Featuring New Personalized Spa Experiences, Special Online Savings, at Mexico’s Luxury Spas

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (January XX, 2012) – Velas Resorts, with world-class destination spas in Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, debuts a dedicated spa website that features a spa concierge,  virtual tours and photo galleries, destination information and reservations. New, themed 4, 5 and 7 day spa experiences are detailed and prices given. Special online-only savings are also offered on select treatments.  In addition, spa products used at the luxury Mexico all-inclusive resorts are available for purchase.

The $15 million architecturally striking spa at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, a recipient of Virtuoso’s “Best Spa” award, is inspired by the jungle and natural water pools of the Yucatan Peninsula.  The recently remodeled Spa Casa Velas, a Leading Spa of the World, encompasses five treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy area, a garden-view fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment, and a beauty salon.  Spa Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit features 20 treatment rooms, over 60 treatments, gym and exercise room, spa boutique and beauty salon.  All are members of Leading Spas of the World.

 Tailored for each guest by the spa concierges, the resorts’ Spa Experiences range from Nature, Mayan, Ayurvedic and Tao sensorial journeys to Purifying, Renewal and Beautifying rituals.  Featuring a selection of spa treatments, wraps, hydrotherapy circuits, ensuite bath rituals, gourmet spa cuisine, cooking classes, and personal training, the programs are complemented by meditation, yoga and pilates, bike and kayak tours, beach and garden walks, eco and snorkel tours, and numerous other activity options.

For reservations and more information, contact your Spa Specialist at 1-888-309-5457 or visit Velas Resorts’ Spa Website.

Ingredients | Ceviche

3 oz. cooked octopus

2 oz. Lion’s paw scallop- raw and removed from shell

3 tbs. lime juice

¼  cup finely sliced red onion

1 tsp. finely chopped habanero chili

2 tsp. finely chopped garlic

2 tsp. finely chopped cilantro

½ tsp. oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients | Avocado purée

1 medium-sized ripe avocado

1 ½ tbs. cream

1 tsp. lime juice

½ tsp. finely chopped garlic

Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients | Yucatan black chile oil (Optional)

1 ½ tbs. olive oil

½ tbs. Yucatan black chile paste

Ingredients | Garnish

2 big leaves of epazote (Mexican herb) or oregano

2 dried max chilis or other small, dried chili

1 tbs. oil for frying

Directions

Mix all ceviche ingredients in a medium bowl and allow to sit for 30 minutes.

In a medium bowl mash the avocado and pass through a sieve so that it becomes a fine purée. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.

In a blender mix the oil with the Yucatan black chili paste for 30 seconds until well blended.

For the garnish, use a mold to serve the ceviche as shown in the photo, decorating it with a chip and frisée lettuce if desired. To one side, make a line of black chili oil, and on the other side place a mound of avocado purée. Serve with chips.

Sommelier recommendation for wine pairing:
Dopff, Au Moulin, Gewürztraminer, Alsace, 2009

This wine has sweet and acid notes, creating the perfect balance to the spicy flavors and seafood in the dish.

Ingredientes | Ceviche

80 g de pulpo cocido

50 g de callo de hacha garra de león

40 ml de jugo de limón

30 g de cebolla morada fileteada

10 g de chile habanero picado

20 g de ajo picado

20 g de cilantro fileteado

5 g de orégano

2 tortillas de maíz  para totopos

Sal y pimienta al gusto

Ingredientes | Puré de aguacate

1 aguacate de tamaño mediano

20 ml de crema ‘lincott’

5 ml de jugo de limón

5 g de ajo

Sal y pimienta al gusto

Ingredientes | Aceite de recado negro

20ml de aceite de olivo

10 gm de pasta de recado negro de Yucatán

Ingredientes | Decoración

2 hoja grande de epazote

2 chile mash seco

10 ml de aceite para freír

Preparación

En un recipiente mezclar todos los ingredientes del ceviche y dejar reposar por 30 min, reservando la lechuga frisée.

