SOUL ESCAPE by Velas Resorts I 06.2017 EN

BEYOND

ALL-INCLUSIV E,

BEYOND

ALL

C O M PA R E.

0 6 2017

An Artful Tour Wedding Dance Experience New Culinary Director Your Next Big Idea Wine Lovers’ Escape Quinoa Salad

#SoulEscape

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BEYOND ALL-INCLUSIVE, BEYOND ALL COMPARE. TM

06 ADVENTURES

The Magic of the Mayan Ruins An Artful Tour Photo Safari

CONTENTS

14 AS A COUPLE

Wedding Dance Experience Uniting in the Huichol Tradition

20 ELITE New Culinary Director Festival del Chocolate

26 WELLNESSING Family Wellness Getaway Your Next Big Idea Designer Nails

32 GREEN ZONE Kevin the Falcon

36 FOR THE PALATE Taco Day Wine Lovers’ Escape

40 MAKE IT AT HOME Quinoa Salad

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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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ADVENTURES

The Magic of the Mayan Ruins Grand Velas Riviera Maya invites you to discover Mexico’s cultural heritage. Two experiences are now offered, one to Chichén Itzá and the other to Uxmal and the colonial city of Merida, with transportation in private plane included.

The adventure to Chichen Itzá features a private tour guide to explore the largest pre-Columbian city built by the Mayan people, which was first developed between 750 and 900 AD. Also at the site, guests will be treated to a 3-course lunch menu of regional favorites and experience swimming in a cenote (a large, natural sink hole).

As a second option, guests can explore the ruins of Uxmal and Merida, the largest city on the Yucatan peninsula. Representing the pinnacle of late Mayan art and architecture in its design, layout and ornamentation, Uxmal is one of the most important archaeological sites of Mayan culture. A private guide will accompany guests around the UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the towering Pyramid of the Magician and the Governor’s Palace, which is over 12,000 sq. ft. in total.

After visiting Uxmal, the experience features private transportation to Merida for a lunch and city tour complete with carriage ride down the Paseo de Montejo (Montejo Avenue) for a glimpse at the elaborate homes and buildings that still line the main street.

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ADVENTURES

An Artful

Tour

Casa Velas offers tours through the galleries of Puerto Vallarta’s historic centro, for guests who appreciate Mexican culture and crafts ranging from indigenous to contemporary.

The tour begins at Colectika, with modern shapes and techniques that express the ancient traditions and techniques in a modern format. You’ll then explore the work of various artists at the Omar Alonso Gallery and Galería des Artistes, as well as the interior design and sculptures of Alicia Bueno at Nordsouth Gallery. The tour concludes at Café des Artistes, which awaits with a bar of cocktails and coffee to enjoy while admiring the murals o Federico León de la Vega, who also teaches Art & Wine workshops at the hotel.

All of this is part of your All Inclusive plan!

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ADVENTURES

Photo Safari

Experience

Grand Velas Riviera Maya turns guests into expert photographers and delights them with a gourmet picnic. The Safari Photo Experience in partnership with Bushman Photography - portrays the culture of Cobá ruins, age-old caverns; the fauna of Punta Lagoon, home to a sanctuary for spider monkeys; the resort’s architecture with the presence of professional models; and the landscape of the jungle with ceiba and chacá trees, cenotes and mangroves.

During this journey, both experienced and beginner photographers will use a DSLR camera, guided by a professional photographer, while a memory card captures the shots to take home.

For guests who wish to continue enjoying the resort’s gourmet cuisine when outside of the resort, Grand Velas packs a basket that includes wine, salads, cheeses, charcuterie, baguettes and desserts ... the best way to finish off with a picnic!

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MANDALA

BOOK

Discover a new way to relax as you add color to various ancient and spiritual symbols.

Available for purchase at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit boutique.

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AS A COUPLE

Wedding Dance

Experience

Couples getting married at any Velas Resorts property who wish for a magical first dance as husband and wife have found the perfect experience: Wedding Dance.

This experiences offers couples the opportunity to have a unique first dance choreographed by a renowned dancer. A sampling of celebrity dance stars from which the couple can choose as their trainer range from Karen Smirnoff, Anna Trebunskaya, Dmitry Chaplin, Chelsie Hightower, Allison Holker, Brooklyn Fullmer, Lindsay Arnold and Witney Carson of "Dancing with the Stars" to Stephen "Twitch" Boss and Du-Shaunt " Fik-Shun "Stegall from" So You Think You Can Dance ".

Dance styles range from traditional ballroom dancing to hip-hop.

