Velas Resorts Press Room

Riviera Maya, Mexico (December 13, 2023) — Grand Velas Riviera Maya, the AAA Five Diamond luxury all-inclusive resort located on Mexico's Caribbean coast, introduces a new culinary experience honoring the country's traditions of artisanal chocolate and mezcal. Guests are invited to embark on a guided tasting journey led by the resort's sommelier, where they will explore a curated selection of dark and white Mexican artisan chocolates from Campeche on the Gulf Coast of Mexico. Each chocolate is expertly paired with a mezcal to elevate the tasting notes of both the spirit and the cacao. Revered by the ancient indigenous Mayan and Aztec civilizations, cacao was declared "the food of the gods," and served a cherished role as an ingredient in ceremonial beverages and also as a form of currency. Similarly, mezcal, distilled from the heart of the agave plant, carries centuries of Mexican heritage and craftsmanship.

Menu highlights for the Mezcal and Chocolate Pairing include:

• Mezcal Gin MG x Passion Fruit Infused White Chocolate
  • Flavor Profile: Mezcal Gin is a small-batch handcrafted spirit that brings together the complex body and flavors of artisanal Mezcal with the freshness and perfume of Gin. The sweetness of the wild Cenizo agave complements the tropical notes and freshness of the passion fruit.
• Mezcal Montelobos Joven Ensamble x Foie Gras Infused Dark Chocolate
  • Flavor Profile: Montelobos Ensamble is made from a blend of agaves with body and acidity that highlights smoke and fruit. The mezcal's smoky notes of nutmeg and pink pepper provide a flavor explosion that contrasts with the richness of the foie gras.
• Contraluz Cristalino Mezcal x Raspberry Infused Dark Chocolate
  • Flavor Profile: Contraluz Cristalino Mezcal is matured for approximately six months in charred American oak barrels and filtered through activated charcoal, resulting in a crystal-clear liquid with an elegant blend of aromas and flavors. Citrus and floral notes stand out, harmonizing with the acidity and tropical aromas of the raspberry.
• Gracias a Dios Reposado x Mole Infused Dark Chocolate
  • Flavor Profile: Gracias a Dios Reposado offers a trifecta of smoke, with charcoal, pipe tobacco and beach barbecue, complemented by herbaceous notes of mint, rosemary, and chive. Spicy and smoky from a barrel-aging, the spirit works in tandem with the toasted notes of the chiles and dried fruits in the mole.

The weekly Mezcal and Chocolate Pairing Session is included in the hotel's all-inclusive plan. Rates at Grand Velas Riviera Maya start at $617 USD per adult per night based on double occupancy. All-inclusive rates include luxury suite accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness center, taxes, gratuity and more. For reservations or more information, call 1-888-407-4869, email reservations@velasresorts.com or visit https://www.velasresorts.com.

About Grand Velas Riviera Maya:

With the finest white sand beach in the 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. Guests can choose accommodations that are oceanfront, ocean view or in 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. 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 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; Amat Cafe, 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. Grand Velas Riviera Maya was built 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 please visit rivieramaya.grandvelas.com. Explore tips, recipes, lifestyle and travel trends, and the latest news about Velas Resorts on the digital mag: www.velasmagazine.com.