Para el puré: en un recipiente triturar el aguacate y luego pasar por un colador fino para que se haga puré, agregar el resto de los ingredientes y mezclar y reservar.

Para el aceite de recado negro: licuar el aceite con el recado en la licuadora por 30 seg.

Decoración: con ayuda de un molde servir el ceviche estilo ‘montadito’ (como se observa en la foto), decorando con un totopo y la lechuga frisée, a lado colocar un pincelazo de aceite de recado negro, del otro extremo, un manchón de puré de aguacate. servir con totopos aparte.

Recomendación del Sommelier:

Dopff, Au Moulin, Gewürztraminer, Alsace, 2009

Este vino tiene notas dulces y ácidas para crear un balance con los sabores especiados y el marisco de este platillo.

Al hacer entrega por segunda ocasión del premio 5 Diamantes, Tony Perrone -Gerente Nacional de la AAA, comentó que Grand Velas Riviera Maya marca hoy en día, nuevos estándares en la industria hotelera para conseguir este codiciado reconocimiento.

De las cerca de 60  mil propiedades y restaurantes visitados año con año por la American Automobile Association (AAA), sólo un 0.25% tienen el orgullo de ser incluidos en la selecta lista de propiedades 5 Diamantes. Altos estándares de calidad, servicio de clase mundial, iluminación y diseño arquitectónico impecables, así como instalaciones de primer nivel, son puntos que la AAA califica al seleccionar a los integrantes de su exclusiva lista.

Tal es el caso de Grand Velas Riviera Maya, que por segundo año consecutivo recibe este reconocimiento de manos de Tony Perrone –Gerente Nacional de dicha asociación. Durante la ceremonia oficial celebrada el 6 de enero del presente año, Perrone comentó: “Este hotel está marcando los nuevos estándares de 5 Diamantes en la industria hotelera para los próximos años.” A la par, Fernando García Rossette, Director General de los resorts Grand Velas en Riviera Maya y Riviera Nayarit añadió que  con este premio, el hotel se consolida como uno de los mejores resorts de México y de todo el continente”.

A sólo tres años de su apertura, este hotel ha recibido el aplauso de varias autoridades de la industria hotelera de la talla de Virtuoso, Leading Hotels of the World, Leading Spas of the World y Condé Nast.

Conozca más acerca de este resort y su tour culinario, el Spa de clase mundial y el renombrado Todo Incluido de Lujo.

Luxury and Excellence: A commitment renewed by Grand Velas Riviera Maya. 

Upon presenting the Five Diamond Award for the second consecutive year, National Director of the AAA Tony Perrone declared that Grand Velas in the Riviera Maya has created new standards for obtaining this coveted recognition.

Only 0.25% of the estimated 60,000 sites visited year after year by the American Automobile Association (AAA), are named on their elite list of Five Diamond properties. High standards in quality, world-class service, lighting and impeccable architecture, as well as prime facilities, are elements evaluated by the AAA in their selection of the most highly rated establishments.

Such is the case of Grand Velas Riviera Maya, which for the second consecutive year has received this recognition from the hands of Tony Perrone, National Director of the AAA in Mexico. During the official ceremony on January 6th he mentioned that “Grand Velas Riviera Maya is setting the new 5 Diamond standard throughout the industry for years to come.”

Fernando García Rosette, General Director of Grand Velas resorts in the Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit, added that “With the Five Diamonds, we affirm our position as one of the best resorts in Mexico and the entire continent.”

With just three years since its opening, the resort has received the applause of various authorities in the hotel sector including Virtuoso, The Leading Hotels of the World, The Leading Spas of the World and Condé Nast.

Learn more about this resort and its culinary tour, world-class Spa and renowned Luxury All-Inclusive plan.

Playa del Carmen, México (12 de enero de 2012) – Grand Velas Riviera Maya fue reconocido por la American Automobile Association (AAA) con el premio 5 Diamantes por segundo año consecutivo, continuando con la tradición de la marca Grand Velas, que ha recibido desde 2005 este reconocimiento en su primer propiedad ubicada en la Riviera Nayarit.

