NEWS & UPDATES FROM YOUR RESORT IN MEXICO
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Coming Soon to Vidanta: Hakkasan Group
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The Thrilling Rides of The Park
44 Salum comes to Riviera Maya
The open-air market and restaurants of Salum, coming soon to Vidanta Riviera Maya.
D E S I G N E D B Y L E G E N D A RY P L AY E R S .
BUILT FOR LEGENDARY GAMES.
GOLF MAGAZINE PREMIER R E S O RT S W I N N E R – 2 0 1 6
E X P L O R E N U E V O VA L L A RTA’ S N E W PA R 3 C O U R S E — O P E N I N G S O O N.
TO BOOK YOUR TEE TIME, CALL 1- 8 6 6 - 2 3 1- 4 4 2 3 .
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+ TA L K T O US Let us know what you think about The Vidanta Traveler! Send us your comments and feedback at m a r k e t i n g @ g r u p ov i da n ta . c o m
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Welcome! We’re so happy to welcome you to our third issue of The Vidanta Traveler. I’m especially excited to share this newest edition with you as it’s packed full of so many details and updates that exemplify the happiness we have in store for you on your next vacation. Perhaps more than any other year before, we spent 2016 focusing on how to bring you and your family the best vacation possible. In this magazine, we finally get to share many of the incredible new developments and resort updates we’ll be unveiling in the months and years to come. Our long list of new additions kicks off with the recently opened Grand Luxxe Tower 5 at Nuevo Vallarta and The Beach Club at Riviera Maya. But that’s just the start! We also dive deep on everything coming soon, including the new Convention Center at Nuevo Vallarta, the beach village coming to Riviera Maya, and the eagerly anticipated opening of Herringbone as well as the two other Hakkasan Group lifestyle entertainment concepts coming to Los Cabos. And don't forget to read all about our biggest project currently under development: The Park. We’ve worked hard to make 2017 the most exciting year yet for Vidanta, so you and your family can fill your travels with truly exceptional moments and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We can’t wait to welcome you back.
Sincerely,
Benny Michaud Director of Hotel Operations
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CONTENTS • WINTER/SPRING 2017
44
Soak up the tropical vibes at Salum.
In the Details
Dive Deep
STYLE
30 Hakkasan Group is
08 The rooftop paradise
of Grand Luxxe Tower 5
ON THE GREEN
12 The Vidanta Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament
18 The Greg Norman Golf
Course Grand Opening
SPOTLIGHT
20 Wise words from the Riviera Maya Resort Director
F L AVO RS
22 Indulge in excellence at Doux Bjioux
WELLNESS
26 The pampering of the Diamond Experience
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coming to Los Cabos
36 The rides of The Park 44 Salum beach village at Riviera Maya
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Get the latest updates on the soon-to-open Convention Center at Nuevo Vallarta.
Get Excited WH AT ’S NE W
52 The Beach Club at Riviera Maya
54 The all-new
Convention Center
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58 The soothing sips of Last Call
Learn what magic Hakkasan Group is cooking up in Los Cabos.
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TA K E
TABLE FOR TWO, PLEASE TO THE NEXT LEVEL.
The perfect setting, the perfect view, the perfect meal, the perfect moment. Make your vacation the romantic getaway you’ve been craving.
CONTACT US TODAY. Email your concierge to book your Cena Romántica during your next stay.
Unwind with the ultimate in high-end pampering—the Diamond Experience, available at Spatium.
In the Details Start dreaming of paradise with experience highlights, event updates, and all the little things that make your favorite destinations so special.
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ST Y L E ›› G R A N D LUX X E TOW E R 5
A Bird's-Eye View of Paradise Surrounded by beauty, Grand Luxxe Tower 5 takes a complementary approach. Why compete? If your natural backdrop includes a lush river valley, the shadowy peaks of the Sierra Madre mountains, and the wide wash of blues on Banderas Bay, then creating a space that distracts from the undeniable grandeur of your surroundings—no matter how sumptuous and well-appointed—is pointless. At least, that was the idea driving the design of the incredible rooftop restaurant and lounge atop Grand Luxxe Tower 5 at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta. The bounty of the land’s riches is undeniable, so why not create a sanctuary worthy of its beauty instead of one that competes with it? Thus, every corner of Tower 5—from the tables at Quinto Restaurant to the banks of the infinity pool—experiences a breathtaking wraparound view of all the majesty nature has to offer. Of course, beauty isn’t all you’ll find on this rooftop. Grand Luxxe members can lay back at the infinity pool and lounge deck, where crystalline waters blend with the clear blue sky. And for all guests, the tantalizing sound of marbled steaks and fresh seafood sizzling on the fire is the only invitation you need to visit Quinto—Nuevo Vallarta’s premium gourmet grill. Enjoy a perfectly prepared meal, a signature cocktail from Quinto’s mixologists, and take in a panorama of paradise.
