Concierge Connection
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summer / fall 2016
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We have a new stargazing series for guests lead by an
expert astronomer from the Astronomic Society of Quintana
Roo (SAQROO). A weekly activity at the resort, the stargazing
offering is part of a series of complimentary activities focused
on ecological issues and nature. The other activities include an
Ecological Tour and Mayan show, which both explore the
importance of the stars in the Mayan culture.
Mexico’s Velas Resorts continues to push the boundaries
of traditional expectations of an all-inclusive resort with
dining fit for foodies. Velas Resorts has an incomparable
connection to quality cuisine, from fresh local ingredients and
innovative culinary
creations to, now,
gourmet cuisine-to-go.
At Grand Velas Riviera
Maya, a basket of
carefully selected
gourmet foods can be
packed for a couple or
family to take when
exploring. The Picnic in
Paradise includes a bottle of red or white wine, four varieties
of salads with house-made dressings, smoked salmon, French
cheeses and charcuterie, fresh baked artisanal baguettes, and a
selection of fresh roasted turkey breast, roast beef and duck
terrine made from a special recipe of Michel Mustiere, Executive
Chef and Maître Cuisinier de France. And, of course, there are
all of the condiments and nibbles to start off, including olives,
capers, pickles and grapes. The best way to finish off a picnic?
Sweets! Dessert options to vary based on daily chef creations.
The Picnic in Paradise offering is included complimentary in
the resort’s nightly rate at Grand Velas Riviera Maya.
Distinguished for its pioneering eco-friendly methods,
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has achieved Gold Status through
EarthCheck, the world’s leading organization in the
certification of sustainable tourism. Surrounded by 206 acres
of exuberant jungle, mangroves and freshwater cenotes, the
AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya is not only
committed to implementing sustainable practices, but is also
meticulously designed to exist harmoniously with its fragile
environment, including more than 18,000 trees which were
reforested after its construction. A leader in sustainable
tourism since its first EarthCheck certification in 2010, the
property reduces its dependence on local and country-wide
energy sources with co-generation electricity plants, two
reverse-osmosis desalting plants, and an on-site residual water
treatment facility which processes and reuses all the water
throughout the entire resort. Grand Velas Riviera Maya also
respects and promotes appreciation for the environment with
innovative and ever changing initiatives. Pledges include
participation in the Federal Sea Turtle Conservation Program,
complimentary Behind the Scenes Eco-Tours for guests, on-
site botanical gardens used in all resort restaurants, as well as
the construction of artificial reefs in the property’s ocean
which foster and protect native sea life.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya´s beach is certified a Pristine
Clean Beach by Mexico´s Ministry of Environment and
Natural Resources.
As the littlest Grand Velas guests are VIPs too, we offer
the Baby Concierge Service free of charge by providing
everything necessary for babies’ comfort and happiness such
as bottles, pacifiers, crib,
bottle sterilizer, stroller,
baby bath tub, and toys
among others.
For Christmas, we
offer trees (decorated or with
decoration to do on one’s
own) delivered to the spacious
suites upon arrival as a pre-
holiday celebration activity.
Q: What are some of the best kept
secrets of the region surrounding
Grand Velas Riviera Maya?
The Mayan culture dictates that the Aluxes (Mayan goblins)
are the guardians of the Mayan region and therefore if you are
to build a new house, hotel or any kind of construction you
must build them a little house as an offer to thank them for the
land and as a way to ask for their protection to such land. You
can appreciate an example of this on the highway entrance to
the Cancun International Airport. There, a little house was
built for the Aluxes when the bridge was built. Another fact,
one that is not exactly a secret, but few people know, is that the
cenotes were a place where the Mayans used to perform the
sacrifices for their Gods.
Q: what is one thing you most want
travelers to know and remember about
Grand Velas and the Riviera Maya?
I want travelers to get to know how amazing the Riviera Maya
is and that they can get the best service by staying with us. I
want my guests to love Mexico as much as I do by experiencing
our natural, cultural and historic wonders. And of course I want
them to be so pampered that they remember me and Grand
Velas Riviera Maya as providing them the best time of their lives.
A weekly activity at the resort,
the stargazing offering is part
of a series of complimentary
activities focused on
ecological issues and nature.
