Wedding Takeovers: Couples Now Offered Exclusive Use Of Velas Resorts’ Boutique Hotels For Upcoming Social Distancing Nuptials

 

Socially-Distanced Weddings in Style Available

At Mar del Cabo in Los Cabos and Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta

 

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Couples can now expect true social distancing this fall when getting wed at Mexico’s Velas Resorts in Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos. Thanks to a new “Make It All Yours” wedding buyout promotion, the betrothed can elect to take over the resort collection’s boutique hotels for their wedding party’s exclusive use.

 

Available at Mar del Cabo and Casa Velas, the special offer invites wedding groups to live out the experience of having their own hacienda with private access to pool and beach areas, gardens and restaurants. A welcome cocktail party on arrival, 50-minute couples’ massage for the newlyweds and romantic turndown amenities are also included. Furthermore, while the hotels are traditionally adults-only, the promotion allows children to stay onsite if requested.

 

Velas Resorts have received the global safety stamp of approval from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) due to state-of-the-art safety and cleanliness protocols detailed in a 15-page Stay Safe with Velas program.

 

For a smaller group, the beachfront Mar del Cabo has 46 one- and two-bedroom suites and two penthouses. Elegant white-washed walls are accented by draping bougainvilleas in a boutique hotel that blends old Greek Isles charm with brilliantly accented colors and Mexican folklore. Exclusive wedding and event venues range from an oceanfront rooftop to a private pool or beach area.

 

Casa Velas is a luxury all-inclusive boutique hotel with 80 spacious suites. Nestled on the greens of Marina Vallarta's 18-hole golf course, the hotel offers guests golf at three nearby signature-designed 18-hole courses. ABJA Spa encompasses treatment rooms for singles and couples, a hydrotherapy area, garden-view fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment, and a beauty salon. Its serene, exclusive setting provides an ideal backdrop for a Puerto Vallarta wedding. Unique venues offered include an indoor-outdoor Beach Club and palm-tree lined botanical garden.  

 

Capturing and sharing moments for those unable to attend, Velas Resorts also offer ceremony live streaming, a dedicated social media coordinator to post real-time, an interactive live wedding painting for a unique keepsake, and more.

 

The nightly buyout rate is $9,960 at Mar Del Cabo and $11,400 USD at Casa Velas in European plan with a minimum booking of 60 suites. For more information, visit https://www.velasweddings.com.

 

About Velas Resorts:

Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, and Los Cabos have earned 56 AAA Diamonds, including the prestigious Five Diamond Award. Other esteemed international awards for services and facilities include Virtuoso’s Best Family Program, Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award for spa, and TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame, among others. Offering unparalleled all-inclusive experiences, properties include Grand Velas in Los Cabos, with dramatic ocean views and unique spaces infusing every area of the resort; Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, which enjoys a long stretch of pristine beach and a dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains; and Grand Velas Riviera Maya, offering a sophisticated resort experience in the Caribbean with jungle and beach settings. In Puerto Vallarta, Casa Velas is a boutique adults-only hotel and beach club located on the Marina Vallarta Golf Course, and Velas Vallarta, a family-friendly all suites resort and spa located on Banderas Bay. Mar del Cabo, a boutique hotel on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, opened in December 2018 as its only European Plan offering. Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, operates Velas Resorts with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. Explore tips, recipes, lifestyle and travel trends, and the latest news about Velas Resorts on the digital mag: www.velasmagazine.com. 

 

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit Earns AAA Five Diamond Award, Only All-Inclusive Worldwide To Receive For 14th Consecutive Year

 

 

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Recognized for excellence in quality and service, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has once again received the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) Five Diamond Award in 2020. The resort is the only all-inclusive to have won the award for 14 years consecutive years.

 

By AAA’s industry-leading standards, properties that receive the Five Diamond Award offer world-class luxury, amenities, and indulgence for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Since 1937, AAA inspectors have been influencing the hospitality industry, recognizing consumer expectations and approving only the best places to stay and dine.