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STYLE ›› GR A ND LUXXE TOWER 5
Sky Lounge, the new pool topping Grand Luxxe Tower 5 at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta.
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ON T H E G R E E N ›› TH E VIDANTA GO LF TO U RNAM EN T
The 1st Annual Vidanta Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament Top Pro Athletes Gather in Nuevo Vallarta to Play—and Admire—the Courses
Last October, twenty-two professional athletes from the worlds of golf, baseball, and even hockey arrived at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta for the first-ever Vidanta Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament. Competing with teams of amateurs for thousands of dollars in prizes, players drove, chipped, and putted their way across two of Mexico’s most beautiful courses, The Nicklaus Design and Norman Signature Golf Course, both at Nuevo Vallarta. Meet the winners, and grab a tip or two for your next game.
››TI PS I N SI DE Get the rundown from two experts and professionals.
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GOLF TOURNAMENT WINNERS 1ST PLACE
CARLOS ORITZ The 24-year-old rising star from Guadalajara, Mexico took home first with his team in the low gross section of the tournament.
2N D PLACE
DENIS SAVARD Savard’s opinion of the courses at Nuevo Vallarta? “Both golf courses were spectacular. Going across the bridge was a lot of fun and the greens are as good as any golf course I ever played.”
3 R D PLACE
CHARLIE BELJAN After coming in third with his team at Vidanta, PGA golfer Charlie Beljan is simply happy to have had such a good time. “It was a great weekend, and the courses are absolutely immaculate.”
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“BOTH GOLF COURSES WERE SPECTACULAR. GOING ACROSS THE BRIDGE WAS A LOT OF FUN AND THE GREENS ARE AS GOOD AS ANY GOLF COURSE I EVER PLAYED.” – D E N I S S AVA R D , F O R M E R N H L P L AY E R
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ON T H E G R E E N ›› TH E VIDANTA GO LF TO U RNAM EN T
AT THE TO UR N A MEN T:
HEAR IT FROM THE PROS About the Courses
Larry Walker: Five-time National League All-Star, seven-time Gold Glove winner, and the 1997 National League MVP.
CARLOS ORITZ O N T H E N ORMAN S I GNAT U RE CO UR S E •The design is great, a great challenge that brings a lot of water into play. The Norman greens are unbelievable.
Jeff Montgomery: Three-time American League All-Star and winner of the 1993 American League Rolaids Relief Award.
•The increased challenge and length of the Norman course probably makes it my favorite. Pro Tip When putting, you’ve got to keep the ball below the hole because the greens are so fast. O N T H E N ICKLAU S DE S I GN COU RSE •This is special, because Jack Nicklaus is my hero. I have always admired the way he played golf, how many tournaments he won, how he always was a gentleman, and I think he is a great ambassador for our sport. He has touched a lot of lives on and off the course. •This course is more friendly than the Norman, but still a good challenge.
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Cory Sullivan: Six-year veteran of the MLB, Cory went to the World Series with the Colorado Rockies in 2005. Sullivan is now with the Rockies as a broadcaster.
Travis Lee: Travis gained fame as one of the best first basemen in the major leagues, leading the National League in fielding twice during his major league career.
ON THE GR EEN ›› THE VI DA N TA GOL F TOU RN A MEN T
CHARLIE BELJAN O N THE N O R MA N SI G N ATUR E CO UR SE •Greg Norman did an absolutely amazing job with this design. The golf course is extraordinary, with a variety of water hazards and bunkers that makes every hole picturesque. •The biggest challenge has got to be the snack shops on the 4th and 12th holes. One bite of the tacos and you’ll never want to leave. Pro Tip The lie on the fairway is perfect, so make the most of your early shots. Once you get to the green, it’s a whole different game. O N THE N I C KL AUS DESI G N CO UR SE •Some challenging holes, but it’s very player friendly off the tee-box. •The course has a great variety of holes. You get excited every time you walk to the tee box; there’s just no knowing what lays ahead of you. Pro Tip This course is a beauty, so take a breath and enjoy yourself. The biggest obstacle to performance is always internal.
