Cómo ya es una costumbre desde hace 18 años, el Festival Gourmet International estará celebrando del 8 al 18 de noviembre su edición número XVIII y la XIII en colaboración con Nayarit.

El Festival Gourmet International nació gracias a la iniciativa de Thierry Blouet y Heinze Reize de querer promover a Puerto Vallarta de una manera distinta, mediante la gastronomía; con un evento que duraría 10 días; exponiendo sin precedentes el ámbito culinario de la región a nivel nacional e internacional.

En su primera edición en 1995 el evento se inauguró con seis hoteles cinco estrellas y seis restaurantes independientes, cada uno de ellos presentando a un chef invitado. Con el paso del tiempo el festival se fue consolidando hasta convertirse en uno de los eventos más esperados del año en la bahía de Banderas.

A la par del crecimiento en cuanto al aforo de participantes, también a ellos se han venido sumando importantes patrocinadores que año con año hacen posible este evento, mejorándolo en muchos aspectos.

Programa del XVIII Festival Gourmet International

Puerto Vallarta y la Riviera Nayarit literalmente estarán en boca de todos, y tú puedes ser parte de ello.

Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are two unparalleled beach destinations in Mexico. Both offer peace and tranquility, romance and places for important events such as your wedding. The city has dreamlike spaces for honeymoons and the best spas, but above all it offers an incredible gastronomic experience. PuertoVallarta is one of the best culinary destinations in the country, second only to Mexico City. It also ranks as the number one beach destination.

As has been tradition for many years, the International Gourmet Festival will be held from November 8th to 18th. This is its XVIII edition, and its XIII edition in collaboration with Nayarit.

The International Gourmet Festival came about thanks to the initiative of Thierry Blouet and Heinze Reize. They sought to promote Puerto Vallarta in a distinct manner, through cuisine, with an event that would last 10 days. Their mission was to expose the culinary ambiance and offerings of the region on a national and international level.

In its first edition in 1995, the event premiered in six five-star hotels and six independent restaurants; each featuring a guest chef. Over time the festival became oneof the most anticipated events of the year in the Bay of Banderas. In this XVIII International Gourmet Festival 29 total restaurants will participate; 15 independent dining venues and 14 hotel establishments.

Restaurant Frida - Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

In addition, 30 guest chefs from around the world have been invited to display their talents, visiting from countries such as Italy, the USA, Spain, Switzerland, the Dominican Republic and of course Mexico.

On par with the increasing numbers of participants, each year the number of sponsors who make this event possible grows, and their contributions improve it in many aspects.

The festival’s welcome celebration will be held on Thursday, November 8th at 8:30pm at the Marival Residence Hotel. From November 9thto 19th each of the 29 restaurants will offer guests the option of enjoying a delicious tasting menu or gourmet á la carte dinner starting promptly at 6:00pm.

Restaurant Andrea – Velas Vallarta

Scheduled festival events will take place at various times in diverse venues. We invite you to take a look at the program on the official site and make your reservations accordingly.

XVIII International Gourmet Festival Program

Don’t miss this opportunity to taste the true flavor of Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit.

One of the most important and iconic celebrations of Mexico is, without a doubt, the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). Celebration in which Mexicans devotes an entire day to remember those who have gone one step beyond in the way of life to the immaterial world, that is supposed to be full of peace and tranquility.

If anything distinguishes Mexicans from many other countries, is the great cultural diversity that can be found in every corner of our country, and the Day of the Dead is an event that internationally transcends thanks to all the paraphernalia that goes around of this ancient festival.

Mictecacíhuatl (Lady Death) Queen of Mictlan (Land of the Dead) and her duty is to watch the bones of the dead. She is the wife of Mictlantecuhtli (Lord of the Land of the Dead) and together they are responsible for governing in the underworld and lead the celebration that would lately become the “Day of the Dead” as we know it nowadays. This celebration was held in the ninth month of the Mexican solar calendar in early August and used to last a month.

The start of celebrations date back more than 3000 years and involved nationwide civilizations like the Mayas, Aztecs, Totonacas and Purepecha.

