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.
by Manuel Calderón de la Barca
When you think of All Inclusive hotels, you may wonder what they offer: the service, the accommodations, the amenities- but one of the most important factors is the food. It turns out that it is very common that after visiting the restaurants at the majority of these hotels, you are left with the feeling of having paid for something that simply did not meet your expectations. It can easily be said that it is difficult to find an All Inclusive with world-class cuisine, rich in flavor and variety, created by acclaimed chefs such as those found in the best restaurants in New York, Paris or Rome.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya breaks the mold with an authentic culinary tour of five gourmet restaurants, each with a uniquely talented chef. To begin the gastronomic event Piaf and its menu of French haute cuisine await, created by Chef Michel Mustiere. Here the ambience and aromas of Paris are invoked through lamb filet in thyme sauce, ratatouille and authentic French onion soup with Gruyere. The final sweet touch is a tulip of almonds on a bed of pineapple with saffron.
At Lucca, the whole family can enjoy the cuisine of Italy, with its authentic flavors of the Mediterranean. Menu samplings include fresh fish, seafood and pastas, such as linguini with lobster and cream of clam and shrimp with marjoram and toasted almonds. For dessert, bittersweet chocolate ravioli filled with ricotta cheese and cinnamon and basil granita.
The journey continues to the distant lands of the East with Sen Lin. Duck marinated in ten spices with plum sauce, seafood soup with coconut and warm lobster slices in masago sauce are just a few of the ways to enjoy the intensity of the flavors of Asia.
The Mexican cuisine of Frida is another station on this tour, where homage is paid to traditional dishes with a gourmet brushstroke, turning them into works of art. At this family restaurant you must try the lamb crusted in bread and oregano in birria reduction, the red snapper filet in squash flower sauce with huitlacoche, or corn truffle, and at the meal’s end, a chocolate mousse with mole poblano, amaranth and pumpkin-seed crisp, and rum caramel sauce sauce.
At Cocina de Autor, the signature restaurant of the resort, talented Basque chefs Bruno Oteiza and Mikel Alonso join forces to create sensations and emotions through cuisine filled with energy and creativity. As they say, their dishes are “created according to the whims of nature”. Menu items include venison with transparencies, bronzed sculpted sea bass and fresh tuna. Tapioca with coconut, chocolate with beeswax, and passion fruit biscuits crown this Spanish flavor adventure. Tour the world of artful and exotic cuisine. Enjoy these gourmet creations, on the only culinary tour in the area.
Contact us: www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com
El Festival de Jazz de la Riviera Maya, alcanzará su novena edición del 24 al 26 de noviembre de 2011. Este evento musical, que a lo largo de estos años ha logrado cautivar la imaginación y el corazón de los amantes de la música, llega renovado y con invitados de lujo, que engalanarán Playa del Carmen.
Grandes leyendas y ganadores de Premios Grammy han pisado el escenario de Playa Mamitas, entre los que destacan George Duke, Four Play, Sergio Mendes, Herbie Hancock, Ivan Lins, David Sanborn, Earl Klugh, Armando Manzanero y Sacbe, entre muchos otros que han tenido la oportunidad de deleitar al público de la Riviera Maya.
Durante este tiempo, el Festival de Jazz se ha posicionado como un gran evento musical del destino, pero sobre todo se ha convertido en una gran atracción de la Riviera Maya. Esto es parte del compromiso del ofrecer una experiencia inolvidable para quienes nos visitan, ofreciendo la oportunidad de disfrutar durante 3 días no sólo de todas las bondades y atractivos del destino, sino también de excelente música que deleita los oídos de los asistentes.
El festival dará inicio el jueves 24 de noviembre contando con la presencia de Natalia Lafourcade, artista talentosa, atrevida e irreverente, quien ha sabido defender su insolencia musical para componer melodías honestas y sin catálogo. Ganadora de premios MTV y nominada al Grammy Latino. La invitación que le hiciera la Big Band Jazz de México a participar con ellos en un concierto, la llevó a formar su propia banda de jazz con la cual hizo una temporada de presentaciones en la Ciudad de México. La frescura y energía de Natalia Lafourcade serán un buen comienzo para festival.
