Grand Velas Riviera Maya Pressroom

Riviera Maya, Mexico (December 12, 2018) — Grand Velas Riviera Maya is launching an innovative and exciting new activity that transports guests around the country and back in time with it new  ancestral drink tasting.  With a tasting of bacanora, sotol, tuxca, and pox, guests will learn how these ancestral recipes came to be and how they are being reinvented and reintroduced to a modern palate with cocktail recipes. Included in the nightly rate, the Ancestral Drink Tasting will be held weekly   starting over the Christmas holiday.

• Derived from the Pacific Agave which grows wild in the northern Sonoran region of Mexico, bacanora can trace its beginnings to over 300 years ago. During the workshop, guests will taste the bacanora, a naturally fermenting, 100% agave artisanal drink. The liquor has an almond scented finish on both the nose and palate.
• Next up is sotol which finds its roots in the wild plants of Dasylirion, a genus of North American plants in the asparagus family, all native to Mexico. Totally organic with spear-like leaves, it can take upwards of 15 years for these plants to mature enough to harvest.  Hailing from Durango, the leaves of the Dassylirion are distilled by grinding by hand and then fermenting in plastic tubs for 3 days, followed by a double distillation in stainless steel craft stills. Known for its pine and hazelnut aroma, the liquor has a medium viscosity and a sharp herbaceous edge to the taste.
• Tuxca dates back to the 16th century in the vicinity of the Snow and Fire volcanoes, south of Jalisco and North of Colima.  This handmade mezcal relies on over 20 varieties of different agaves to imbue its liquor.  The proximity to the volcanic region adds an element of minerality to the liquor.  Baked in a conical oven in the ground, tuxca is fermented in the volcanic stone and offers a double distillation.
• Lastly, guests will taste pox, born from the ancient springs discovered by Mayan ancestors.  Fermented from sugarcane, brown sugar, wheat and fresh spring water, the elements meld in oak containers until fully finished.  Representing a link from land and water, this fresh and slightly oaky drink from Chiapas holds both the naturally fresh and clean flavor of water and the woodsy hints from land.

Resort rates start at $463 per person per night based on double occupancy and include luxury suite accommodations, à 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 additional information, call 1-888-407-4869, or visit https://www.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://www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com.