the program upon arrival and consult their Concierge with any questions. Summer at Velas Resorts is an experience that will exceed every member of the family’s expectations!
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ELITE
Sip & Savor:
From Raffle to Auction On April 28th Grand Velas Los Cabos held its Sip & Savor event, featuring a raffle to raise funds for the Los Cabos Children’s Foundation. The grand prize was the chance to be the first to taste the most expensive taco in the world, paired with a shot of Ley .925 tequila from the "La Ley del Diamante" bottle. It is an honor to announce that this magnificent combination generated a total of $27,960 USD for the foundation, which is dedicated to children’s health in Los Cabos and Baja California Sur. The money will be used to carry out oncology, cardiology and pediatric intensive care programs. The celebration included a taco and tequila tasting, the presentation of the "La Ley del Diamante" bottle, and a raffle drawing that became a surprise auction. The bottle was moved to the hotel ballroom, escorted by two security guards. The tacos were paraded through the crowd by the resort’s Executive Chef Juan Licerio and his team, to be tasted by the auction winner Mike Patterson and his wife (of the United States). However, Mr. Patterson gave the honor to two other guests; Reyna Houston, a Los Cabos real estate owner, and another guest who remained anonymous. Both stated that the tacos and tequila were "totally delicious."
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ELITE For the third year in a row, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is on the frontlines of fashion with its upcoming Fashion Show 2017. The resort will hold this long-awaited event to honor the art of fashion on June 10, 2017, featuring renowned Mexican designer Raquel Orozco who will be presenting her Resort 2017 collection for the first time. Guests are invited to this exclusive fashion show (along with a list of celebrities and top fashion bloggers) and will even have the chance to chat with the designer during a Meet & Greet. The garments will be available in the resort boutique, the designer’s official boutiques and her e-boutique: www.raquelorozco.mx. About the Designer The Raquel Orozco brand was established in 2008, when the designer sought to create something different and entirely her own. In the beginning, her cosmopolitan style and love of fashion led her to design line of casual dresses; the line was then complemented until it reached the conception of a wardrobe complete with blouses, trousers and other items. The essence and style of Raquel’s designs combine the characteristics of an empowered, elegant, comfortable, feminine and unique woman. These elements have been vital to the development of her namesake brand. Raquel Orozco’s avant-garde perception has led her to carry out innovative projects such as the presentation of her collection in a Fashion Film, named one of the top 10 in the world’s leading Fashion Film Festival; A Shaded View on Fashion Film (ASVOFF). This year, she showed her FW17 collection at one of fashion’s most important events; Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2017 in Mexico City.
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Gym | G R A N D V E L A S L O S C A B O S
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GREEN ZONE
The Peacocks
of Casa Velas Casa Velas is home to some of the region’s most representative wildlife, and the hotel is known for its privileged green landscape complemented by the colors of the tropical Puerto Vallarta flowers. However, flowers aren’t the only colorful presence amidst the green surroundings; they are also complemented by the blue and green tones of one of the most spectacular birds in the animal kingdom: the peacock. The hotel ensures the permanent care of these peaceful animals; Sergio Alcántar in the pool area and Arturo Ramírez, Chief of Prevention, monitor, observe and feed them every day. Adult peacocks require an open area in which to live and reproduce; they come to collect their own food, placed in a few containers throughout the property along with their water. In the mornings, they tend to feed before retiring to quieter places; in the afternoons, they feed again before going to sleep. The peacock mating season begins in the months of April and May. The peahens lay their eggs in protected areas such as the high parts of the planters, to prevent other animals from damaging them or attempting to eat them. After spotting the eggs, the hotel staff supervises them until they hatch. The peahens can have up to 6 peachicks per nest, and after they are born they are sheltered next to their mother in a covered cage, where they are given special food until they are large enough to be released. They are also vaccinated to keep them in excellent health.
Did you know?
At the end of 2016, white and brown peahens were born at the hotel for the first time. They eat cashews, and often gather on the lobby terrace.