La velada continuará con el tecladista y compositor de Filadelfia, Jeff Lorber un gran exponente del jazz fusión, un movimiento que mezcla el jazz tradicional con ritmos y elementos de rock, R&B, funk y sonidos electrónicos.
El cierre de la primera noche del festival será a cargo de un magnífico exponente del R&B, rock y jazz, Randy Brecker, trompetista originario de Filadelfia, reconocido por acompañar a grandes figuras artísticas mundialmente reconocidos desde James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan y Frank Zappa.
El segundo día dará inicio con un velo de nostalgia y recuerdos que invadirán el ya tradicional escenario sede de Playa Mamitas, en el cual Enrique y Fernando Toussaint en compañía de Enrique Pat rendirán homenaje a la trayectoria de uno de los mejores músicos y compositores más importantes del jazz y la música en México: Eugenio Toussaint.
La noche sigue para encontrarnos con la presentación de Jon Anderson, vocalista de la legendaria banda de rock progresivo Yes. En el verano de 1968, Anderson se unió a un grupo llamado Mabel Greer’s Toyshop, que también lo formaban el bajista Chris Squire y el guitarrista Peter Banks.
Stanley Clarke leyenda de la música y ganador del Grammy a Mejor Álbum de Jazz Contemporáneo 2011 cerrará la segunda noche asegurando una velada muy especial. Artista, intérprete, compositor, director, arreglista, productor y compositor de música para cine, uno de los más célebres bajistas en el mundo con más de 36 años de carrera.
El sábado 26 de noviembre, la noche de cierre de la novena edición del Festival de Jazz de la Riviera Maya, dará inicio con la presencia de Alex Otaola, reconocido músico que ha sido parte de agrupaciones mexicanas como Santa Sabina, la Barranca y San Pascualito Rey.
Otaola, quien a lo largo de 15 años de carrera profesional se ha presentado en los principales foros y festivales del país, y en ciudades importantes como Nueva York, Chicago, Los Ángeles, Toulouse, Berlín, Dublín, Madrid, Barcelona, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto e Hiroshima, ahora hace gala de su presencia en este festival.
Para cerrar este magno evento hace presencia Richard Bona, un músico que defiende su concepto de música universal: generosa y accesible para todos. Nació en la pequeña población de Minta, en Camerún. Bona, encuentra en sus instrumentos la fluidez necesaria para mostrar sus composiciones naturales, lo que hace único a este reconocido instrumentista que toma sus composiciones de lugares y estilos muy distintos; África, el jazz y la fusión.
Los ritmos inigualables de Los Yellowjackets finalizarán la novena edición del Festival de Jazz de la Riviera Maya. Lanzaron en 1981 su primer trabajo de estudio, y desde entonces se han mantenido en constante actividad, grabando más de una veintena de discos y con giras por diversos rincones del mundo. Ahora, conmemoran sus 30 años juntos, como grupo de jazz fusión.
A los aficionados al jazz, al igual que a los amantes de la música en general, se le obsequiará la oportunidad de tener la extraordinaria experiencia de ver y oír a esos maestros tocando bajo las estrellas sobre una de las playas privilegiadas de Playa del Carmen, Playa Mamitas, como acústica el sonido de las olas del Caribe rompiendo sobre la arena.
Now in its 9th season, this event will take place from the 24th to 26th of November 2011. The musical celebration, which over the years has succeeded in capturing the hearts of music lovers far and wide, arrives renewed with incredible artists, ready to take Playa del Carmen by storm.
Great legends and Grammy winners have graced the stage of Playa Mamitas during the annual festival, including George Duke, Four Play, Sergio Mendes, Herbie Hancock, Ivan Lins, David Sanborn, Earl Klugh, Armando Manzanero and Sacbe among many others, delighting the Riviera Maya public and making a name for the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival.