 

Along with backdrop views of the picturesque Sierra Madre mountains, the beachfront resort features 267 ocean-view suites, inclusive of 12 Wellness suites, with some private plunge pools. Along with a designated yoga and reading relaxation area, introduced in 2019, the property boasts an award-winning SE Spa and wellness program. Six restaurants, four of which have received AAA Four Diamond awards, offer distinguished cuisine and presentation, gourmet culinary experiences and impeccable service. Other features include the a three-tiered pool with different temperatures, fitness center, 24/7 in-suite service, water sports, tennis, Baby Concierge, Kids’ Club, and state-of-the-art Teens’ Club.

 

Nightly rates start at $381 per adult based on double occupancy at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Rate includes luxury accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, taxes, gratuity and more. For more information about Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit or to make a reservation, please visit https://vallarta.grandvelas.com.

 

About Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit:

The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit enjoys a privileged natural setting with flowering, landscaped gardens beside a long stretch of pristine beach and a dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains. The resort features 267 ocean-view suites, inclusive of 12 Wellness Suites, some with private plunge pools. Of the resort's six restaurants, four, serving French, Italian, Asian and Mexican gourmet cuisine, have received AAA Four Diamond awards for distinguished cuisine and presentation. With treatments inspired by the native traditions of Mexico and a signature Water Journey, SE Spa has been included on Forbes Travel Guide’s list of The World’s Most Luxurious Spas. Other features include an oversized pool, fitness center, 24/7 in-suite service, water sports, tennis, Baby Concierge, Kids’ Club, and state-of-the-art Teens’ Club. The all-inclusive resort in the Riviera Nayarit features more than 15,064 square feet of indoor meeting facilities. Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, operates Velas Resorts with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. Explore tips, recipes, lifestyle and travel trends, and the latest news about Velas Resorts on the digital mag: www.velasmagazine.com. 

Velas Resorts Implements Comprehensive ‘Stay Safe With Velas’ Program

 

Fifteen Page Safety Protocol Details Procedures for Guests, Facilities and Staff

 

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico  – Velas Resorts in Mexico launches an extensive ‘Stay Safe with Velas’ program. Detailed in 15 pages, the program covers seven categories including general health and sanitary measures, special protocols for guests and staff members, public areas, housekeeping, transportation and security, and food and beverage. It adheres to standards dictated by the World Health Organization and the government of Mexico.

 

“We are committed to putting the health and well-being of guests and staff members first,” said Eduardo Vela Ruiz, President and Founder of Velas Resorts. “Each of our luxury resorts will now feature a plethora of post-COVID-19 hygiene protocols, high efficiency sanitization and other advanced cleaning measures.”

 

Highlighted below are various health and sanitary initiatives broken down in their respective categories from the program:

 

GENERAL HEALTH AND SANITARY MEASURES:

• All resorts will increase cleaning frequency in commons areas, with special attention to surfaces such as entrance doors, tables, elevators, seating areas, and more;

• All resorts will be cleaned with chemicals authorized by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency);

• Touchless hand sanitizing dispensers will be put at various high-contact points at the resorts, including the main lobby, staff and suppliers entrance, pool area, restaurants and bars, Teens’ Clubs, gyms, and Convention Centers;

• Sanitizing mats will be placed in the following areas: Lobby entrance, pick-up and drop-off areas, Kids’ Clubs, Teens’ Clubs, Spas, and restaurants;

• Physical distancing measures will be enforced with guests and staff members, following the World Health Organization’s recommendations to keep at least 6 ft. distance apart;

FOR STAFF MEMBERS:

• Special COVID-19 training will be provided for all staff, focusing on safety and hygiene protocols outlined in the program;

• Physical distancing of at least 6 ft.;

• All staff members, before and after their work day, will be required to pass through a sanitizing booth with a high-efficiency steam system and an infrared sensor, which is highly effective in sanitizing people and objects;

• ​​​​​​​Staff members’ temperatures will be checked when boarding the resort’s staff bus and upon their arrival at the resort;​​​​​​​

• Hand washing from all staff members will be required on an hourly basis for a period of 20 seconds or less, or when they are in contact with a group of people;

• All staff will receive personal protection kits and equipment, including face masks and transparent materials in areas of direct and indirect contact with guests;

FOR GUESTS:

• Every guest will receive the ‘Stay Safe with Velas’ program, highlighting all security and hygiene protocols;

• Body temperatures will be taken from each guest;

• Guests will be asked to use a sanitizing mat, to wash their hands, and use hand sanitizer frequently;

• Guests’ luggage will be sanitized upon arrival;

• Upon departure, guests will receive a sanitary kit, including gloves, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and a face mask;

PUBLIC AREAS:

• All resorts will increase the cleaning frequency of common areas, with special attention to surfaces with the most contact, such as gaming areas, lobby, guest elevators, handrails, tables and desks, benches, armchairs and/or waiting rooms, and garbage bins.

