Grand Velas Riviera Maya Pressroom

Riviera Maya, Mexico (September 13, 2018)- The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya has introduced a new alebrije turndown service in its Grand Class Ambiance, further introducing guests to Mexican culture. Brought to light most recently in Pixar's Academy Award-winning film "Coco", an alebrije is a hand-crafted, surrealistic piece of art. Alebrijes are in the form of an animal; they may be common or exotic species, or even represent a combination of two animals or an animal fused with a plant. All have the common feature of being decorated in characteristic striking colors, in true Mexican style. Brought to life by the hands of Mexican artisans, one of 8 designs will be delivered on the last evening so that guests can collect them, enjoying a new one with each visit.

The first alebrijes, along with use of the term, originated from Mexican artist Pedro Linares. In the 1930s, Linares fell ill, and dreamt of a strange place resembling a forest. There, he saw a donkey with butterfly wings, a rooster with bull horns, a lion with an eagle head, and all of them were shouting one word, "Alebrijes". Upon recovery, he began recreating the creatures he saw in cardboard and papier-mâché, calling them Alebrijes.

Nightly resort rates start at $434 USD. Rates are per person based on double occupancy and include à la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, luxury suite accommodations, 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, 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. 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.