Casa Velas - Press Room

Velas Resorts' Interior Designer Melín Castro Ardavín Receives 2014 Merit Award

From the Association of Furniture Manufacturers of Jalisco

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico (September 9, 2014) – Melín Castro Ardavín has received the Merit Award for Interior Design from the Association of Furniture Manufacturers of Jalisco (AFAMJAL). Recognizing the most prominent interior designers in Mexico, primarily in the hospitality industry, the award was bestowed on Melín Castro for her excellent outstanding career achievements and contributions to numerous various projects. Among them are the interior design and branding of Velas Resorts in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit, which have been recognized for their sophisticated and dramatic interior design with a strong sense of place. The award was presented on August 15, 2014 at the first National Interior Design Meeting by AFAMJAL. The event took place at Expo Guadalajara Convention Center in Guadalajara, Mexico.

"Casa Velas, Velas Vallarta, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit andGrand Velas Riviera Maya were a milestone in my designs," said Melín Castro, owner of MC Design. "Each resort has its own unique identity however it was important with all to match the color palette, materials and textiles with the natural surroundings. The land where they built Grand Velas Riviera Maya is protected by environmental laws because 60% is jungle and 40% is intact mangroves; the décor scheme I used meshes the beauty of the two environments."

One of the main characteristics of Melín Castro's work is the perfect combination of contemporary style and the integration of items and furniture that blend harmoniously with the natural environment, colors and spaces around them. She has received multiple awards for her work from international organizations, such as the International Forum of Women in Architecture, Design and Landscape and the International Biennial CIDI of Interior Design in addition to special recognitions from magazines such as Architectural Digest Mexico.

About Velas Resorts:

Offering unparalleled all-inclusive experiences, the four Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit have earned more than 43 AAA Diamonds, including the prestigious Five Diamond Award. Other esteemed international awards for their services and facilities include Virtuoso's "Best Spa", Condé Nast Johansens' "Most Excellent Resort" and "Most Excellent Spa Hotel" and the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences' 5 Star Diamond Award. Properties include Casa Velas, a boutique adults-only hotel and ocean club located on the Marina Vallarta Golf Course, which was named the 8th Best Hotel in the World on The Expedia® 2013 Insiders' Select™ List, and Velas Vallarta, a family-friendly all suites resort and spa located on Banderas Bay, both in Puerto Vallarta; and the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit located in Riviera Nayarit. Completing the group is Grand Velas Riviera Maya, located five minutes from Playa del Carmen, offering the most sophisticated, ultra luxury all-inclusive resort experience in the Caribbean with jungle and beach settings. Velas Resorts feature spacious accommodations,  spas, a unique culinary experience at a selection of restaurants, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness centers, butler service, state of the art conference centers, extensive family programs,  fully stocked mini bar and more. Velas Resorts are 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.