Velas Resorts Press Room

Riviera Maya, Mexico (March 30, 2020) - Guests staying at the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya this summer and beyond can embark on a journey back in time by exploring a historic Yucatan landmark with the resort's new Henequén Experience.

The adventure begins with a private helicopter ride to the Hacienda Sotuta de Peon, a revived hacienda built in the late 1800s located just outside of the Yucatan's vibrant capital, Merida. Over the course of three and a half hours, guests will dive into the deep-rooted history behind the henequen plant, known for transforming the Yucatan economy and cultural landscape in the 19^th century. While on property, guests will also tour the hacienda's surrounding plantation on a carriage pulled by mules, stop and swim in the Dzul Ha, a Yucatan freshwater cenote, and more.

Upon return to Grand Velas Riviera Maya, travelers will partake in the resort's signature ancestral beverage tasting featuring Mexico's ancient liquors like bacanora, sotol, tuxca, and pox. Following, guests will enjoy a private dinner in the resort's Mayan restaurant, Chaká, which offers modern Yucatecan dishes inspired by the region's traditional cuisine. Standout menu items include tender leaves on papaya with piloncillo honey, toasted seeds, fresh tomatoes, sour orange vinaigrette with Xtabentun, short rib "Pibil Style," sausage Risotto from Valladolid, Huitlacoche Salbute, Cochinita juice, cream cheese "Gallo Azul", semi-bitter cocoa crumble, caramel ice cream, and more.

Accommodations are offered in the resort's tranquil Zen Grand Suites, which boast private terraces and overlooking the sacred jungle landscape, fully stocked mini-bars, Jacuzzi tubs, Nespresso coffee makers, 24-hour concierge service, and more.

The four-night Henequen Tour Experience costs $3,488 USD per person for 2 people. Rates are per person based on double occupancy and include luxury suite accommodations, à la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness center, taxes, gratuity and more.  The experience is available from April 26 until December 18, 2020. Blackout dates are from Nov 21 to 28, 2020. For reservations or additional information, call 1-888-407-4869, or visit https://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com.

About Grand Velas Riviera Maya:

A member of the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Program and Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Mexico is an ultra-luxury all-inclusive. Guests can choose accommodations among oceanfront, ocean view and a Zen-like setting, embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula's jungle and mangroves. All 539 suites are more than 1,100 sq. ft., with balconies and some with private plunge pools. Eight restaurants, including five gourmet offerings, present a tour through Mexico, Europe and Asia. Cocina de Autor, at the hands of world-renowned celebrity chefs Bruno Oteiza and Mikel Alonso, holds the AAA Five Diamond Award, the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to win this prestigious distinction. Included on Forbes Travel Guide's list of The World's Most Luxurious Spas, SE Spa is known for its authentic Mexican treatments, offerings from around world and signature seven-step Water Ceremony. Other features include 24-hour Personal Concierge; 24/7 in-suite service; three swimming pools; two fitness centers; water sports; innovative Kids' Clubs and Teens' Club; and Baby Concierge. The resort offers more than 46,660 square feet of indoor meeting space plus outdoor areas for events. Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, operates Velas Resorts with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. Explore tips, recipes, lifestyle and travel trends, and the latest news about Velas Resorts on the digital mag: www.velasmagazine.com.