BEYOND
ALL-INCLUSIV E,
BEYOND
ALL
C O M PA R E.
0 7 2017
The AAA Five Diamond Award Tequila Experience Food & Art Fest The Best of Cocina de Autor Wellnessing Getaway New Executive Chefs
#SoulEscape
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BEYOND ALL-INCLUSIVE, BEYOND ALL COMPARE. TM
06 AWARDS
Grand Velas Los Cabos receives the AAA Five Diamond Award
CONTENTS
08 JOURNEYS Tequila Experience Beach and Jungle Vacations The Spirit of December A Celebration Full of Memories
20 ELITE Food & Art Fest The Best of Cocina de Autor Leaders in Design
28 WELLNESSING Wellnessing Getaway Antigravity Yoga Kaab Aqua Forza Natural Spa Ingredients
40 FOR THE PALATE New Executive Chefs Mexican Cantina A Not-So-Traditional Turkey
46 MAKE IT AT HOME DÃa de Muertos Delights
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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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SKY BAR | G R A N D V E L A S L O S C A B O S
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AWARDS
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Now Holds the AAA Five Diamond Award
Less than a year after opening, Grand Velas Los Cabos received the AAA Five Diamond Award, granted to just 112 of the 28,000 properties evaluated around the world. Now all three Grand Velas resorts (in the Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit and Los Cabos) hold the title, and Velas Resorts affirms its position as the hospitality group with the highest number of AAA Diamonds (48) outside of the United States.
Other Awards The Best of 2017 - Platinum Choice Awards
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Grand Velas Riviera Maya were included on Condé Nast’s yearly lists of “Top Resorts in Western Mexico” and “Top Resorts in Eastern Mexico”, respectively.
World Luxury Spa Awards
SE Spa at Grand Velas Riviera Maya won the categories of “Best Luxury Destination Spa” on the continental level and “Best Luxury Resort Spa” in the country during the World Luxury Spa Awards 2017.
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JOURNEYS
Tequila Experience Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers guests the opportunity to learn about the distillation process and characteristics of this iconic beverage during an experience that includes transportation in a private plane to the pueblo mágico of Tequila, lunch amidst the agave fields and an exclusive tasting at Casa San Matías. During the trip, they’ll create their own tequila and take it home in a bottle featuring Huichol designs.
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JOURNEYS
Vacations on the Beach and in the Jungle Guests visiting Grand Velas Riviera Maya no longer need to choose between a breathing taking beach-front view or serene jungle suite. They’ll enjoy two distinct ambiances: Zen Grand, which highlights the lush Riviera Maya greenery, and Grand Class, an oceanfront paradise for adults only. This adventure includes Spa treatments that combine the properties of coffee and cocoa; foodie experiences at the Yucatecan restaurant Chaká, and even a picnic overlooking the sea. On the beach, they’ll enjoy snorkeling, diving and kayaking; while in the jungle, there’s an Ecotour for learning about the region’s flora and fauna, and even the chance to plant a tree!
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FIESTA
MEXICANA Velas Vallarta invites you to a colorful Mexican Fiesta full of tradition, flavor and music. Our weekly fiesta is included in your All-Inclusive plan!
Celebrate every Sunday starting at 6:30 p.m.
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JOURNEYS
The Spirit of December Velas Resorts is already celebrating the joy of Christmas at each property. To enjoy the warmth of the season and continue with your yearly traditions you can request a Christmas tree in your suite, either decorated or with separate ornaments to decorate as a family. The arrival of Santa and gifts for your loved ones doesn’t have to wait till you get home, as everything can be easily planned with our online store! During this time, charity also plays a very important role. Guests are invited to buy gifts to be donated to the Children’s Cancer Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for children and teens with the disease. The wide range of activities at the resorts include daily theme shows, Santa’s Workshop and the traditional Letter to Santa. Happy New Year Celebrate in a very special way, with an endless ocean view, the sea breeze caressing your face, and the sand beneath your feet. Ring in the year 2018 and make one of your resolutions to pamper yourself and your family!
www.velasresorts.com/christmas
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JOURNEYS
A Celebration Full of Memories To celebrate Día de Los Muertos on November 2nd, guest of Velas Vallarta had the opportunity to decorate catrinas, or skull masks, and sugar skulls which were then placed on the resort’s altar. Artists of Jalisco and the neighboring state of Michoacan also had their work on display. Día de Muertos is celebrated throughout Mexico in honor and remembrance of those who have passed before us. Elaborate altars are created in the hopes that their spirits will visit from the afterlife to reunite with their loved ones once again. La Catrina is one of the most important symbols of Día de Muertos because it represents Mexico’s resilience and willingness to laugh at death, instead of fearing it. These elegantly-dressed skeletons serve as a reminder that in death we are all equal, regardless of our social class.