Instruction begins 2-days prior to the ceremony, inclusive of 4 to 6 hours of dance lessons, also available for the bridal party or groomsmen!

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AS A COUPLE

Uniting Two Souls

in the Huichol Tradition Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit now celebrates love with an ocean ritual enriched with the culture of the native Mexicans from the Sierra Madre: the Huichols.

The wedding features all-white attire, musicians playing traditional songs and a Marakame (Huichol shaman priest) to lead the rite.

During the ceremony the couple will walk around the fire with incense, flowers and feathers, to purify their souls where the bride and groom will join hands to pray for good fortune. All this concludes with a romantic beach dinner to honor the newlyweds.

Altruism can also take place since the resort has agreements with different local associations such as CANICA, which supports children with cancer; the DIF that supports the welfare of Mexican families; the Comprehensive Care Center for the Elderly and the Home for orphans; or UNETE, whose mission is to improve the quality of Mexican education.

In its effort to promote the Huichol culture, guests will receive an artisan butterfly made by the Huichol in a recycled wooden box as a farewell amenity from Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. The butterfly represents the transformation and evolution of life; according to a legend if anyone wishes for happiness, they must first capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it and release it. In gratitude for its freedom it will fly high and the wish will be granted.

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GRAND CLASS BY GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA

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ELITE Michel Mustière Named Culinary Director of Mexico’s Velas Resorts

Michel Mustière, former Executive Chef of Grand Velas Riviera Maya, has been named Culinary Director of Velas Resorts in Los Cabos, Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta.

The renowned Maître Cuisinier de France will spearhead everything from new menu development and culinary events with visiting chefs to “foodie” experiences. He will also lead the team of executive chefs in the resorts’ 22 gourmet restaurants, from French and Asian, to Mexican, Italian, and a contemporary tasting venue, Cocina de Autor.

With more than 25 years of culinary experience in various countries and different prestigious restaurants and hotels worldwide, Mustière demands extreme attention to detail thus ensuring excellence in each dish.

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ELITE

Festival del Chocolate

Celebrating it in all its forms

In homage to cacao, one of Mexico’s most traditional ancestral delights, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit provided guests and visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the properties of ‘the food of the gods’ with tastings, workshops and even an interactive exhibit.

The festival took place from September 11-14, 2017. Guest chocolate experts including Chef Armando Muñoz Vasconcelos, founder of DRUPA Chocolate Interactive Museum in Tabasco; Luz Angélica de la Mora, creator of Chocolates de la Mora; Chef José Ramón Castillo, founder of “Que Bo! Chocolatería Mexicana Evolutiva”; Sonia Espinola de la Llave, Director of the José Cuervo Foundation and Operations Manager of Mundo Cuervo; and Olivia Gonazález de Alegría, founder and director of the Gastronomic Institute of Higher Learning in Querétaro, spoke about chocolate, its history, creation, products and pairing.

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A J O U R N E Y O F G R AT I T U D E

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A wellbeing event offering workshops, accommodation in Wellness Suites and experiences dedicated to mental and physical health and harmony.

COMING SOON

[ in Los Ca bos] November 22 - 26, 2017

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WELLNESSING

Family

Wellness Getaway Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers a profound wellbeing and relaxation escape for the entire family. The Family Wellness Getaway features a private yoga class and meditation session on the beach, healthy cooking classes and in-suite digital detox amenities (the Digital Detox concierge is in charge of taking away all the digital items in the suite, and replacing them with board games).

Restorative oceanfront Spa treatments and a revitalizing water ceremony at SE Spa are included for all members of the family.

Also, a state-of-the-art Life Fitness Center and endless sport activities offer entertainment for more athletic guests.

Additionally, families will delight their palates in the fine-dining restaurants with healthy and delicious gourmet options.

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WELLNESSING

Your Next Big Idea Grand Velas Los Cabos now offers guests staying at the resort a curated schedule of stimulating activities designed to inspire their next big idea.

As part of the B.I.G. (Big Idea Getaway) package, guests are greeted with the Welcome Brain Cocktail, fashioned to stimulate creativity flow in the brain. During their stay in a Wellness Suite - with aromatherapy and music for meditation - they’ll enjoy a 50-minute massage, nutritionist consultations and yoga included.

There is even a Tech Concierge and Book Butler designated to help find the perfect inspirational book to further stimulate ideas.

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WELLNESSING

New

Designer Nails Casa Velas pampers guests with a new manicure and pedicure by the pool. From the comfort of your lounge chair, under the warmth of the sun with a chilled cocktail, the poolside Spa service features a relaxing hand massage with reflexology and a paraffin treatment.

