Giving your guests a warm welcome to your destination wedding is a great token of appreciation for their time and planning invested to make it to your big day. For this reason, Welcome Parties are a good idea as they open the opportunity for everyone to get to know each other and create a more intimate atmosphere prior to the wedding day. Remember it can be as simple as you desire, but no less fantastic.

We share some of our Velas Weddings Specialists’ favorite Welcome Party ideas, that will be a success among your guests:

1. Beach Picnic

The first thing your guests will crave for as soon as they arrive at the hotel is to enjoy the beach, so organize an evening with your feet in the sand with an unforgettable picnic.

2. Private Yacht

Take your party to the seas and surprise everyone with a sunset yacht ride so they can enjoy the destination at its best! Onboard hors d'Oeuvre and cocktails will complement the experience.

3. Mexican Kermesse

You are in Mexico, so giving your guests a taste of the culture of this country is an excellent option. Kermesses are a Mexican tradition that will leave a great impression. Also, they are a great ice-breaker idea to introduce both families.

4. Rehearsal dinner in style

While rehearsal dinners are traditionally held among those closest to you, the trend at a destination wedding is to include the entire guest list as a way to show them how much their presence means to you. We specialize in creating unconventional ideas for your wedding! What do you think of this masquerade?

5. Pool party

Endless fun! Pool parties are unrivaled if you are looking to give your welcome party a casual style, with light snacks and a drinks bar.

> Additional tips:

Receive them with VIP transportation at the airport

Welcome your most special guests with VIP transportation from the airport to the hotel. Our specialists will be happy to provide you with all the necessary information to receive them at the airport and make it a great surprise for them.

Prepare welcome kits

Give yourself some time to organize the welcome kits that will be waiting for them at their suite upon arrival. The most useful items for your destination wedding are sunscreen, lip balm, waterproof phone cases, a resort map and itinerary, sandals, and sunglasses.

Cheers with a special cocktail

Celebrate your guests with a very special toast, whether they do it during the welcome cocktail, the reception, or the rehearsal dinner, it is a great idea to add a different touch with a memorable drink. For example, in all Velas Resorts properties, the bride and groom have the option of adding the Carajillo Bar, where they can enjoy different flavors of this classic cocktail from the traditional to more exclusive options with a Mexican touch such as coconut, RumChata cream infused with Mexican cinnamon, pistachio, mint, chai, and gold.

The planning process is one of the most endearing phases of your wedding. Enjoy it!

Contact Velas Weddings specialists at 1-866-868-0922 (USA-CAN) | 800-837-3982 (Mexico)

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The skin is our best barrier against pollution, dust, the sun, and all external agents that travel through the air. Therefore, it is essential to keep a daily routine for your skin and thus keep it clean, hydrated, and protected. Although it is not recommended every day, exfoliating the body, hands, and face will vary depending on your skin type and the indications of your dermatologist.

Skin renewal is a natural process to eliminate toxins and residues, but with the help of some exfoliation products, this process becomes more effective and has many benefits.

What happens to your skin with the exfoliation?

• More hydration: By removing the layer of dead cells and dirt, the skin will be ready to better absorb the nutrients from creams and serums used in your skincare.
• Regeneration: When we help this process of the skin, it will have more possibilities to breathe and regenerate properly to look radiant.
• Luminosity: Cleaning the skin is very important since, with the correct hydration, the skin will look renewed and luminous.
• Uniform color: With proper exfoliation, the spots and inflammations will diminish to match the natural color of your skin.

Exfoliate for this season!

Taking care of the skin correctly in each season is vital to keep it healthy and radiant, therefore, the Director of SE Spa at Grand Velas Riviera Maya shares with us a straightforward DIY recipe to renew and hydrate your skin with a pineapple mojito scrub.

Pineapple Mojito Scrub

Although it is an exfoliant that is offered as part of the Water Ceremony at SE Spa, we want you to obtain its benefits from home, as dead skin is removed with sea salt and then hydrated with pineapple, which is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties and high amount of vitamin C; in addition, the mint creates a cooling effect.

What do you need?

• 15 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 2 tbsp. coconut oil
• ½ cup pineapple cubes
• 8 mint leaves
• ¼ sea salt

How to prepare it?

• Combine peppermint essential oil and coconut oil in a small bowl.
• In a food processor, blend pineapple and mint leaves until smooth.
• Add sea salt and pineapple mint to the bowl with oils.
• On wet skin, gently rub in circular motions over the body with light pressure (not recommended for use on the face).

