Member review 1/19
"we stayed at the Grand Velas. This is a luxury, all inclusive resort, and we have never experienced better service overall and as it relates to my daughter's Celiac. I wanted to share my first Trip Advisor review below, which I just posted....
Trip Advisor Review:
We just spent 8 nights at this superb resort with our family for the holidays. The service, food and every detail was truly first class. We were particularly impressed with the resort's willingness and ability to accommodate our 9 year old daughter who has Celiac Disease. She must adhere to a strict gluten free diet (even cross contamination has negative consequences for her), and this makes traveling difficult and sometimes stressful. The resort's executive chef, Victor Palma, was exceptional. I spoke with Victor on the phone prior to arriving, and we discussed my daughter's needs and diet, as well as the foods that she likes. He communicated with me via email and text a few times before we arrived, and he sent me photos of labels of some of the gluten free foods he found for her, for our approval. Upon arrival, everyone that greeted us was aware of her needs and went out of their way to assist with a smile. Chef Victor informed all of the individual restaurants and chefs of my daughter's situation, and they were prepared for her at every place we dined. Carlos, our concierge, was excellent and helped to coordinate everything as well. Each morning we were greeted by Chef Alejandro in the main restaurant, AZUL. He made her gluten free pancakes and scrambled eggs for breakfast every morning, which she loved. Each day we discussed and planned for her lunch and dinner, and they were willing to make her whatever she wanted - all on clean pans and with clean utensils. They took every possible precaution to avoid cross contamination and even bought a brand new waffle maker for her prior to our arrival. She had hamburgers for lunch a few days, which they made on a gluten free bun, along with a side order of fries which they freshly sliced and grilled in a clean pan. She also enjoyed quesadillas made with corn tortillas, grilled chicken, gluten free pasta, fish and they even made her homemade chicken noodle soup with rice noodles. One day we went on a boat excursion, and Victor packed her a gluten free delicious lunch to take with us. The day we sadly left to go home, he also prepared her a gluten free meal to take on the plane. We have traveled to many hotels and resorts and have never experienced the excellence and professionalism relating to her dietary needs that we did here. Victor and Alejandro, as well as the rest of the staff, made our vacation enjoyable, safe and stress free. Our daughter truly enjoyed every meal and ate better here than she does at home! Thank you Chef Victor and Chef Alejandro for your superb hospitality!"