Leading Eco-Friendly Practices at Grand Velas Recognized by EarthCheck
Grand Velas Riviera Maya Receives Gold Status and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit Silver
Riviera Maya, Mexico (March 23, 2016)
Mexico's Grand Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit have achieved Gold and Silver Status, respectively, through EarthCheck. EarthCheck, the world's leading organization in the certification of sustainable tourism, has distinguished the resorts for their pioneering eco-friendly methods.
Surrounded by 206 acres of jungle, mangroves and freshwater cenotes, the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya is committed to implementing sustainable practices. It is also meticulously designed to exist harmoniously with its fragile environment, including more than 18,000 trees which were reforested after its construction. The property reduces its dependence on local and country-wide energy sources with co-generation Electricity Plants, two Reverse-Osmosis Desalting Plants and an on-site residual water treatment facility which processes and reuses all the water throughout the entire resort. The resort also participates in the Federal Sea Turtle Conservation Program, offers complimentary Behind the Scenes Eco-Tours for guests, maintains on-site botanical gardens used in all resort restaurants, and constructed artificial reefs in the property's ocean which foster and protect native sea life. Among other achievements, the property is one of only several hotels in Mexico to receive a Clean Beaches Certificate from the federal government.
Demonstrating its commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and natural surroundings, sister property Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit also takes several steps to reducing its environmental impact. The resort practices the responsible use of energy sources; continuous inspection, monitoring and verification of adherence to environmental regulations; separation of waste for recycling; and use of biodegradable products for cleaning, fertilization and fumigation. Furthermore, the resort is committed to educating all employees about conservation and respect for the natural world. In effect at the resort are a permanent water-saving campaign for employees, internal implementation of the "Green Mailbox", where employees can suggest ideas for saving resources and ecological preservation initiatives, and a Recycling Expo for employees to demonstrate their craftsmanship using recycled materials to create art and useful items. In addition, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit retains the Blue Flag certification, which recognizes the sustainable development of beaches and marinas regarding water quality, education, information and environmental management.
"The Velas Resorts team is very proud to be recognized at the highest levels by EarthCheck. This distinction reaffirms our steadfast commitment to the management and preservation of our resort's environments," says Eduardo Vela Ruiz, Founder and President of Velas Resorts.
For reservations or additional information, please visit www.grandvelas.com.
About Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Set on 206 acres of pristine jungle and mangroves and 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. Guests can choose among three separate ambiances in this Leading Hotel of the World, including adults only oceanfront, family friendly 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, plasma TVs, Wi-Fi, L'Occitane amenities, artisanal tequila, 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 celebrity chefs Bruno Oteiza, Mikel Alonso and Xavier Pérez Stone, holds the AAA Five Diamond Award, the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to win this prestigious distinction. Grand Velas Spa, a Leading Spa of the World, 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 Teen's Club; 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. This year, the resort entered TripAdvisor's Hall of Fame for obtaining the Certificate of Excellence for five consecutive years in addition to the Signature Spa being awarded "Best Luxury Resort Spa-The Americas" at the World Luxury Spa Awards 2014. Grand Velas Riviera Maya was built and is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, majority owner, founder and President of Velas Resorts, with his brother Juan Vela, Vice President of Velas Resorts.