AAA Inspector's Best of 5 Diamond Awarded to Grand Velas Los Cabos

Resort Received a Rating of 5.4 out of 5 by the Inspector, Putting it in the Top 20% of All Five Diamond Inspected & Approved Properties

CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico, -- Grand Velas Los Cabos has been distinguished among the best of the best by AAA, now named among the AAA Inspector's Best of 5 Diamonds collection. Less than 2 years after opening, the resort received a rating of 5.4 out of 5 by the inspector, putting it in the top 20% of all Five Diamond Inspected & Approved properties. Resorts recognized by Five Diamonds have demonstrated "ultimate luxury, sophistication and comfort with extraordinary physical attributes, meticulous personalized service, extensive amenities and impeccable standards of excellence" to an anonymous inspector according to the AAA website.

Grand Velas Los Cabos offers the next generation of all-inclusive amenities and facilities including a selection of gourmet specialty restaurants led by top chefs, including two star Michelin chef Sidney Schutte; oversize designer suites, some with plunge pools; a world class spa; staff ratio of 3 to 1; exceptional meeting facilities, and a commitment to the environment. The beachfront property has enhanced signature facilities and services of Grand Velas resorts including duplex wellness suites with juice bars, wine-based features inspired by the proximity to the region producing Mexico's fine wines, and dramatic ocean views and unique spaces infusing every area of the resort.

Rates at Grand Velas Los Cabos' all-inclusive resort start at $582 per person per night in double occupancy. Rate includes luxury suite accommodations, 24-hour in-suite service, gourmet, premium branded beverages, nightly entertainment, taxes, gratuity, and more. For reservations or additional information, please call 1-888-407-4869 or visit https://loscabos.grandvelas.com/.

About Grand Velas Los Cabos:
The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Los Cabos on Mexico's Baja Peninsula offers the next generation of all-inclusive amenities and facilities with dramatic ocean views and unique spaces infusing every area of the resort. Located between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the beachfront property features 304 ocean view suites, all over 1,180 sq. ft. with private terraces and some personal plunge pools. Duplex wellness suites have designated fitness amenities, a personal Wellness Concierge and healthy food and beverages in suite. Grand Velas Los Cabos features five gourmet restaurants led by top chefs, including two star Michelin chef Sidney Schutte, complemented by an extensive beverage program and wine based features inspired by the proximity to Mexico's fine wine region. A staff ratio of 3 to 1; 16,370 sq. ft. convention center with the capability for 20 breakout rooms; 35,000 sq. ft. Se Spa with 16 treatment rooms and hydrotherapy facility; three pools; and pool and beach concierges are available. Rounding out the list of amenities and services are a Technogym Fitness Center with personal trainers, exercise programs, yoga, Pilates and meditation; recreational activities program; separate teens' and kids' club facilities and activities program; 24-hour personal concierge service; baby concierge; and 24-hour in-suite service. Opening soon, a gallery of contemporary art will continue the company's commitment to bringing the art, fashion and culture of Mexico to guests. The curved, half-moon design of the hotel catches eyes along the corridor with an iconic grand entrance that's open air, three stories high and over 300 ft. above sea level. All of this beachfront, just 35 minutes from the Los Cabos International Airport which directly services over 40 destinations in the United States, Canada and Latin America. A member of the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Program, Grand Velas Los Cabos was built and is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. For reservations or additional information, please call 1-888-407-4869 or visit https://loscabos.grandvelas.com/.