Among the most characteristic details of this event are the world-renowned altars dedicated to the dead consisting of an offering to all those loved ones who eventually left their last breath in this world.

These altars are decorated with the “bread of the dead” (pan de muerto), the traditional marigold flowers, sugar skulls, the food and drink that the person most liked in this life, clothing, candles

and a photo of the deceased who is remembered. Besides this, the imaginative nature of this cultures ends up with true art works by adding various elements that brings the altars to life.

We can also find the always witty calaveritas; a writing that consist of making rhymes using someone’s name (not necessarily dead) alluding to themes of death in a funny way. While enjoying “bread of the dead” (pan de muerto) found in many shops and bakeries accompanied with a delicious cup of milk or hot chocolate.

In a ceremony held in Paris, France on November 7, 2003, UNESCO honored the Indigenous festivity of Day of the Dead as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

In Puerto Vallarta’s various events such as photography, samples of the bread of the dead, exhibition of prints, catrinas, the presentation of folkloric ballet Xiutla and dead altars that can be seen around the old city council. Making this traditional day of a big party where people can enjoy the Day of the Dead in family.

Una de las celebraciones más importantes e icónicas de México es, sin duda alguna, la del Día de Muertos. Festejo en que se le dedica un día entero para recordar a los que se han adelantado en el camino de la vida hacia el mundo inmaterial lleno de paz y tranquilidad.

Si hay algo que distingue a los mexicanos de muchos otros países, es la gran diversidad cultural que se puede encontrar en cada rincón de nuestro país, y el Día de Muertos es un suceso que trasciende a nivel internacional por toda la parafernalia que se maneja alrededor de esta fiesta ancestral.

Mictecacíhuatl (La Dama de la Muerte) reina de Mictlán (Tierra de los Muertos). Su función es vigilar los huesos de los muertos. A su vez ella es esposa de Mictlantecuhtli (Señor de la Tierra de los Muertos); juntos eran los encargados de gobernar en el inframundo y encabezar la celebración que daría origen al Día de Muertos que se llevaba a cabo en el noveno mes del calendario solar mexica en los primeros días de agosto. Dichos festejos duraban un mes.

El inicio de las celebraciones datan de hace más de 3,000 años e involucró a civilizaciones de todo el país como los mayas, mexicas, totonacas y purépechas.

Entre los detalles más característicos de esta celebración están los mundialmente reconocidos altares de muerto que consisten en una ofrenda dedicada a todos esos seres queridos que en algún momento han dejado su último aliento en este mundo.

Estos altares se decoran con pan de muerto, la tradicional flor de cempasúchil, calaveras de azúcar, la comida y bebida que más le gustaba a esta persona en vida, su ropa, velas y la foto del difunto al que se está recordando. Además de esto, la gente pone a volar su imaginación y en ocasiones hacen verdaderas obras de arte al agregar diversos elementos que le dan más vida a los altares.

También podemos encontrar las siempre ingeniosas calaveritas, que consisten en hacer rimas usando el nombre alguna persona (no es necesario que esté muerta) haciendo alusión a temas de la muerte de manera divertida. Y el pan de muerto que se ofrece en muchas tiendas y panaderías la gente suele acompañarlo con una deliciosa taza de leche o chocolate caliente.

En una ceremonia llevada a cabo en París, Francia, el 7 de noviembre de 2003, la UNESCO distinguió a la festividad indígena de Día de Muertos como Obra Maestra del Patrimonio Oral e Intangible de la Humanidad.

En Puerto Vallarta hay diversos eventos como fotografía, procesión de día muertos, muestra de pan de muerto, verbena popular, exposición de estampas, confección de catrinas, la presentación del ballet folclórico Xiutla y los altares de muerto que se pueden observar en los alrededores del palacio municipal. Haciendo de este tradicional día una gran fiesta donde la gente puede disfrutar del Día de Muertos en compañía de toda la familia.

