Elite Traveler HRS 2018-2019

SPONSORED

RELAX SE Spa

The resort’s state-of-the-art SE Spa was voted Best of the Best by Virtuoso in 2010 and Best Luxury Resort Spa (Americas) in the 2014 World Luxury Spa Awards. It is in the heart of the Mayan jungle, covering an area of more than 89,000 sq ft with 40 treatment rooms. Signature treatments Bacal is the Mayan word for “cob”; corn was considered a sacred plant in the Mayan culture. Embark on a cultural journey with the Bacal Massage and experience a unique treatment, beginning with a dry corn and honey exfoliation to detoxify your skin, followed by an essential oil massage in which pressure is applied with

corn cobs for a unique sensation of well-being. Contact Maria Leticia Fernández, spa director, lfernandezt@velasresorts.com, +1 877 418 3067

DINE Cocina de Autor

Conceptualized by Mikel Alonso and Bruno Oteiza, Cocina de Autor is one of the most avant-garde restaurants in the country, and the world‘s first all-inclusive resort restaurant to receive the AAA Five-Diamond award. Contact Michel Mustière, culinary director of Velas Resorts, mmustiere@velasresorts.com, +1 877 418 2963 EXPLORE Children can discover a range of activities at the Kids Clubs. From making piñatas to building sand castles, riding zip lines, water balloon fights and decorating cupcakes, there’s something to entertain even very little ones. Staff spend months designing seasonal activity programs to make every time of year special. Teens can escape to the Teens Clubs with the latest technology, where they’ll find the perfect ambience to chill out, play, dance, lounge and make new friends. Spend quality time as a family during a unique bicycle tour or eco-tour. Step out to our drive-in movie theater under the stars, watch our live dinner shows or team up for a ping-pong or volleyball tournament. You’ll learn about the local flora and fauna, and hear about the mystical legends of ancient Mexico. Embark on the Chichenitzá experience. You’ll be tranported to this archaeological wonder by a small plane, before being met by your private guide for a personal tour. Enjoy lunch prepared by one of the hotel’s chefs before heading back to the hotel.

The Zen Pool at Grand Velas Riviera Maya

GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO Enjoy the jungle’s mystique and endless ocean views at this AAA Five-Diamond resort for all ages, with luxury amenities that go above and beyond. Discover a different side of the Mexican Caribbean with three unique experiences fromGrand Velas: In the Zen Grand Experience, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and freshwater streams; opt for ocean breezes in the Ambassador Experience; or choose oceanfront opulence in the Grand Class Experience. Explore the entire resort and its five specialty restaurants; visit the Kids Clubs and Teens Club, go on an eco-tour, play miniature golf and much more. Traveling without children? There’s an adults-only pool and restaurant seating for ages 16 and over. Located on more than 1,600 ft of pristine white-sand beach on Mexico‘s Caribbean coast, surrounded by turquoise waters, Grand Velas Riviera Maya seduces guests with spacious accommodations, impeccable service and outstanding hospitality. CONTACT Rodolfo González, general director, rgonzalez@velasresorts.com Tulio Baruch, sales director, tbaruch@velasresorts.com

AFFILIATIONS American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts Virtuoso Ensemble Travel Group

Signature Hotels & Resorts Affluent Traveler Collection Traveller Made Preferred Hotels & Resorts

STAY Zen Grand Presidential Suite Size 3,518 sq ft Nightly rate from $4,255

The epitome of luxury and style, this expansive two-bedroom corner suite combines indigenous wood and stone, Mexican artwork and modern accents. Enjoy the splendid sensation of an outdoor shower overlooking the Mayan jungle. Lounge in your plunge pool and relax on private terraces. The living room has a marble table for eight, sitting area and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the terrace. There are two grand bathrooms with rain showers and a Jacuzzi. Guests of the suite benefit from a daily massage, daily turndown service, a personal concierge and 24-hour suite service.

Carretera Cancun Tulum Km 62 Playa del Carmen Riviera Maya Quintana Roo, Mexico velasresorts.com, rivieramaya.grandvelas.com

Photo Ione Ascanio Green