Experience the beauty and magic of Riviera Maya, Mexico. This exquisite vacation destination on the exotic shores of Caribbean Mexico offers a true escape. White sand beaches, lush jungles, towering palms trees, and the ocean breezes of Riviera Maya instantly melt your cares away.
Riviera Maya is home to the quaint seaside town of Playa del Carmen and the bustling resort city of Cancun. Cozumel, the largest island in Mexico, is located just 12 miles off the coast. Popular tourist attractions and activities in Riviera Maya include touring the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum, snorkeling and scuba diving the coral reefs of Cozumel, and swimming with dolphins at local eco parks. Golf, fishing, boating, shopping, and dancing are also fun activities available in Riviera Maya.
Hugging the white sand shores of exotic Playa del Carmen, Mexico, the new Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort Riviera Maya is the pinnacle of vacation luxury on the Riviera Maya. Elegant suite accommodations, international cuisine, a deluxe spa, state-of-the-art convention services, and all-inclusive vacation packages make Grand Velas Riviera Maya a top destination for business and pleasure.
por Julieta Del Toro
Cada año en México, del 30 de octubre al 2 de noviembre, en todas las regiones del país se lleva a cabo una de las celebraciones populares con más arraigo y tradición que recuerda con alegría a quienes ya no están en este mundo, el Día de muertos.
Mezcla del legado indígena y las prácticas religiosas que trajeron los españoles en la época de la Conquista, el recordar a nuestros seres queridos ya fallecidos es todo un acontecimiento lleno de folclor; música, colores, aromas, y sabores que enaltecen el espíritu.
Los antiguos mayas tenían la creencia de que después de morir había nueve inframundos a los que iban de acuerdo a la forma en cómo habían muerto y en los que permanecían durante un año. A partir de ese momento, sus almas se adaptaban a otro lugar, una especie de mundo paralelo llamado Xibalbá (lugar de los que se desvanecen) desde el cual podían ir y venir.
En Riviera Maya, el banquete de las ánimas, Hanal Pixan, como se le conoce a esta fiesta, tiene su propio estilo. Desde 1992 en el parque de Xcaret se realiza para conmemorar la ocasión, Puente al Paraíso, un panteón con 365 tumbas de colores brillantes y materiales diversos que representan los días del año y de acuerdo a sus características, una región del país. Además, se colocan los típicos altares de muertos en donde se honra la memoria de personajes públicos y gente de la comunidad. Se decoran con papeles de colores, velas, flores y se coloca la comida y bebida favorita del difunto además de acompañar con la música de su predilección; esto con la creencia de que la noche del 1° de noviembre, el ánima vendrá y compartirá con sus seres queridos vivos.
Veredas anaranjadas formadas con pétalos de la flor de cempasúchil, indican al muerto el camino a seguir desde su tumba hasta su altar para que no se pierda ni de ida ni de vuelta. Ocho días después se celebra el Bix, en donde se invita a los difuntos a regresar el año siguiente, para esta celebración se vuelven a preparar los alimentos para que las ánimas se lleven su itacate, comida para su viaje de regreso al más allá.
Todo es vida y la muerte es parte de ella, no es el final sino el inicio de la eternidad.
Sumando esfuerzos a las acciones realizadas por parte de los estados de la Península de Yucatán y la Secretaría de Educación de Quintana Roo de establecer de manera permanente la enseñanza de la lengua maya en la educación básica, Grand Velas se une a la labor de difundirla y darla a conocer como parte de las actividades recreativas que se ofrecen en el hotel.
Todos los miércoles y viernes a partir de las 11.00 a.m. Alfredo Pool, colaborador del área de actividades y proveniente de una familia que ha logrado conservar sus raíces mayas, ofrece lecciones de esta ancestral lengua totalmente gratis a todos los huéspedes.
Las clases consisten en aprender cuestiones básicas, saludar, pedir comida, los números, algunos verbos y pedir que se les limpie la habitación.
Una forma interesante de conocer más sobre el legado maya y disfrutar de sus días en este paraíso del Caribe mexicano.
