Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit pays tribute to one of Mexico's most traditional ancestral delights – cacao - with its first Chocolate Festival, September 11th - 14th. The "Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All Compare" resort invites guests to savor the exquisite aromas and flavors of the 'food of the gods' with a chocolate bar, tastings, interactive workshops, signature menus, spa treatments and more.

A highlight of the event is an exceptional spirited tasting with guest chocolatier José Ramón Castillo who will showcase his top chocolate desserts paired with the finest Mexican red and white wines, tequilas and mezcals. Chef Castillo is the founder of Que Bo! Chocolatería Mexicana Evolutiva and the AULA QUE BO! chocolate education center.

Inspired by the ancient Maya and Aztecs, he marked the beginning of a new way of producing and consuming chocolate in Latin America, combining artisanal techniques with an in-depth knowledge of modern cuisine. Chef Castillo has created unparalleled Latin flavors and combinations based on his faith in national products, adapting them in his chocolate without the use of traditional fillings with creams, butters or sugars.

Guests looking to take relaxation to the next level can do so at the resort's award-winning SE Spa with themed offerings like the Xocolat Ritual. Made with 100% pure bitter chocolate, this three-step ritual (80 min / $198) consists of an exfoliation, facial, body mask, and massage. After the chocolate-infused treatment, each guest is given a unique chocolate drink specially created by the resort's executive chef, Claudio Hotter.

Additional activities include hot and cold cocoa drink tastings featuring ingredients and Mexican favorites like the "Hernán Cortes" drink, a mix of cocoa and chili described by the Spanish Conqueror in his expedition journals. A unique chocolate creation will be given during turndown service during every evening of The Chocolate Festival.

The festival is part of the resort's all-inclusive nightly rate. 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 vallarta.grandvelas.com.