Epicurean Exploits Abound at Casa Velas Hotel Puerto Vallarta

By Merilee Kern, ‘The Luxe List’ Executive Editor

Nestled within an upscale residential neighborhood just a 5-minute drive from the Puerto Vallarta airport sits Casa Velas—a serene adults-only luxury boutique resort that’s helping set new and noteworthy standards in the all-inclusive realm. 

As one of the many properties in the Velas Resorts portfolio, which have earned no less than 43 diamonds by AAA, I had high expectations for my own stay at the location—especially given it has garnered 8 of those diamonds in its own right. What I had not anticipated, however, was how “at home” I would feel while on site, which felt as much like a private estate home with an ever-attentive staff rather than a slick hotel operation with pre-programmed employees. Indeed, the layout of the grounds and the casually elegant and intimate atmosphere evokes the sense of being in a private hacienda. Furthering this sensibility is a staff that all regard guests by name, who welcome you “home” upon arrival (with each outing) and generally do their utmost to ensure each guest’s needs and wants are being duly catered to. 

All 80 traditional Mexican-styled suites at Casa Velas are top notch, with each boasting a private terrace with plunge pool or in suite Jacuzzi, goose-down comforters, free WiFi, L’Occitane bath products and a fully stocked mini bar. For even more privacy and space, the exquisite 3,000-square foot, four-bedroom Presidential Suite, which sleeps 8, is replete with original artwork by Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante and also features a large dining room, living room, master suite with a spacious marble-laden bathroom, and an expansive terrace with an oversize plunge pool and Jacuzzi.

While the Spanish style architecture and interior design captivates, the setting in which it all resides is truly breathtaking.  Lush tropical landscaping abounds with abundant flora and fauna at every turn that, of course, attracts wildlife. In fact, a bevy of wild peacocks have taken up residence at the property and can be seen meandering about throughout the day and night. A pack of “pet” snapping turtles live in a pond-like water feature at the hotel’s front entrance for which the valet staff will eagerly provide you with food to feed them. 

Adding to the serene green vistas is the fact that the resort overlooks the lovely Marina Vallarta Golf Course where Casa Velas guests enjoy special privileges like free greens fees. Other on-site amenities include a full fitness center with Life Fitness cardio and Nautilus equipment, a full service spa and salon, and a pool area with plush lounge chairs, shady cabanas and a swim up palapa bar. If surf and sand are high on your vacation agenda, have no fear as the hotel will provide you with complimentary, on-demand shuttle service to and from its private and exclusive Casa Velas Ocean Club where guests enjoy cushioned loungers and cabanas on the beach itself, along with food and beverage service, as well as access to a pristine pool area and al fresco eatery all overlooking Mexico's Pacific Riviera beyond. 

Even amid all of this haute hospitality, what is incredibly impressive about Casa Velas is its elevated gourmet food and beverage program that has significantly raised the bar for all-inclusive hotels worldwide. With its on-site gourmet restaurant, Emiliano, one of only two restaurants in all of Puerto Vallarta that have earned the AAA Four Diamond award, guests are treated to unlimited access to high caliber cuisine for breakfast, lunch, dinner and 24/7 in-suite service.  Beverages at Casa Velas are equally progressive, particularly for an all-inclusive, with guests enjoying premium wines and liquor without restriction and can partake in fun nightly events like wine pairings; tequila, mescal and martini tastings; and other events that also allow guests to get acquainted and socialize.

If you’re a foodie seeking a culinary-oriented resort retreat, Casa Velas is for you. I particularly love the concerted and continual effort the property makes to keep its culinary options interesting and innovative, ensuring guests can have a unique atypical all-inclusive experience time and time again.   