Velas Vallarta is one of the top luxury resorts in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and has now been honored by the local Timeshare Association naming this resort the Best Puerto Vallarta Beach Resort of 2012

Jalisco, Mexico (PRWEB) October 30, 2012

The Best Puerto Vallarta Beach Resort is an honor that is bestowed upon a lucky resort by the Timeshare Association of Puerto Vallarta every year. This is an award that is highly coveted among all of the luxury resorts located in the exclusive area of Puerto Vallarta. This is because the “Best Beach” award really shows which luxury resort is most loved by tourists. There is a lot of competition, but this year Velas Vallarta is ecstatic to be named as the Best Puerto Vallarta Beach Resort.

Velas Vallarta was named the Best Puerto Vallarta Beach Resort by travelers this summer when the Timeshare Association polled groups of travelers that were staying at local hotels. These travelers filled out score cards and rated all of the hotels. It was found that visitors staying at the Velas Vallarta had a higher rate of satisfaction than at any other hotels and resorts in the area. These travelers had to rate the hotels on customer service, cleanliness, activities, and list what their favorite part of the resort was. An astounding number of tourists listed Velas Vallarta as having the best beach in the area.

Velas Vallarta was named the Best Puerto Vallarta Beach Resort because of the staff’s attention to detail, and exemplary customer service. Travelers rated this hotel one of the cleanliest beach resorts in the area. When travelling visitors typically notice the appearance of the rooms the most, which is why this criteria of judging was one of the most important. Visitors of Velas Vallarta rated this resort highly in the areas of cleanliness as well as customer service. These are two of the most important things that visitors look at when they are selecting places to stay. These travelers want to make sure that their home away from home is cozy, and that their every need will be taken care of. This is why so many vacationers voted highly for Velas Vallarta, helping this resort become the Best Puerto Vallarta Beach Resort of 2012.

Velas Vallarta is a not only the Best Puerto Vallarta Beach Resort of 2012, this resort is one of the most fabulous all-inclusive resorts of the area. Puerto Vallarta is one of the most frequented travel spots every year. To attract vacationers in this environment resorts have to pull out all of the stops. This is why Velas Vallarta has amazing amenities, vacation packages, and upscale furnishings. This resort always receives great reviews by the many travelers that frequent this resort annually. Velas Vallarta is proud to be named the Best Puerto Vallarta Beach Resort of 2012, and is looking forward to vying for the title next summer.

Source: PRWeb

On Friday October 20th the Society’s session on “Market Place” was held in one of the Velas Vallarta Resort convention centers, attended by 26 members of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) from the Canadian chapter.

Founded in 1955 by an adventurous group of respected writers and public relations professionals, the SATW is an association that aims to promote responsible journalism, provide professional development for its members and promote the preservation of travel resources worldwide.

The SATW’s contributions include articles, photography, video, audio and other forms of expression with more than 1,100 members including bloggers, film professors, television and film producers, and representatives of the travel industry.

Each year the Society holds meetings, offering numerous cities around the world the opportunity to nominate themselves to host the event. On this occasion Puerto Vallarta was the city chosen by members of this important international organization.

Various meetings were held from October 16th to 21st in three hotels in the area: the Marriot Casa Magna, the Westin Regina and Velas Vallarta, the latter of which was able to interview certain members. They included President Toby Saltzman, who kindly shared her views on Puerto Vallarta, having not been to the destination in a number of years.

She mentioned that she used to visit Puerto Vallarta in the 1980s and had not visited since, but always kept fond memories of those times.

After all this time without visiting us, she told us that what impresses her the most is the high level of sophistication that has developed in the city, as little more than two decades ago it seemed like a small town. Now, she said, Vallarta is not a city, it is more like a “resort“; very beautiful indeed, with a variety of services and amenities, plus certain luxuries in many lovely spas.

