Riviera Nayarit, Mexico (January 17, 2018) -The "Beyond All Inclusive, Beyond All Compare, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit recently completed the $750,000 USD renovation of its Italian restaurant, Lucca. One of the property's three AAA Four Diamond rated restaurants, Lucca debuts a new menu to complement the redesign by Larissa Garcia of Cassal Diseño Designs. Garcia's work on Piaf Restaurant at sister property Grand Velas Los Cabos was recently acknowledged with a gold medal during the exhibition of the IX Ibero-American Biennial CIDI of Interior Design, Design and Landscaping 2017-2018 in Mexico City.

Lucca's new design embodies a contemporary wine cellar with elements that reflect the familial Italian spirit. Marble in the walls give the feeling of a cave and natural wood and leather are complemented by original wine barrels and standout light fixtures and chandeliers. Shades of teal, taupe, grey, and brown are accented with silver. Original artwork was made specifically for Lucca from Mexican artist Lulu Arce. Garcia also ties in some artisanal work from the Mexican state of Jalisco with the treatment used in the wall mirrors and molds made on pewter plaques.

Chef Adrián Aguayo of Lucca Restaurant has created a new menu to fit with the redesign of the restaurant, offering dishes that are both visually stunning and delectable at first sight. With a vast knowledge on product from Italy, Aguayo's new menu features such highlights Polpo a Genovesa, organic greens, with infusion of octopus potato, and olive infusion, Parmesan cheese foam and pistachio pesto; Tortellini Ricotta e Prosciutto, tortellini stuffed with prosciutto and ricotta cheese, with sage sauce and cherry tomatoes; and Tartufo di Cioccolato, chocolate tartufo and truffle croquant, white chocolate sauce and dried fruit and nuts. He'll also be serving vegetarian and vegan options, a fresh pasta of the day with duck ragout and traditional pizzas. Aguayo's focus when creating the food is to present the same harmonic touch found in the décor of the restaurant.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarits' all-inclusive rates 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

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 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 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 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, majority owner, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela by his side, vice president of Velas Resorts.