Gourmet Tasting Menus

In addition to its regular menu, Emiliano also extends six different five-course meals (a new one each evening) that are masterminded by head chefs from Casa Velas' sister property, the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Menus draw from all three of their AAA Four Diamond restaurants: Frida, Piaf and Lucca . These dynamic menus rotate each evening and run for a week, starting with a French tasting menu and martini tasting hour on Sundays led by Piaf's head chef. On Monday, Lucca's Italian-Mediterranean sampling and wine pairing takes center stage. Tuesdays and Thursdays are an extra special treat as 20 guests are invited to a private "dinner with the chef." Here, Chef Eliseo Ibarra Ramos prepares a special menu while television cooking personality, Yolanda Yanar, gives step by step explanations on the menu's preparation. Wednesdays, Frida's head chef hosts a Mexican tasting menu and tequila tasting hour. Fridays offer a truly elegant experience as Chef Ramos prepares a gourmet French menu while a renowned pianist provides accompaniment and live entertainment. Saturday rounds out the week with cuisine and seafood specialties from Veracruz, Mexico.

Authentic Street Food

While Emiliano's gourmet tasting menus have proven enormously popular, the revered restaurant also features dishes that bring to mind the temping aromas and "tantalizing visions" of the street foods found in Mexico's colorful markets. Guests can sample entrees, appetizers and desserts from six different regions including Veracruz, Puebla, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Jalisco, and the Yucatan. Each day a different region is featured alongside Emiliano's larger menu of additional Mexican and international selections. What's more, servers are dressed in corresponding regional costume and are happy to answer questions about ingredients and preparation to any foodie's satisfaction.

Where the Gastro Garden Grows

During my stay I strolled down to Casa Velas’ impressive on-site organic botanical garden where the resort grows its own herbs, flowers and vegetables. These uber-fresh ingredients find their way into fresh cocktails and culinary creations as ingredients and garnish. For example, home‐grown albacar, thyme, mint, lemon and cactus are used in the kitchen, while home‐grown mint is used for mojitos, cilantro for margaritas and hibiscus flowers in martinis. Want to bring the taste of a Casa Velas specialty cocktail home with you? The chefs will gladly send guests home with their favorite recipe. Guests will also spot, or better yet smell, clove, mint, aloe vera, spearmint, and basil leaves in the resort’s spa treatments.

A Mighty Mini Bar

Casa Velas' commitment to luxury, well-being and elevated eats extends beyond the bounds of the resort's restaurants and bars—extending right into the guest rooms. Instead of the usual boring, calorie-laden mini bar fare, Casa Velas provides freshly "made on demand" crudités. Guests can choose from the "Mexican turnip," a combination of carrots, cucumber, jicama, or an alternative selection featuring celery, beetroot and pineapple. Guests can also choose from three different light and healthy dressings including mango, chipotle or albahaca (basil). Crudités are available upon request from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and, of course, are included in the all‐inclusive daily rate.

Service Standouts

I had the pleasure of dining with Luis Angarita, Casa Velas' General Manager, who spoke about what sets the resort apart from others in the region. He underscored that, more than anything else, Casa Velas prides itself on providing top-notch service at every level of the operation. He also reiterated the resort’s focus on food as part of an all-inclusive, noting it’s a major draw. "Food, creativity and presentation comparable to top restaurants in world capitals,” Angarita gushed. “Name your favorite specialty cuisine–Mexican, French and Italian, it’s exquisitely prepared by award winning chefs…everything, from unlimited food and wines to premium beverages, in suite service, and even gratuities and tax are part of the all-inclusive daily rate."

With its efforts to continually innovate coupled with the quiet, private and secluded nature of this Puerto Vallarta oasis, it’s no surprise U.S. dignitaries the likes of Condoleezza Rice, and two Mexican presidents have been hosted at Casa Velas. But, one need not be a dignitary to be treated like royalty here, as the staff goes over and above to ensure each guest is having a personalized and pampered experience. 

With its heightened level of hospitality, Casa Velas is playing an integral role in re-defining the all-inclusive category at large, and is a decidedly fine choice for the standards-driven jet setter.