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GRAND CLASS I GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA
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ELITE
As part of the Festival Gourmet International held from November 11-20, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit hosted its second consecutive Food & Art Fest featuring works by artist à lvaro Nieto. Guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner by Isaac Esparza, Sous Chef of the resort, and guest of honor Roberto Sierra, Executive Chef of restaurant Frida at Grand Velas Los Cabos. With this event, the Grand Velas brand once again exhibited its commitment to art in all its forms, and next year’s event will undoubtedly have many surprises in store!
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ELITE
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From October 25-28, Grand Velas Riviera Maya held the third edition of its annual “The Best Of” event, whose theme this year was creative signature cuisine, or Cocina de Autor. Each evening Chefs Mikel Alonso, Bruno Oteiza, Sidney Schutte, Josean Alija, Xavier Pérez and host Nahúm Velasco shared their avant-garde cuisine in a 10-course tasting menu highlighting 100%-Mexican ingredients; with exclusive wine pairings.
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UNLIMITED GOLF Enjoy the exclusivity of the Marina Vallarta and Vista Vallarta golf courses during your stay at Casa Velas.
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ELITE
Leaders in Design Grand Velas Los Cabos was recently awarded six gold medals during the IX Bienal Iberoamericana CIDI of Interior Design, Design and Landscape 2017-2018 in Mexico City. For the first time at any hotel, the interior design, furnishings and décor of the various dining venues and common areas were commissioned from five different firms: Melín Castro Design for the lobby, SE Spa, Amat café, the boutique and Kids’ and Teens’ Clubs; Ernesto Vela Arquitectos for Velas 10, the Koi Bar and Autor Bar (as well as the Grand Class, Presidential and Imperial Suites); Cassal Diseño for restaurant Piaf (as well as the Wellness and Governor Suites); Niz + Chauvet for the interior design of Azul; and Ezequiel Farca for the design of Frida and Lucca restaurants.
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WELLNESSING
An event created by Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Grand Velas Los Cabos resorts, our Wellnessing Getaway features wellness seminars, healthy cooking classes, fitness sessions, Spa treatments and much more. The getaway can be perfectly complemented by accommodation in Wellness Suites with exclusive amenities and services such as personal training and massages. From October 4-7, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offered fitness classes such as antigravity yoga, a therapeutic concert, juice therapy and informational sessions on cancer and aging. From November 22-26, Grand Velas Los Cabos featured special guests such as Eleanor Hoh, who taught wok and vegetarian cooking and Rebecca-Louise; a fitness expert in various types of exercise. With their resounding success, these wellbeing escapes marked a trend in the field of physical and spiritual health.
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WELLNESSING
Antigravity Yoga Perfect for improving health and increasing physical agility, this fitness activity debuted during the Wellnessing Getaway at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. The class was such a hit that the resort is now offering the activity on a continuing basis. Guests enjoy the benefits of being suspended in Harrison Antigravity hammocks and performing exercises to improve posture and decompress the spine and joints.
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WELLNESSING 32
Kaab Treatment SE Spa by Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers an 80-minute regional treatment utilizing organic honey, vanilla and chaká leaves from the Yucatan Peninsula. The therapy is inspired by the ancient practices of the Mayan people and begins with a facial and body massage with natural honey from the nectar of the xtabentún flower. It continues with an elixir bath with medicinal chaká leaves, which fill the body with energy. To complete the experience, a vanilla balm is applied to the skin. After the treatment, you’re invited to enjoy healthy snacks with ingredients like maca, hemp and chia seeds, cocoa, cinnamon and acai.
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Reopening of Lucca Restaurant GRAND VELAS RIVIERA NAYARIT
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WELLNESSING 36
Aqua Forza Guests of Grand Velas Riviera Maya now enjoy innovative Aqua Forza classes, an on-water style of physical conditioning that offers innumerable benefits related to cardiovascular stability and flexibility. This training technique challenges the human body with low impact exercises using one's own body weight. Other benefits include improvement of breathing, blood circulation and heart rate; it also leads to increased muscle mass and endurance. Even stability, concentration and state of mind are positively impacted by this technique, which is now booming worldwide.