Si desea más información, por favor diríjase con su concierge.
conciergerm@grandvelas.com
by Nyima Bieber
What if this year you could take advantage of the week or long weekend to celebrate Thanksgiving in a tropical paradise? The kids have time off of school and you’ve got a few days off work. Whether your normal routine consists of traveling to visit family or friends or staying home to host a gathering, this year why not shake things up and organize a trip to beautiful Mexico? Come with the group or take a well-deserved vacation with your immediate family. There is no need to miss out on the Thanksgiving meal that we crave all year, as Velas Resorts will be serving an incredible dinner complete with traditional and contemporary offerings. Leave the planning, preparation and cleanup to us and enjoy world-class hospitality and all that a luxury All Inclusive resort has to offer. Have a family portrait taken on the wide sandy beach and come home tan, rested, well-fed and ready to take on those winter projects. This is a great opportunity to enjoy fun in the sun and quality time together.
All-Inclusive packages for the Thanksgiving Holiday feature a variety of special extras depending on the resort, such as suite upgrades, massages, golf, kids 4 and under free and transportation to and from the airport. Rates start at $175 at Velas Vallarta, $225 at Casa Velas, $300 at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and $371 at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, per person per night based on double occupancy and a minimum stay of 3 nights.
For more information and reservations, please call Velas Resorts at 1-888-210-9591 or visit www.velasresorts.com.
por Julieta Del Toro
Cuando el radiante sol funde sus últimos rayos con el hermoso mar turquesa para dar paso a la mágica luna con su elegante vestido negro, nada como una romántica cena en un ambiente de paz y complicidad en compañía de su pareja a la cálida y tenue luz de las velas.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya le invita a vivir una inolvidable experiencia que sin duda le será grata. Platillos exquisitos elaborados por nuestros aclamados chefs forman parte de los menús de cuatro tiempos que usted y su acompañante podrán disfrutar, ya sea en la intimidad de su suite (desde 200 USD) o en el área de playa (desde 670 USD). Deléitese con las riquísimas opciones que van desde deliciosas langostas y mariscos finamente preparados, hasta dulces postres acompañados por elegantes vinos.
La mesa se monta en la playa con antorchas y una decoración de velas y flores. Si también lo requiere, puede contar con los servicios de músicos, flores o cualquier otro detalle que desee obsequiar.*
Seducción y romanticismo que le harán pasar un momento inolvidable.
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*Cargo extra.
by Nyima Bieber
Every year in Mexico, from the 30th of October to the 2nd of November in all regions of the country, one of the most popular and deeply rooted traditional celebrations takes place. This celebration is dedicated to those who are no longer of this world and is centered on their joyful remembrance: el Dia de muertos or Day of the Dead. A mix of the indigenous people’s legacy and the religious practices brought by the Spanish during the conquest, the commemoration of our loved ones who have passed on is an event full of folklore, music, colors, aromas and flavors that lift the spirit.
The ancient Mayas believed that after death there were nine spirit worlds where the soul could go according to the form of death. There they would stay for one year. After this year, the soul would move on to another place, a type of parallel world called Xibalbá (place of those who disappear) from which they could come and go.
In the Riviera Maya, the banquet of souls, Hanal Pixan as the party is known, has its own style. Since 1992 in Xcaret park a Puente al Paraiso or Bridge to Paradise is constructed to commemorate the occasion, with a cemetery of 365 brilliantly colored tombs made of various materials that represent the days of the year and the different regions of the country. Altars are mounted in memory of famous personalities and people of the community, decorated with colored paper, candles, flowers and the favorite food, drink and music of the deceased, in the belief that on the night of November 1st the soul will come and partake in the offerings with their loved ones. Orange paths made of marigold petals lead the dead from their tomb to their altar so that they do not lose their way. Eight days after, the Bix is celebrated, in which the deceased are invited to return next year. For this celebration the food is prepared again so that the souls can take their itacate, or provisions for their travel back to where they rest during the year.
All is life and death is part of life. It is not the final end but the beginning of eternity.
by Julieta del Toro
There is nothing comparable to a romantic dinner at the time when the brilliant sun displays its last colorful rays and sinks into the gleaming turquoise waters of the Caribbean. An environment of peace and tranquility surrounds you and your partner, and as day turns to night the moon appears in the dark tropical sky, illuminating the scene along with the flickering candles.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya invites you to enjoy this incredible experience, with a four course menu featuring exquisite dishes by our acclaimed chefs. Enjoy the affair in the privacy of your suite (from 200 USD) or on the beach (from 670 USD). Delight in a variety of options that range from succulent lobster and fresh seafood to rich desserts, accompanied by elegant wine pairings.