Cada año, más de 65 editores de turismo visitan arriba de 70,000 establecimientos en los Estados Unidos, Canadá, México y el Caribe para evaluar diversos aspectos, como limpieza, atmósfera, amenidades y servicio; tan sólo un 0.25% de los hoteles evaluados recibe este distinguido reconocimiento.  El lujo y sofisticación, un servicio extraordinario y un nivel impecable de excelencia que supere las expectativas de sus clientes, son los puntos decisivos para obtener los 5 Diamantes.

Para más información o reservaciones, por favor llame al 01-800-831-1165 o visite http://www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com/.

Acerca de Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit:

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit es un resort con concepto Todo Incluido de Lujo y Spa de Clase mundial, miembro de The Leading Hotels of the World y orgulloso portador de 5 Diamantes, cuenta con 267 espaciosas suites con vista al mar y un Spa de clase mundial incluido en la selecta lista de Leading Spas of the World con 20 salas de masaje y más de 60 tratamientos; gimnasio y sala de ejercicios, boutique Spa y salón de belleza.
Cuenta además con tres albercas, cancha de tenis, más de 2,000 m2 de espacio para reuniones y Kids Club. Un escape ideal con ubicación envidiable: cerca de los mejores campos de golf y las principales atracciones, y a 15 minutos de Puerto Vallarta y su Malecón con galerías de arte y vida nocturna.

Acerca de Grand Velas Riviera Maya:

El resort 5 Diamantes, Grand Velas Riviera Maya, es parte de Leading Hotels of the World con mención por excelencia. Con 491 suites en tres ambientes separados: Suites Ambassador y Grand Class frente al mar con piscinas de inmersión privadas y amplias terrazas; y Suites Zen Grand, enclavadas en la selva maya con escenarios fascinantes. El Spa de Grand Velas fue nombrado “Mejor Spa” en el mundo por Virtuoso, y es un santuario de bienestar y salud de más de 8,000 m2 que se especializa en tratamientos exclusivos inspirados en las culturas antiguas de todo el mundo. Diseñado por la afamada firma de arquitectos Elias y Elias, este recinto fusiona la serenidad del Caribe con la vitalidad de la cultura de Yucatán.

Grand Velas Resorts Receive AAA Five Diamond Again in 2011

“Beyond All Inclusive, Beyond All Compare” Resorts Selected Among Top Resorts

by American Automobile Association

Playa del Carmen, Mexico (January 12, 2012) – Grand Velas Riviera Maya was awarded American Automobile Association’s (AAA) Five Diamond Award for lodging for its second consecutive year.  Grand Velas Riviera Maya’s 1sister resort on the pacific coast of Mexico, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, also received the Five Diamond Award in 2011 for its sixth consecutive year.

Every year more than 65 AAA/CAA tourism editors visit over 70,000 lodgings, campgrounds, restaurants and attractions throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.  Tourism editors conduct unannounced evaluations, scrutinizing such areas as cleanliness, ambiance, amenities and service.  Only an estimated 0.25 percent of the estimated 60,000 properties will receive the Five Diamond Award and only 3.25 percent of the estimated 32,000 properties are awarded the AAA Four Diamond designation each year.   AAA’s Diamond Rating System is the only rating system that covers the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean and is one of only two that conduct physical, on-site evaluations.

The Five Diamond is awarded to establishments that reflect the characteristics of the ultimate in luxury and sophistication from first class accommodations and extraordinary physical attributes to personalized services and amenities that enhance an unmatched level of comfort. The fundamental hallmarks at this level are to meticulously serve and exceed all guest expectations while maintaining an impeccable standard of excellence.

For more information or reservations, please visit http://www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com/ or call 1-866-230-7221.

About Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit:
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, an all-suites and spa resort located just 15 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta on Banderas Bay, is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and a recipient of the AAA Five-Diamond Award.  The resort features 267 spacious ocean-view suites.  The crown jewel of the resort and a member of Leading Spas of the World, the Spa at Grand Velas features 20 treatment rooms, over 60 spa treatments, gym and exercise room, spa boutique and beauty salon.  The family-friendly resort also offers tiered three-temperature infinity pools, tennis court, 25,321 total sq feet of meeting space and a Kids Club. Nearby are championship golf courses, numerous options for soft adventure, and the charming town of Puerto Vallarta with its many shops, art galleries and nightlife.

About Grand Velas Riviera Maya:

The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an all-suites and spa resort located five minutes from Playa del Carmen.  This Leading Hotels of the World designated resort is the preeminent one of its class boasting 491 suites in three separate ambiances– premium ocean-front Grand Class Suites with terrace plunge pools for families with children 12 and up, family-friendly ocean-view Ambassador Suites and Zen Grand Suites embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungle.  The resort presents the region’s largest spa sanctuary, named “Best Spa” in the world by Virtuoso, at over 89,000 square-feet specializing in signature treatments inspired by ancient cultures from around the world.  The resort was designed by lauded Mexican architecture firm Elias and Elias and features the sleek and modish interiors that fuse the serenity of the Caribbean with the vibrancy of Yucatan cultures.

Yesterday, Tony Perrone, Director of AAA Mexico, granted Grand velas Riviera Maya one of the most important awards in the hospitality industry for the second time: the Five-Diamond Award for their excellence in service and quality of their facilities.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya has stand out, since its opening in 2008, for offering the best of Mexico’s hospitality in an environment of surpassing luxury and comfort. Perrone added that Grand Velas has set new standards to achieve this coveted recognition.

Learn more about this resort and its culinary tour, as well as their Spa recently appointed Best Spa of the World by Virtuoso.

El día de ayer, Tony Perrone –Director Nacional de la AAA, hizo entrega por segunda ocasión, del máximo galardón en la industria hotelera: 5 Diamantes por la excelencia en el servicio y la calidad de sus instalaciones.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya se ha destacado, desde su apertura en 2008, por ofrecer lo mejor de la hospitalidad mexicana en un ambiente de lujo y confort incomparable. Perrone añadió que Grand Velas ha establecido nuevos estándares para conseguir este codiciado reconocimiento.

Conozca más acerca de este resort y su tour culinario, así como su Spa nombrado recientemente, Mejor Spa del Mundo, por Virtuoso.

Out of 12 contestants who fought for a pass to the grand finale of the 2011-2012 “Mexico Chef of the Year” Xavier Pérez Stone of Quintana Roo took first place in this tough competition, held on November 29th and 30th at the Universidad Tecnológica of the Riviera Maya (UTRM).

Xavier Pérez Stone

Eva García Cuervo, national director of the competition, mentioned that now in its third year, it has been more difficult than ever to choose the winner, as each year the competing chefs have better results in the kitchen.

The competition consists of providing the chefs their Mexican cuisine ingredients just as they enter the kitchen; therefore each chef must be agile and creative in order to achieve a new dish that places them as a finalist in each of the seven semifinals.

On this occasion, Enrique Olvera, president of the judging panel, indicated that the panel was very strict in qualifying the way that each chef made optimal use of the raw products.

Xavier Pérez Stone, chef of restaurant Cocina de Autor at Grand Velas Riviera Maya resort, first created an appetizer made of lionfish with pumpkin and a small amount of orange. He then prepared a main course of venison and achiote, and finally presented a dessert of chocolate with spices.

The winner indicated that after winning second place in the 2009-2010 Mexico Chef of the Year competition, he was provided with better professional opportunities and was motivated to continue to do his best day after day.

Next year Xavier Pérez Stone will participate in the grand finale of the competition, to be held in June in the Centro Banamex in Mexico City.

His goal: to win first place as a representative of the Riviera Maya during the grand finale.