• ​​​​​​​Pools will be cleaned daily, and thoroughly again at the end of the day, as well as sun loungers and their linings and cabanas after each guest’s use;

HOUSEKEEPING:

• All housekeeping equipment will be sanitized at the beginning and end of every shift, including maid trolleys, suite service tables, and trays;

• All floors, walls, curtains, rugs, armchairs, desks, remote controls, telephones, mirrors, doors, and other high-touch points will be sanitized in each suite with steam injection, and air conditioning systems will be sanitized with UV light;

• All products in the minibar will be replaced by sanitized products at the end of each guest’s stay;

• Printed materials in each suite will be replaced for each guest or will be protected with a washable material, allowing it be sanitized easily after each guest;

• All amenities will be removed after each guest’s departure, regardless whether they used them or not;

TRANSPORTATION & SECURITY:

• All vehicles at the resorts will be sanitized with steam after each use;

• Every trip to and from the resort will be made without a co-pilot and with a maximum of 5 passengers, including the driver;

FOOD AND BEVERAGE:

• All serving staff members must wear a face mask at all times;

• Crockery must be washed and sanitized after each use, as well as other high-touch points such as tables, chairs, napkins, trays, service bars, check holders, and pens;

• Menus will be made available on each guest’s personal devices to eliminate the need for printed menus;

• Suite service will be delivered at the door, and all meals will be protected with a plastic film or a food cover;

 

The full Stay Safe with Velas program can be found here.

 

For more information about the program and to learn more about Velas Resorts, please visit www.velasresorts.com.

 

About Velas Resorts:

Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, and Los Cabos have earned 56 AAA Diamonds, including the prestigious Five Diamond Award. Other esteemed international awards for services and facilities include Virtuoso’s Best Family Program, Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award for spa, and TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame, among others. Offering unparalleled all-inclusive experiences, properties include Grand Velas in Los Cabos, with dramatic ocean views and unique spaces infusing every area of the resort; Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, which enjoys a long stretch of pristine beach and a dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains; and Grand Velas Riviera Maya, offering a sophisticated resort experience in the Caribbean with jungle and beach settings. In Puerto Vallarta, Casa Velas is a boutique adults-only hotel and beach club located on the Marina Vallarta Golf Course, and Velas Vallarta, a family-friendly all suites resort and spa located on Banderas Bay. Mar del Cabo, a boutique hotel on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, opened in December 2018 as its only European Plan offering. Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, operates Velas Resorts with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. Explore tips, recipes, lifestyle and travel trends, and the latest news about Velas Resorts on the digital mag: www.velasmagazine.com. 

For Your Post Coronaviris Travels: New Henequén Cultural Experience with Private Helicopter to Merida Available this Summer & Beyond at Grand Velas Riviera Maya

   Guests staying at the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya this summer and beyond can embark on a journey back in time by exploring a historic Yucatan landmark with the resort’s new Henequén Experience.

The adventure begins with a private helicopter ride to the Hacienda Sotuta de Peon, a revived hacienda built in the late 1800s located just outside of the Yucatan’s vibrant capital, Merida. Over the course of three and a half hours, guests will dive into the deep-rooted history behind the henequen plant, known for transforming the Yucatan economy and cultural landscape in the 19^th century. While on property, guests will also tour the hacienda’s surrounding plantation on a carriage pulled by mules, stop and swim in the Dzul Ha, a Yucatan freshwater cenote, and more.

Upon return to Grand Velas Riviera Maya, travelers will partake in the resort’s signature ancestral beverage tasting featuring Mexico’s ancient liquors like bacanora, sotol, tuxca, and pox. Following, guests will enjoy a private dinner in the resort’s Mayan restaurant, Chaká, which offers modern Yucatecan dishes inspired by the region’s traditional cuisine. Standout menu items include tender leaves on papaya with piloncillo honey, toasted seeds, fresh tomatoes, sour orange vinaigrette with Xtabentun, short rib "Pibil Style," sausage Risotto from Valladolid, Huitlacoche Salbute, Cochinita juice, cream cheese "Gallo Azul", semi-bitter cocoa crumble, caramel ice cream, and more.