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ON T H E G R E E N ›› TH E NO RM AN S IGNATU RE CO U RSE OPEN I N G
The Grand Opening of The Norman Signature Golf Course Golf Legend Greg Norman Celebrates His Newest Design
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In November, The Norman Signature Course officially opened at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta. Located across the Ameca River from the resort—and only accessible by the Ameca Bridge, the longest golf cart suspension bridge in the world—this stunning course is Vidanta Golf ’s most exciting offering to date, so it’s only fitting that the inauguration ceremony would follow suit. The mastermind behind the course—World Golf Hall of Famer Greg Norman— was there to cut the ribbon. The celebration began with an expert clinic put on by none other than the man himself. Afterward, guests split up to play the first official rounds on the new course. Norman hopped eagerly from group to group, offering insight into the thinking behind each hole’s design. At the end of the day, we caught up with Greg Norman to ask him a few questions about this beautiful course.
INTERVIEW
Greg Norman The Vidanta Traveler: What’s your favorite hole? Greg Norman: All 18! I’m not one to single out a golf hole. I believe that all 18 holes should be memorable so you remember each and every hole you played and each and every shot you hit. TVT: How does the course elevate the golf reputation of Nuevo Vallarta and the surrounding region? GN: Oh, I think it elevates the reputation tremendously. Mexico has really harnessed the power of what tourism and golf destinations can do. Vidanta has been the tip of the spear on golf tourism—they’ve identified the power of what branded and signature golf courses can do. TVT: As a former world #1, is it difficult to design a golf course that challenges amateur and experienced players alike? GN: Let me tell you, the easiest thing in the world is to build a hard golf course. The hardest thing in the world is to build a balanced course. But we tried to vary up the course along all 7,200 yards, and build something everyone could enjoy. TVT: What do you love most about coming to Vidanta Resorts? GN: I think the landscaping is really beautiful. Vidanta has completely captured what people are looking for—great food, great accommodations, great ambiance, great atmosphere, and, of course, the area couldn’t be more beautiful.
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S P OT L I G H T › › V IDANTA P RO FILE
A Cup of Coffee with Norma Suárez Resort Director Norma Suárez tells us what it means, what it takes, and what’s to come. As the Resort Director of Vidanta Riviera Maya, there’s not much that happens there that Norma Suárez isn’t responsible for. By the time she sat down to chat with us, Ms. Suárez had already done her daily walk of the property, organized an employee appreciation party for all of Riviera Maya’s four hundred maids, planned new menu items for JOYÀ, and curated brand-new music for The Beach Club. And it was only 12 PM. But that’s the norm when you’re responsible for more hotel rooms than any other woman in Mexico.
ON T HE PAT H TO S U CC E SS .
You need to have very good communication skills to succeed in Hospitality—there must be empathy for everyone, guests and co-workers. No matter if you’re in Operations, Construction, Marketing, Service, we all are Vidanta. We’re family, and family means doing well by the people around you. That’s true at home and everywhere else.
O N B RE AK ING T H E G LASS CE ILING.
Being a woman, it can be a challenge in this type of position; I’ve been very lucky to be at Vidanta, I’m sure of that. But times are changing—more and more there are women in positions of influence. And people are respecting our opinions, our decisions. I can see it here at my resort—when I look around our morning meeting I see a 50/50 split of men to women. When I started it was more like 90/10.
ON 2 5 YE A RS AT V I DA N TA.
I am so proud and happy to be here; I cannot even believe that I’ve been a part of this family for so long. I started in Human Resources, but every weekend I would leave my office and wait at the reception desk. I always loved customer service; it makes me feel inspired and motivated. Since then, my job progression has been Human Resources, Guest Services Manager, Reservation Assistant Manager, Front Office Manager, Rooms Division Manager, Resident Manager, General Manager, and now Resort Manager. Whew! ON G ROW I N G YO U R P E O P L E .
The philosophy of the company is to grow our people, and I’m part of that. When I was younger, the company sent me to Cornell University in New York City to take classes in Hospitality Management, and three years ago we went to Asia and Europe to stay in some of the best hotels in the world, to see how they did things. There’s a reason 65% of the supervisors at Riviera Maya have been here for more than five years. Everyone that wants to grow comes here and stays, for as long as they can.
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O N NE VE R S E T T LING FO R G O O D ENOUGH.
After 25 years, I am proud to be here at Vidanta. But everything can be enhanced or improved—we always have the opportunity to create better experiences with our ideas. We have to insist, be tenacious, be humble, and be very clear. Quality, respect, and passion should always be an integral part of each of our actions, regardless if such actions are towards guests or towards each other.