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"The Luxe List" Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

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The Phoenician Scottsdale 

A Phenomenal Family Vacation Destination

By Merilee Kern, ‘The Luxe List’ Executive Editor

"Family-friendly" and "luxury resort" are often mutually exclusive, however, one Scottsdale luxury resort—The Phoenician—has managed to marry the two concepts in spectacular form. Although this AAA Five Diamond property exudes elegance, understandably attracting the likes of every U.S. President (post-office) since–and including—Ronald Reagan among its VIP guest roster, the resort is also a delightful playground rife with on-site fun and adventure. Here, young and old can genuinely enjoy common ground—a place families can stay, play and parlay into memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Upon my own arrival to the property and upon taking a bit of time to explore, I was captivated by the indigenous desert scenery both inside and around this pristine private resort. The Phoenician, which is located at the base of Camelback Mountain, ensconces guests in 250 acres rife with natural beauty: magnificent gardens (including an expansive private two-acre Cactus Garden), lush landscaping, and water features and fountains. So serene is the setting, here you can’t help but maintain a vacation state of mind. 

Adding to the allure is the resort's multi-million dollar art collection that highlights both Old World and contemporary works by European, Native American and Asian artists. Works interspersed all throughout the interior and exterior of the property include Navajo rugs, French tapestries, oil and watercolor paintings, and bronze and marble sculptures to name a few. A complimentary self-guided audio tour is even offered to the delight of true artwork aficionados.

                                                                                                                                

Ample Accommodations

With no less than eight room type options, from a Superior Room to the Presidential Suite, guests at The Phoenician are sure to find accommodations that suit. On the top end, the 4,000-square foot Presidential Suite provides two bedrooms, two and half baths, two sitting areas, a service kitchen, a Steinway baby grand piano and a large furnished patio boasting breathtaking views. And, who wouldn’t love amenities-to-order like a rose petal turndown or a private dinner on the Eighth Tee Box? Yes, I would be remiss to not mention the resort’s recreational facilities do include 27 holes of championship golf. At the other end of the spectrum are the 600-foot "Superior Rooms" that provide their fair share of notable features, including imported Italian linens, signed original artwork, an oversized bathroom outfitted with Italian marble and a private terrace or balcony. Other standard amenities impress, including high-speed Internet and a 40-inch LCD television.

Fun for One and All

Even amid all of this splendor, The Phoenician upholds its appeal for kids as well. For children ages 5-12, the specially-designed “Funicians Club” program offers a variety of both indoor and outdoor activities. The kiddos venture outside for playground activities, outdoor sports and a tour of the property's aforementioned Cactus Garden while indoor fun includes arts and crafts, board games, charades and video games like Wii and Xbox. Both half day and full day programs, with lunch included, are available.

No family vacation at The Phoenician is complete without spending a fair amount of time splashing and sunning poolside. The resort’s expansive Oasis Pool Complex boasts seven different pools—some with lovely cascading waterfalls—where guests of all ages swim and sprawl below the Sonoran desert sun to their heart’s content. Towel and water service and private poolside cabana rentals ensure guests feel pampered all the while.

While some visit the Oasis Pool to relax, the young, and young at heart, turn it up a notch by taking advantage of the basketball hoop and volleyball net respectively hung above and across the water. But, it’s the 165-foot water slide that seems to give the kids the most glee. For the youngest guests, there is also a children's wading pool and the “Surge Splash Pad” that's a wet wonderland of misting turtles and ladybugs, buckets dumping water and water cannons hitting their aquatic mark.

What I particularly love about the Oasis Pool is the creative kid-oriented programs it inspires among resort personnel, as weekly poolside activates abound. Water bucket relays, dive-in movies, marshmallow roasting, rubber ducky and frozen t-shirt races, and sponge ball challenges are just some examples of the many cute initiatives staffers have instituted at The Phoenician.

