Velas Resorts Press Room

Riviera Maya, Mexico (April 18, 2023) - The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya recently debuted a new bee sanctuary, the Meliponario, to protect the local Maya Melipona Bee. In addition to preserving the species and facilitating their honey production, the resort now offers an experience for guests to learn more about the species with a new eco-tour and honey tasting. 

For centuries, the Yucatan Peninsula has been home to a large number of the native Melipona stingless bees. Considered by the Mayans as sacred, the Melipona bee uniquely harvests the blooms of plants with medicinal properties. Inspired by the pre-Hispanic beekeeping tradition, Grand Velas Riviera Maya rescues and homes the native stingless bees. 

The new eco-tour begins with a visit to the hotel's organic orchard to learn about the pollination process and the importance of the Melipona bees. Chef Nahum Velasco of the hotel's highly regarded Cocina de Autor restaurant then leads guests through a honey tasting with samples from different parts of the country. The honey and cheese are served alongside Velasco's homemade mead. To commemorate the entire experience, guests are given a take-home bee alebrije and activity book for kids to continue learning about the Melipona bees long after their stay at Grand Velas Riviera Maya. The eco-tour takes place at the resort every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. and is included in guests' stay at the resort. 

Reservations are required for the tour. Guests are to contact their concierge to schedule. For reservations or additional information on Grand Velas Riviera Maya, call 1-888-407-4869, or visit https://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com.

About Grand Velas Riviera Maya: 

The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an ultra-luxury all-inclusive resort set on 206 acres of pristine jungle and mangroves and with the finest white sand beach in the Riviera Maya. Guests can choose accommodations among oceanfront, ocean view and a Zen-like tropical setting, embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula's jungle. All 539 designer-like suites are exceptionally spacious, more than 1,100 square feet each, all with balconies, and some with private plunge pools. All feature fully stocked mini bars, L'Occitane amenities, artisanal mezcal, and Nespresso coffee machines. Bathrooms deserve special mention with walk in glass shower, deep soaking Jacuzzi tubs and marble interior. 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. Se Spa is the region's largest spa sanctuary at more than 90,000 square feet, known for its authentic Mexican treatments, offerings from around world and signature seven-step water journey. 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; baby concierge; Karaoke Bar; Koi Bar; Piano Bar, and business center. The resort offers more than 91,000 square feet of meeting space and outdoor areas for events inclusive of a 31,000-square-foot Convention Center, able to accommodate up to 2,700 guests. The resort has won numerous awards from Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA Today and several other magazines and major companies worldwide, including Virtuoso's Best Spa and TripAdvisor's Hall of Fame. A member of the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Program, Grand Velas Riviera Maya was built and is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. For reservations or additional information, call 1-888-407-4869, or visit https://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com.