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WELLNESSING 38
Natural Spa Ingredients The ABJA Spa menu at Casa Velas includes a variety of natural treatments. The addition of herbs such as cloves and horsetail from the hotel’s botanical garden helps create therapies that detoxify, tone and provide relief (from facials to body wraps). Don’t miss the opportunity to experience them!
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FOR THE PALATE 40
New Executive Chefs Velas Resorts announces the arrival of three new Executive Chefs: Guillermo Carmona at Velas Vallarta, Alejandro Goche at Casa Velas and Guillaume MorancĂŠ at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit.
Guillermo Carmona Originally from Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas, Guillermo Carmona moved to the United States at the age of 18, where he worked in various restaurants. It was there that he “accidentally found his love for cuisine”. He began his career at the Corbuse School in Queretaro, specializing in Mexican and French cuisine. He has worked for prominent resorts as Sous and Executive Chef, such as Iberostar and Beach Palace in Cozumel, Le Blanc in Cancun and Zoëtry Agua in Punta Cana. He is a lover of innovation and experimentation. Today, he is Executive Chef of Velas Vallarta, where his talents please every palate.
Alejandro Goche Born in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Chef Goche began his career in the famed restaurants Le Kliff and Café de Artistes. During his time at Café des Artistes, he won the gourmet Mexican cooking competition organized by Thierry Blouet, the restaurant’s chef and proprietor. His career has led him to manage the culinary programs of prominent resorts such as El Cid in Mazatlan and Piaf restaurant at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Today, he is the Executive Chef of sister property Casa Velas.
Guillaume Morancé Originally from the Paris region of France, Guillaume Morance studied at the Hotel School of Brunoy and is a member of the prestigious Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and the Académie Culinaire de France, as well as the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. He started his career in some of the best hotels in Paris, such as the Lancaster and Le Meridien, and later in the prestigious Potel et Chabot. He arrived in Mexico in 2001 and opened his own restaurant: Bistro 21, serving international cuisine in the state of Michoacán. He is drawn to simple cuisine where the ingredients are the star. Today he leads the kitchens of Grand Vela Nayarit, to delight guests with inspired creations that incorporate all his experience and creativity.
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Mexican Cantina The Cantina at Velas Vallarta invites guests to enjoy an exquisite selection of meals and beverages typical of a classic Mexican Cantina. Each evening, the cantina features a singer to provide a pleasant ambiance with traditional melodies from the region, with mariachi as the grand finale, bringing the Mexican atmosphere to new heights. This new gourmet cultural experience is open until Easter!
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FOR THE PALATE
A Not-So-Traditional Turkey Velas Resorts in Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, the Riviera Nayarit and Riviera Maya celebrated Thanksgiving with special dishes including sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie to complement the secret turkey recipe created by Michel Mustière, Culinary Director for all the resorts.
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MAKE IT AT HOME
Día de Muertos Delights Día de Muertos is one of Mexico’s most traditional celebrations and one of the richest in terms of its symbolism and rituals. For those who couldn’t join us during the season, Casa Velas shares a recipe for pan de muerto, and Grand Velas Riviera Maya shares its Tun-Tun cocktail, created by new mixologist David Hernandez. Let’s get started!
INGREDIENTS:
Makes 20 pieces
• 4 ¼ c. flour • 10 tbs. butter • 6 eggs • 8 tsp. orange zest • 3 tsp. cinnamon
• 2 ⅛ c. whole milk • 4 tbs. Salt • ½ c. sugar • 3 ⅓ tbs. yeast
INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat the oven to 350° F | 180° C. Mix the flour with the yeast. Form a hole in the center and add the salt, sugar, orange zest and butter. Add the eggs one by one and mix until well combined. Add the milk and knead for 30-40 minutes or 15 minutes in a mixer with dough hook. Allow to rest until doubled in volume. Then, shape the dough into the desired form. Bake for 25 minutes or until done.
INGREDIENTS:
Tun-Tun Cocktail
• 1 ½ oz. tequila blanco • 1 oz. evaporated milk • 1 oz. almond liqueur
• ½ tbs. agave syrup • 1 tbs. pumpkin purée • Dash of Angostura Bitters
INSTRUCTIONS: Mix all ingredients well. Strain twice into a glass rimmed with cookie crumbs. Top with a little whipped cream and nutmeg. Enjoy!
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My First Haircut With the gentlest touch and details to make the occasion ultra-special, this service is available to babies and their families at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit.
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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
GRAND CLASS | G R A N D V E L A S R I V I E R A M A Y A
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