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“WE ALL ARE VIDANTA. WE’RE FAMILY, AND FAMILY MEANS DOING WELL BY THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU.” —NORMA SUÁREZ RESORT DIRECTOR AT V I D A N TA R I V I E R A M AYA
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F L AVO R S ›› T H E PASTRIES O F D O UX BIJO UX
Sweet Reveries The Pastries of Doux Bijoux
Believe it—some of the most exquisite French pastries outside of Paris are served up right here in Mexico, thanks to the twice-yearly visits of decorated pastry chef Pascal Molines. At the Doux Bijoux counter in La Plaza’s Mercado Gourmet at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta, you can sample the very best of French technique: each bite balancing delicacy and richness in compositions almost too beautiful to eat. And why choose? You’re on vacation. Just wait 30 minutes before jumping back in the pool.
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PROFILE
Pascal Molines With a career spanning over 30 years, Lyon native Pascal Molines has exercised his passion for pastry arts in countries all over the world. Chef Molines served as professor at the Paul Bocuse Institute in Lyon, and since 1988, has competed in the World Pastry Cup, winning the title of World Pastry Champion in 1999, as well as a Meilleurs Ouvriers de France patisserie award—the country’s highest pastry honor. An artist, mentor, and innovator within the world of French pastry, Chef Molines transforms texture and flavor, reminding us that sweetness is just one component of a truly memorable dessert.
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SOUS BOISE A soft almond sponge with raspberry gelée, enrobed in Bavarian cream.
FRAMBOISE COEUR The raspberry heart: coconut sponge, coconut Bavarian cream, raspberry cream, lemon, and raspberry coulis.
OPERA The traditional layering of chocolate sponge, praline feuilletine, and coffee ganache.
BAILEY’S A ring of honey sponge with creamy coffee mousse and Bailey’s Irish cream.
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SUBTILITÉ Chef Molines’ signature creation: a chocolate sponge topped with rich chocolate mousse, hazelnut cream, and a touch of orange paste.
DELICIA DE COCO A delicate combination of ladyfingers, coconut mousse, and coconut crumble.
FRAMBOISINE A semi-bitter chocolate pastry shell filled with creamy chocolate and raspberry liqueur mousse.
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W E L L N E SS ›› T H E D IAM O ND EX P ERIENC E
The Diamond Experience at Spatium Get the Scoop on the Sparkling Facial Treatment That Celebs Adore
Versace, Prada, Oscar de la Renta—on the red carpet, the names of the designers are as prominent as the stars'. But while you might see gowns from a dozen designers, there’s only one name on the face of A-list stars from Beyoncé to Gwyneth Paltrow—Natura Bissé and their Diamond Ritual. The Diamond Life Infusion Ritual is the ultimate skin care service, developed specifically for world-class celebrities during the 2014 Academy Awards. That exclusivity continues today, which is one reason why Spatium Wellness Director Svetlana Nadirova has worked so hard to bring the treatment to Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Maya. But what is it? What makes The Diamond Life Infusion Ritual at Spatium so incredible? In short, it combines beyond-premium technology with the kind of transformative emotional journey Spatium is known for. We met with Svetlana to get the lowdown on this highend treatment and find out why, when it comes to luxury pampering, it just doesn’t get any better than this.
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INTERVIEW
Svetlana Nadirova TVT: What makes The Life Infusion Ritual so special? What does it do? SN: This is the ultimate skincare treatment we have. It completely revitalizes the skin by activating the cells’ natural healing process and vitality, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, firming skin, and fighting every kind of premature aging. TVT: Why is it called The Diamond Experience? SN: Two reasons. One, it is top of the line. It contains the most advanced technology and most rejuvenating developments from Natura Bissé. It really is beyond the gold standard. Two, the rejuvenating mask, which finishes the treatment, sparkles like pearls and has real diamond particles infused into it. TVT: How is Spatium enhancing this ritual? SN: In other spas, this treatment takes one hour. We extend it to 100 minutes. The secret to any medicine is your energy, how you prepare. When we are open, that’s when we benefit the most. At Spatium, the preparation of the room, the welcome ritual, the aromas—everything is tailored to promote mindfulness, to disconnect from the commitments and obligations of the world. The result is complete availability to the healing and rejuvenating energies of the treatment.
The Diamond Life Infusion Mask While most treatments target the symptoms of aging, this ultra-concentrated serum combats the aging process directly by zeroing in on four different age-related biomarkers. And the sparkle? That’s thanks to real diamond nanoparticles that help the formula penetrate deep into skin tissue.
