Puerto Vallarta

Grandeur at Riviera Nayarit

Grand Velas

WHEN ARRIVING TO GRAND VELAS RIVIERA NAYARIT, LOCATED JUST 15 MINUTES NORTH OF PUERTO VALLARTA, TRAVELERS ARE WELCOMED TO THE AAA FIVE DIAMOND ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT BY SERGIO BUSTAMANTE’S 20 FT. HIGH BRONZE SCULPTURE ENTITLED “LA SILLA DEL MAGO” (THE WIZARD’S CHAIR). ADJACENT, THE MEXICAN ARTIST’S ACCOM PANYING BRONZE STAND HOLDS AN OPEN BOOK READING WHAT WE’RE ABOUT TO FIND OUT, “AQUI EMPIEZA LA MAGIA” OR THE MAGIC BEGINS HERE.

Frida

Suite Spa

Lobby

Aqua Forza

After checking in while seated on comfy couches, we enjoyed a welcome drink and brief head and neck massage while we waited for the bellboys to grab our bags and take us to our suite.

Overlooking the blue waters of Banderas Bay, Grand Velas features 267 one, two and three-bedroom suites and family residences. With private terraces, all are more than 1,000 sq ft. and feature original Mexican art. Renowned Mexican interior designer Melin Castro chose a neutral palette that wouldn’t compete with the brilliant colors of nature visible from every guest room vista.

Then we were off to the tiered three-temperature infinity pool to relax, catch a glimpse of breaching whales (Dec - March only) and grab a quick bite. Our lunch consisted of some fresh ceviches, kebabs and a trio of tacos. Before heading in to get ready for dinner, we enjoyed cocktails at a beach bonfire, a must for any family or group of friends visiting the resort, as the orangey-red Puerto Vallarta sun set directly over the bay.

Dinner was a highlight every night, with four of the resort’s restaurants racking up 16 AAA diamonds for fine dining. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit samples cuisine from around the world at its restaurants which serve as serious competition with the best restaurants in Mexico. Frida, a fine dining experience featuring Mexican cuisine, is known for its dishes that legendary artist Frida Kahlo made for her lover, the famed Diego Rivera. Lucca serves Italian-Mediterranean cuisine in a contemporary Italian vineyard tasting room-type atmosphere. Piaf offers French classic cuisine, from rack of lamb to a to-die-for Grand Marnier soufflé. The menu at Asian-inspired Sen Lin balances modern and ancient cuisine that plays on new textures and original presentations with traditional ingredients.

A highlight of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the world class Se Spa, included on Forbes Travel Guide’s list of The World’s Most Luxurious Spas. Considered the crown jewel of the resort, the spa’s design includes a palapastyle entrance, furniture from Bali and a large marbled wall with cascading water. Our spa experience begins with the 50-minute Water Ceremony which includes a revitalizing sensory shower, herbal steam room, sauna, a dip in hot and cold plunge pools, and time in the Jacuzzi. A spa valet guides from cold to hot, aiding in muscle relaxation. >>

Teens Club

Se Spa features more than 30 spa treatments, including the Mole Mexicano Treatment which is an exfoliating massage and facial using traditional ingredients such as walnuts, almonds, sesame seeds and, of course, the mix and intensity of different chiles. Spa guests are invited to make their own scrub in a traditional metate, or mealing stone. During the treatment, endorphins are released - improving mood, dead cells are eliminated, the skin hydrated and hair follicles on the scalp stimulated. Another highlight of the spa is the Grand Cora Massage, inspired by the ancient healing rituals of the native Huichols. The highly energetic massage stimulates the sensorial perception through a sound ritual of natural instruments and then eliminates nervous tension with the application of warm ginger oil, which restores emotional, intellectual and spiritual wellness. Holistic packages, salon services and traditional Spa treatments including massage, body wraps, facials and manicures are also available.

Onsite, the resort offers many options to explore Mexican traditions, including a new Molcajete Workshop to learn about different salsas and their preparation. Other experiences include a fishing expedition where catches are prepared by a chef to enjoy on deck, traditional Mexican doll workshop, taco tour through the resort’s gourmet restaurants, mixology classes that combine Mexican culture and cocktails, and so much more.

For active adults and families traveling with children, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers an array of activities and amenities including tennis courts; beach volleyball and soccer; and nonmotorized watersports, such as snorkeling, kayaking and boogie boarding. Additionally, a children’s pool, Baby Concierge and Grand Kids Club, available daily for kids ages 4 to 12, are offered. A highlight of a family stay is the stateof-the-art Teen Lounge which offers everything a teen could want, with activities ranging from games like billiards, air hockey, foosball and arcade games, to video game systems Xbox and PS3, plus karaoke and disco parties. As part of the all-inclusive resort, themed nights and entertainment programs are offered in the open-air theater on property.

Travelers looking to discover the natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta will be pleased with the abundant offerings at the resort and its location to activity highlights in the destination. Adventure-seekers will enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving in the coral reefs, kayaking, ziplining and sailing into the radiant sunsets on the Banderas Bay. Downtown Puerto Vallarta lets travelers discover local culture and offers a vibrant nightlife while golf lovers will especially enjoy the world-class courses that are only minutes from the resort. North of the resort, Sayulita is a Puebla Magica (Magic Town) for boho chic designs, surfing and casual strolling.

Depending on the type of vacation, whether it's with family, a romantic honeymoon, or a relaxing beach getaway, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit resort is the perfect destination for anyone looking for it - or nothing at all. v www.vallarta.grandvelas.com

Terrace Massage

Beach