Grand Velas Resorts Raise Bar on Family Activity Programs for Spring Holidays During March and April

AAA Five Diamond Properties in Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit Offering Mayan Themed Content, Soft Adventure and Eco Options, Teen Events and more

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico (February 11, 2013) - An array of exciting Spring activities for kids, teens and families to spend quality time together are offered during March and April at the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit. As part of the all-inclusive rate, activities at the resorts range from adventure options like stationary bungee jumping and horseback riding through the jungle, to family activities like sand-castle making contests, family cooking contests, choreographed dance classes and parent/child spa treatments. Special themed activities include a live dinner performance by Ancient Mayan warriors and an Eco-Day, where kids learn the importance of the environment, participate in craft workshops using recycled materials and can even take an eco-tour of the resort's diverse flora and fauna. Both resorts have all-day Kids Clubs for ages 4-12 and teen lounges with everything from video games, slot machines, karaoke and more.

Along with special Spring programming, guests enjoy all-inclusive features including luxury suite accommodations, a la carte dining at a choice of gourmet restaurants, gourmet kids menu, premium branded beverages, fitness center with sessions with a personal trainer, 24-hour ensuite service, taxes and gratuities. The Spring activities at Grand Velas Riviera Maya run from March 9th to April 27th, 2014 and from March 1st to April 11th, 2014 at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit.

Spring Activities at Grand Velas Riviera Maya: From March 9th to April 27th, young people at Grand Velas Riviera Maya receive welcome gifts and can choose from many activities, including adventure options like stationary bungee jumping, water balloon catapulting, horseback riding through the jungle, or even playing giant soccer or basketball in the pool or on the beach. At weekly authentic Maya-themed arts and crafts sessions, kids can style their own Mayan Mandala or Kine using environmentally friendly products and recycled paper, or opt for a dance or karaoke contest in the resort's high-tech Teen Lounge, which opened last year. Families can spend quality time together with activities like painting class in the resort's garden, sandcastle-making contest, or a family cooking contest judged by the resort's Chefs. Weekly themed programming is also offered, including a Mayan Show, with live performances of traditional dances by performers dressed as Mayan warriors and a Mexican Carnival with traditional Mexican games and snacks of the region including Marquesitas and crisp tamales. Parents can unwind with mixology contests, Zumba classes and CrossFit training sessions on the beach, while the Kid's Club makes birthday boys and girls feel special with a weekly birthday party with cake, drinks and fun.

Other activities include weekly Tie-Dye T-Shirt Making Class, choreography classes teaching dances by stars like Michael Jackson and Britney Spears and "Amy Cinema", where a large projection screen is set up and kids, teens, or families can watch movies while enjoying popcorn and drinks. Families can attend Eco-Day, educating guests of all ages about the resort's surrounding 205 acres of jungle, mangroves and cenotes, or go to the Carnival of Flowers and decorate masks using feathers, sequins and other decorations, followed by a Carnival dance to drums on the beach. Young kids are not forgotten, as a bouncy castle is on the resort's grounds daily and weekly face painting sessions are offered. Magic, puppet and marionette shows are also put on.

Spring Activities at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit: At Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, from March 1st to April 11th, families enjoy a variety of programming, including Picnic Parties featuring animal shows with birds and seals, as well as clowns, magicians, mimes and juggling performances. The shows welcome guest participation, while all attendees enjoy specialty snacks prepared for the event. At "Pancho's Cinema", young people, teens and families watch movies on a large screen and enjoy snacks like popcorn, soda, chips and cookies, while the Pirate-Themed Dinner on the beach is complete with decor, music, and live performers and waiters dressed in costume. The Teen Club at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is also open throughout the Spring, where teens enjoy slot machines, foosball, special disco dance floor and video games.

For additional family bonding, guests can experience the resort's Leading Spa of the World, where an extensive Kids Spa Treatment Menu is offered and parents and children can schedule treatments together. Little Green Elf Facial, Bubble Massage and a myriad of other spa rituals make up the Kids Spa Collection at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit Spa, which are offered en-suite or beachside with spectacular views of the Banderas Bay.

For reservations or more information, please contact Velas Resorts at 1-888-407-4869, emailreservations@velasresorts.com or visit www.velasresorts.com.

About Grand Velas Riviera Maya:

Set on 205 acres of pristine jungle and mangroves and with the finest pristine 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 ocean-front, family friendly ocean-front and a Zen-like tropical setting, embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula's jungle. All 491 designer-like suites are exceptionally spacious, more than 1,000 square feet each and some with private plunge pools. All feature a Bose sound system, fully stocked mini bars, plasma TVs, high speed intern

et access, L'Occitane amenities and Nespresso machines. Bathrooms deserve special mention, all with walk in glass shower, deep soaking Jacuzzi tubs and marble interior. Eight restaurants, including five gourmet offerings, present a tour of Mexico, Europe and Asia. Cocina de Autor, at the hands of the disciples of world celebrity chef Arzak, won the AAA Five Diamond Award, the only 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 butler concierge, 24/7 ensuite service, water sports, innovative kids club and teens lounge, Karaoke Bar and business center. The resort has won numerous awards from Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA Today, U.S. News and World Report and Forbes.com, which named it one of the Top Ten Coolest All-Inclusives in 2012.

About Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit:

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, a Leading Hotel of the World, enjoys a privileged natural setting with flowering, landscaped gardens beside a long stretch of pristine white sand beach and a dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains. The centerpiece of the gardens is a three-tiered infinity pool, a preferred spot for catching the legendary sunsets. The AAA Five Diamond all-inclusive resort features 267 ocean-view suites, some with private plunge pools, and all with plasma TVs, high speed internet access, fully stocked mini bar, L'Occitane amenities and Nespresso machines. Of the resort's five restaurants, three, serving French, Italian and Mexican gourmet cuisine have received AAA Four Diamond awards for distinguished cuisine and presentation. An oasis of wellbeing, the resort's Leading Spa of the World offers 20 treatment suites, more than 60 spa treatments, many inspired by the native traditions of Mexico and a signature water journey. Other features include a fitness center, 24/7 ensuite service, water sports, business center, tennis, Kids Club, and teen lounge during holidays. Puerto Vallarta is just a 15 minute drive away. The resort has won numerous awards from Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, TripAdvisor, U.S. News and World Report and Forbes, which named it one of the Top Ten Coolest All-Inclusives in 2012.