SOURCE Grand Velas Los Cabos

Mexico’s Velas Resorts Announces Opening of Grand Velas Los Cabos, November 2016

Special Wine Features, Commitment to the Arts, Dramatic Ocean Views, Hard to Top Wellness Suites & More Up the Ante The “Beyond All Inclusive, Beyond All Compare” Velas Resorts announces the opening of Grand Velas Los Cabos on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula in November 2016. The $150 million resort is the fifth property of the family owned and operated company with over 20 years of tradition in hospitality. The beachfront property will have enhanced signature facilities and services of Grand Velas resorts including duplex wellness suites with juice bars, wine based features inspired by the proximity to the region producing Mexico’s fine wines, and dramatic ocean views and unique spaces infusing every area of the resort. A gallery of contemporary art will continue the company’s commitment to bringing the art, fashion and culture of Mexico to guests. Grand Velas Los Cabos will offer the next generation of all-inclusive amenities and facilities including a selection of gourmet specialty restaurants, oversize designer suites with plunge pools, a Leading Spa of the World, staff ratio of 3 to 1, exceptional meeting facilities and a commitment to the environment.  Located between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, Grand Velas Los Cabos will feature 306 ocean view suites, all over 1,180 sq. ft. with private terraces and personal plunge pools. In addition, five gourmet restaurants with an extensive beverage and wine program;  a 16,370 sq. ft. convention center with the capability for 20 breakout rooms; 19,375 sq. ft. spa with 20 treatment rooms and a leading hydrotherapy facility; three pools, including one adults-only; and pool and beach concierges are available. Rounding out the list of amenities and services are a Life Fitness Center with personal trainers, exercise programs, yoga, Pilates and meditation; recreational activities program; separate teens’ and kids’ club facilities and activities program; 24-hour personalized butler concierge service; and 24-hour insuite service. The curved, half-moon design of the hotel will catch eyes along the corridor with an iconic grand entrance that’s open air, three stories high and over 300 ft. above sea level. All of this beachfront, just 35 minutes from the Los Cabos International Airport which directly services over 40 destinations in the United States, Canada and Latin America. Gourmet Culinary Program Grand Velas Los Cabos’ variety of gourmet restaurants, quality of the ingredients, creativity, presentation, and foodie experiences allow guests to explore and savor a worldly fusion of flavors without leaving the comfort of the resort. Food, creativity and presentation comparable to that of top restaurants in world capitals will be served in the resort’s signature restaurant, such as Cocina de Autor which will be helmed by a renowned chef. Other on-property fine dining options include Frida, offering Mexican fine dining; Piaf, which serves gourmet French specialties; and Lucca, with a menu of traditional Italian cuisine. For guests seeking a casual dining experience, the all-day dining restaurant Azul offers panoramic beach vistas and a relaxing, open-air, yet air-conditioned, environment in which to indulge in international cuisine. Bistro focuses on fresh seafood. 24-hour In-Suite Dining is also offered. Offering innovative libations and sensory ambiances for every mood, the resort features three diverse bars: Sky Bar, Bistro Bar and Koi Sports Bar and Dancing Lounge. Highlights of the casually elegant space at Koi include a dramatic marble bar, state of the art sound and video equipment and comfortable seating groups. A DJ will spin the latest hits for guests’ listening and dancing pleasure with a dedicated dance floor. All restaurants and bars are designed to take full advantage of the stunning views and have indoor and open air seating. Renowned for the best Mexican wines, Baja California furthers its appeal for wine aficionados at Grand Velas Los Cabos. In addition to a Grand Velas-labeled wine, the resort will feature wine pairings at dinner, ultra-premium wines from Ensenada, and wine tastings. Unique dining events, coffee bar, foodie experiences, premium liquor brands, cigar room, and custom cocktails in innovative ways are also planned for the resort. Designer Suites Stylish suites vary in size from 1,180 to 3,412 sq. ft., while all feature ocean views, private terrace with sitting area and plunge pool, separate living area with sofa, king or two queen beds, expansive bathroom with Jacuzzi and built-in shower. Daily turndown, personal concierge service, daily stocked premium mini-bar with refreshments and snacks, Nespresso Coffee Maker, high definition flat screen with digital cable TV, L’Occitane bath amenities, goose down pillows and comforters, and a pillow menu are also available insuite. A highlight of the suite is the full bottle of artisanal Mezcal, made exclusively for the resort. In the multi-bedroom Governor and Presidential Suites, a bottle of the finest wine from Ensenda also greets guests. All six two-level Wellness Suites are double height with lofted ceilings and feature a plethora of fitness and wellness amenities, such as Life Fitness recline bike, spa concierge, Vitamin C sprinkler, crudité minibar, aromatherapy kit, in-suite massage and more. All Wellness Suites face the spa with the second level being exclusive for the fitness amenities, inclusive of a juice bar with a wide selection of juices and healthy beverages. Interior design is contemporary Mexican with touches inspired by traditional Mexican architecture, a signature of Grand Velas Resorts. Ricardo Elias, principal of Elias and Elias Architects in Guadalajara, who designed the highly acclaimed Grand Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit, returned