Of course, no poolside respite is complete without some light and flavorful fare, and the Oasis Pool Bar & Grill is happy to accommodate. Under the hot Scottsdale sun it’s important to stay hydrated, and adults and children alike can do so with cocktails and kid-friendly drink items, frozen and otherwise, from the Surge Bar located right on the pool deck.

Delightful Dining

Speaking of flavorful fare, food can be a tricky thing for families—especially those with picky eaters. Luckily, The Phoenician has a nice range of on-site resort-level and more casual dining options sure to please everyone in the family… even those with finicky palates. During my own family’s time at the resort, we enjoyed numerous meals at Il Terrazzo. It’s here where, each morning, we ate breakfast al fresco on the expansive patio amongst the cheery birds and soft breezes. Be sure not to miss the restaurant’s Italian Market Brunch on Sundays, which is truly exceptional. This beautifully-staged buffet is a culinary journey unto itself with mouth-watering dishes like hand-made sausage and gnocchi, short-rib pot roast with mascarpone polenta, lemon ricotta waffles, artisan cheeses and house-made desserts. Extra kudos to the kitchen for creating a special and aptly stocked gluten-free station all its own. At night, Il Terrazzo morphs into a gourmet nouveau-Italian dining experience that not only offers seasonal menu items, but also fresh, hand-crafted artisan breads that are baked in-house daily.

For lunch, I highly recommend The Phoenician’s Relish Burger Bistro, which is a casual restaurant offering an expansive and innovative burger menu along with sides like crispy tater tots and garlic Parmesan fries as well as various soups, salads and sweets, shakes and malts. I can assure you the kids will love this dining locale.

While visiting The Phoenician, I had a chance to grab lunch at Relish Burger Bistro with property spokesperson, Denise Seomin. Among other topics, we discussed the resort's food and beverage approach, and she underscored particularly interesting aspects of the award-winning culinary program, noting “All breads, pastries, tea sandwiches and pastas are made in-house.  We also have a butcher on property.” Seomin also pointed out that The Phoenician’s beverage program includes one of the largest tequila and vodka collections in the state of Arizona, and that the resort features its own private label tequila as well as its own private label Woodford Reserve bourbon.  She said that more than 70 beers (locally, nationally, internationally crafted) are housed at Relish Burger Bistro, alone.

Tech-Tastic
The Phoenician accomplishes the feat of merging together technology with the natural environment in subtle, unobtrusive and even beneficial ways that serve to elevate a guest's experience rather than distract from it. In fact, Seomin discussed how The Phoenician uses technology in this regard for adults and kids, alike. She pointed out, "The Stewart Follow Golf Carts use Bluetooth technology and feature a remote control that allows the golfer to direct the cart to carry his or her golf bag across the golf course.  This provides a unique alternative for golfers who would rather walk the course and get some exercise.  For kids, the Desert Explorers Program allows them to use their smartphone to access a QR Code that connects them to a virtual guide to learn about animals indigenous to the Arizona desert."

On Fridays and Saturdays, both adults and kids with iPhones and iPads, specifically, can also reserve a spot at the resort’s Photography class where they’ll receive guidance on useful photo enhancing apps “to make images pop.”

 

So Much More
The list of “things for families to do” at the Phoenician goes on and on, including Koi fish feeding, a guided hike up Camelback Mountain, bicycling and tennis. In fact, The Phoenician’s award-winning Tennis Garden is reportedly the only tennis resort facility in Scottsdale and the Southwest to offer four playing surfaces. And then there’s the on-site Activity Center complete with a movie theater, ping pong, foosball, board games, video game room, basketball court and covered playground.

Another unique and fanciful experience is The Phoenician's "Flight of the Phoenix" experience. Every Friday and Saturday at sunset, guests can gather on the Thirsty Camel Patio to watch as Zopilote Rey, The Phoenician's very own Phoenix, brings the story of the mythical Mayan fire spirit to life. The resort's signature cocktail, Phoenix Rising, is available for adult guests to enjoy throughout.