The Jazz Festival has become the great musical event of the destination, and overall it has become a great attraction in the Riviera Maya. This is part of the commitment to offering an unforgettable experience for our visitors, providing the opportunity to enjoy 3 days of not only the best activities, but also excellent music to delight the ears of everyone around.
The festival begins on Thursday the 24th of November with Natalia Lafourcade, a bold, talented and irreverent artist who has managed to defend her musical insolence in order to compose melodies that are at once honest and inventive. Winner of MTV awards and nominated for the Latin Grammies, Big Band Jazz of Mexico’s invitation to her to play a concert with them lead her to form her own jazz band, with whom she performed a season of shows in Mexico City. The freshness and energy of Natalia Lafourcade promises to be a great start to the festival.
The evening will continue with keyboardist and composer from Philadelphia, Jeff Lorber, an excellent example of jazz fusion- a mixture of traditional jazz with rhythms and elements of rock, R&B, funk and electronic sounds.
The first night concludes with R&B, rock and jazz great Randy Brecker. A trumpet player from Philadelphia, he is known for accompanying big artists such as James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan and Frank Zappa.
The second day starts with a veil of nostalgia and memories that will invade the now traditional setting of Playa Mamitas; Enrique and Fernando Toussaint, along with Enrique Pat, will pay homage to the work of one of the best musicians and composers of jazz and music in Mexico: Eugenio Toussaint.
The night continues with a performance by Jon Anderson, vocalist for the legendary progressive rock band Yes. In the summer of 1968, Anderson joined a group called Mabel Greer’s Toyshop, also made up of bassist Chris Squire and guitarist Peter Banks.
Stanley Clarke, music legend and Grammy winner for the Best Contemporary Jazz Album in 2011, will close the second night, which promises to be a very special evening. Artist, performer, composer, director, producer and composer of music for film; he is one of the most celebrated bass players in the world, with a career that spans over 36 years.
Saturday November 26th, the last night of the 9th edition of the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, begins with Alex Otaola, a well-known musician who has been part of Mexican groups such as Santa Sabina, la Barranca and San Pascualito Rey.
Otaola, during his 15-year professional career, has performed in the principal venues and festivals in the country, as well as in cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Toulouse, Berlin, Dublin, Madrid, Barcelona, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima.
Richard Bona will then perform, a musician who promotes his concept of universal music: generous and accessible to all. Born in the small town of Minta, Cameroon, Bona finds in his instruments the fluidity necessary to give way to his organic compositions. What makes this instrumentalist especially unique is that he draws inspiration from distinct places and styles including Africa, jazz and fusion.
The incomparable rhythms of the Yellowjackets will close out the 9th edition of the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival. In 1981 they launched their first studio recordings and since then they have been constantly active, recording more than 20 albums and touring many corners of the world. Today, they celebrate more than 30 years together as a fusion jazz group.
Aficionados of Jazz as well as lovers of music in general will be given the opportunity to experience these masters playing beneath the stars on the beautiful beach of Playa del Carmen, Playa Mamitas, with the waves of the Caribbean Sea providing the perfect acoustics as they break on the sand.
Hollywood actor and producer Brad Pitt arrived this past Monday, July 11th in Cancun to promote his new film “Moneyball” as part of the Summer of Sony 2011, during which this tourist destination becomes an extension of Hollywood for almost a week as many artists present their new productions.
Photo: www.homocinefilus.com
“Moneyball” is the cinematic adaptation of the book Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game, written by Michael Lewis.
The storyline tells how a modest baseball team, the Oakland Athletics, didn’t need large sums of money to make it to the World Series, thanks to clever use of statistical data by Billy Beane, played by Brad Pitt.
Screenwriters Steven Zaillian of “Schindler’s List” and Aaron Sorkin of “The Social Network” have united their talents to tell the story. The film is directed by Bennett Miller, who directed Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Capote”.
Actors Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright and Stephen Bishop share the screen with Pitt in “Moneyball”.
por Manuel Calderón de la Barca
El actor y productor de Hollywood, Brad Pitt, arribó el pasado lunes 11 de julio a Cancún para promover su película “Moneyball” como parte del Summer of Sony 2011 que durante casi una semana convertirá a este destino turístico en una extensión de Hollywood, por la gran cantidad de artistas citados para dar a conocer las nuevas producciones de la casa.
“Moneyball” es la adaptación cinematográfica del libro “Moneyball: The Art of Winning An Unfair Game’, escrito por Michael Lewis.
Photo: www.homocinefilus.com
La trama cuenta cómo un modesto equipo de béisbol, los Atléticos de Oakland, no necesitaron grandes sumas de dinero para colarse en la Serie Mundial gracias a la pericia informática de Billy Beane, personaje encarnado por Brad Pitt.
Los guionistas Steven Zaillian, de “La Lista de Schlinder” y Aaron Sorkin, de “La Red Social”, han unido su talento para dar forma a esta historia. La película está dirigida por Bennett Miller, quien dirigió al ganador del Oscar, Philip Seymour Hoffman, en Capote.
Junto a Brad Pitt se encuentran en el reparto de este filme los actores Jonah Hill, Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright y Stephen Bishop.
Ver más: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiAHlZVgXjk
By Manuel Calderón de la Barca
Grand Velas Riviera Maya is a resort that always seeks to surprise, delight and pamper guests by being at the forefront of trends in service. On this occasion we present the Velas Therapy with Fish, a thousand-year-old treatment that breaks the mold of any traditional treatment.
This treatment with fish has existed since ancient times and its origin is found in faraway Turkish lands. In fact, legend says that many years ago a shepherd, after injuring his foot, washed himself in a pool of thermal waters. Miraculously, small fish in the pool drew near to him and nibbled at his wound, helping him to heal quickly.
To begin the Therapeutic Velas Fish Therapy, Grand Velas receives you with an incomparable welcome ritual, in which your feet are washed after being submerged in a basin of water infused with healing essences and flower petals.
Your feet are then placed in an aquarium containing small fish known as Garra Rufa, a species of finger-sized carp that gently feed on the dead skin cells of your feet.
And then, magic! The dead skin accumulated on the surface of your feet is completely eliminated. The Garra Rufa fish tend to go directly to the heels or the region where the highest quantity of dead cells is located, before cleaning the areas around the toes. The most amazing part is that they act without harming healthy skin.
Contrary to what we might think, these fish do not have teeth and cause no harm. They actually produce a natural enzyme with curative and restorative properties that is transmitted to your feet during the treatment.
Simply allow yourself to be pampered by placing your feet in the aquarium and allowing the little fish to do their job. At the beginning, the sensation feels like a gentle tickle, but results in complete softness that will last for days.
The therapeutic Velas Fish Treatment lasts 50 minutes; enjoy 25 minutes in the aquarium with the Garra Rufa fish followed by a 25-minute relaxing and hydrating massage.
Más información
sparm@grandvelas.com
Manuel Calderón de la Barca
Grand Velas Riviera Maya es un resort que busca siempre sorprender y estar a la vanguardia en las nuevas tendencias de servicio. En esta ocasión, le presentamos Terapia Velas con Peces, un tratamiento milenario que rompe los esquemas de cualquier tratamiento tradicional.
Esta terapia con peces ha existido desde tiempos remotos y su origen se da en los lejanos territorios turcos. De hecho, la leyenda dice que hace muchos años, un pastor, después de lastimarse el pie, se lavó en una fuente de agua termal y pequeños peces que mordisqueaban su lesión le ayudaron a sanar rápidamente.
Para comenzar la Terapia Velas con Peces, Grand Velas le recibirán primero con el incomparable ritual de bienvenida, en el que lavarán sus pies para después de sumergirlos en un tazón con agua con bondadosas esencias y pétalos de flores naturales.
Luego, colocarán sus pies en un tanque acuario que contiene peces pequeños conocidos como garra rufa, una especie de carpa del tamaño del dedo, que se alimenta de la piel muerta de los pies.
¡Sí! La piel muerta que se acumula en la superficie de los pies es eliminada por completo. Los peces garra rufa tienden a alimentarse por primera vez en los talones o la región donde haya mayor cantidad de células muertas, para después limpiar las áreas alrededor de los dedos del pie, y lo más impresionante es que actúan sin dañar la piel sana.
Contrariamente a lo que se pueda pensar, estos peces no tienen dientes, no lastiman, al contrario, producen una enzima natural con propiedades curativas y regenerativas.
Así que simplemente déjese consentir e introduzca sus pies en el tanque acuario y permita que los pequeños peces hagan su tarea. Al principio, la sensación será un poco de hormigueo, pero más tarde sentirá una completa suavidad que durará varios días.
La Terapia Velas con Peces dura 50 minutos; comienza con 25 minutos en el tanque acuario con los peces garra rufa, más 25 minutos de un hidratante y relajante masaje de pies.
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Más información
sparm@grandvelas.com
by Manuel Calderón de la Barca
Expedia, the biggest online travel company, included Grand Velas Riviera Maya in their select list of the best hotels worldwide. Also included were, Casa Velas and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, of the Velas Resorts Family.
Based on over 500 thousand evaluation questionnaires received each year, Grand Velas Riviera Maya was one of the 500 hotels selected from the 130 thousand properties offered by Expedia throughout the world, and was highlighted for achieving the highest ratings.
“Grand Velas Riviera Maya has been identified by Expedia´s clients as a hotel which constantly offers great quality on their services, an exceptional experience to the guest, and a good price-quality ratio, gaining a place on the Insiders´ Select list as a testimony to their permanent commitment to excellence” highlighted by Gary Fritz and Fonseca Dhiren, from Expedia Partner Services Group.
Expedia´s Insiders Select is an annual prize which recognizes the best hotels available in the global market, judging from the experiences of Expedia´s clients.
“To provide our guests with superior service is a priority at Grand Velas Riviera Maya. We are pleased that our efforts have been recognized by Expedia´s travelers, and we expect to extend this high level of service to more clients”, said Fernando García Rossette, General Manager.
This exclusive list shows the great selection available for travel destinations and hotel establishments, and offers travelers a powerful tool to find the perfect hotel for their stay. As part of this elite group of hotels, Expedia will issue a plaque to Grand Velas, accrediting it as a member of such exclusive list of properties throughout the world.
About Expedia:
Expedia, the biggest online travel company, included it amongst the resorts that offer the best quality in their services, as well as an exceptional guest experience, from over 130 thousand properties evaluated throughout the world, via their Insider´s Select publication.
At “Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All Compare”
Velas Resorts in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit
- Grandparents Stay for Only $65, Spa Treatments, Eco-Park Tour, Special Family Bonding Activities & More Included -
Puerto Vallarta (April 22, 2011) – In celebration of baby boomers turning 65 this year, grandparents stay for just $65 per night at the “Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All Compare” Velas Resorts in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit. The Grandparents Packages also feature spa rituals, discounted golf, professional portrait, airport transportation, up to $500 in resort credits, and exclusive activities with the resort’s Family Reunion Coordinator. A guided tour of the property cenotes (sacred Mayan wells) and a trip to Riviera Maya’s renowned Xcaret nature park where families can swim in underground rivers, snorkel, snuba and see the butterfly pavilion and coral reef aquarium are also included at Grand Velas Riviera Maya. The 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. Packages start at $200 per person, per night based on double occupancy through December 22nd at Velas Vallarta, $344 per person, per night based on double at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit through December 18th and $439 per person, per night based on double occupancy through December 19th at Grand Velas Riviera Maya. Two grandparents are complimentary at Velas Vallarta. One grandparent pays just $65/night at both Grand Velas resorts. Four suites must be booked and a minimum three-night stay to qualify. Package components vary based on resort. Children rates start at $75 per night. For more information, call Velas Resorts at 1-888-323-2776 or visit www.velasresorts.com.
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
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Mon, 25 Jul 2011
