Velas Resorts Press Room

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (August 14, 2024) - To celebrate Mexican Independence Day (September 16), Velas Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is launching an array of culinary and wellness offerings to honor Chile en Nogada. Intrinsically tied to the special occasion, the Mexican dish is traditionally a stuffed poblano pepper topped with a walnut based sauce and pomegranate seeds. From August 26 through September 22, guests at Velas Vallarta can embrace the traditional dish with an enhanced culinary menu where it takes center stage. Special spa treatments and signature cocktails also add to the festive lineup. This marks the second year Velas Vallarta holds a special festival to honor the holiday, continuing its commitment to preserving the essence of Mexican culture. 

La Nogada is a traditional sauce made with walnuts, cream, cheese and a touch of sherry. It is typically served during August and September when walnuts are grown in the destination. By far the most emblematic dish of traditional Mexican cuisine, Chile en Nogada is used to celebrate Mexican Independence for its green, red, and white coloring. The special Nogada sauce is prepared to achieve an unequaled whiteness in the walnut sauce to match the color of the Mexican flag. Velas Vallarta will embrace the culinary tradition with six new dishes on their menu. Other limited-time dishes featuring La Nogada on the menu include:

• Chile en Nogada Pizza: A pizza base of tomato and oregano sauce mixed with chile en nogada and gouda cheese filling, topped with poblano bell pepper strips, walnut sauce, pomegranate and fresh parsley leaves.
• Crepa de Nogada: A crepe filled with cream cheese and dehydrated fruits, finished with sweet nogada sauce and pomegranate seeds.
• Enchiladas de Nogada: Three tortillas wrapped with chile en nogada filling, topped with nogada sauce and  poblano bell pepper strips, then sprinkled with pomegranate seeds and parsley leaves.
• Tamal de Nogada: A corn husk tamale filled with chile en nogada filling and rajas, topped with nogada sauce, pomegranate, and parsley leaves. 
• Pellizcadas de Nogada: Fried masa "sope" base stuffed with chile en nogada filling, topped with nogada sauce, poblano bell pepper strips, pomegranate seeds, and parsley leaves. 
• Helado de Nogada: Creamy ice cream with the traditional flavor of nogada sauce sweetened and sprinkled with pomegranate. 

In addition to the Nogada dishes served throughout the resort, Velas Vallarta will offer a limited-time spa treatment and signature drink to celebrate the holiday. The AMET Spa at Velas Vallarta will offer a 55-minute pomegranate massage during this festive month, incorporating fresh juice and seeds from the fruit with expert massage techniques for a rejuvenating and transformative experience. Pomegranates contain one of the most potent antioxidants, proven to repair oxidative stress on the body, reduce inflammation, and shed dead skin cells. Another pomegranate-themed addition is the resort's new Dragon Ball cocktail, spotlighting the seasonal superfood. To be enjoyed poolside, after a massage, or while indulging in the other La Nogada recipes, the Dragon Ball includes pomegranate liqueur, dragon fruit, pickle juice, gin, tonic water, and fresh pomegranate. Guests will have an array of options to celebrate the Chile en Nogada festival, reminding guests of Mexico's strong culinary history and independence. Each offering showcases Velas Vallarta's commitment to providing distinct and authentic cultural experiences for all its guests.  

Nightly rates at Velas Vallarta start at $190 per person per night, based on double occupancy. All-inclusive rates include 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. The pomegranate massage starts at $140 USD and must be booked separately. For reservations or more information, please call 1-888-407-4869 or visit https://www.velasvallarta.com. 

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