ECOLOGICAL PRACTICES

Our resort has reduced the use of disposable plastic containers for toiletries by implementing refillable Molton Brown glass products, one of the first companies in the world to hold an animal testing free production since 1971.
More about Molton Brown products:

• 100% vegetarian formulas since 2022
• Paraben free toiletries since 2016
• Elsenham facility is net carbon neutral starting 2016
• Natural materials used in their packing —Certified by Forest Stewardship Council since 2019
• Refillable containers since 2020, avoiding the use of one-single-use bottles
• Molton Brown products are available in our boutique

RECYCLING OF NESPRESSO CAPSULES

All the capsules of the Nespresso coffee machines that are used in the resort are deposited in a special container to later be delivered to a brand ambassador who separates and reuses its components: aluminum is recycled to produce other materials and coffee to make compost.

BEACH CONSERVATION

We help maintain our beach clean by organizing monthly brigades with teams of more than 30 employees to thoroughly clean, sweep, dig and sift the sand for extra cleaning. Our beach has been certified with the Blue Flag distinction.

WASTE SEPARATION

Organic waste is stored in a storage chamber at a specific temperature, which allows the food to be preserved until an external supplier takes it away to feed farm animals. Inorganic waste is separated according to its type, such as plastic, glass (separated by color to facilitate melting), cardboard and paper.
Likewise, the burned cooking oil is stored, which is stored and delivered to an external supplier who uses it to transform it into biodegradable fuel.

SUPPORTING LOCAL RECYCLING PROGRAMS

Local companies are in charge of processing glass, plastic, metal, cardboard, and toxic material to handle recycling and proper disposal.

COMPOSTING

We have a garden area designed to place leaf, plant and foliage waste in good condition; it is stored, allowed to dry and mixed with the soil, thus creating a natural fertilizer to later spread it through the gardens and feed the green areas. This process takes approximately 90 days to obtain compost.

WATER HEATING BY SOLAR PANELS

We have solar cells that help us preheat the water and take advantage of the good weather in the region; thanks to the sun, the water reaches our tanks at a warm temperature, saving around 45% of gas. This water is kept hot by gas-fired boilers.

CLEANING AND CONSERVATION OF BEACHES

We keep the beach area in optimal conditions for our guests to enjoy. On a daily basis, our collaborators go through the area and collect external particles from the sand and garbage; with this we managed to maintain the Blue Flag and "Clean Beach" certification of the IMNC Mexican Institute of Standardization and Certification. On a quarterly basis, brigades of more than 30 collaborators are organized, in charge of giving a deep cleaning; from sweeping, to digging and sifting the sand to leave it completely fine.

CAMPAIGNS WITH GUESTS SUCH AS "EARTH HOUR"

Year after year, collaborators and guests are invited to participate in global campaigns such as "Earth Hour", a one-day program that consists of turning off as many lights as possible for one hour. Through personalized letters and announcements, they are notified and invited to turn off the lights in their suite if they are inside it. Likewise, activities are planned where they can participate without using electricity. This campaign is normally carried out in the month of March.

INTERNAL CAMPAIGNS SUCH AS "CONSUME LESS, SAVE MORE"

In this campaign, all employees are invited to turn off electronic devices that they do not use in their work area, especially if they will not be there for a long period of time (computers, electricity, air conditioning, etc.).

PLASTIC STRAW FREE RESORT

We recently declared ourselves a "plastic straw free resort." In case our guests require them, we offer biodegradable avocado seed straws.

PLASTIC USE REDUCTION

The amount of single-use plastic was reduced, with the implementation of water dispensers as an alternative; In the pool, water is offered in food-grade plastic bottles and in glass jugs at the restaurants.

SEA TURTLE PRESERVATION

Due to the fact that our extension of the beach is classified as a nesting area for sea turtles, the Security team is trained to attend to any event, both nesting and birth of turtles, according to the nesting and release protocol stipulated by the Federal Attorney's Office. Environmental Protection (Profepa).

 GUARDIANS OF WILDLIFE

We have created the Guardians of Wildlife program that seeks to protect the bees' hives and swarms to ensure the preservation of this species. Wooden boxes have been installed, which work as "temporary suites" for bees; these shelters  are conditioned with honey and pheromones to attract bees inside. These boxes serve as artificial hives that can be easily moved and relocated, a task we undertake along with apiaries such as AZPER Guardian of Life. At Velas Resorts we promote sustainable commerce and incorporate honey from local producers in our gastronomic offer and in Spa treatments.
 

