Playa del Carmen, Mexico (January 16, 2012) – Grand Velas Riviera Maya was awarded American Automobile Association’s (AAA) Five Diamond Award for lodging for its second consecutive year.  Grand Velas Riviera Maya’s 1sister resort on the pacific coast of Mexico, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, also received the Five Diamond Award in 2011 for its sixth consecutive year.
 
“Grand Velas Riviera Maya is setting the new 5 diamond standard throughout the industry for years to come,” said Tony Perrone, Regional Manager Travel at AAA. “We call it the ‘WOW’ factor… not only in their service and staff which is one of the best but also a leader in room décor, room size and room amenities… [it’s] a true testament to the management, owners and particularly the entire staff.”
 
Every year more than 65 AAA/CAA tourism editors visit over 70,000 lodgings, campgrounds, restaurants and attractions throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.  Tourism editors conduct unannounced evaluations, scrutinizing such areas as cleanliness, ambiance, amenities and service.  Only an estimated 0.25 percent of the estimated 60,000 properties will receive the Five Diamond Award and only 3.25 percent of the estimated 32,000 properties are awarded the AAA Four Diamond designation each year.   AAA’s Diamond Rating System is the only rating system that covers the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean and is one of only two that conduct physical, on-site evaluations.
 
The Five Diamond is awarded to establishments that reflect the characteristics of the ultimate in luxury and sophistication from first class accommodations and extraordinary physical attributes to personalized services and amenities that enhance an unmatched level of comfort. The fundamental hallmarks at this level are to meticulously serve and exceed all guest expectations while maintaining an impeccable standard of excellence. 
 
For more information or reservations, please visit http://www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com/ or call 1-866-230-7221.
 
About Grand Velas Riviera Maya:
The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya, an all-suites and spa resort located five minutes from Playa del Carmen, is the latest and most sophisticated iteration of the ultra-luxury, all-inclusive resort experience.  This Leading Hotels of the World designated resort is the preeminent one of its class boasting 491 suites, each more than 1,000 square-feet, in three separate ambiances-- premium ocean-front Grand Class Suites with terrace plunge pools for families with children 12 and up, family-friendly ocean-view Ambassador Suites and Zen Grand Suites embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungle.  The resort presents a gastronomic tour of the Yucatan, Europe and Asia offering seven restaurants with world-class chefs from France, Spain and Mexico; dedicated butler service for each guest, and the region’s largest spa sanctuary at over 89,000 square-feet specializing in signature treatments inspired by ancient cultures from around the world.  The spa was named “Best Spa" in the world by Virtuoso and also earned a SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Award.  The resort was designed by lauded Mexican architecture firm Elias and Elias and features the sleek and modish interiors that fuse the serenity of the Caribbean with the vibrancy of Yucatan cultures.
 
About Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit:
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, an all-suites and spa resort located just 15 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta on Banderas Bay, is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and a recipient of the AAA Five-Diamond Award.  The resort features 267 spacious ocean-view suites.  The crown jewel of the resort and a member of Leading Spas of the World, the Spa at Grand Velas features 20 treatment rooms, over 60 spa treatments, gym and exercise room, spa boutique and beauty salon.  The family-friendly resort also offers tiered three-temperature infinity pools, tennis court, 25,321 total sq feet of meeting space and a Kids Club. Nearby are championship golf courses, numerous options for soft adventure, and the charming town of Puerto Vallarta with its many shops, art galleries and nightlife.