WHY IT RATES: The AAA Five Diamond Award is one of the industry’s stamps of approval. Getting it 10 consecutive years? Priceless. – Rich Thomaselli, TravelPulse Senior Editor

PHOTO: A room at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit (Courtesy Velas Resorts)

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, part of the Velas Resorts family, has announced it has received the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) Five Diamond Award 2016 for excellence in quality and service for a complete decade.

It is the only luxury all inclusive in North America to have won this major award for 10 years. This prestigious distinction follows on the heels of Grand Velas’ having had the most successful year in its history. In another milestone, last year it completed a $20 million renovation, from upgrades in the spa and gourmet restaurants to new Wellness suites, a state of the art teens’ club and stylish lobby bar.

SEE MORE: A Closer Look at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

At a ceremony celebrating the award, Tony Perrone, Manager – Mexico for AAA Travel, said, “Over the years Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has set the standard for all of Mexico for quality and consistency in both hotel service and facilities. They are surely a leader in the industry, a distinction achieved because of the total commitment of the ownership, management and staff.”

A highlight of the renovation was 12 new Wellness Suites for travelers seeking an all-encompassing wellness retreat that include a personal Spa Concierge, in-suite fitness amenities, in-suite massages and more.

Creating a contemporary space where teens from 13-18 years old can enjoy their own mini vacation, the resort’s new Teen Club enhances the family offerings with an extensive game room and Chill Out zone with soft drinks and favorite deli snacks to enjoy.

Koi Sports Bar and Dancing Lounge is the new entertainment option at the resort. Highlights of the casually elegant space include a 27-ft dramatic marble bar, state of the art sound and video equipment, and comfortable seating groups. A DJ spins the latest hits for guests’ listening and dancing pleasure with a dedicated dance floor.

SEE MORE: A Closer Look at Grand Riviera Maya

In addition to Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit’s 10th anniversary, its sister resort Grand Velas Riviera Maya and its signature fine-dining restaurant Cocina de Autor have also been awarded the Five Diamond Award. The resort group’s adults-only property, Casa Velas, is the recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award, along with its Emiliano restaurant, three restaurants at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and two restaurants at Grand Velas Riviera Maya.

For the second year in a row, Velas Resorts boasts a total of 43 AAA Diamonds.

“All of us at Velas Resorts take special pride in upholding the elite standards set by AAA. We constantly strive to not only meet, but also surpass those standards. It is this level of service that our guests enjoy and have come to expect from us,” said Eduardo Vela, founder and president of Velas Resorts. “This year promises to be a landmark one for us, beginning with the award and ending with the opening of our fifth Velas Resort in Los Cabos in November.”

For more information on Velas Resorts or to make a reservation, please call 1-888-807-4869 or visit www.velasresorts.com

SOURCE: PR Web and Velas Resorts press release