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

7 Common Myths About All-Inclusive Resorts

Hacienda Encantada

Since the days of dude ranches (they’re still out there!), we’ve been attracted to the hassle-free aspect of all-inclusive vacations. Once we arrive, we can store the wallet and relax. But along the way, all-inclusive resorts have since gotten a lot of stigma — earning a reputation for being tacky, comprising dated rooms and subpar food. While this is sometimes true, in many cases it’s certainly not. Here, we bust seven common myths and provide a reality check that might surprise you.

Myth 1: All-inclusive resorts want to trap guests on property.
Reality: This is a particular concern for foodies. But in Cabo San Lucas in Mexico, Hacienda Encantada Resort offers a dine-out plan that covers meals at five partner restaurants in the Golden Zone of the nearby marina, just a 15-minute shuttle ride away. Yes, the hotel takes great pride in their six restaurants and bars onsite, but they recognize that travelers all want a taste of the local scene, whether they prefer lobster or pasta or sushi. How cool is that?

Myth 2: You’ll only enjoy the free food if you like bad buffets.Reality: Speaking of the culinary scene, all-inclusive resorts don’t simply stick visitors with mass-produced dishes and unhealthy meal options. In fact, travelers will find themselves with more choices than they can probably explore at many resorts. The Royalton Riviera Cancun, for just one example, offers a whopping nine restaurants and 13 bars. Your options include a Japanese teppanyaki and sushi bar, a steakhouse, an Italian trattoria, and of course a Mexican venue. So can you indulge in a prime rib every night, at no additional charge? Yes, if that’s what you want.

Like the general hotel industry, all-inclusives are making local sourcing a priority, too. At Generations Riviera Maya by Karisma, fresh herbs and produce are sourced from Karisma’s 76,000-square-foot greenhouse. And to take advantage of the natural surroundings, guests can opt to dine on the ocean pier for a private breakfast, lunch, or dinner, too.

Myth 3: Everything is already paid for.Reality: The devil is really in the details of what’s covered, and here’s why research is so important. All-inclusive rates really have varying degrees of inclusivity, and you want to ask the right questions to avoid rude surprises. Our friend David Bakke of Money Crashers gives us some examples: “Your free alcohol options might be limited, and certain resort activities might come with an added charge as well, such as a visit to a spa.” Sadly, WiFi isn’t always included either, he says.

Myth 4: All-inclusive resorts are all about lying on the beach.
Reality: Chances are, the programs that you’re thinking about are located on an amazing beach — but you’ll likely also find much more entertainment than water sports and tanning.  Take CHIC Punta Cana and all the entertainment that revolves around its stunning pool, for example. Here, a DJ might spin tunes all night long for an outdoor dance party, Las Vegas-style showgirls might strut the over-water catwalk, or a “mermaid” might show-off her diving (easily seen through the pool windows). Luxe Casa de Campo, in the Dominican Republic, boasts a shooting range and equestrian center. And even on the beach, special events may abound. In the case of Couples Resorts, campfires with s’mores and beach parties are just some of the programming to look forward to. 

Myth 5: All-inclusives are always the best value.Reality: Again, you should do your homework here — and spend some time thinking about exactly what it is that you want out of your vacation. “If on the list of things that are included on your bill are activities or other entertainment options that you’re not interested in, you might find yourself shelling out cash for stuff you won’t be taking advantage of,” Bakke points out.

Myth 6: Staying at an all-inclusive resort will feel cheap.Reality: This unfortunate misconception is likely fueled by other myths about food and lack of amenities that we’ve just corrected. The reality is that, just as there are all sorts of regular hotels, all-inclusive resorts come in all forms, too. Yes, there are budget-friendly options that are more basic, and family-friendly ones that keep costs low for the clan. But you’ll also find plenty of sophisticated adults-only properties as well as those that focus on luxury. If you’re looking to splurge, we love Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, which recently debuted as a five-star, all-suite property. They take the all-inclusive concept to the next level with their butler suites, which includes access to an exclusive wine cellar, and with their swim out suites (exactly what it sounds like). Of course, this is an extreme, and there are endless options at every price point in between. The key, again, is doing your homework.

Myth 7: You’ll be tempted to be unhealthy if you stay at an all-inclusive resort.Reality: Here’s another general trend that we love — brands are helping guests achieve and maintain good lifestyle choices more than ever. At many all-inclusive resorts, you’ll find a roster of opportunities to work off the indulging. Barcelo Hotels & Resorts, for one, has held wellness-related Zumba and Yoga theme weeks to encourage guests to truly focus on fitness, all while having fun. They offer juicing stations that with a range of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, many of which are hyper-local, too.

- See more at: http://blog.shermanstravel.com/2015/busted-7-common-myths-about-all-inclusive-resorts/#sthash.gZ62BhuY.dpuf

MONEYBACK Offers Refund To 98% Of Cruise Passengers Shopping In Mexico

Mexico’s Leading Tax Return Company Refunds 8.9% to International Travelers at Major Cruise Ports With more than 10 offices in all major cruise ports- including Cozumel, Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán, among many others- 98.1% of cruise passengers traveling to Mexico are eligible to receive an 8.9% refund on personal shopping expenses through MONEYBACK, Mexico’s leading tax return company. The end of 2014 marked a record year for Mexican ports with a 24 percent increase in cruise visits over the previous year, and with more than 4 million cruise passengers expected to visit Mexico in 2015, MONEYBACK provides travelers the fastest and easiest way to get their refund. MONEYBACK offers cruise passengers an 8.9% refund of the total amount they spend when shopping in Mexico at any of the 6,000 affiliated stores. There is no limit when paying with credit card, but the minimum purchase required is $1,200 pesos (approx. $83 USD). Purchases in cash don’t require a minimum but are limited to $3,000 (approx. $200 USD). “Cruise travelers spend three times more money in personal shopping when traveling to Mexico than other visitors,” said Danielle van der Kwartel, General Director of MONEYBACK. “MONEYBACK wants to give back by offering them a tax refund in a simple and fast way.” To file a refund, international travelers must request a VAT itemized invoice at any of the 6,000 participating stores when making a purchase and submit it at the closest MONEYBACK office along with the shopping incentive refund form, credit card vouchers, copy of their passport, cruise ID or immigration form and boarding pass, before leaving the country. In less than 45 days, cruise passengers will receive their refund directly in their credit card. MONEYBACK works closely with travel agents by providing training on its services to help them assist their clients when traveling to Mexico. For more information on MONEYBACK and to download presentations and other resources travel agents should visit: http://moneyback.mx/travelagent-taxback.html. MONEYBACK’s tax refund service is an initiative created along with Mexico’s Ministry of Finance to increase tourism, incentive travel and shopping in Mexico. To learn more about MONEYBACK, participating stores and locations please visit: http://moneyback.mx/