All told, The Phoenician is a unique luxury resort through and through—a casually elegant property in a gorgeous setting where an abundance of family adventures await. At a location this fun-filled, you just may need a vacation after your vacation!

Fun fact: The first sitting president to stay at the resort was Barack Obama (with the First Family).

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"The Luxe List" Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.facebook.com/TheLuxeList. 

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

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Josh Altman: Selling L.A. a Million Dollars at a Time

AUTHOR: Reba Wilson

The average realtor markets through word-of-mouth, mail-outs and the Internet, but Josh Altman has taken to a new medium: reality TV. The Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles star’s personal and work lives are broadcast in 70 different countries to nearly two million people each episode. How’s that for exposure? “As a realtor, the most important thing is having your name out there and marketing yourself,” Altman tells me. Initially wary about the gig, he now says, “it’s basically an infomercial.”

Altman’s skillset centers on marketing the L.A. lifestyle to his many international clients. Recently, he moved to a new firm, Douglas Elliman, to help his team “be more global.” On the staff are people who speak many different languages – Farsi, Russian, Mandarin and Spanish, to name a few. Though viewers saw Altman debut a newly-learned phrase of Mandarin in one episode, he explains that that’s the extent of his Chinese skills; “I barely have time to go to sleep at this point,” so learning a new language is definitely out. That being said, he does focus on the nuances between different cultures, explaining that while he is more assertive when dealing with North American clients, “it’s a totally different story” when working with people of other cultures. “It’s important to know how they look at certain things, how they negotiate,” he says. L.A. real estate has become a popular sell for such clients, as Altman believes “luxury real estate is the new worldwide currency.” He is quick to advocate for the perks of living in L.A., among which is his surprising assertion that “it’s still cheap. Residential property in Los Angeles is still a deal,” compared to other major cities.

If you were followed by cameras between eight and nine months of the year, it’s reasonable to think there would be moments you’d wish hadn’t happen on screen, but Altman tells me he has no regrets, “That’s not how I live my life.” And though the show squeezes whole deals into 60-minute segments, Altman explains that it’s quite true to the deal, minus the fact that the realtors list and sell in a much shorter span.

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Luxury Report Magazine Testimonial - La Trattoria & Petros

We are happy to share with you this great testimonials from our advertising partners at La Trattoria & Petros Taverna.

"We have been very happily working with The Luxury Report Magazine for a few years now. At first, it was for my restaurant- La Trattoria and then Petros followed shortly after. All I can honestly say, is that Luxury Report Magazine has been an INCREDIBLE success for us especially in the latest No.29 edition! The tremendous positive feedback is usually immediate and the ad has already been paid back many times over within the first week. LR always works hard to promote my restaurants directly & indirectly and we really see that because the phone doesn't stop ringing for reservations! And I always ask them where they heard of us and they usually say Luxury Report Magazine! Therefore, I strongly recommend/suggest that if you are indeed serious about getting great/proven value for your advertising dollars, you need to go with Luxury Report Magazine immediately as nobody in Montreal beats them!"
-Ted Dranias, Owner of La Trattoria & Petros Taverna

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Paris Hilton Exclusive Interview

Blonde and beautiful, entrepreneurial powerhouse Paris Hilton has had to overcome her fair share of stereotypes. Despite that, she’s built a scent empire – and proven she has sense to spare. Hilton has been in the perfume industry for 10 years and has produced a grand total of 18 perfumes.

Speaking to me over the phone from L.A., she explained: “I’ve always loved perfume. Then when I was a teenager and moved to New York, I wanted to be a businesswoman and I thought that a fragrance would be the best first product to start out with for my brand.” And businesswoman she certainly is. She has developed her own lines of clothing, accessories and other products; opened dozens of stores around the world; cultivated a career as a DJ; and developed her own beach club in the Philippines (with a second on the way). 