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W E L L N E S S I S A J O U R N E Y. L E T U S B E YO U R G U I D E . T H E V I D A N TA W E L L N E S S P R O G R A M
Experience a vacation filled with activities, exercises, treatments, meals, and more to reinvigorate your body, mind, and spirit. Only at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta.
Explore authentic Mexico with the markets and eateries of Salum.
Dive Deep Find out all about the ways Vidanta is making a splash in the world of luxury vacationing with an in-depth look at the major developments to come.
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ASAN ROUP C O M E S T O V I DA N TA THE INDUSTRY GIANT BRINGS HERRINGBONE AND 2 OTHER CONCEPTS TO LOS CABOS
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F E AT U R E STO RY › › H AK KASAN GRO U P
“WE ARE DELIGHTED TO BE ALIGNING WITH SUCH ESTEEMED DEVELOPERS WHO SHARE OUR PASSION FOR UNPARALLELED SERVICE, QUALITY, AND EXPERIENCE.” —NICK MCCABE, PRESIDENT OF HAKKASAN GROUP
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With its white-sand beaches, edge-of-the-world views, and laidback approach to life, Los Cabos certainly doesn’t feel very similar to the sprawling, frenzied, and glam-oriented metropolis of Las Vegas at first blush. But there is a commonality built into both locales: their status as luxury-driven destinations where tourists can escape the everyday in order to enjoy the high-end. It’s this shared appeal that first piqued the interest of lifestyle entertainment giant Hakkasan Group. As the developer behind some of Vegas' most buzzed-about "It" spots—clubs and restaurants like OMNIA Nightclub, JEWEL Nightclub, WET REPUBLIC Ultra Pool, Searsucker Restaurant, and Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub—the company was looking to expand its brand to Latin America. After branching out to other upscale international tourist destinations, including Miami, Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Dubai, Mexico seemed like the perfect fit. But first, they needed the perfect partner to help usher their fresh new enterprise into success.
FEATU R E STORY ›› HA KKASA N GROU P
A PARTNERSHIP MADE IN PARADISE Nick McCabe, President of Hakkasan Group, attributes his company’s popularity to a “brand-first” approach to business. Before each new restaurant, nightlife, or daylife concept debuts, they focus their energy on perfecting the design and cultivating a truly unique experience. Then, once the doors open, it’s all about providing the type of service that makes every guest feel special and truly taken care of.
After discussions in early 2016, Grupo Vidanta and Hakkasan Group announced that the two would partner on three new concepts that will debut at Vidanta Los Cabos. That relationship will continue with a new restaurant, daylife venue, or resort hotel at one of the Vidanta destinations every year for the next five years. First up for the highly anticipated collaboration—a fresh new take on Hakkasan Group’s immensely popular sea-to-table restaurant Herringbone.
It was this unyielding insistence on innovation in all elements and careful consideration of the customers’ needs that caused Vidanta to take notice of the brand a while ago, as they identified with this quality- and consumer-driven approach. But when Grupo Vidanta learned Hakkasan Group was interested in bringing their lifestyle experiences to Mexico, they knew the two companies’ similar methods and philosophies would make for a brilliant collaboration. And Hakkasan Group agreed.
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THE CONCEPT
Herringbone Looking for a restaurant as unique and quality-driven as the rest of your stay at Vidanta Los Cabos? With the simple driving philosophy of “where fish meats field”, Herringbone offers a refined yet casual dining experience featuring the freshest seafood and market fare.
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FEATU R E STORY ›› HA KKASA N GROU P
ABOUT
TH E ME N U
T HE D ÉCO R
In 2012, Hakkasan Group opened the original Herringbone in La Jolla, the coastal neighborhood just outside of San Diego, California. It was met with rave reviews and topped many culinary and lifestyle magazines’ “Best of” lists. In 2015, a new location was opened in Santa Monica, joined by a third, which took the seafood restaurant away from the sea and to the deserts of Las Vegas.
Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey gives California coastal cuisine an inspired refresh with local, just-caught fish and high-quality meats and produce. From the restaurant’s signature cold starters that keep your taste buds at attention, to whole roasted fish that bring the best of the sea directly to your plate, the menu boasts a stellar roster of robust flavors and stay-on-your-mind dishes.
The newest incarnation of the restaurant seeks to transport the flagship’s relaxed beach-house feel to the shores of Mexico, where it will inherit warm touches inspired by Mexican traditions. The space will seamlessly transition from indoor to outdoor, giving it a breezy, casual feel while allowing diners to take in the wide-open beauty afforded by the resort’s position on the tip of the Baja Peninsula. Custom terracotta dishes and accessories provide a cocina feel, while rope accents and fixtures add an undeniably nautical notion to the space.