Your table on the beach is surrounded by tiki torches and decorated with candles and flowers. At your disposal are musicians, additional décor, and any other element that you would like to add to make this event magical. *
This evening is sure to be an enchantingly memorable experience.
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*additional charge applies
by Julieta Del Toro
The Mayan culture is an important part of the history and present civilization of the Yucatan Peninsula. In accordance with initiatives by the states of the Yucatan Peninsula and the Secretary of Education of Quintana Roo to permanently establish the teaching of the Mayan language in the basic education system, Grand Velas joins in the effort to spread the language as part of a the recreational activities offered at the resort.
Every Wednesday and Friday at 11:00am Alfredo Pool, activities staff member and member of a family who has succeeded in preserving their Mayan heritage, will offer lessons in this ancestral language free to guests. The classes will teach guests greetings, numbers, a few verbs, how to pose basic questions, and how to order food.
This is an interesting way to learn more about the Mayan legacy and immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying your days in this Mexican Caribbean Paradise.
For more information please contact your concierge.
conciergerm@grandvelas.com
by Gerardo Trechuelo
Chief Concierge Master Grand Velas Riviera Maya
This tour is without a doubt one of the best recommendations for people with an adventurous spirit who are seeking a day full of excitement.
The experience begins with a wild ride on the fastest zip line in the region surrounded by lush jungle, followed by an incredible 18-meter rappel into a cenote (wide natural freshwater well). A refreshing swim in the mystic waters of an underground river is next. A delicious buffet of regional fare is served, readying you for the next phase.
The adrenaline continues at the Bahia de Tortugas beach club, where you can snorkel the coral reefs, surrounded by multicolored fish and marine turtles. At the end of the trip you will be able to relax on one of the best beaches of the Riviera Maya.
I am sure that this impressive adventure
will thrill you and exceed your expectations.
[more information]
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Book this amazing tour. Contact our Concierge:
conciergerm@grandvelas.com
Recently Grand Velas Riviera Maya was honored with the 5 Diamond award by AAA, in recognition of excellence, quality, hygiene, environment, amenities and service offered to guests.
Every year, more than 60 travel editors from this prestigious organization evaluate without previous notice thousands of tourist lodging options throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. The 5 Diamond rating is awarded to only 0.27% of the 60,000 properties assessed.
This award affirms Grand Velas Riviera Maya’s position as one of the best resorts in Mexico and the entire continent, with its dazzling facilities and luxury suites, exquisite restaurants with internationally acclaimed chefs and a spectacular world class spa (winner of Virtuoso’s Best Spa in the World award).
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Velas Resorts has now been awarded 26 Diamonds by AAA among its four properties in Mexico: Velas Vallarta, Casa Velas, Grand Velas Rivera Nayarit and Grand Velas Riviera Maya, placing them among the most sophisticated traveler’s preferences and acknowledging the group’s commitment to only offer the very best.
por Gerardo Trechuelo
Chief Concierge Ambiente Master Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Este tour sin duda es una de las mejores recomendaciones para las personas con espíritu aventurero y que buscan un día lleno de emociones.
La experiencia encierra un divertido y salvaje viaje en la tirolesa más rápida de la región rodeado de hermosa selva, seguido de un increíble descenso de 18 m en rappel dentro de un cenote para posteriormente refrescarse en las aguas místicas de un hermoso río subterráneo y seguir con un delicioso bufete de comida regional.
La adrenalina continúa en el club de playa en la Bahía de Tortugas, donde podrá practicar snorkeling, rodeado de corales, peces multicolores y tortugas marinas. Al terminar podrá descansar en una de las mejores playas de la Riviera Maya.
Estoy seguro que esta impresionante aventura
será de su completo agrado.
[Más información]
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Para reservar, contacte a nuestro
e-Concierge:
conciergerm@grandvelas.com
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Sat, 23 Oct 2010
