Velas Resorts, Mexico Celebrates 35th Anniversary

Velas Resorts in Mexico celebrates its 35th anniversary under the direction of new Chief Executive Officer, Juan Vela Ruiz. Velas Resorts includes the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas resorts in Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit and Los Cabos, adults only Casa Velas and Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos, family-friendly Velas Vallarta, and boutique seaside retreat Mar del Cabo. The milestone comes as the brand continues to invest in elevated offerings across its portfolio, with new enhancements and guest-focused innovations that further enhance the experiences.

In 1991, Vela Ruiz’s brother, Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founded Velas Resorts with Velas Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta. From the beginning, the vision was to deliver something more meaningful than a place to stay—an elevated expression of Mexican hospitality centered on warmth, generosity, and service. What began as a single property has grown into one of the country’s most awarded luxury brands, still proudly owned and operated by the Mexican family committed to honoring and evolving that legacy.

Velas Resorts’ trajectory accelerated in 2002 with the debut of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, a bold move that pioneered what all-inclusive luxury could be. Eduardo Vela had the conviction to challenge the status quo, proving that the all-inclusive model could be refined and deeply experiential. The property was built on a simple but disruptive idea: offer world-class cuisine, suite accommodations, and service standards typically found in leading global luxury hotels, with the simplicity and ease of “everything included.” This philosophy placed Velas Resorts at the forefront of a new era of high-end all-inclusive travel for families, couples, and groups seeking elevated experiences without compromise.

Today, Velas Resorts continues to build on that legacy with a track record of accolades, including AAA Five Diamond awards across its Grand Velas properties, Forbes Five-Star recognitions for SE Spa, and MICHELIN Stars at Cocina de Autor in both Los Cabos and Riviera Maya, making Velas the only all-inclusive resort company worldwide with dual MICHELIN-starred venues. These distinctions underscore the brand’s long-standing commitment to excellence and demonstrate that an all-inclusive model can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s most respected luxury hotels.

Early last year, Velas Resorts’ expanded with Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos, a new resort and concept in the all inclusive space. Adults only, it is a stylish sanctuary, its own world of relaxation, pampering, with the personal service for which Velas Resorts is known.

In keeping with its commitment to continual innovation, the company is set to debut several major enhancements across the seven property portfolio this year. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Velas Vallarta reveal newly renovated suites, introducing refined interiors, updated technology, and contemporary design. Grand Velas Riviera Maya launches a Kids Spa, offering bespoke treatments for younger guests and unveils redesigned Kids and Teens Clubs with expanded programming and modernized spaces, golf simulator and state-of-the-art cinema.

This year, on November 20th, Velas Resorts commemorates its 35th anniversary, celebrating Eduardo’s legacy and the continued evolution led by CEO Juan Vela Ruiz. Across all the resorts, the promise remains the same: genuine service, cuisine that delights, and experiences where every detail is crafted for the guest.

For more information, please visit www.velasresorts.com.