SOCIAL PRACTICES

• SUPPORT FOR LOCAL RECYCLING PROGRAMS

  Companies that make productive use of recyclable materials that can be disposed of are contacted to donate them; for example, to the civil association "Ángeles en Libertad", to whom soft drink caps are donated to raise funds and support people with health problems and without resources to face them.

• ADOPTION OF GREEN AREAS IN PUBLIC AREAS

  Weekly maintenance is given to a median on highway 200 (Tepic - Puerto Vallarta). This route consists of approximately 2 km of grass and palm trees that we keep in good condition so that visitors and residents can enjoy a clean city.

• SUPPORT TO THE COMMUNITY OF THE REGION

  A space for selling handicrafts is provided to the Huichol natives of the area in order to promote their art and cultural heritage.

COMMUNITY

• SOCIAL IMPACT

  Velas Resorts is committed to generating jobs within the regions at which the resorts have presence. We maintain a 3:1 staff to guest ratio at Velas Resorts in comparison to maybe 1 employee for every 3-4 guests at other hotels and resorts.

• OUR LANDSCAPES

  We have adopted stretches of road landscaping in our destinations that support the cities' maintenance for visitors and residents alike.

• OUR STAFF

  The staff is periodically trained in environmental initiatives, to create a "green" awareness to be applied not only at the hotels, but also at home.

CULTURAL PRACTICES

• GRAND CORA MASSAGE

  Within the different services of our Spa, a highly energetic treatment called Grand Cora Massage is offered, which stimulates sensory perception and eliminates nervous tension through a ritual of sounds with natural instruments that represent harmony with nature: caixa (fire), rain stick (water), winchas (air) and cymbals (earth). A warm copal oil is applied that restores emotional, intellectual and spiritual well-being.

• DREAM CATCHER WORKSHOP

  Guests are invited to participate in the creation of their own dream catcher, to further appreciate the American tribes. The hoop represents life: the net is one's own dreams or desires; and the center is "the great mystery". One of our body artisans is in charge of imparting it.

• DEER EYE

  One of the most used protection amulets by the Mexican people. It symbolizes the blessing and protection against bad energies. A very common practice is to put it on the wrists or ankles of babies so that they grow up with an aura away from the "evil eye".

• EYE OF GOD WORKSHOP

  The Eye of God demonstrates the artistic skill represented by the Cora and Huichol culture. Its purpose is to provide protection and power. Each color has a special meaning.
  Black: life
  Blue: rain
  White: clouds
  Red: the life of God
  Purple: the life of man
  In this workshop, the Spa staff teaches the importance that the Eye of God represents for the indigenous people. First one is created together with the guests and after each treatment they receive one as a gift of protection. The Ojo de Venado and the Ojo de Dios are given as a farewell souvenir to our guests.

• WIXÁRIKA CULTURAL HERITAGE (HUICHOL)

  Our therapists, with the aim of preserving the Wixárika dialect, use the Airuyeme welcome greeting, which means "welcome", and the Pamparius farewell message, which means "thank you" in the native Huichol language, which gives us identity due to the region where we are located.

• HARMONIZATION WITH COPAL

  Instructor: Karen Vidal
  This morning ritual with copal incense channels energy and frees the being from negative vibrations. The copal fragrance connects harmonically with one's own essence, as well as cleanses the body and spirit.

• OFFERINGS TO THE WATER GODDESS HARAMARA

  Meditation facing the sea that symbolizes gratitude for life and the renewal of body and soul. Tatéi Haramara, goddess of the sea, is offered a harmonious ceremony that brings prosperity and abundance, according to the Wixárika worldview.

RESORT GUESTS

• CREATING AWARENESS

  Our kids and teens' facilities and programs are second to none and encourage the use of recyclable material with fun and ingenious crafts that give our youngest guests smart ideas of how to reuse and follow recycling tips at home.
  Among the activities that can be enjoyed at our hotels, guests can participate on ecological tours to learn more about the onsite flora and fauna.
  Insuite, guests have a turndown card that invites them to place it on the bed only when they wish their sheets and towels to be replaced.

• SENSE OF PLACE

  We also pay major attention to exclusive experiences for guests off property that give back to the community. We offer experiences in everything from our food & beverage and spa to family bonding activities, romance and soft adventure that not only create extraordinary moments for guests but also support local partners. Wherever possible, these are inspired by Mexican history, culture and traditions, which impart a rich sense of place.