The Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has crafted a new multi-sensory Fly Over Tequila experience combining pristine beach and agave landscapes and helicopter transfers.
Highlights of the Fly Over Tequila experience include horseback riding through the agave fields, a “spirited” spa treatment at one of the world’s top spas, a uniquely designed bottle to take home, cultural mixology, expansive tastings, and more.
Upon arrival at the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, guests are greeted by their personal concierge, a dedicated companion who provides seamless coordination throughout the entire journey. A highlight for the first evening is a tequila pairing dinner at Frida, the resort’s restaurant that offers traditional Mexican cuisine including recipes the famed Mexican artist made for her lover Diego Rivera.
Then it’s on to the resort’s SE Spa, recently awarded Five Stars by Forbes, for its renowned Water Ceremony and a Tequila Cream Massage. To start, a personal spa valet takes guests through an hour-long hydrotherapy with seven steps including hydro-reflexology, eucalyptus inhalation, chromotherapy steam room, sauna, hot and cold lagoon, jacuzzi, and multi-jet pressure shower. After the water ceremony, the energetic tequila cream massage brings a sense of well-being with the colour, flavour and aromas of Mexico. The treatment concludes with a tequila cream tasting of coffee, vanilla and chocolate. That evening, a private taco and tequila tasting is also set up on the beach.
The next day features an afternoon mixology class that combines Mexican culture and cocktails and concludes with a celebratory Golden Ranch Water. Complete with 24K edible gold flakes, the cocktail is both glittery and spicey with jalapeño and tajin complementing the fresh lime, tequila and fundamental Topo Chico sparkling mineral water. A daily DIY tequila cocktail is also served in-suite.
After spending time on Mexico’s Pacific coast, guests will depart to Tequila over the agave fields via helicopter. Once there, guests are chauffeured to town from the helipad to meet a local guide who will accompany them on a shopping excursion and a gourmet lunch in an underground uber-chic Tequila tavern. Next, guests will head to Casa Cuervo for a guided tour and professional tasting in the pioneering tasting room. The 200-year-old Jose Cuervo distillery showcases the tequila-making process and rich history behind the spirit. Following the tour, guests will check into a barrel-themed suite at Matices Hotel de Barricas. Each was created by a different Mexican artist to tell a story relating to tequila.
Upon checking in, guests will participate in a workshop to create one’s own tequila bottle. Additional activities include horseback riding through La Cofradia’s agave fields and a Jima harvest experience. In the evening, guests can embark on a captivating tour of intriguing tales from the town’s rich historical past. A highlight of the tour is a visit to Casa Sauza, a distillery with origins and stories dating back to 1836. The site includes a farm that has been declared a cultural heritage site by UNESCO. The evening will conclude with a private barbacoa dining experience prepared by a chef from Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit amongst the agave inclusive of a Mariachi performance. The next morning begins with breakfast at Matices before departure back to Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit.
Once back on the coast, guests can enjoy their last day at the hotel’s three-tiered infinity pool overlooking Banderas Bay while sampling some of their favourite spirits at leisure. Before heading to dinner at one of the hotel’s gourmet signature restaurants, a renowned sunset is in order. On the final morning in Mexico, Grand Velas’ spacious suite terrace is the breathtaking stage for an expansive breakfast accompanied by a luxe Tequila Sunrise topped with Grand Marnier.
The Fly Over Tequila experience costs $38,100 for two adults. The five-night experience includes a four-night stay at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit in an oceanfront Ambassador Grand Class Suite, one night stay at Matices Hotel de Barricas.
