Authentic Mayan Weddings with Blessing from a Shaman, Ocean Offering, Mayan Song and Instrument Ceremony, and More at Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico (August 30, 2012)
Grand Velas Riviera Maya now offers a Mayan Wedding ceremony for couples interested in authentic wedding experiences on Mexico's Caribbean Coast. The Mayan culture-infused wedding ceremony features sacred blessings from a Shaman, an ocean ritual, a Mayan song and instrument ceremony, and more. Guests have the chance to experience Riviera Maya's oldest spiritual way of life with an intimate and unique ceremony on the beach or amongst the resort's jungle setting.
A highlight of the Mayan ceremony is the Shaman's blessing and union of the couple's Tzolkins, the Mayan version of a horoscope calculated using each person's name and date of birth to determine their individual potential and true vocation. Another memorable part of the ceremony, the Shaman honors the Mother Earth through the 7 directions (upward - cosmic energy, downward - mother earth, to the four winds and in the center - the heart, temple of love). He invokes the energies to come down and unify the couple, and then asks the force of the ocean to wash away all negative energies the couple does not need. A sacred blessing follows, as well as a ceremony to join the couple's hearts accompanied by Mayan song and native instruments.
Mayan Wedding Ceremonies at Grand Velas Riviera Maya start at $450 USD, for two people. Rate does not include hotel stay. Reservations must be made by March 31, 2013 and events may be held up to July 30, 2014. For more information or booking, contact gvweddings@grandvelas.com or visit www.velasweddings.com
About Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Set on 205 acres of pristine jungle and mangroves and with the finest white sand beach in the Riviera Maya, the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an ultra-luxury all-inclusive resort. Guests can choose among three separate ambiances in this Leading Hotel of the World, including adults only ocean-front, family friendly ocean view and a Zen-like tropical setting, embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula's jungle. All 491 designer-like suites are exceptionally spacious, more than 1,100 square feet each, all with balconies, and some with private plunge pools. All feature fully stocked mini bars, plasma TVs, wireless Internet access, L'Occitane amenities, artisanal tequila and Nespresso machines. Bathrooms deserve special mention with walk in glass shower, deep soaking Jacuzzi tubs and marble interior. Eight restaurants, including five gourmet offerings, present a tour of Mexico, Europe and Asia. Cocina de Autor, at the hands of the disciples of world celebrity chef Arzak, won the AAA Five Diamond Award, the only all-inclusive restaurant in the world to win this prestigious distinction. Grand Velas Spa, a Leading Spa of the World, is the region's largest spa sanctuary at more than 90,000 square feet, known for its authentic Mexican treatments, offerings from around world and signature seven-step water journey. Other features include 24-hour personal butler concierge, 24/7 insuite service, three swimming pools, two fitness centers, water sports, innovative kids club and teens lounge, Karaoke Bar, Koi piano bar and business center. The resort offers more than 91,000 square feet of meeting spaces and outdoor areas for events and has a 31,000-square-foot Convention Center, able to accommodate up to 2,700 guests. The resort has won numerous awards from Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA Today, Best of the Best Spa by Virtuoso, U.S. News and World Report and Forbes.com; which named it one of the Top Ten Coolest All-Inclusive in 2012. Grand Velas Riviera Maya was built and is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, majority owner, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela by his side, vice president of Velas Resorts.