In addition, pedicures include a massage with hot stones, which help to soothe and relax inflamed feet. Guests can jazz up their nail experience with a painted lotus flower or peacock feather, plentifully seen throughout the boutique hotel, or authentic Huichol bead, used in the local folk art of the native people.

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GREEN ZONE

Kevin the

Falcon

Kevin is a five-year-old Harris Falcon. Authorized by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, he works at Velas Vallarta to prevent pigeons and zanate birds from invading the garden and pool areas, allowing guests to relax in peace on their lounge chairs with food and drinks.

When Kevin sees a bird invading the area, his instinct tells him to hunt it, but the trainer releases him at a disadvantage so that he only scares it off. Kevin is trained using positive encouragement based on repetition, food and rewards. He is also completely harmless to guests, who can safely observe and pet him.

Within just three months of Kevin’s arrival, the resort was able to control 90% of all food waste and litter from birds. He works by conducting patrol flights; the first is during breakfast from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., followed by a lunch patrol from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

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FOR THE PALATE 36

National Taco Day On October 4, 2017, foodie travelers will celebrate National Taco Day at the Velas Resorts properties. How? With insuite DIY Taco Bar, taco and tequila pairings, and the $25K world’s most expensive taco.

The insuite DIY Taco Bar is available 24 hours a day and offers a variety of tortillas, Mexican fillings and sauces, as well as toppings like traditional guacamole and melted Oaxaca cheese.

Skillfully selected taco and tequila pairings combine the finest quality fish, shrimp and rib eye tacos with top-shelf tequila At the new Grand Velas Los Cabos, a $25K taco includes such premium ingredients as langoustine, Kobe beef, Almas Beluga caviar and black truffle brie cheese topped with an exotic salsa comprised of dried Morita chili peppers. Ley.925 ultra-premium añejo tequila and civet coffee tops the taco which is served on a gold flake-infused corn tortilla. The World’s Most Expensive Taco was created by the resort’s Executive Chef Juan Licerio Alcala.

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FOR THE PALATE

Wine Lovers’ Getaway Grand Velas Los Cabos is the perfect escape for oenophiles looking to explore Mexico’s fine wines.

The Getaway features a private jet ride to Ensenada, dinner in the middle of the vineyard from the resort’s two-star-Michelin Chef Sidney Schutte, wine-infused Spa treatments and a Grape Mud Massage.

The renowned sommelier Don Pedro Poncelis Brambila will escort guests on the wine adventure to Monte Xanic, Viñas de Garza and Casa de Piedra for private tastings before heading to the D’Poncelis vineyard to make their own wine which they will receive a case of to bring home.

Guests can upgrade the experience further to stay in the Presidential or Imperial Suite, to garner amenities such as a daily restocked minibar with the finest wine, spirits, champagne, Tequila and Mezcal.

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FOR THE PALATE

Quinoa Salad INGREDIENTS Quinoa: • 2 c. black quinoa • 4 c. water • 1 tsp. salt Citrus Vinaigrette: • ½ c. yuzu • 1 orange • 2 limes • ½ c. soy sauce Peanut oil: • • • • •

¼ c. vegetable oil ⅓ c. peanuts 2 dried arbol chiles ¼ tsp. liquid smoke 1 tsp. shichimi

Toppings: • 2 c. beets • ½ c. coarse salt (to taste) • ½ c. tofu • ½ c. hearts of palm • ⅔ c. arugula • ⅔ c. purslane

PREPARATION: For the quinoa: Cook the quinoa in boiling water for 15 minutes (should be al dente). Remove from heat, strain if necessary and reserve.

For the vinaigrette: Mix all ingredients in a bowl and reserve.

For the peanut oil: Heat the vegetable oil. Remove the seeds from the arbol chiles, and slice into fine rounds. Add to the oil and fry. Remove from heat, blend with the liquid smoke, peanuts and schichimi, and reserve.

For the toppings: Slice the beets as desired, season with salt and peanut oil and reserve. Cut the tofu into one-centimeter cubes and reserve. Slice the hearts of palm into three different sizes. Pass a torch over the edges of the hearts of palm to darken.

Plate the dish with toppings and decorate with arugula and purslane.

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OLINALĂ BOXES A colorful welcome gift made by artisans in the state of Guerrero; painted with flowers, animals and landscapes, and filled with Mexican sweets.

Available at Grand Velas Los Cabos.

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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

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