Remember that your skin is very important, so constantly visit a specialist and keep it radiant.

Sharing experiences with your siblings, uncles, grandparents or parents are moments that should be framed forever. Let’s talk about that family trip to a dream place when you were 10 years old or let’s imagine together the next journey you want to plan with those you love.

Going on a family trip will always have a long list of benefits and today, in addition to listing the most important advantages of this type of adventure, we will share some ideas to add to your to-do list —as well as celebrate this Father’s Day.

Shall we start?

Opportunities to learn

Whether to a local place or a trip abroad, you will surely find places or experiences to share and live together. In addition, to develop tolerance and respect for other cultures in the kids, everyone will be able to discover a new vision of the world through the flavors of its gastronomy, its crafts, and emblematic places. Age is not an impediment, planning an itinerary according to the tastes and preferences of each member of the family will make them better adapt to different activities.

For example, at Grand Velas Riviera Maya this summer an experience will be available that includes a tour of the ruins of Tulum and a visit to its beaches, exclusively designed for grandparents. In an interesting historical tour, you will be able to learn about the fascinating Mayan culture.

Stronger family bonding

During the holidays, the memories will add up and little by little the bond with the whole family will be strengthened. Take a painting class together or schedule a beachside photo shoot.

You could even start a new tradition and travel every year!

Make many friends

For children and teenagers, each trip can give them several friends from different places and share a great time. On the other hand, if there is a large group of children in the family, the adventures will surely be much better. For example, organizing a private party at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit Teens’ and Kids’ Clubs will be a great vacation plan. With themed decoration, a candy bar, colored popcorn, workshops to make your kite, painting classes, air hockey, ping-pong, and more, the little ones will develop better social skills and gradually build their independence.

Endless stories to tell

With the planning of different activities for each member of the family, at the end of the day, your talks will be longer with the many stories that will have to be told. In addition, from each perspective, everyone will share their learning.

Are you ready to travel together?

Being one of the fastest-growing cities in Latin America, Playa del Carmen has many new Top Things to Do all year long. Whether visiting this coastal paradise for the first time or being here hundreds of times, Playa del Carmen is always ready to surprise you.

And If you're the kind of traveler that enjoys opening up new horizons, you will find these unusual Top Things to do in Playa del Carmen list, more than exciting.

Take a scenic flight over jungles and ruins

Visiting the Riviera Maya is a dream in itself, but seeing it from above is an out-of-the-ordinary experience. 

Join professional pilots on a flight over the Riviera Maya as you get a picture-perfect blend of nature and culture.

Enjoy the sight of turquoise coastlines and white coral sand, and take panoramic views from the archeological sites and picturesque towns and cenotes.

Art Walk

Art lovers will have a first-hand insight into the cultural scene happening in Playa del Carmen. Join the art walk every Thursday for a soirée infused with colorful displays, as you support local artists. A great opportunity to buy art and to take a night stroll through 5th Avenue, which takes place mostly from 24th Street until 32nd Street.

Gastronomy Walk

Foodies from around the world: this one is for you! As the old saying goes: “If you want to find the best food in town, visit locals’ favorites.” If you agree with the popular wisdom and like to get authentic gastronomy, there are many Culinary Walks like Eating with Carmen, that show you hidden culinary gems. These food tours will take you to Playa del Carmen’s most unassuming neighborhoods to dive into traditional food from Mexico.

Take adventure to new limits

Every new attraction brought by Grupo Xcaret becomes almost a mandatory Top thing to do in Playa del Carmen. This themed-park company specializes in exalting the best Mexican nature and culture have to offer. And you cannot miss their new experiences for anything in the world:

• Xenotes

This tour takes you to explore four types of cenotes: semi-open, the open gran cenote, ancient, and the cavern blue cenote as you enjoy rappelling and zip-lines, kayaking and swimming, or even cliff jumping. Your chance to access the heart of the Mayan jungle.

• Xavage Park

Show off your skills paddling or kayaking along the canals, climbing the Ropes Course, or flying on zip-lines. Add a little bit of adrenaline to your Xavage Tour on board a jet boat that will take unpredictable turns; driving an all-terrain vehicle; or taking whitewater rapids.

