Riviera Maya Vacation Packages
Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort Riviera Maya makes it easy to plan the best vacation to Riviera Maya, Mexico. Grand Velas Riviera Maya all inclusive vacation packages and travel specials are available for any occasion. Find unbeatable rates on all inclusive packages available online through Grand Velas Riviera Maya.
By Yenny Gaona
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.
In celebration of Mexican Independence Day on September 16, Grand Velas Resorts are offering special wellness and adventure options honoring their home country from September 12 to 18. Complimentary tequila aromatherapy massages, authentic Mexican meals and a ‘Mayan Encounter’ adventure tour that take thrill-seekers zip lining through the Mayan jungle and to the top of the Yucatan’s tallest pyramid all serve to teach guests more about Mexico’s vibrant culture and history

In addition to a third night free, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers hotel guests a revitalizing, 25-minute ‘Viva Mexico’massage featuring tranquil essence of tequila, an authentic Mexican dinner complete with mariachi band, and 30% off a round of golf at Vista Vallarta & Marina Vallarta courses. Rates start at $320 USD per person per night in double occupancy in Master or Parlor Ocean View Suite. Children are $87 per child per night.
Sister property Grand Velas Riviera Maya also welcomes visitors to experience Mexico’s cultural heritage with the Mayan Heritage Experience. In addition to a complimentary suite upgrade, this package includes a Mayan Encounter tour to the surrounding natural sink holes and Mayan communities, adventures rappelling and zip lining through the tropical rain forests, expeditions to the Mayan pyramids, and a taste of authentic Mayan fare prepared by local Mayan women. Back at the resort, guests can experience Mexican Independence at Frida Restaurant with a special menu that pays tribute to some of Mexico City’s gastronomy from the past 40 years. Rates for the Mayan Heritage Experience start at $330 per person per night in double occupancy in the Zen Grand Suite. Children up to 12 years old stay free when sharing the suite with their parents and children 13 to 16 years receive a 50% discount in the Ambassador, Ambassador Pool & Grand Class suites.

Grand Velas Resort’s all-inclusive rate includes luxury suite accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness center, nightly entertainment and more. Minimum of three nights applies to both packages. For more information or reservations, please visit www.grandvelas.com or call 1-866-230-7221.

About Grand Velas Riviera Maya:
The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya, an all-suites and spa resort located five minutes from Playa del Carmen, represents the latest and most sophisticated iteration of the ultra-luxury, all-inclusive resort experience. This Leading Hotels of the World designated resort is the preeminent one of its class boasting 491 suites, each more than 1,000 square-feet, in three separate ambiances– adult-only ocean-front and ocean-view Ambassador Grand Class Suites, family-friendly Ambassador Suites and Zen Garden Suites embraced by the flora and fauna of the Y ucatan Peninsula’s jungle. The resort presents a gastronomic tour of the Yucatan, Europe and Asia offering seven restaurants with world-class chefs from France, Spain and Mexico; dedicated butler service for each guest, and the region’s largest spa sanctuary at over 89,000 square-feet specializing in signature treatments inspired by ancient cultures from around the world. The spa won Virtuoso’s “Best Spa” in the world and a SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Award. 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.
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 Pue rto Vallarta with its many shops, art galleries and nightlife.
perros
Rounds at Championship Courses, Green Fees, Partner Finder Program, Weekly Tournaments & More
Now Included in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Riviera Maya
Puerto Vallarta (April 11, 2011) – Dads can perfect their drives this Father’s Day and beyond with Golf Getaway Packages that include multiple rounds at championship golf courses, green fees, a partner finder program, organized weekly tournaments, suite upgrades and more at the “Beyond All Inclusive, Beyond All Compare” Velas Resorts in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit. Dads can opt to hit the greens at several different 18 hole courses including Marina Vallarta or Vista Vallarta Golf Clubs in Puerto Vallarta and Playa Paraiso Golf Club in Riviera Maya. Luxury suite accommodations, VIP airport/hotel transfers, spa treatments, international premium brands, room upgrades, a la carte gourmet meals at a choice of specialty restaurants, 24 hr in-suite service, minibar, fitness center, taxes and gratuities, and more are also included. Rates for the three-night minimum packages start at $225 (Velas Vallarta), $260 (Casa Velas), $346 (Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit) and $623 (Grand Velas Riviera Maya). All rates are per person, per night, based on double occupancy. Package offerings and minimum night-stay requirements vary by resort. The Golf Getaway Packages are valid now through December 18th. For more information and reservations, please call Velas Resorts at 1-888-323-2776 in the U.S. or Canada or visit www.velasresorts.com