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FOR THE PALATE
Learning to Make
Yucatan Delights Grand Velas Riviera Maya now offers guests a new foodie experience inspired by recipes of the region. Taught by the resort’s Mayan Chef, Humberto May Tamay, guests can discover the Mexican flavors of traditional Yucatecan cuisine during an intimate cooking class. Traditional techniques are showcased during the class, which results in a three-course meal of recipes that have been passed from generation to generation and kept as the jewels of the Yucatan peninsula’s cuisine. Sample dishes included Mexican “antojitos” like empanadas and gorditas; tikinxic (pronounced "teekeen sheek”) which is made with fresh fish, annatto paste, white vinegar and sour oranges; and crispy corn cake with caramel and tamarind sauce. The cost of the class is $40 per person. Each guest receives a copy of the recipes and a Grand Velas apron to take home. Available for 10 - 16 people per session, the class takes place at the resort’s Yucatán restaurant, Chaká, situated amid tropical jungle foliage of mangroves and Salam, Chechen and Chaká trees.
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FOR THE PALATE 24
Nouvelle Surf & Turf Tacos Velas Vallarta has added a menu of "nouvelle" tacos to its culinary offering, allowing guests to combine flavors and make their own tacos. All orders contain fried calamari rings, garlic and chile shrimp, grilled steak and grilled marinated pork; served with crispy tortilla chips and red, white and green tortillas. Top your tacos with any combination of pico de gallo, cilantro, red onion, lime, red salsa, green salsa and guacamole. The tacos can also be accompanied by a bottle of wine or pitcher of traditional margaritas.
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FOR THE PALATE
Chef Light Joins Sen Lin
Wayu “Light” Wattanakamin has been named Head Restaurant Chef of Sen Lin restaurant at Grand Velas Riviera Maya. In his new role, Chef Light will develop a new menu for the Asian-inspired restaurant, balancing modern and ancient cuisine that plays on new textures and original presentations with the traditional ingredients. The appointment is effective immediately. Originally from Thailand, with 14 years of culinary-industry experience, Wattanakamin began his career after culinary school by opening his own restaurant. He later explored international cuisine at the Sahara Resorts in Kuwait, the Millennium Plaza Hotel in Dubai, the Diplomatic Club in Doha and many more throughout Europe and Malaysia. Most recently, Wattanakamin headed up the Signature Restaurant at Banyan Tree Mayakoba. His experience and talent create a combination of inspiration that stem from recipes passed down from his mom, keeping traditional food and flavors of the Thai Kitchen in every dish. Sen Lin is one of five gourmet dinner restaurants at Grand Velas Riviera Maya. The restaurant offers authentic Asian decor indoors and outdoor views from the terrace of the Yucatan’s lush jungle setting.
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MAKE IT AT HOME
Mexican Baby Corn
Antojitos Grand Velas Riviera Maya shares this traditional recipe for antojitos, which can be defined as a craving - any type of tasty appetizer, snack, light bite or even a more substantial dish. Created by Executive Chef of Restaurant Frida Ricardo de la Vega, it’s perfect for a gathering of family or friends.
Baby Corn Topped with Pork Rind (Serves 10) INGREDIENTS:
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20 pieces baby corn 1 c. garlic mayonnaise ¾ c. Huichol Hot Sauce or Valentina Sauce (similar to Tabasco Sauce) 1 c. grated cotija cheese 1 c. pork rinds chopped and well roasted, to make a crunchy powder ½ c. epazote leaves 2/3 c. olive oil 60 pieces epazote sprouts 4 tbs. lemon juice
DIRECTIONS: Grind the epazote leaves and mix with the olive oil. Marinate the baby corn in the mixture for 2 hours. Mix the pork rind and the cotija cheese and reserve. Roast baby corn. Cover with lemon juice, garlic mayonnaise and the mixture of pork rind with cheese. Add the Huichol or Valentina sauce to taste. Garnish with epazote sprouts.
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ROMANCE LUXURY SHOP
COMING SOON velasresorts.com/romance-experience
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RIVIERA NAYARIT Av. Cocoteros 98 Sur, Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, México, C.P. 63735 1 877 503 028 reservations@velasresorts.com
RIVIERA MAYA Carretera Cancún-Tulum Km. 62. Playa del Carmen, Municipio de Solidaridad, Quintana Roo, México, C.P. 77710 1 877 487 9674 reservations@velasresorts.com
LOS CABOS Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 17.3, Cabo San Lucas - San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur. C.P. 23405 1 877 503 0286 reservations@velasresorts.com
Pelícanos #311, Fracc. Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, C.P. 48354 1 877 503 0317 reservations@velasresorts.com
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Paseo de la Marina Norte #585, Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, México, C.P. 48354 1 877 503 0318 reservations@velasresorts.com
Piscina | V E L A S V A L L A R T A
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#SoulEscape