once again to Grand Velas as the architectural designer for the Los Cabos location. The resort’s interior design was created by architects Roberto Elias and Ernesto Vela and interior designer Melin Castro. Signature Spa The two-level, 19,375 sq. ft. Spa at Grand Velas Los Cabos will have 20 treatment rooms, some with a water view. Guests will enjoy authentic and innovative treatments using the latest technology and products of the Earth, traditional in the Mexican culture. Included in any treatment of 50 minutes or more, hydrotherapy facilities feature dry saunas, cold plunge pools, vitality pools, whirlpools, herbal steam rooms with color-therapy, clay and ice rooms and experience showers. A beauty salon, spa boutique, Life Fitness center, and rooftop garden for events are also available for guests. Meetings and Events The Convention Center at Grand Velas Los Cabos will offer 16,370 sq. ft. of flexible event space, with the capacity to hold up to 1,700 attendees. With two large ballrooms, the greater being over 10,700 sq. ft., the space can be conveniently divided into 20 breakout rooms. The resort features a dedicated area for events, the only at a hotel in the destination, for everyone from family groups and weddings to private dinners. “Our convention center will undoubtedly be one of the largest and most functional of the area that will be able to accommodate a wide variety of top national and international meetings and conventions,” said Eduardo Vela Ruiz, majority owner, founder and president of Velas Resorts. In addition to customizable meeting space, the resort offers top-of-the-line audio-visual equipment, technical support, secretarial and translation services, and a fully-equipped business center. With its convenient location to the airport, special pre- and- post -group rates, and easy access to an abundance of local activities, Grand Velas is a perfect destination for a meeting and a vacation all in one. The resort’s expert meetings and events team is dedicated to deliver accessible, well-equipped and exceptional meetings and events tailored to every guest need. Leisure Activities A leisurely day at the resort is effortless with a sun-soaked afternoon walking miles of uninterrupted beach or lounging at one of the three heated pools.  The pools’ design is inspired by the flora and marine life of the area. An adults-only pool will epitomize Zen and serenity for those looking for total rest and relaxation. All are infinity pools providing maximum views of the Sea of Cortes and its famed whale watching. Grand Velas also offers a collection of workout programs such as yoga and Pilates. For families travelling with children, Grand Velas’ Kids’ Club offers a safe, fun and creative environment to explore interactive activities such as soccer, treasure hunting and cooking classes.  The resort’s Teens’ Club is a contemporary space where teens from 13-18 years old can enjoy their own mini vacation. The Teens’ Club will feature an extensive game room complete with an X-Box Kinect, pool table, air hockey, ping pong, foosball, karaoke set with vintage dance floor and more. Eco-Friendly Hospitality Practices Grand Velas Los Cabos has been meticulously designed to exist harmoniously within its fragile environment. To create the site for the resort, several hundred trees and cacti that only grow a centimeter a year were dug up and will be transplanted so all are used, protecting the native flora and fauna of the region. Eliminating the need to rely upon local and regional natural resources, Grand Velas Los Cabos’ Reverse-Osmosis Desalting Plants operate self-sufficiently. For every liter of potable water, the resort will be able to re-use 2.54 cups for general purposes, while 1.69 cups are returned to the subsoil, aiding in the conservation of the environment. Saving 30% of all water used in the entire laundry process, the laundry facilities include a water treatment plant that efficiently filters soapy waters to then be used in the rinsing process. The residual water treatment facility receives and processes all the water from the entire resort, which is then used for the watering of all exterior gardens and surrounding mangroves and jungle. For more reservations or more information on Grand Velas Los Cabos, please call 1-888-407-4869 or visit www.velasresorts.com. About Velas Resorts: Offering unparalleled all-inclusive experiences, the four Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit have earned more than 43 AAA Diamonds, including the prestigious Five Diamond Award. Other esteemed international awards for their services and facilities include Virtuoso's "Best Spa", Conde Nast Johansens' "Most Excellent Resort" and "Most Excellent Spa Hotel" and the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences' 5 Star Diamond Award. Properties include Casa Velas named the 8th Best Hotel in the World on The Expedia® 2013 Insiders' Select List, a boutique adults-only hotel and ocean club located on the Marina Vallarta Golf Course, and Velas Vallarta a family-friendly all suites resort and spa located on Banderas Bay, both in Puerto Vallarta; and the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit located in Riviera Nayarit. Completing the group is Grand Velas Riviera Maya, located five minutes from Playa del Carmen, offering the most sophisticated, ultra luxury all-inclusive resort experience in the Caribbean with jungle and beach settings. Velas Resorts feature spacious accommodations, spas, a unique culinary experience at a selection of restaurants, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness centers, Butler service, state of the art conference centers, extensive family programs, fully stocked mini bar and more. Velas Resorts are operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, majority owner, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela by his side, vice president of Velas Resorts.