Join our Social Networks!
At Luxury All-Inclusive Grand Velas Riviera Maya Now to Dec. 19th
Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya (February 11, 2011) – With a $50 spa credit* per adult per day, kids two for one, 10% discount at the resort boutiques and transportation from the resort to authentically lively downtown Playa del Carmen, families get taken special care of at the luxury all-inclusive and AAA Five Diamond Award Winning Grand Velas Riviera Maya. The Mayan Spa Package also includes luxury suite accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness center and personal trainer, nightly entertainment, and more. Package rates start at $350 per person per night (double) from now – Apr 30, 2011 and $320 per person per night (double) from May – Dec 19th. The children from 4-16 years are $99 per child per night (Jan 3 – Apr 30, 2011) and $75 per child per night (May 1 – Dec 19, 2011). The second child is free when shar ing the suite with their parents. Must use promo code SPA PKG + CHD 2X1 when booking. For reservations, please call 1-866-230-7221 or visit www.velasresorts.com.
Spa enthusiasts can take advantage of the credit to experience the resort’s award winning spa. Built amid the lush jungle that hugs the AAA Five Diamond resort, the AAA Five Diamond resortfeatures Seven Journeys, each one a collection dedicated to a renowned spa culture. Select from one-of-a-kind massage treatments based on Mayan mysticism and lore on the Journey through Native Mexico, experience the benefits of healing herbs in Ayurvedic-inspired treatments On Travels through India or try a sumptuous Honey Melt Scrub, Olive-Clay Wrap, and Spain’s most luxe skin-care service, all on the Mediterranean Voyage. Each thematic Journey—such as Nature’s Aromatherapy Trail, World Travels, and Inner Journey—includes approximately five treatments that best represent these spa-going traditions. The Men’s Journey and the Rainbow Journey for children and teens (ages 6 – 15 years old) help these spa-goers easily find a selection of treatments that’s right for them.
Overlooking the Caribbean Sea and equipped with two state of the art Kids’ Clubs, Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers a large selection of family-friendly activities ranging from exploring Yucatan jungles and visiting Mayan ruins to water sports and cooking classes. For children four to 12 years old, the Kids’ Clubs offers numerous fun activities daily, such as storytelling, eco-art, origami, and board games, as well as instruction on how to make piñatas, kites, jewelry, and more. Lottery, Bingo games and video game tournaments are also organized in the two spacious kids&r squo; rooms in the Ambassador and Master ambiences, complete with bean bags, interactive screens and a large plasma screen. A mini-soccer field is also available for children.
*Credit is not accumulative, transferable or refundable. Credit does not applies to Spa boutique, beauty parlor or hydrotherapy area and is not combinable with any other promotions.

Hands-on Instruction, Food Demonstrations & Tastings with Internationally Renowned Food Bloggers
Playa del Carmen, Mexico (December 13, 2010) – Who hasn’t experienced the angst of trying to find the perfect gift for a loved one? Fortunately, this holiday season, Grand Velas Riviera Maya provides the perfect present for foodies with its Food Blogger Camp. From January 5-9th, the AAA Five Diamond resort will host seven notable food bloggers and photographers, such as David Lebovitz, Jaden Hair of Steamy Kitchen; Matt Armendariz of Mattbites; food stylist Adam Pearson, and photographers Diane Cu and Todd Porter of WhiteOnRiceCouple. In addition to meeting some of the world’s top food bloggers, participants will enjoy culinary demonstrations from the talented Grand Velas chefs, gourmet gastronomy, a Mexican wine tasting, food styling workshop, introduction to food blogging, and additional culinary seminars at the Food Blogger Camp.
The five-day, four nights Food Blogger Camp 2011 starts at $1340 per person, based on double occupancy. The all-inclusive rate includes all Food Blogger Camp activities, luxury suite accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a choice of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24 hr in-suite service, fitness center, kids’ club, evening entertainment, activities for adults and children, taxes and gratuities, and more. Minimum night and other restrictions apply depending on the resort. For more information and reservations, please call Velas Resorts at 1-866-230-7221 or visit www.velasresorts.com