Accommodations are offered in the resort’s tranquil Zen Grand Suites, which boast private terraces and overlooking the sacred jungle landscape, fully stocked mini-bars, Jacuzzi tubs, Nespresso coffee makers, 24-hour concierge service, and more.

The four-night Henequen Tour Experience costs $3,488 USD per person for 2 people. Rates are per person based on double occupancy and include luxury suite accommodations, à la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness center, taxes, gratuity and more.  The experience is available from April 26 until December 18, 2020. Blackout dates are from Nov 21 to 28, 2020. For reservations or additional information, call 1-888-407-4869, or visit https://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com.

About Grand Velas Riviera Maya:

A member of the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Program and Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Mexico is an ultra-luxury all-inclusive. Guests can choose accommodations among oceanfront, ocean view and a Zen-like setting, embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungle and mangroves. All 539 suites are more than 1,100 sq. ft., with balconies and some with private plunge pools. Eight restaurants, including five gourmet offerings, present a tour through Mexico, Europe and Asia. Cocina de Autor, at the hands of world-renowned celebrity chefs Bruno Oteiza and Mikel Alonso, holds the AAA Five Diamond Award, the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to win this prestigious distinction. Included on Forbes Travel Guide’s list of The World’s Most Luxurious Spas, SE Spa is known for its authentic Mexican treatments, offerings from around world and signature seven-step Water Ceremony. Other features include 24-hour Personal Concierge; 24/7 in-suite service; three swimming pools; two fitness centers; water sports; innovative Kids’ Clubs and Teens’ Club; and Baby Concierge. The resort offers more than 46,660 square feet of indoor meeting space plus outdoor areas for events. Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, operates Velas Resorts with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. Explore tips, recipes, lifestyle and travel trends, and the latest news about Velas Resorts on the digital mag: www.velasmagazine.com. 

Travelore Report, Monthly In Print Since 1971: TRAVELORE DESTINATION REPORT: The Difference Is I...

Travelore Report, Monthly In Print Since 1971: TRAVELORE DESTINATION REPORT: The Difference Is I...: Photo of Bahia Akumal beach by Allen Barkus Typical accommodations at resort. Photo by Allen Barkus  The real The difference betw...

First Women & Traditional Cuisine Culinary Event Hosted by Renowned Mexican Chefs At Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

 

   

 

   

 

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico  – Four internationally acclaimed Mexican female chefs are joining forces at the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit to host the resort’s first Women & Traditional Cuisine event from January 30 – February 2^nd, 2020. Included in the nightly rate for resort guests, tickets are available for non-resort guests starting at $80 USD per adult and $40 USD per minor.

 

Established to spotlight Mexican women that focus on the art and business of food, the 4-day culinary event features a multi-course dinner experience with pairings of Mexican wine and spirits. 

 

Participating chefs include Adria Marina, former chef of République in Los Angeles and Misión 19 and Georgina, in Tijuana; Maffer Klyota, owner of Domitila restaurant and Tropico food truck in Colima;  Zahie Téllez, an Ambassador to Mexico City by the Mexico City Congress and founder of Parabere Forum, a nonprofit platform supporting the role of women in the food industry; and Xrysw Ruelas Díaz, co-owner of tortilla bakery and restaurant Xokol Antojería in Guadalajara, and formerly at famed El Delfin in Riviera Maya, La Leche in Puerto Vallarta and Hueso, the Alonso Cadena culinary workshop. 

 

Combining both traditional and modern Mexican flavors, the menu will include a variety of dishes to please every palate, including suckling pig terrine, taquitos with mole and Mexican quelites and amaranth, handmade noodles with octopus and beef tail, escamoles with cocoa butter, and much more.

 

Nightly rates start at $381 per person based on double occupancy at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Rate includes luxury accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, taxes, gratuity and more. For reservations or more information, call 1-888-407-4869 or visit https://vallarta.grandvelas.com/. 