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A Big Splash at The Park Cirque du Soleil Aims to Redefine the Theme Park
Months ago, the team behind The Park—the immersive theme park collaboration between Vidanta and Cirque du Soleil—met in Quebec City, at an Olympic ski jump training site. The facility’s ramps had been hooked to hoses, and the swimming pool filled the brim—with a grin and a laugh, a lucky volunteer dove headfirst down the three-story chute and catapulted into the water below. A crowd gathered to hear his assessment: “I should try a flip next time.” They had just built Canada’s first waterslide laboratory, and they were only getting started. This prototype was the first building block of a very special project—the most advanced water park in the world. The water park in question is The Valley of the Blue Waters, one of The Park’s two themed realms planned to debut in its first phase. Cirque is working to push the boundaries of what’s possible in a water park, making innovative strides both technologically and conceptually. One thing that’s sure to set The Valley apart is that every ride doubles as a Cirque performance space. When the sun goes down, the lights come up on spectacular, mind-bending shows—miniature Cirque du Soleil productions that defy both gravity and the imagination. This month, The Vidanta Traveler had the privilege of diving behind the scenes with one of the lead designers for The Park. While many of The Valley’s features are still under wraps, this insider was ready to give us a sneak peek at three of their favorite rides currently under development.
FEATU R E STO RY › › T HE PA RK W HAT ’ S N EW › › XXXXXX
AT A G L A N C E
Inside Scoop Read on to get never-before-released details about this water park’s wettest and wildest attractions, straight from one of The Park’s top ride designers.
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FEATU R E STORY › › T HE PA RK
Cliff Diving THE SPLASH The first attraction visitors see upon arriving at the water park is an imposing one—a massive granite idol, grim and masculine. Traverse the colossal statue and leap from its towering features into the “human aquarium”, where spectators and family members can watch, and even take pictures!
THE SPECTACLE At night, the idol comes alive with a brilliant laser show that would dazzle the gods themselves. Meanwhile, mermaids dance below the water and Cirque artists leap from skyscraping platforms, disappearing into the bubbling water without a trace—just one aspect of a thrilling acrobatic extravaganza.
INSIDE SCOOP The human aquariums are underwater amphitheaters below the main structure. This idea is just one aspect of the design team’s larger theme for The Valley of the Blue Waters—that once you step into the water park, it’s like you’re in a Cirque show. Guests get to do the things artists would in a show like Zumanity or O.
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F E AT U R E STO RY › › TH E PARK
Tower of Nets THE SPLASH Resembling nothing so much as the fever dream of a distant cargo cult, the Tower of Nets is a test of your gut more than anything else. Wrap your hands around the thick ropes of these twisted cargo nets and hold on tight—how brave you are determines how long you ride. On the shore, spectators and passersby watch the skilled and unskilled with equal excitement.
THE SPECTACLE Once the sun sets, the tower is brought to life in a dazzling performance featuring high-flying aerial displays. Artists scale the haphazard beams of the surging wooden structure, executing splendid feats of acrobalance on the rafters. On the nets themselves, stunning aerialists spin and climb.
INSIDE SCOOP The design team is working to build attractions that start off fun and get even better the more you ride. The first time you ride the nets, you might flop. The second time, you might go higher. By the end of the day, guests will be dismounting with a flip. That’s the whole idea: by the time you leave, you’ll have done something you never knew you could do.
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Cirque is working to push the boundaries of what’s possible in a water park.
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FEATU R E STORY › › T HE PA RK
Dragon Fly THE SPLASH Careening down the back of the giant Fire Dragon shrine, riders are catapulted through the air before splash-landing in a bubbling lagoon below. The bubbles aren’t just for show—the agitated water acts like a cushion, providing a softer landing that allows for flips, jackknife dives, and the inevitable belly flop or two. It’s just one of the technical innovations designers are using to make The Park unique.
THE SPECTAC L E At night, guests should expect equal helpings of technical athletics and advanced design as the tranquil cove is set ablaze in a high-energy pyrotechnic-filled ritual. Cirque artists vault through streams of fire that pour from the dragon’s maw, spinning their bodies through impossible revolutions before disappearing in the churning water below.
INSID E SCOOP So many of the rides featured in The Park, including this one, have never been done before—at least not in this way. Therefore, it was up to the designers to ensure everyone was on the same page regarding these innovative new concepts. So what could they do to make their vision crystal clear to third-party manufacturers?