“The dining scene you have here is impressive. I have had the opportunity to travel to many parts of the world; I have been to some of the best restaurants and let me tell you, you should be proud of your restaurants; believe it or not, this speaks very well of a destination like Puerto Vallarta”

On the same subject she greatly emphasized the quality of service she had experienced, mentioning the following:

“To me, the ability to attend to people with very refined palates who have eaten in an infinite number of places and know about good food, and satisfy them with flavor, presentation and excellent service, represents a very sophisticated level of care. The -know-how- is something that requires meticulous training of staff and is one of the things that I could perceive significantly”.

Gina Roitman, who serves as coordinator of the SATW also spoke of what she experienced during her stay in Puerto Vallarta, referring to the warmth and generosity of the people as being the most pleasant aspect for her.

“This makes a destination truly desirable, at least for me. You can find people who want to talk to you and not just sell you things. They want to know about you, where you are from and what are doing here in order to share their stories as well, and that’s what I really enjoy when I’m in Puerto Vallarta.”

In addition to their work schedule the SATW conducted a series of activities offering travelers the opportunity to learn more about the warm hospitality that characterizes the people of Vallarta, along with its great cultural diversity, excellent service and the natural beauty of the area. And so, upon return to their respective homes, each will have sufficient material to speak wonders, with distinct points of view and different ways (photos, videos, blogs, etc.) of presenting their visit to this tropical paradise.

El pasado viernes 20 de octubre se llevó a cabo la sesión denominada “Market Place” en uno de los centros de convenciones del hotel Velas Vallarta, contando con 26 miembros de la Sociedad Americana de Escritores de Viajes (SATW por sus siglas en inglés) en su capítulo: Canadá.

Fundada en 1955 por un aventurado grupo de respetados escritores y publirrelacionistas profesionales, la SATW es una asociación que tiene como misión promover el periodismo responsable, proveer desarrollo profesional para sus miembros y fomentar la preservación de los recursos del viajero en el mundo entero.

Las contribuciones de la SATW abarcan artículos, fotografía, video, audio y demás formas de expresión con sus más de 1,100 miembros que también incluyen a blogueros, profesores de cine, productores de cine y televisión, y representantes de la industria del viaje.

Cada año realizan reuniones dando la oportunidad a que distintas ciudades alrededor del mundo se postulen para ser los anfitriones de dicha reunión. En esta ocasión Puerto Vallarta fue la ciudad elegida por los miembros de esta importante organización a nivel mundial. Las distintas conferencias se llevaron a cabo del día 16 al 21 de octubre en tres distintos hoteles de Vallarta: Marriot CasaMagna, Westin Regina y Velas Vallarta, en este último se presentó la oportunidad de entrevistar a algunos miembros de la asociación incluyendo a la presidenta, Toby Saltzman, quien amablemente nos compartió sus ideas después de tanto tiempo de no visitar este destino turístico.

Comentó que solía visitar mucho Puerto Vallarta en la década de los 80 y desde entonces había dejado de venir; sin embargo, siempre ha guardado muy buenos recuerdos de esa época.

Después de todo este tiempo sin visitarnos nos comenta que lo que le ha causado más impresión es el gran nivel de sofisticación que se ha desarrollado en la ciudad, ya que hace poco más de dos décadas se percibía la gran sensación de un pueblo pequeño, y actualmente dice que Vallarta no es una ciudad, es más bien como un “resort”, muy bello por cierto, porque en él se puede disfrutar
de muchos servicios y amenidades, además de ciertos lujos con muchos spas encantadores.

“La escena gastronómica que tienen aquí es impresionante. He tenido la oportunidad de viajar a muchas partes del mundo; he estado en algunos de los mejores restaurantes y déjenme decirles que se deben sentir orgullosos de sus restaurantes; lo crean o no, esto habla demasiado bien de un destino como Puerto Vallarta”

Sobre ese mismo ámbito hizo mucho énfasis en el servicio que ella recibió,comentando lo siguiente:

“Al ser capaces de atender a personas con paladares muy refinados que han comido en infinidad de lugares, que saben acerca de la buena comida y satisfacerlos con el sabor, la presentación, y excelente servicio, para mí eso representa un nivel de atención muy sofisticado. El -saber cómo- es algo que requiere de un entrenamiento meticuloso para su personal y es una de las cosas que pude percibir notablemente”.

