Love & Luxury in Mexico and the Caribbean

LIVE AQUALove & Luxury in Mexico and the CaribbeanBy Lydia GregoryMexico and the Caribbean have a well-earned reputation for luxurious digs that are high on the list for love and romance. Whether you specialize in planning escapes for two or just want to give your favorite clients the romantic vacation, honeymoon or vow renewal of a lifetime, we’ve rounded up some choice locations and accommodations to help you make them happy. ST REGISLos Cabos“Honeymoons, special celebrations and weddings make up 7 percent of the total travelers [to Los Cabos],” says Rodrigo Esponda, managing director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board. And with more than 3.3 million international visitors to the destination in 2022 alone, that 7 percent is a large number. According to Esponda, Los Cabos has three competitive elements that travel advisors should take into account when helping their clients plan a couple’s getaway: the weather—less than 10 days of rain and no humidity—that opens up a lot of possibilities for outside events; the excellent service and supply chain; and the combination of spaces that are on offer, from oceanfront to organic farms to desert landscape options. “There are other destinations that can organize events outside in gardens or beaches but not the combination of the three: desert, mountain and ocean,” he explains.LOS CABOS QUOTE New luxury properties and unique venues also contribute to the destination’s appeal, with openings including the Park Hyatt Los Cabos, the St. Regis Los Cabos at Quivira, a second Four Seasons in the Corridor, and a 90-room suite-only ultra-luxury property from the Velas Group. Plus: “What’s interesting for the luxury segment other than hotels are the venues,” adds Esponda. “We’ve been doing a lot of interesting things, like organic farms such as [chef Javier Plasencia’s] Puerto Raiz...and one that’s a little bit funky but that I think might be interesting for some types of clients, Crania.” This unique concept, created in a construction site with abandoned cranes, offers trendy spaces with artistically recycled decor—a very cool alternative for a vow renewal or wedding reception. Need all the details? Check out Los Cabos’ digital wedding planner. “We believe that the weddings and special celebrations segment will continue to be very strong in 2023,” says Esponda. “Travel advisors play a critical role in making sure that this happens. There are celebrity wedding planners that that’s all they do, but we believe that it’s very broad and travel advisors book different types of trips for their clients, including special celebrations or weddings and that’s where we can provide some information for them.”UNICO WEDDINGUNICO 20º87º Hotel Riviera MayaThe Mexican Caribbean’s combination of sultry tropical jungle and turquoise water makes it the perfect backdrop for a luxury getaway at UNICO 20º87º Hotel Riviera Maya, an adults-only getaway that’s made for romance. If your clients enjoy staying at a resort that truly gives them a sense of place, UNICO fits that bill by offering locally inspired food and beverage, decor and even a local host to serve as their own “insider” to help them create their best vacation. “UNICO 20º87º is a Leading Hotel of the World, and is best sold to travelers seeking relaxed luxury with local touches that connect them to the destination, while simultaneously basking in unparalleled service,” says Carilis DiDonato, the property's director of field sales. “[The hotel] offers the perfect blend of liveliness and relaxation that allows guests to tailor their vacation in a way that fits their needs. Whether its romance, milestone celebrations or just a traditional vacation, this property offers something for every type of traveler.” If your clients are looking to tie the knot, UNICO recently launched four new wedding inspirations guaranteed to knock their socks off: the Bohemian, the Soul Green, the Elegant Chic and the Terra collection. COUPLE BVIBritish Virgin IslandsOf the many gorgeous locations in the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands represents some of the most exclusive—and least developed—islands in the region. According to Lynette Harrigan, niche marketing manager, British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission, if your clients are interested in tying the knot in the BVIs, the destination makes it a point to put its special allure on display “by attending and exhibiting at niche-specific bridal shows, including Caribbean romance shows, specifically Marry Caribbean, and through connections with travel advisors specializing in