 

About Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit:

The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit enjoys a privileged natural setting with flowering, landscaped gardens beside a long stretch of pristine beach and a dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains. The centerpiece of the gardens is a three-tiered, multi-temperature infinity pool, a preferred spot for catching the legendary sunsets. The resort features 267 ocean-view suites, some with private plunge pools, and all with fully stocked mini bar, L'Occitane amenities and Nespresso machines. Wellness Suites include a personal training session and massage in-suite in addition to other fitness amenities, such as a Lifecycle Exercise Bike, organic soaps, Aromatherapy Kit, and more. Of the resort's six restaurants, three, serving French, Italian and Mexican gourmet cuisine, have received AAA Four Diamond awards for distinguished cuisine and presentation. In November 2018, the resort opened a new Asian-inspired restaurant to complement its renowned dining program. An oasis of wellbeing, Se Spa has been included on Forbes Travel Guide’s list of The World’s Most Luxurious Spas. This Puerto Vallarta spa offers 20 treatment suites, more than 30 spa treatments, many inspired by the native traditions of Mexico and a signature water journey. Other features include a fitness center, 24/7 in suite service, water sports, business center, tennis, baby concierge, Kids’ Club, and state-of-the-art Teens’ Club. The all-inclusive resort in the Riviera Nayarit features more than 25,000 square feet of indoor meeting facilities, including the Grand Marissa Ballroom, which consists of more than 6,000 square feet and is easily subdivided into five separate rooms. The resort's facilities also include four other rooms ranging from 681 to more than 1,954 square feet that offer several arrangement variations to maximize meeting productivity and efficiency. Things to do in Puerto Vallarta include water sports, exploring the lush jungle, visits to traditional villages and more. This Puerto Vallarta luxury resort has won numerous awards from Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, TripAdvisor, U.S. News and World Report and Forbes, which named it one of the Top Ten Coolest All-Inclusives. A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit 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 more information, call 1-888-407-4869, email reservationsrn@velasresorts.com or visit https://vallarta.grandvelas.com/.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya Launches First Spa Atelier Workshop

Riviera Maya, Mexico  – Se Spa at the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya has launched its Spa Atelier, workshops inspired by local Mexican culture and based upon the principles of ancient Ayurvedic medicine that center around self-discovery. The first offering at the resort is a workshop to make energy bites full of superfoods. Recipes will vary from Cacao and Matcha-Pistachio to Cranberry-Orange and Carrot. Superfoods are foods that increase energy and improve retention, as well as provide antioxidants, minerals and vitamins and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The Spa Atelier concept initially launched last year at its sister property Grand Velas Los Cabos. It features Mandala meditation, tea discovery, DIY body scrubs based on one’s Dosha and a Natura Bissé Facial Masterclass. The Energy Bites Workshop at Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an hour long, held every Thursday, July through September, for small groups of 3 – 6 people. The class costs $65 USD per person. For those who can’t make it to the resort to try out the class, Grand Velas Riviera Maya shares a recipe to make some of the energy bites at home. Cacao Energy Bites 1/3 cup            powdered cocoa 16                    dried dates 7 tbsp               honey 1 tsp                 coconut oil 1 tsp                 Maca root powder 1 tsp                 acai ½ cup               rolled oats 4 cups              cashews For toppings: amaranth, chia, hemp seeds and grated coconut Process: Chop the dates in a food processor before adding the cocoa, Maca, honey, coconut oil, oats, acai and cashews. Pour the mixture into a bowl and mix until well combined. Roll into balls a little under an inch and finish with topping of choice. Nightly rates start at $393 USD. Rates are per person based on double occupancy and include all tour arrangements and transportation, luxury suite accommodations, à la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness center, taxes, gratuity and more. For reservations or additional information, call 1-888-407-4869, or visit https://www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com. About Grand Velas Riviera Maya: The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an ultra-luxury all-inclusive resort set on 206 acres of pristine jungle and mangroves and with the finest white sand beach in the Riviera Maya. Guests can choose among three separate ambiances, including adults-only oceanfront, family-friendly ocean view and a Zen-like tropical setting, embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungle. All 539 designer-like suites are exceptionally spacious, more than 1,100 square feet each, all with balconies, and some with private plunge pools. All feature fully stocked mini bars, L’Occitane amenities, artisanal tequila, and Nespresso coffee machines. Bathrooms deserve special mention with walk in glass shower, deep soaking Jacuzzi tubs and marble interior. Eight restaurants, including five gourmet offerings, present a tour through Mexico, Europe and Asia. Cocina de Autor, at the hands ofworld renowned celebrity chefs Bruno Oteiza, Mikel Alonso and Xavier Pérez Stone, holds the AAA Five Diamond Award, the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to win this prestigious distinction. Se Spa is the region's largest spa sanctuary at more than 90,000 square feet, known for its authentic Mexican treatments, offerings from around world and signature seven-step water journey. Other features include 24-hour Personal Concierge; 24/7 in-suite service; three swimming pools; two fitness centers; water sports; innovative Kids’ Clubs and Teens’ Club; baby concierge; Karaoke Bar; Koi Bar; Piano Bar, and business center. The resort offers more than 91,000 square feet of meeting space and outdoor areas for events inclusive of a 31,000-square-foot Convention Center, able to accommodate up to 2,700 guests. The resort has won numerous awards from Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA Today and several other magazines and major companies worldwide, including Virtuoso’s Best Spa and TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame. A member of the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Program, Grand Velas Riviera Maya 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, call 1-888-407-4869, or visithttps://www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com.

