Velas Resorts Press Room

New Cacao Workshop for Guests at Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta

Cultural Experience of One of Mexico's Sacred Ingredients Combines Pre-Hispanic Traditions with Contemporary Mixology

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (February 16, 2026) - Casa Velas, located on the Marina Vallarta golf course in Puerto Vallarta, now offers "From Origin to Ritual: The Cacao Workshop." This signature workshop celebrates cacao's sacred place in Mexican heritage, honoring an ingredient that has been treasured for over 3,000 years by ancient civilizations. Once considered "the food of the gods" and used as currency, ceremonial offerings, and ritual beverages, cacao held profound spiritual and economic significance in Mesoamerican culture. The workshop combines these ancestral traditions with contemporary culinary artistry in a multi-sensory cultural journey designed for discerning travelers seeking authentic cultural connections. 

The experience begins in Casa Velas' Botanical Garden, where guests are greeted with traditional pre-Hispanic dances performed in honor of cacao. This powerful ceremonial opening sets the tone for the journey ahead, honoring the spiritual significance that cacao has held in Mesoamerican cultures for millennia. Participants then move to the resort's greenhouse for an intimate exploration of cacao's fascinating history and cultural importance. Through guided storytelling, guests discover how this treasured ingredient shaped ancient Mexican civilizations and continues to be woven into the country's cultural fabric today. The educational portion flows seamlessly into a curated tasting experience, where participants sample the three primary cacao varieties—Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario—each offering distinct flavor characteristics. Guests then explore a selection of artisanal chocolates including Añejo, featuring banana hambé and centenario rum; Intenso, with red berries tea and blackcurrant ganache; Frida, showcasing Ceylon cinnamon ganache; and Esmeralda, highlighting coconut and lime ganache. Each creation reflects the diverse flavor profiles and regional traditions of Mexican cacao production.

The workshop concludes with a progressive beverage tasting that bridges past and present. Guests begin with traditional cacao preparations that honor minimalist, time-honored recipes, before the experience evolves into an elevated mixology class. Here, participants learn to craft a contemporary cacao cocktail featuring gin, RumChata, cinnamon, ginger, and grated chocolate—a sophisticated reinterpretation that demonstrates cacao's versatility in modern gastronomy.

To complement the workshop, guests may add the Renewing Chocolate Massage, an 80-minute spa treatment that harnesses chocolate's mood-boosting properties. Rich in endorphin-releasing compounds, this nourishing treatment leaves both face and body with exceptional texture and renewed vitality.

The Cacao Workshop is available starting at $3,200 USD for groups up to 10 participants. Guests may enhance their experience with the Renewing Chocolate Massage at $290 USD per person for the 80-minute treatment. For more information, please call 1-888-407-4869 or visit https://www.hotelcasavelas.com/.

About Casa Velas:

Casa Velas is a luxury all-inclusive boutique hotel for adults only in Puerto Vallarta. Reminiscent of a Spanish hacienda, the hotel features 80 spacious suites, some with private pools and Jacuzzis. Nestled on the greens of Marina Vallarta's 18-hole golf course, this Puerto Vallarta hotel offers guests a 25% discount on green fees. Casa Velas' guests have beach access at Táu Beach Club, a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the ocean with infinity pool, delectable cuisine, and event space. ABJA Spa encompasses treatment rooms for singles and couples, a hydrotherapy area, garden-view fitness center, and a beauty salon. Emiliano restaurant is in the hands of one of the area's leading chefs serving Mexican and international cuisine. Casa Velas' concierge, a member of the prestigious Les Clefs d'Or, forges connections with locals and immerses travelers in the rich tapestry of Mexican culture in accordance with individual preferences and interests. Velas Resorts was built by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, Founding President of Velas Resorts. Juan Vela Ruiz is Chief Executive Officer of the company. For reservations or more information please or visit hotelcasavelas.com. Explore tips, recipes, lifestyle and travel trends, and the latest news about Velas Resorts on the digital mag: www.velasmagazine.com.