romance.”BVI QUOTE Not sure what to recommend? “The British Virgin Islands offers the perfect romantic setting such as private island experiences, as well as secluded and picturesque locations,” says Harrigan, recommending the Baths National Park in Virgin Gorda and Smuggler’s Cove, Long Bay Beach and the JR O’Neal Botanic Gardens in Tortola as tops for romantic spots for a wedding or a surprise proposal. Note for your clients looking to marry in the BVIs: “A wedding license can be obtained on the same day as there is no waiting period,” says Harrigan. The application process takes place at the Civil Registry and Passport Office. VILLA HAMMOCKHammock Cove AntiguaLocated near the famous Devil’s Bridge natural rock formation on the Atlantic side of Antigua, Hammock Cove is an all-inclusive, adults-only ultra-luxury retreat that has “romance” as its middle name. “The overall set up and vibe at the hotel is really conducive to luxury and romantic travel,” says Rob Barrett, chairman, Elite Island Resorts. A favorite detail? “Everybody loves this: You can wake up in the morning and they will have your champagne breakfast delivered to you while you’re sitting in your infinity-edge plunge pool, looking out at the water.” With only 41 villas that boast huge bathrooms with Bluetooth speakers in the showerheads, floor-to-ceiling windows, a massive wrap-around deck and more, exceptional dining experiences and white-glove personalized service, Hammock Cove is best booked for a particular type of client. “It’s about matching the right clients up,” says Barrett. “The clients who are looking for Jamaica or Mexico and a real party scene with lots going on, Hammock Cove is not for them. It’s for the couples looking for a true luxury escape where everything is relaxed and mellow, you know, just wonderfully calm and serene. They do have a bit of entertainment at night, but it’s really meant to be a total escape sort of a resort.” And, when your client is a match, Elite Island Resorts makes sure you are well compensated. “We wanted to be best in class in terms of how we treat our agents, so we pay a 20 percent commission, which is huge,” says Barrett, “and we pay our commissions before your clients even arrive at the hotels. So, 14 days prior to travel, we send the checks out by FedEx, whether it’s going to a host agency or an independent travel advisor. You also get a $100 Amex or Visa gift card, and two $250 Elite Island Resorts gift cards that you can use or give to a client for their next booking.” One final note: “If you want the best, you need to book in advance and you won’t be disappointed,” says Barrett.Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta CanaThe Dominican Republic’s beaches are legendary, and its resorts, well, they are at the top of many a client list. “Punta Cana is by far one of the most intimate destinations in the world, and Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana is the perfect escape for couples on a romantic getaway or newlyweds celebrating the start of their new chapter,” says Ambar Molina, regional weddings manager at La Coleccion Weddings. With 347 suites, some with private swimming pools and terraces to make a couple’s stay even “suiter,” the resort also provides them with unforgettable experiences like visits to the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve or sailing the Caribbean Sea on a catamaran. “Those looking to get married in Punta Cana have the perfect location at this adult-only, sensatory resort with impeccable service that exudes luxury. At La Coleccion Weddings we anticipate couples’ needs, and we train our team of wedding specialists to provide immediate and comprehensive planning to each couple,” adds Molina. “Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana was one of our top-selling resorts for weddings in 2022 due to the natural beauty of its wedding venues, high quality of vendors, exclusivity and attention to detail that contributes to the personalized experiences provided for the happy couple as well as their guests.” WEDDING AT KIMPTONKimpton Seafire Resort + Spa“Romance is about connecting, and it starts with your setting...and Seafire is that stunning, design-led space that ‘gets you’ from the moment you arrive,” says Steven Andre, GM of the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, located on the Cayman Islands. “Booking one of our oceanfront suites or a bungalow allows for that awe-inspiring view, space to relax while watching the sunset as it dips below the horizon and your personal assistant, who will plan out your most essential attribute—time together.” Andre shares that one of the most