“We invited them to come ride the mock-up in Quebec City, and once they saw it and felt it and experienced it, they understood. And then all they wanted was to help us make it real.”
W H AT ’ S N E W › › XX X X X X
THE BOHEMIAN BEACH MARKET COMING S O O N T O V I D A N T A R I V I E R A M A YA .
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WHAT ’ S N EW › › XXXXXX
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F EHAT W ATU’R S ENSTO E W RY › › XX ›› XTH XX EXESTATES
THE CONCEPT
Casual Meets Authentic Experience the cool, casual atmosphere of an authentic beach village, including all the amazing tastes, sights, sounds, and experiences that go with it. Salum brings Riviera Maya’s best excursion experiences directly to the resort.
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FEATU RE STORY › › SA LU M
SALUM BRINGS RIVIERA MAYA’S BEST EXCURSION EXPERIENCES DIRECTLY TO THE RESORT.
Three lofty palapas rise up from the sand. Before them, a Mexican village in miniature stretches out to the sea. Taste-seekers migrate between taqueria and tapas cabanas, finding new favorite dishes at each. Meanwhile, family members browse through local wares at an open-air market, and at a seaside bar, a new friend has just ordered a craft cocktail. Lured by rising music, the crowd drifts towards the ocean, and discovers a DJ in a fully equipped concert palapa, ready to lead the party. Coming soon to Riviera Maya, Salum beach village features more than two dozen new food, shopping, and entertainment concepts. This secluded area will boast a new open-air market full of local crafts, unique souvenirs and works of handmade art, and so much more.
Stroll past the market carts and down a Spanish colonial stairway to arrive at the beach, and more than a dozen bars, restaurants, and entertainment spots. Lights suspended from the trees create a festive, celebratory environment. The destination is inspired by local markets in Tulum, and every part of its design reflects the flavor of the country—recreations of Mayan ruins commemorate its history, indigenous materials and design elements celebrate its traditions, and contemporary crafts and cuisine concepts elevate and innovate on the present.
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F E AT U R E STO RY › › SALU M
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THE VIDANTA TRAVELER • WINTER/SPRING 2017
BEACHY BOHEMIAN VIBES BLEND SEAMLESSLY WITH THE VIBRANT CULTURE OF THE YUCATÁN.
LA O LIVA: TABLAS & TAPAS
La Oliva mimics an old-school café, but gives its tapas a creative twist. Here you can enjoy small plates to pair with wine and champagne; artisanal charcuterie boards with savory pâtés, rillettes, and cheeses; and even some hot entrées.
FU OCO: MEDI TER R A N EA N / I TA LI A N FU SI ON
Fuoco’s name has a double meaning: fire and focus. Together, these definitions represent the family hearth that is the focusing influence of traditional home life. The legacy of this dual nature is reflected in the menu, where classic Italian-American fare is elevated by a Mediterranean influence. Pizzettas, fusion sliders, and bar snacks are accompanied by custom beer flights. And you can enjoy it all in a waterside palapa, the sound of waves and music filling your ears.
CA B I N A DJ : LI VE MU SI C
Every day is better with a soundtrack. At the center of the food and beverage district is the Cabina DJ, a lively one-man concert with 360° speakers to make sure everyone is feeling the music. The Cabina DJ is your guide through the day, filling the morning and afternoon with chill beach jams, and bringing the party once the sun goes down. This thatched roof palapa may look rustic, but it’ll be fully equipped with the latest in sound mixing tech and even a few dance lights to keep the party going.
MI XOLOGY: WI N E A N D CHA MPAG N E
Molecular mixology is changing the face of bartending. When science meets the shaker, incredible cocktails and drinking experiences pour out. Semi-solid liqueurs that pop like candy, cocktail caviar, foam, vapor, martini flutes that resemble impressionistic paintings and taste like delectable desserts. At Mixology, guests sip on adventure, and everything is prepared with all-natural ingredients and homemade tinctures. Fine wine and bubbly champagne are also available.
NEXT SUMMER’S
S TA R T S N OW
READY TO PLAN YOUR FAMILY’S SUMMER VACATION? Call 1-800-292-9446 to book your trip today.
WITH OUR JOY SQUAD ACTIVITY TEAM STANDING BY, READY TO MAKE EVERY MOMENT MEMORABLE, NEXT SUMMER’S VACATION WILL BE THE MOST ACTIONPACKED AND FUN-FILLED ONE YET.
