Velas Resorts Press Room

Ultra-luxury Three-Night Experience Features Intimate Culinary Adventures with MICHELIN-Starred Chefs  

Riviera Maya, Mexico (July 8, 2025) - The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya now offers an exclusive Senses of Cuisine Experience in celebration of its Cocina de Autor restaurant's achievement of earning a MICHELIN star for the second consecutive year. Reflecting an unwavering commitment to gastronomic excellence, the restaurant was also awarded the prestigious MICHELIN Service Award for Mexico this year. This experience engages all five senses through carefully curated encounters that awaken taste through signature MICHELIN-starred cuisine, touch through hands-on culinary instruction, sight through artful plating presentations, smell through aromatic ingredients, and sound through intimate kitchen conversations with world-renowned chefs.

Designed by the hotel's Executive Chef and head chef of Cocina de Autor, Chef Nahum Velasco, the three-night culinary experience includes a private cooking class with one of the chefs behind the MICHELIN distinction. Guests will receive hands-on instruction from Chef Velasco, who also spent time honing his culinary skills at the renowned Geranium in Copenhagen, or one of Cocina de Autor's consulting chefs Mikel Alonso and Bruno Oteiza, disciples of renowned Spanish Chef Juan Mari Arzak. This unprecedented access allows couples to learn signature techniques and prepare dishes from Cocina de Autor's acclaimed menu directly alongside these culinary masters to learn the precision and artistry that earned their MICHELIN recognition. In addition, guests will dine at the MICHELIN-starred Cocina de Autor restaurant, inclusive of the upgraded wine pairing. Rare vintages accompany the sophisticated multi-course tasting journey that celebrates Mexico's rich culinary heritage through locally-sourced ingredients. Another highlight is an exclusive Honey Tasting near to the hotel's bee sanctuary, the Meliponario, built to help protect the local Maya Melipona Bee. Chef Velasco personally guides guests through a multi-sensory honey tasting featuring samples from different regions of Mexico. Paired with artisanal cheeses, the honey is served alongside  his signature homemade mead. Lastly, a Mocktail + Mixology Class explores the mocktail menu that accompanies the Cocina de Autor tasting menu. The interactive beverage workshop features both alcoholic and non-alcoholic creations using premium ingredients and innovative techniques. The visuals of colorful ingredients combine with the satisfying sounds of shaking, stirring, and muddling, while aromatic herbs and fresh fruits engage the senses of smell and taste.

The Senses of Cuisine Experience costs $24,000 USD for two guests, inclusive of three nights all-inclusive accommodation in the Grand Class Presidential Suite and all mentioned amenities, activities, and dining experiences. Experience must be booked 4 months in advance. For reservations or additional information, call 1-888-407-4869 or visit rivieramaya.grandvelas.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 outdoor terraces, and some with private plunge pools. Eight restaurants, including six 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 a MICHELIN star and the AAA Five Diamond Award, the first restaurant in the world in an all-inclusive to win this latter prestigious distinction. Rated five-stars by Forbes, 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 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; 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 of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela Ruiz, 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.