Por otro lado, Gina Roitman, quien funge como coordinadora de la SATW también refirió sobre lo que ha vivido en su estadía en Puerto Vallarta, siendo la calidez y generosidad de la gente lo más agradable para ella.

“Esto hace que un destino sea verdaderamente deseable, por lo menos para mí. Te puedes encontrar con gente que quiere hablar contigo y no nada más venderte cosas, sino que quieren saber de ti, de dónde vienes y qué haces aquí para finalmente intercambiar historias, y eso es lo que realmente me gusta disfrutar cuando estoy en Puerto Vallarta”

Además de su programa de trabajo también se llevaron a cabo una serie de actividades alternas que ofrecieron la oportunidad a los viajeros de conocer más acerca de la cálida hospitalidad que caracteriza a los vallartenses, además de la gran diversidad cultural, el servicio de las personas y las bellezas naturales de las que se puede disfrutar en nuestro destino turístico. De manera que al regresar a sus respectivos hogares, cada uno de ellos tendrá suficiente material para poder hablar mil maravillas, con distintos puntos de vista y diferentes maneras de dar a conocer (con fotos, videos, blogs, etc.) su visita a este paraíso tropical.

The color tangerine (labeled color of the year in 2012), will continue to carry special distinction, but now alongside another color: turquoise. In combination, they create a very unique harmony.

When both colors are united and can be enjoyed in person, you can be sure they will bring your ceremony to life, and that all of your guests will be fascinated.

Several other details can change as well, such as your seating choices. Instead of using chairs, you can use fabric-covered benches. This simple alternative will create a completely individual ambiance and is phenomenal for outdoor weddings.

Imagen: Society Bride

(Cross-post from Wedding Blog)

The green areas that exist in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit are so vast that many have been made into golf courses. Today, these two tourism destinations are becoming favorites among aficionados of the sport. There is currently a total of eight world-class golf courses in the area.

They include the Punta de Mita par 72 course in Nayarit, with a 3B hole; the only one in the world, and better known as the “Whale Tail”. It is one of the largest courses with an ocean view. Vista Vallarta is another impressive golf course, opened in April of 2011. Both courses were designed by Jack Nicklaus; American former professional golfer considered one of the great champions of all time.

Lessons are also offered at these courses, at times by Nicklaus himself. Within the same facilities you will find restaurants and boutiques. The natural beauty of these settings continues to leave visitors ranging from recognized athletes to amateur golfers astonished and amazed.

The Pacific Ocean is recognized as an excellent place to practice one of beach enthusiasts’ most loved activities: surfing. The climates of Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit are more than ideal- their water temperatures never drop below 23° C or 73° F, and remain constant throughout most of the year.

The best waves for surfing are formed by sandbars, rocky surfaces and reefs

There are certain areas preferred by surfers, due to their locations, the direction, speed and force of the waves, their distinct panoramas, and their comfort and cleanliness. These surf spots include Punta de Burros, El Anclote, La Lancha and Sayulita.

The favorite is Burros beach located in Punta de Mita, Nayarit, where the waves break on reefs of rock to the left. From the moment surfers and swimmers arrive, they are guided by a small path that takes them to the soft sea sands.

El Anclote has fast waves to the right, perfect for beginners in spite of their speed, and the tide is normally low. In the winter months, the water looks more turquoise than in other seasons, and pelicans gather near, making the environment even more colorful. Sea birds also make an appearance at La Lancha; during the winter they provide a unique and natural show. The waves break to the right, the water is shallow and the tide is low.

Finally, Sayulita is located on Banderas Bay just south of Nayarit. It is a place where year after year, increasing numbers of tourists arrive from all over the world. On this beach surfers can find many different types of surf.  It is a safe place for swimming as well, as the waters are shallow and have a soft, sandy bottom.

On all beaches in the area you will find shops of all kinds. There are also many other activities to take part in, such as fishing and of course, the incomparable nightlife of Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit.