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VELAS RESORTSnewsletter # 2

CUISINE TRAVEL PEOPLE CULTURE

Grand Velas Riviera Maya:Best Beach Hotel in Mexico

In this Issue

CHAPEL AT GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYAGRAND VELAS RIVIERA NAYARIT: Renovated Facilities

BABY CONCIERGECooking with Chef Jorge Sierra

MEET BENNY, A SPIRITED CASA VELAS STAFF MEMBER

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Casa Velas Convention Center

About Velas Resorts

Offering unparalleled all-inclusive experiences, the four Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit have earned more than 43 AAA Diamonds, including the prestigious Five Diamond Award. Other esteemed international awards for their services and facilities include Virtuoso’s “Best Spa” and Conde Nast Johansens’ “Most Excellent Resort” and “Most Excellent Spa Hotel”. Properties include Casa Velas, a boutique adults-only hotel and ocean club located on the Marina Vallarta Golf Course, Velas Vallarta a family-friendly all suites resort and spa located on Banderas Bay, both in Puerto Vallarta; and the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit located in Riviera Nayarit.

Completing the group is Grand Velas Riviera Maya, located five minutes from Playa del Carmen, offering the most sophisticated, ultra luxury all-inclusive resort experience in the Caribbean with jungle and beach settings. Velas Resorts feature spacious accommodations, spas, a unique culinary experience at a selection of restaurants, 24-hour insuite service, fitness centers, Concierge service, state of the art convention centers, extensive family programs, fully stocked mini bar and more. Velas Resorts are operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, majority owner, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela by his side, vice president of Velas Resorts.

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On November 12, 2014 Food and Travel Mexico magazine held its first edition of the Reader Awards, presented to the best tourist and cuisine establishments in the country.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya was selected as Best Beach Hotel in Mexico in the Travel category, by readers who had the

opportunity to participate during the voting session in the months of September and October.

To see all of the winners in all categories check out the magazine’s official Twitter feed: @FoodandTravelMX.

Grand Velas Riviera MayaBest Beach Hotel in Mexico

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TRAVEL

With space for up to 143 people, the chapel is located in the Zen Grand ambiance, immersed in the Mayan jungle. It blends in perfect harmony with its surroundings and offers incredible views of the re-gional nature.

The chapel is specifically designed for guests and couples to enjoy Catholic ceremonies without having to leave the premises. Its ease of access, warmth and romance make it an ideal venue.

CHAPEL AT GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA

TRAVEL

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BABY CONCIERGEGRAND VELASThe resort’s littlest guests are VIPs too! Personalized service now extends to the babies of the family, with Baby Concierge staff providing parents with all amenities necessary for keeping babies happy.

These include baby bottle sterilizers, cribs, strollers, baby baths and toys. Other completely new personal use items are provided to take home, such as teethers, bottles and pacifiers. This service has no extra cost; items are subject to availability.

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GRAND VELAS RIVIERA NAYARITRenovated Facilities

Spa - The hydrothermal journey has been renovated with many new features for guests. A veil of steam with eucalyptus oil will embrace them and a new ceiling of stars will provide them with the benefits of color therapy.

Guests can also look forward to a refreshing bi-thermal shower along with an ice fountain with mint essence to balance the body’s temperature as a traditional detoxifying contrast after the dry heat of the sauna. The design’s details seek to create

a more organic setting with wood, bamboo walls and glass elements made by Mexican artisans. All of these aspects further elevate the experience of relaxation and wellbeing.

Suites - In order to maximize the experience of luxury and comfort for all guests a total of 131 Master and Parlor suites and two additional suites for the disabled were modernized in terms of amenities, furnishings and decor. They will be available for use starting in December 2014.

TRAVEL

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Craving some real Mexican food? Executive Chef Jorge Sierra of Mexican Resort Velas Vallarta, has shared a delicious recipe with us. He provides the ingredients and

you can add as much or as little of each as you like- you really can’t go wrong. This appetizer will definitely wow everyone at your gatherings, so let’s get started!

Cooking with Chef Jorge Sierra

Chef Jorge Sierra

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Preparation 1. Mash the avocado with a fork.

2. Add the chopped red onion, cilantro and a few drops of lime juice to prevent the avocado from turning brown.

3. Add two tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

4. Now it is time to add the main ingredients: mango (the greener you

can find the better, to give it that acidic touch) and salted peanuts.

5. Mix gently and decorate the dish with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro and crispy corn tortilla chips on the side.

Watch the video here!

recipe

Special Velas Vallarta Guacamole

Ingredients

AvocadoChopped red onionChopped cilantroLime juiceOlive OilSalt and pepperMangoSalted peanuts

cuisine

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What is your full name and position at Casa Velas?Benigno Rosas Bernal. I go by Benny. I am the Bartender. How long have you been working at this hotel? I have been working here for 4 years and 6 months. I’ve been here since the hotel opened.

How did you arrive at Casa Velas?How did I arrive? Well, by accident! I was coming to work at Velas Vallarta, Casa Velas’ sister resort. Management told me, “we also need a bartender here”. It was a pleasant surprise- I thought I was going to work at one place but ended up in another.

Where did you learn to do what you do?I learned what I do with a lot of desire to learn. I started bartending at the beginning without knowing anything about it.

How do you interact with guests?Well, I’m working on my English every day. The little I know, I do use. But overall, the important thing to me is to have a smile- its universal. A smile and a little body language while doing my job. I’m also a joker and very good at various tricks like bird noises and other things. Guests love it and I like to see them smile.

Which part of the hotel do you work in?I work in the lobby on the terrace. It is a great place to interact with people, and well, many people like what I do. It’s a great opportunity to work on my language skills as well.

What motivates you to be the best?People, because without them, I am nobody. As long as I have people around, I know I will do my best. Whether I have a crowd or just 1 or 2 people, they are my greatest motivation.

What do guests of Casa Velas like?Guests here like tranquility. They come here to get away from noise, and appreciate that there are only adults at the hotel. These are people that come to relax and be mellow- people on their honeymoon and such- they enjoy the peaceful, quiet atmosphere.

Would you like to add anything else?I am very grateful to have a great place to work. I believe I ended up here for a reason. If I am worried about something I leave that feeling at the door, and focus on my recognitions. People leave the hotel happy and they support me, leaving kind comments which truly motivate me to work harder. I look forward to meeting new guests and reaching five years with the hotel.

PEOPLE

MEET BENNY A SPIRITED CASA VELAS STAFF MEMBER

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Grand Velas Riviera Maya

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