With only nine days left in our Name Our Kids Club contest, here are our current Top 10!

Top Ten - 6 Dec 2010
Submit your idea now AND submit your vote! Become a friend of the Grand Velas Riviera Maya Facebook page, post your name idea, and get all your friends and family to vote for you to win. [Learn more about the amazing Grand Velas Kids’ Club].
To remind you about the two great prizes, here are the details:
First Prize: For the person that receives the most votes for their name proposal. First prize winner will receive a fabulous 3-day, 2 night stay for 2 adults and 2 children at the all-inclusive resort Grand Velas Riviera Maya!
Second Prize: For the person whose name is chosen by the Communications Committee as their favorite, even if the name did not receive the most votes. The Communications Committee favorite will win 2 entrance passes to Xcaret or Xplor Park, to be used during your next stay at Grand Velas Riviera Maya!
Our contest runs until December 15. Winner chosen December 16. Must be 18 years old to enter. For details and official contest rules please visit: Grand Velas Riviera Maya Facebook Page.

Book by Dec. 31 & Receive 2 for 1 Kids Special at Luxury All-Inclusive Velas Resorts
Pay For One Child’s All-Inclusive Stay and Get Second Child Free in 2011

Puerto Vallarta (December 3, 2010) – This Holiday season, give your family the gift of an incredible luxury vacation with Velas Resorts’ 2 for 1 Kids Special. Pay for one child and receive a complimentary stay for a second child when booking by December 31st at three beachfront Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta.
Overlooking the Caribbean Sea and equipped with two state of the art Kids’ Clubs, Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers a large selection of family-friendly activities ranging from exploring Yucatan jungles and visiting Mayan ruins to scuba diving and snorkeling. Families will also enjoy the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Velas Vallarta, both located on the Banderas Bay, that offer easy access to numerous eco-tours, whale watching, swimming with dolphins, surfing, kayaking and more. At all of the resort Kids’ Clubs, children can take part in cooking classes, arts and crafts, outdoor activities and pool games, as well as many eco-friendly initiatives.
Velas Resorts’ all-inclusive rates include luxury suite accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness center, nightly entertainment and more. The 2 for 1 Kids Special applies to bookings made now through December 31, 2010. The promotion at Velas Vallarta and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is valid for travel for all of 2011; and from January 1 to March 31 at Grand Velas Riviera Maya. For reservations, please call 1-866-495-9902 or visit http://www.grandvelas.com/
Our contest ends Tuesday, December 15 so don’t miss your chance to enter and/or vote!
We have received a lot of great entries so far, but we still need your help to name the Grand Velas Kids Club and to submit your votes for the top entries!