As Hilton’s business interests grow, she tells me that she derives her inspiration from her family. “I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and that’s always been very inspirational since I was a little girl. I love success, I love my fans – I want to have something come out for them all the time. I’m just inspired by life,” says Hilton. Her drive is something that has been noted by her grandfather, Barron Hilton, who gave her the best compliment she’s ever received. Hilton’s grandfather told his friends, an array of successful businessmen, that Paris “has traveled more than [them] and works harder than [them].” Naturally, his pride is something Paris cherishes.

Though she’s pulled in many different directions, from releasing a new song called “High Off My Love” in the upcoming month, to traveling extensively for her many businesses, Hilton explains that she tries to make time for everything. This often involves working in transit. She shares that Paris Fashion Week is a favorite place to become inspired about designing clothing, while her music is informed by trips to Ibiza and Las Vegas. Tropical places are favorite destinations when Hilton is designing swimwear. One place she’s never visited, but would like to see, is the Maldives.

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10 Things To Know About How Rolex Makes Watches

Read this fascinating article on the iconic timepieces - Rolex. Originially posted on A Blog to Watch, written by Ariel Adams.

Rolex really isn't like any other watch brand. In fact, the privately held, independently run entity isn't like most other companies. I can say this now with a lot more clarity than most people because I was there. Rolex rarely allows anyone into its hallowed halls, but I was invited to visit their four manufacture locations in Switzerland and experience first-hand how Rolex makes their famous watches. Rolex is a universe of its own: respected; admired; valued; and known across the globe. Sometimes I sit back and think about all that Rolex is and does and find it hard to believe that at the end of the day, they just make watches. Rolex does just make watches and their timepieces have taken on a role beyond that of mere timekeeper. Having said that, the reason a "Rolex is a Rolex" is because they are good watches and tell pretty good time. It's taken me over a decade to fully appreciate the brand, and it will probably take longer before I learn everything I'd like to know about them.

The purpose of this article isn't to give you a totally inside look at Rolex. That isn't possible because as of now there is a strict "no photography" policy at Rolex. There is a very real mystique behind the manufacture because they are relatively closed and their operations aren't public. The brand takes the concept of Swiss discreetness to a new level, and in a lot of ways that is good for them. So since we can't show you what we saw, I'd like to share with you some interesting facts that every Rolex and watch lover should know.

1. They Use An Expensive And Difficult To Machine Steel Because It Looks Better 

Many watch lovers are familiar with the fact that Rolex uses a type of steel that no one else uses. Stainless steel is not all the same. Steel comes in various types and grades... and most steel watches are made from a type of stainless steel called 316L. Today, all the steel in Rolex watches is made from 904L steel, and as far as we know, pretty much no one else does. Why?

Rolex used to use the same steel as everyone else, but in around 2003 they moved their entire steel production to 904L steel. In 1988 they released their first 904L steel watch with a few versions of the Sea-Dweller. 904L steel is more rust and corrosion resistant, and is somewhat harder than other steels. Most important to Rolex, is that 904L steel, when worked properly, is able to take (and hold) polishes incredibly well. If you've ever noticed that steel on a Rolex watch looks different than other watches, it is because of 904L steel, and how Rolex has learned to work with it.

A natural question is why doesn't everyone else in the watch industry use 904L steel? A good guess is because it is more expensive and much more complicated to machine. Rolex had to replace most of their steel working machines and tools to deal with 904L steel. It made sense for them because of the amount of watches they produce, and because they make all their parts in-house. Most other brands get their cases made from outside suppliers. So even though 904L steel is better than 316L steel for watches, it is more expensive, requires special tools and skills, and is overall more difficult to work with. This has prevented other brands (so far) from taking advantage of it, and is something special that Rolex has. The benefit is obvious once you handle any steel Rolex watch.

Read the rest of the article here: 
10 Things To Know About How Rolex Makes Watches

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