The story began 25 years ago with the construction of Velas Vallarta - only, it wasn’t meant to be a hotel. Initially, its suites were built to be used as condominiums and were mainly sold to the American and Canadian markets, since that was the trend in Las Marinas at that moment.
Transition & Velas Vallarta becomes a hotel
Then a recession hit--one that halted the sales of condominiums completely. With only 25% of their inventory sold, a decision needed to be made. Velas Vallarta would become a hotel. Owner Juan Vela was chatting one afternoon with his brother Eduardo Vela were considering how to market the unsold suites as hoteliers. How difficult it could be to operate as a hotel? And so, this single moment was the beginning of a new era for Velas Vallarta, now as a hotel for vacations and group business. Moreover, this was the beginning of the Vela family's successful career in the hospitality industry.
How Grand Velas was born as a brand
After seven years of hard work selling Velas Vallarta as a hotel, the expected occupancy percentage was finally reached, and now as hoteliers; the idea of building a hotel from scratch was born. The brothers now had to consider exactly what type of hotel Velas Vallarta would become. After reviewing various national and international brands in the luxury space, they realized they had an opportunity to provide their guests with a truly unique experience, one they couldn't find anywhere else. And thus, Grand Velas was born!
Brand Characteristics
The first defining trait was the orientation: a luxury all-inclusive resort for the MICE market, with a room capacity cap at 550 suites per hotel. The second? All guest suites would be a minimum of 1000 sq. ft. Finally, the third, critical, defining trait of their brand was a bit more difficult to pin down. Should the brothers maintain the all-inclusive, entertainment path, or forge a new one? Deciding on the latter, the brothers drew their inspiration from their own personal travel experiences and knew the superior dining would be the third brand differentiator for Grand Velas.
Food and beverage
From their traveling experience, they created the Grand Velas food experience based on three main components:
- Night and Day Restaurants: With a wide variety of freshly prepared food, the experience must feel personalized, but also with the option to choose from an extensive buffet or à la carte menu. In the evenings, after meeting and event attendees break from sessions held throughout the day, the goal is to deliver an elite dining experience, one that would equal anything found off-site in big cities. The evening restaurants were created and designed according to the cuisine they represent--each with their own chef (national and international) who create their own menus with ingredients from around the world, and feature a wide selection of domestic and imported wine, which change constantly depending on trends.
- 24-hour Suite Service: The Suite Service would have a wide variety of culinary choices on the menu, with exquisite presentation, and available 24 hours.
- Minibar: Starting with Nespresso machines in each suite, premium brand teas and an extensive variety of snacks, chocolates, and wine - the classic minibar would be taken to a whole new level.
But the work would not end there. How would the brothers ensure that all this was going to be delivered to their guests befitting a luxury hotel?
Service with the highest standards in the industry
In order to guarantee this, the most prestigious accreditations in the industry were sought: The Leading Hotels of the World and the 5 Diamonds by the AAA. They guarantee the highest level in facilities and standards in service worldwide.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
With the foundation set, the 267 suites of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit was created. With its culinary experiences being recognized with 4 Diamonds in all of its gourmet restaurants, the hotel draws the most prestigious companies for their conventions and conferences.
Casa Velas
After opening Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, a property of 80 suites was bought, located inside the Marina Vallarta Golf Course. All the standards applied on the brother hotel were applied to this one too, with the only difference that this property was thought as a Boutique and adults-only resort. With 4 Diamonds by the AAA and a Convention Center in front of the golf course, it has hosted countless events for prestigious national and international companies.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Finally, in 2008, Grand Velas Riviera Maya was opened, considered one of the most spectacular hotels in Mexico. Specialized in the management of Groups and Conventions, it was designed in three natural and unique environments: 254 suites in the jungle, 195 suites with ocean view, and 90 oceanfront suites. Its culinary experience proudly offers one 5-Diamond and three 4-Diamond restaurants.
This is the story of Velas Resorts--it all started 25 years ago with one question: how difficult it would be to operate as a hotel? Now, with an inventory consisting of more than 1200 suites between the four properties, Velas Resorts is a 100% Mexican company that would welcome the distinct pleasure of hosting you and your next event.