TRAVELORE DESTINATION REPORT: The Difference Is In The Details At The Bahia Prinicipe Akumal In The Riviera Maya, Mexico

Photo of Bahia Akumal beach by Allen Barkus

Typical accommodations at resort. Photo by Allen Barkus 

The real The difference between hotels and all inclusive resorts is in the details, the thoughtful services and amenities those properties provide.Some of those details that you'll appreciate at the Bahia Akumal include butlers to take care of your individual needs, complimentary minibars, included premium beverages, and bathroom amenities that include a toothbrush and shaving kit. Free Wi-Fi is also
available throughout the resort.

 A recent stay at the family welcoming Bahia Akumal, one of their luxury Don Pablo Collection, demonstrated that they are a step ahead of most other luxury all-inclusive resorts. This is the reason many of their guests come back year after year. The resort has 758 rooms, including 128 newly added in November 2015. The resorts' all-adults sister property, Sian Ka'An is located nearby on their magnificent golf course/club designed by Robert Trent Jones 11.

For those interested in learning about the Eco-Preservation of the Riviera Maya the resort has an extensive certified program to preserve the eco balance of the region that has the second largest barrier reef in the world and the nesting sites of the Central American river turtles. Also on site is a Nature Interpretation Center that you can observe local birds, and learn about the medicinal benefits of local plants.  For more details please visit: www.eco-bahia.org .

Photo by Allen Barkus

Dining at the Akumal is very good overall at their 4 restaurants and exceptional at their 2 A la Carte restaurants for dinner.  The selection pictured is from the Gourmet Arlequin restaurant, demonstrating the artful presentation you can expect. An additional restaurant will be opening shortly that will be serving a light lunch and cocktails during the day and become an A la carte Brazilian style restaurant during the evening.

Coba. Photo by Allen Barkus

The Rivera Maya, near Cancun Mexico, is ideally suited to both adult and family vacationers since there are both a wonderful selection of resorts and nearby ancient and modern Mayan sites to explore and learn about this important civilization. A highly recommended tour that can be arranged at the resort will take you to the sites of Coba, Tankah, and Tulum. At Coba, settled 100BC,  you have the opportunity to climb the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan. At Tankah you will have the opportunity to enjoy the lush setting, swim in one of their natural sink wells, go ziplining, and feast on traditional Mayan food. Tulum,  a well preserved site important to the history of the trading economy of the Mayan culture, is the only walled structure built on the shores of the Caribbean sea. 

Tankah. Photo by Allen Barkus

Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts is a premium resort division of one of the leading travel companies, Grupo Pinero based in Mallorca Spain. Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts features 17 resorts in the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Jamaica and four resorts in Spain. Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts are well-known for their exceptionally high standards of service,cuisine, guest rooms and resorts amenities and activities and have garnered many awards for its resorts, cuisine and service. In 1995 they opened their first resort, the Bahia Principe San Juan in the Dominican Republic.

For further information please visit: www.bahia-principe.com and/or contact your local travel agent.