Secrets Vallarta Bay Offers Maya Cooking Classes Michele Peterson - Examiner
go to original December 26, 2012

Puerto Vallarta might be best known as the setting for the epic love affair between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton but it has a rich cultural and culinary heritage that's also worth celebrating.

In honour of the new Maya calendar launched on December 22, 2012, and to acknowledge the contribution Maya influences have made to Mexican cuisine, Secrets Vallarta Bay in Puerto Vallarta recently launched Maya cooking lessons as part of its Daily Entertainment Program.

The popular classes are held poolside in the Secrets resort pool area overlooking beautiful Banderas Bay.

Maya cooking class at Secrets Vallarta Bay (Photo credit: Michele Peterson)

Participants are equipped with a chef's hat, utensils and an authentic molcajete, a Mexican mortar and pestle carved of natural volcanic stone typically used for grinding whole chiles and spices. They are also provided with the ingredients for making salsa: charred tomato, onion, garlic, cilantro, habanero chile and ground pumpkin seeds.

Under the direction of the Secrets Chef, they grind their collection of spices and ingredients to create individual portions of salsa. They then enjoy the fruits of their labour served with totopos (corn chips). Classes are free for guests at the resort. If you plan to participate, arrive at the pool area early to be assigned a seat.

Secrets Vallarta Bay in Puerto Vallarta is located on Las Glorias Beach and is the newest resort for couples on Banderas Bay. It offers an adults-only luxury experience that includes 24 hour room service, full breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks daily, ocean-front bars and restaurants (no reservations needed), nightly entertainment, fitness centre and more. All suites offer ocean views, elegant decor with balconies and options such as swim-up suites.

For couples, the Preferred Club, an exclusive area with concierge service, a private lounge, enhanced mini-bar and exceptional ocean views are well worth the upgrade. Other romantic options include a couples massage treatment in the Secrets Spa by Pevonia and private oceanside dining (extra fee). Honeymooners and couples celebrating anniversaries receive special recognition during their stay.

The Daily Entertainment Program takes place from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm daily. For more information, visit Secrets Vallarta Bay.