35 facts about Velas Resorts to celebrate its anniversary

The celebration has begun! On November 20th, we celebrate an extraordinary milestone for Velas Resorts: 35 years of transforming the hospitality industry in Mexico.

For this anniversary, we want to go beyond a mere celebration. We are sharing the essence of the vision, the achievements, and the decisions that have made us a standard for luxury.

We invite you to discover 35 facts about Velas Resorts, as a tribute to our founder, Eduardo José Vela Ruiz, and his legacy, which remains stronger than ever.

Velas Vallarta: The origin of the magic

Originally planned as a condominium project, in 1990, Eduardo Vela transformed Velas Vallarta into the first resort of the collection, adapting it to the new economic landscape of the time.
From June to December, a sea turtle release program is offered, allowing guests to actively participate.
The resort features one of the most comprehensive Kids’ Clubs in Vallarta, which includes science, cultural, and art workshops.
Its gardens are a protected home for extraordinary wildlife, including green iguanas, peacocks, and koi fish that are cared for as permanent residents of the resort.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit: The global pioneer

It was the first Luxury All-Inclusive resort in the world to earn the coveted AAA 5 Diamond Award in 2005.
Its iconic SE Spa has been recognized with 5 Stars by Forbes Travel Guide for over 5 consecutive years—an unmatched quality record in the region.
Babies can enjoy the “My First Haircut” experience, which includes a certificate and a 25-minute massage designed to stimulate their senses.
The resort has trained personnel to locate turtle nests on the beach and protect their eggs in collaboration with the association Conservación de Especies Maravillosas de Bahía de Banderas A.C. (CEMBAB).
It is home to the Bee Suites, specially designed beehives that protect and promote the native bee population in the region as part of the Wildlife Guardians program.

Casa Velas: The boutique oasis

In 2005, a property in Puerto Vallarta called Quinta Real, with hacienda-style architecture, was acquired and renamed Casa Velas. This would be our third hotel in the area, but now with an adults-only concept.
The Marina Vallarta Golf Course, which surrounds Casa Velas, is famous for its water hazards and for being set amid mangroves and local fauna, demanding precise play amidst nature.
At Táu Beach Club, you can spend the entire day enjoying the beach, as it features a restaurant, bar, pool, private showers, and lockers.
The hotel is a living gallery of contemporary Mexican art, with over 350 original works by the renowned artist Sergio Bustamante.
It features a Concierge who is a member of the prestigious international organization Les Clefs d’Or, a symbol of luxury service.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya: The Mayan essence and Caribbean luxury

This resort demonstrated the founder’s unwavering vision by opening its doors in 2008, right in the middle of a global economic crisis.
It is home to the Cocina de Autor restaurant, a Michelin-starred dining experience that fuses local flavors with avant-garde technique for an unparalleled culinary journey. The only resort in the region that includes this level of experience during your stay!
It is the site of a meliponary dedicated to the conservation and cultivation of honey from the melipona bee, a sacred species in Mayan culture.
It was the setting for seasons 1 and 5 of Netflix’s Love Is Blind, showcasing its natural beauty and luxury to millions of viewers.
The iconic SE Spa was built around a natural jungle sinkhole, preserving the original geological structure.

Grand Velas Los Cabos: The pinnacle of luxury

Its semicircular design was an engineering challenge to ensure ocean views from the majority of its suites.
Cocina de Autor offers a unique culinary experience in Los Cabos, as the only 1-Michelin-Star restaurant included in your stay. This distinction positions Velas Resorts as the only hotel chain in the world to offer two restaurants with the coveted award.
Due to its strategic location, the destination is rated by NASA as one of the best for stargazing, and the resort offers the experience with a professional telescope and expert guide.
It boasts a cellar with over 2,500 wine labels from around the world, including a prominent selection of Mexican wines from Baja California.
Each restaurant was designed by a different architect. Furthermore, the resort is considered an art gallery, as you can appreciate exclusive pieces by renowned Mexican artists, such as Alejandro Colunga and Amador Montes.
Creator of the “most expensive taco in the world,” valued at $25,000 USD, a dish that was included in the Ripley’s Guinness World Record list.

Mar del Cabo: A tribute to the golden age

This iconic jewel, which represents the golden age of Los Cabos, was called Marbella Suites and was completely restored by Velas Resorts in 2018, preserving its original charm.
It was the brand’s first property to offer the European Plan for travelers seeking to explore the destination.
It offers unique views of the meeting point between the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range and the Sea of Cortez.
To honor local culture, the decorations in each suite and the amenities offered are 100% Mexican and handcrafted.
It is currently the only pet-friendly Velas Resorts hotel, allowing guests to enjoy the experience alongside their pets.

Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos: The newest in the collection

Just one year after its opening, it was awarded the AAA 5 Diamond Award.
It was the official filming location for the Bravo TV series Love Hotel, positioning it as a contemporary, trendy icon in the entertainment world.
The hotel’s design focuses on honoring the desert landscape.
Recognized by Virtuoso before its opening, it is one of the few hotels selected by this global network of luxury travel agencies for its innovative design and exclusive experience.
Its pool features a sophisticated, unique touch with a Venetian-style mosaic of flower squares in shades of green, pink, and white, evoking a floating garden ambiance.

Today, we celebrate this consolidated legacy, knowing that the story of unparalleled hospitality continues. Watch the tribute video below and discover more about this legacy.