Mayan Ruins of Xel Ha Archaeological Site

Leave the crowds behind and step into the world of ancient Mayans —shared only with the iguanas that rule the place. The Xel-Ha ruins are located in the jungle, with access to the Xel-Ha lagoon (now shared with the eco-park of the same name). The first dwellings date back to 100 BC through 400 A.D., but it was not until 400-700 A.D. that a more complex and organized society emerged with Peten-influenced stone buildings like plazas, temples, and residences.

Explore the structures, the paintings, and the murals, as you learn more about this fascinating site that played an important role in the spiritual development of the Maya. 

One thing is guaranteed: Any of these options will give you something new to talk about with friends and family!

Enjoy!
 

Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Mexico

The Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a beautiful beach setting on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The whole family will find plenty of variety on a luxury holiday here, from relaxing on the beach to exploring dense jungle, Indiana Jones style, and visiting fascinating Mayan ruins such as the famous Chichen Itza (yes, even children will find them fascinating!).

Indulge in a truly pampering stay for all the family at this all-inclusive resort. As well as spacious family suites where you’ll feel like VIPs, pristine white sands, a lovely infinity pool and water sports galore, everyone will love exploring the lush jungles on horseback, ziplining through the trees and swimming in cenotes – these beautiful underwater caves are rather unique swimming pools. Other ways to keep the children entertained range from storytelling to karaoke. Even the very youngest guests are treated like VIPs, thanks to the baby concierge service.

Sani Beach, Greece

Sani Beach is set on the beachfront in pretty Halkidiki, nestled in a curve of Cape Sani. It is part of the Sani Resort, which is home to an impressive range of hotels and facilities, ensuring that there is plenty on offer right on the doorstep, from several restaurants and bars, with buffets to tempt the fussiest of eaters, to an open-air theatre and exhilarating activities. There’s so much for everyone to experience, young and old, going beyond simply relaxing on the beach (although of course you can do that too).

Parents can unwind with cocktails by the pool, soothing spa treatments and wine tasting in the surrounding countryside, while children can keep active in the sports centre or learn how to sail. They can also create amazing memories by going ziplining through the trees at the Sani Adventure Park and joining the Sani Explorers club for fun activities such as wildlife tracking in the forest and mountain biking through the Sani wetlands.

MarBella Elix, Greece

MarBella Elix opens in June 2020, and will give guests the chance to discover a more off-the-beaten-track location in Greece in style. Perched on a hillside by the Ionian Sea in Thesprotia on mainland Greece, opposite Corfu, it has a stunning and secluded location. The rooms, including stylish and spacious family rooms, have beautiful, unobstructed views over the sea and the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos, and some have their own pools.

Spend lazy days swimming in the large infinity pool and enjoying delicious Mediterranean buffets, and take the funicular down to Karavostasi Beach to soak up the sun – or it’s just a short walk through the pine trees. In between relaxing on the beach, the exceptional offerings for young guests include an adventure club that makes the most of the rugged coastal setting, from hiking and biking to kayaking and canyoning.

Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman

Six Senses Zighy Bay is nestled on the Musandam Peninsula, with a mile-long sweep of sandy beach on one side and craggy mountain peaks on the other. It certainly ticks all the boxes when it comes to a luxury holiday, including exceptional accommodation, a large pool with a swim-round island and a beautiful, award-winning spa surrounded by palm trees. You can arrive through the mountains by 4×4 or even paraglide into the resort.

The hotel’s impressive kids clubs cater for all ages. Younger children can get their imagination flowing with rock painting, sand art, treasure hunts, pizza making and more, while teenagers can enjoy adrenaline-pumping adventures such as adventure hikes and wadi swimming, and learn new skills such as archery and abseiling. In the evening, gather the whole family to watch a movie on the beach under the stars at the hotel’s very own Cinema Paradiso – a perfect end to the day.

Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, St Lucia

Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, sits in over 100 acres of lush tropical rainforest, with the white sands of Sugar Beach on one end, looking out over the Caribbean Sea, and the famous Pitons as the backdrop. This rather special hotel stands out even amongst the high standards of St Lucia, thanks to luxurious villas set in tropical gardens and plenty of options for both relaxation and adventure, from a blissful rainforest spa and a palm tree-lined pool to sailing trips around the coast.

There are plenty of activities that are ideal for kids whatever age they are, including traditional arts and crafts, fish feeding, glass-bottom boat trips, snorkelling with colourful fish and kayaking in the azure waters. We guarantee they will also love going on a tour of a local cocoa plantation to learn all about how chocolate is made – some of the world’s best chocolate comes from the Caribbean (and what child doesn’t like chocolate?).