Leading Eco-Friendly Practices at Grand Velas Recognized by EarthCheck

Grand Velas Riviera Maya Receives Gold Status and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit Silver

Riviera Nayarit, 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 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 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, wireless internet access, fully stocked mini bar, L'Occitane amenities and Nespresso machines. New Wellness Suites include a personal training session and massage in-suite in addition to other fitness amenities, such as a Lifecycle Exercise Bike, organic soaps, an Alchimia Apothecary Aromatherapy Kit, a Nikken Kenko pillow and comforter, and LED lamp with a clock and timer. 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 30 spa treatments, many inspired by the native traditions of Mexico and a signature water journey. Other features include a fitness center, 24/7 in suite service, water sports, business center, tennis, baby concierge, Kids Club, and teen lounge during holidays. Puerto Vallarta is just a 15 minute drive away. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit features more than 25,000 square feet of indoor meeting facilities, including the Grand Marissa Ballroom, which consists of more than 6,000 square feet and is easily subdivided into five separate rooms. The resort's facilities also include four other rooms ranging from 681 to more than 1,954 square feet that offer several arrangement variations to maximize meeting productivity and efficiency. 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-Inclusive in 2012. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit was built and is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, owner, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela by his side, vice president of Velas Resorts.