The Ultimate Guide To Whale Watching In Los Cabos

Each year in early winter, one of nature's most delightful signs of seasonal change occurs - the migration of hundreds of whales from the frigid waters of the arctic to the warm, calm waters surrounding the Baja Peninsula.

In recent years, whale watching has become a growing tourism trend and Los Cabos is no stranger to receiving visitors looking for up-close encounters with the ocean's largest mammals. To provide guests with a seamless experience, many hotels in the area partner with local tour providers to offer whale watching packages lasting through the end of the season, which begins in December and ends in March.

Of the 11 whale species found worldwide, eight venture to the waters surrounding Los Cabos each year, including minke, bryde, fin, sei, humpback, gray and blue. The whales make their way south at an average speed of four miles per hour and complete the 12,000-mile migration by mid-December, staying until late March when they repeat their journey. This six-month, round-trip sojourn is the longest trip made by any animal in the world.

There are many ways to observe these magnificent cetaceans in their natural habitat. During this time of year, several hotels offer special packages to cater to guests looking to maximize their whale watching experience, complete with top-notch accommodations and, in some cases, even additional perks.

• Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort offers a one-of-a-kind Whale Safari Experience where guests embark on a journey to discover the magnificent whale species that migrate to Los Cabos. Guests are first transported by private jet to Loreto and then enjoy a helicopter ride to San Ignacio taking in the awe-inspiring views of Sierra de la Giganta. After a day of whale watching, guests finish their excursion with a romantic picnic set up on Honeymoon Cove prior to jetting back to Las Ventanas. The next morning guests continue the journey in search of the playful humpback whales. Prices (inclusive of taxes and service charge) start at $21,500 for a maximum of four guests. The package's booking window extends from December to February 29, 2016 with travel dates from February 1-29, 2016.

• Esperanza, An Auberge Resort has a special Whale's Journey package including, three night/four day accommodations in an ocean view garden casita, private roundtrip airport transfers, marina transfers and a two-hour Zodiac whale watching excursion. Active guests will be in for a treat with daily complimentary yoga and fitness classes. The package's booking window and travel dates extend from January 3 to March 31, 2016.

• Hotel El Ganzo offers the Ganzo Getaway Whale Watching Package, a two, three or four night stay in a deluxe room complete with arrangements for an educational encounter with whales. The package's booking window extends from December through April 15, 2016.

• The Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort offers a whale watching package with rates starting at $377 per night for a minimum of three nights which can be retrieved with the booking code P8. The rate includes a daily breakfast buffet per paying adult and a whale watching tour per paying adult. The two-and-a-half-hour tour is provided by Cabo Adventures, one of Cabo's leading tour and activities operator. The deal's booking window is open from December 7, 2015, through March 15, 2016 with travel dates from December 7, 2015, through March 31, 2016. Applicable blackout dates include January 21-23, 2016.

• Grand Solmar Land's End Resort & Spa, Playa Grande and Solmar Resort from the Solmar Hotels & Resortscollection are also offering whale watching packages with promotional rates ranging from $213 to $237 for a four night, five day stay. Booking window is open from December 15, 2015, through April 15, 2016 with travel dates from December 15, 2015, through March 31, 2016. Guests will receive a two-hour whale watching tour led by talented marine mammal behavior experts.

For additional whale watching promotions, check with your preferred hotel or service provider.

Los Cabos, located at the tip of the 1,000-mile long Baja Peninsula, is one of the world's most diverse tourism destinations. Boasting a dramatic desert backdrop nestled by coastlines of the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez, Los Cabos is home to award-winning resorts and culinary offerings considered some of the finest available anywhere. A growing list of championship golf courses, rejuvenating spas, world-renowned sport fishing tournaments, and state of the art convention facilities add to the destination's unmatched appeal. For more information, images and videos from Los Cabos, please visit www.visitloscabos.travel.

Source: www.luxurytravelmagazine.com