Make your business meetings every bit as extraordinary as your vacations with the Convention Center, coming soon to Nuevo Vallarta.
Get Excited New attractions, new features, new developments. We’ve got the complete rundown on all of the amazing new updates coming to your resorts in paradise.
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All-New Luxury: The Beach Club The Exclusive Riviera Maya Beachside Hangout Gets a Stylish New Look
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THE VIDANTA TRAVELER • WINTER/SPRING 2017
It’s not exactly hard to enjoy the beach. Sun, salt, surf—it’s pretty self-explanatory. But we’ve all gazed around a busy stretch of sand and thought, this would be truly perfect, if it weren’t so crowded. Enter the newly renovated The Beach Club at Riviera Maya, which opened in January. Set two miles inland in a swath of verdant jungle, The Beach Club is an exclusive Grand Luxxe- and The Grand Bliss-only pool and patio lounge at the very lip of Mexico’s exquisite Caribbean coastline.
Step apart from the crowd, escape the hustle of daily life, and find an infinity pool flanked by floating fire pits. Elevated openair bars emerging between treetops. Fairy lights twinkling overhead. And beyond the gauzy curtains of your cabana, nothing but white sand and limitless water catching light from the moon.
you’ve got the luxury of room service without the confines of a room. Sample from stalls inspired by Tulum’s ample markets: enjoy a rustic cheese plate, tangy fish tacos, or a succulent sushi roll, all in a haven where the tide is your alarm clock, and the sunset, your TV. Never before has a mirage felt so real.
For those of us who travel to find an intimate encounter with the natural world—who prefer a freshly foamed latte or icy beer with a side of seclusion—this is it. And with Riviera Maya's expansive new beach village and open-air dining galleria only steps away, THE VIDANTA TRAVELER • WINTER/SPRING 2017
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W H AT ’ S N E W › › T H E CO NVENTIO N CENTE R
Coming Soon: The Convention Center at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta This Stunning New Facility Offers the Perfect Space for Your Next Event
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The misty Sierra Madre Mountains surround you and soft sunshine flows from its valleys to greet you. You’re working, but this is not a screen saver. This is Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta’s newest addition—a 16,000-plus-square-foot world-class convention center set to open soon in south paradise, the Pacific coast of Banderas Bay. Immersed in the natural light flooding from floor-to-ceiling windows, you can’t imagine a better way to spend the work week. Wherever you go, Wi-Fi follows. From private halls to the 75,000-square-foot Santuario, each space is equipped with high-speed internet and the latest audio and visual technology for quick, easy connection on your coastal getaway. And without the added pressures and everyday inconveniences of your traditional office, you get more done. This is maximum productivity meets paradise, and it’s just what your business deserves.
WHAT’S N EW ›› THE CON V EN T ION CEN T ER
+ TH E CO N V EN TI O N C EN TER BY TH E N UM B ERS
2,400
guests can be comfortably hosted
16,000+
sq. ft. of sprawling meeting space
17
internet-enabled meeting rooms
60-ft.
vaulted ceilings
75,000
sq. ft. of nightly entertainment at Santuario
W H AT ’ S N E W › › XX X X X X
N O W C E L E B R AT I N G I T S T H I R D S E A S O N AT V I DA N TA R I V I E R A M AYA
Reserve your tickets 1-844-247-7837 CIRQUEDUSOLEIL.COM/JOYA 56
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C I R Q U E D U S O L E I L’ S M O S T E X T R A O R D I N A RY P R O D U C T I O N Y E T, A N D M E X I C O ’ S G R E AT E S T S H O W.
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W H AT ’ S N E W › › L AST CALL
Spice on Ice The Mexican Mule This earthy, herbal take on the familiar Moscow Mule is pure Mexico: jalapeño and ginger bring the heat, and your favorite orange liqueur adds sweetness. Perfect for an icy copper mug. I N G RE D I EN TS Serving: 1
1 ½ ounces vodka ½ ounce orange liqueur ½ ounce ginger liqueur, such as Domaine De Canton ½ ounce fresh lime juice 3 ounces ginger beer 4 sprigs cilantro 1 slice jalapeño, seeded
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I N ST R U C T I ONS
Using a muddler or a wooden spoon, muddle cilantro and jalapeño in a cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with crushed ice, vodka, orange liqueur, ginger liqueur, and lime juice, and shake until the outside of the shaker is very cold. Strain into a copper mug or rocks glass with ice. Top with ginger beer. ¡Salud!
THE VIDANTA TRAVELER • WINTER 2017
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