Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (February 21, 2019)- This spring, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit in Mexico will launch a new activity to immerse its youngest guests in the legends and folk art of Mexico. Kids visiting can create their own spirit animal during a new Alebrijes Workshop as part of the resort's complimentary activity program. Like Pepita, the colorful beast that was part jaguar, eagle and lizard in the film "Coco", alebrijes are surrealistic creatures in the form of an animal. Known as "spirit guides," they may be common or exotic species, or even represent a combination of two animals or an animal fused with a plant. During the workshop, participants will receive a painting kit with brushes and a palate to decorate their alebrijes in the characteristic striking colors. A storytelling guide will be on hand to share information, legends and suggestions about the fantastic world of alebrijes, and a Candy Bar will feature sweet and salty Mexican snacks to fuel creativity. Once the activity is finished and the alebrije dry, they will be delivered to their suite in a Mexican bag, along with a small book about the most important information about the alebrijes.

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.

Resort rates start at $315 at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Rates are per person per night based on double occupancy and include luxury accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, taxes, gratuity and more. For reservations or more information, call 1-888-407-4869 or visit https://vallarta.grandvelas.com/.  

About Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit:

The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit 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, multi-temperature infinity pool, a preferred spot for catching the legendary sunsets. The resort features 267 ocean-view suites, some with private plunge pools, and all with fully stocked mini bar, L'Occitane amenities and Nespresso machines. 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, Aromatherapy Kit, and more. Of the resort's six restaurants, three, serving French, Italian and Mexican gourmet cuisine, have received AAA Four Diamond awards for distinguished cuisine and presentation. In November 2018, the resort opened a new Asian-inspired restaurant to complement its renowned dining program. An oasis of wellbeing, Se Spa has been included on Forbes Travel Guide's list of The World's Most Luxurious Spas. This Puerto Vallarta spa 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 state-of-the-art Teens' Club. The all inclusive resort in the 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. Things to do in Puerto Vallarta include water sports, exploring the lush jungle, visits to traditional villages and more. This Puerto Vallarta luxury resort has won numerous awards from Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, TripAdvisor, U.S. News and World Report and Forbes, which named it one of the Top Ten Coolest All-Inclusives. A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit 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 more information, call 1-888-407-4869, emailreservationsrn@velasresorts.com or visit https://vallarta.grandvelas.com/.