Executive Chef Claudio Hotter also takes over as Food & Beverage Manager at the "Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All Compare" http://vallarta.grandvelas.com [Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit __title__ ]. Since 2011, Hotter has presided over the kitchens of the resort's three AAA Four Diamond restaurants as Executive Chef. Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, announced the appointment, effective immediately.

Born near Innsbruck in western Austria, Hotter began his career at one of the most recognized gastronomic institutions in the country, Zillertalen Hotel Branch School. Upon completing his studies, he developed his talent in various resorts in Switzerland, learning the different cooking styles of Central Europe. His interest and desire to learn about other cultures and their culinary traditions lead him south to the coast of Murcia, La Manga, Spain where he gained experience in Mediterranean cuisine. His next culinary station was Mexico, spending time in kitchens in Cancun, Merida, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta and today, the Riviera Nayarit.

Resort rates start at $319 per person per night, based on double occupancy. The Grand Velas resort's 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 more information on Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, visit http://vallarta.grandvelas.com [www.vallarta.grandvelas.com __title__ ].

About Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit:
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, a Leading Hotel of the World, 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 LCD high definition flat screens with digital cable, Wi-Fi, fully stocked mini bar, L'Occitane amenities and Nespresso machines. 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 Leading Spa of the World 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 insuite service, water sports, business center, tennis, baby concierge, Kids Club, and Teen's Club. 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-Inclusives in 2012. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit was built and is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, owner, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela by his side, vice president of Velas Resorts.

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Megan Sterritt
786-247-4812
Grand Velas Resorts