Grand Velas Riviera Maya Kids Club Contest
Due to the great response so far we have decided to add a second prize! The first prize is for the person that receives the most votes for their name proposal. First prize winner will receive a fabulous 3-day, 2 night stay for 2 adults and 2 children at the all-inclusive resort Grand Velas Riviera Maya!
The second prize is for the person whom the Communications Committee chooses as their favorite, even if the name did not receive the most votes. The person selected as the Communications Committee favorite will win 2 entrance passes to Xcaret or Xplor Park, to be used during your next stay at Grand Velas Riviera Maya!
Interested? It’s easy! Just become a friend of the Grand Velas Riviera Maya Facebook page, post your name idea, and get all your friends and family to vote for you to win. [Learn more about the amazing Grand Velas Kids’ Club].
Our contest runs until December 15. Winner chosen December 16. Must be 18 years old to enter. For details and official contest rules please visit: Grand Velas Riviera Maya Facebook Page.
By Julieta Del Toro
Velas Resorts invites you to enjoy a spectacular vacation with your family! Imagine starting 2011 in a beach paradise, celebrating with your loved ones in the blue Pacific waters of Velas Vallarta, on the tranquil Bay of Banderas beach of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit or the turquoise Mexican Caribbean of Grand Velas Riviera Maya.
Experience an enchanting getaway full of magical moments that will forever remain in your memory. Celebrate in an environment that has everything for your family. While your little ones have a blast participating in fabulous Kids’ Club activities, you can enjoy the sun, sea and beautiful pools. We also have delicious spa treatments for your children, making them feel like super heroes and princesses as you relax with massages and therapies that will seduce your senses. Enjoy gourmet dining as a family or have a night to yourselves in one of our world-class restaurants.
For a limited time take advantage of our special 2 x 1 Kids Promotion. Pay for one of your children’s stay and receive another child’s stay free. Reserve until the 31st of December for your 2011 vacation.
To reserve, call toll free from the USA and Canada: 1 866 495 9902 | From Mexico: 01 800 831 1162 or email contactcentergv@velashotels.com. Visit www.velasresorts.com for more information about the resorts.
Offer valid only for new reservations made between today and December 31st, 2010. Valid for travel to Velas Vallarta and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit for all of 2011. Valid for travel to Grand Velas Riviera Maya from January 1st to March 30th, 2011. Subject to availability.
New Facebook Contest: Name Resort’s Kids’ Club for Free All-Inclusive Vacation
Winner Receives All-Inclusive Vacation for Four to AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya, Mexico (November 15, 2010) – Now through December 15th, Grand Velas Riviera Maya invites families to put their creativity to the test by inventing a name for the resort’s Kids’ Club. At stake is the chance to win a two-night all-inclusive vacation for two adults and two children in one of the AAA Five Diamond resort’s 1,184 sq. ft. Master Suites, surro unded by lush Riviera Maya jungle vegetation. The prize also includes dining at a choice of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hr in-suite service, access to the resort’s fitness center, activities for adults and kids, and roundtrip airport transfers.
For children four to 12 years old, Grand Velas Riviera Maya’s Kids’ Club offers numerous fun activities daily, such as storytelling, eco-art, origami, and board games, as well as instruction on how to make piñatas, kites, jewelry, and more. Lottery, Bingo games and video game tournaments are also organized in the two spacious kids’ rooms in the Ambassador and Master ambiences, complete with bean bags, interactive screens and a large plasma screen. A mini-soccer field is also available for children.
To participate in
the contest, applicants must be fans of Grand Velas Riviera Maya’s facebook page and post their proposal for the Kids’ Club name. Entries and votes will be accepted from now until December 15, 2010. The winner will be determined by popular vote of Fans and announced on December 17, 2010. The complimentary 3 day/ 2 night all-inclusive vacation is valid for travel between May 1 and December 19, 2011. Tax and gratuities are additional, and some restrictions may apply. For more information and reservations, please call 1-866-230-7221 or visit www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com .
About Grand Velas Riviera Maya:
The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya, an all-suites and spa resort located five minutes from Playa del Carmen, is the latest and most sophisticated iteration of the ultra-luxury, all-inclusive resort experience. This Leading Hotels of the World designated resort is the preeminent one of its class boasting 491 suites, each more than 1,000 square-feet, in three separate ambiances– adult-only ocean-front and ocean-view Ambassador Grand Class Suites, family-friendly Ambassador Suites and Master Suites embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungle. The resort presents a gastronomic tour of the Yucatan, Europe and Asia offering seven restaurants with world-class chefs from France, Spain and Mexico; dedicated butler service for each guest, and the region’s largest spa sanctuary at over 89,000 square-feet specializing in signature treatments inspired by ancient cultures from around the world. The spa recently won Virtuoso’s “Best Spa” in the world and a SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Award. 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.