popular accommodations for couples is the Ocean Front One-Bedroom Suite with a king-sized bed that faces the sunset and dramatic ocean views. “If more privacy is requested, our 1-bedroom bungalows at Seafire add the experience as if it is their home together,” he says. “It is a stunning interpretation of your home-away-from-home on Seven Mile Beach.” KIMPTON QUOTE Hot tip for travel advisors wanting to book their clients at Kimpton? “Cayman is the ‘Culinary Capital of the Caribbean,’” says Andre. “Book our Avecita restaurant’s Chef Counter Experience as a perfect and romantic moment that will capture what their foodie clients want. Another tip would be to ensure they book through one of our luxury advisor consortia like IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle certified agencies that give their clients special perks and amenities from Seafire. Travel professionals are eligible to become members of that to earn these special amenities and improve their
client engagement.”SANDALS DUNN RIVERSandals Dunn’s RiverOne of Jamaica’s most popular resorts, the all-inclusive Sandals Dunn’s River, is already taking bookings for summer 2023 and beyond. “[T]his reopening holds a very special place in my heart and those of thousands of loyal Sandals guests who can’t wait to join us in welcoming this iconic resort back into the Sandals family,” says Marsha-Ann Donaldson-Brown, director of romance at Sandals Resorts International. “There is a distinctive charm and mysticism to Ocho Rios as a destination that perfectly lends itself as a backdrop to a quintessential couples escape, and the vision for this resort will take that experience to the next level—bringing forward the best in luxury Caribbean travel.” The entirely redone Sandals Dunn’s River will be home to entirely new and expanded suite concepts, adds Donaldson-Brown, including the ultra-private Coyaba Sky Rondoval Villas, with swim-up pool access, sun lounging space and open-air rooftops, a perfect option for lovebirds.SANDALS QUOTE For Donaldson-Brown, this resort is an easy sell. “Already beloved by thousands of guests who experienced first-hand the glamour and allure of this storied resort, the new Sandals Dunn’s River will far exceed expectations on the principles of design, cuisine, immersive experiences and its authentic connection to this most special corner of Jamaica. “Adding even more value, guests can get to know the other corners of the island through the brand’s Stay at One, Play at All Sandals exchange program and check out additional Sandals Resorts in the area with complimentary transfers between resorts in Ocho Rios—along with access to one of the finest golf courses in Jamaica, the recently renovated Upton Golf and Country Club.”CURACAO MARRIOTT POOLCuraçao Marriott Beach Resort“Curaçao holds many romantic attractions even though the country defies standard ideas about the Caribbean,” says Gianni Hermans, sr. catering sales manager-wedding specialist at Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort. “Travelers can find a destination off the beaten path that’s full of color and culture. Romantics will find unique attractions that exceed the typical Caribbean. Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is an undiscovered gem, lovers can escape to the sun-kissed waters of the Southern Caribbean at the stylish, elegant resort recently renovated in 2019.”CURACAO QUOTE The resort’s Marriott Certified Wedding Planners are ready to help your clients tie the knot in style, designing customized packages for them. And while the resort is family-friendly, it does offer an adult-only exclusive pool, as well as newly upgraded event spaces and suites. “Luxury is calling at our incredible renovated oceanfront suites; couples will find a new definition of style and comfort,” says Hermans. “Destination weddings are still a big trend—couples spend a long weekend in a tropical paradise after saying ‘I Do’s’ and immediately start their honeymoons. Mini-Moons, which usually last less than a week, are a great alternative to a extended honeymoon vacation.” Contact InformationBritish Virgin Islands: bvitourism.comCuraçao Marriott Beach Resort: marriott.com/en-us/hotels/curpb-curacao-marriott-beach-resortHammock Cove Antigua: hammockcoveantigua.comKimpton Seafire Resort + Spa: seafireresortandspa.comLive Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana: liveaqua.comLos Cabos Tourism Board: visitloscabos.travelSandals Dunn’s River: sandals.com/dunns-riverUNICO 20º87º Hotel Riviera Maya: unicohotelrivieramaya.com

COVEREXPLORA JOURNEYSTable of ContentsPALLADIUMPALLADIUM SPREADEditor's NotesSANDALSSANDALS SPREADIndustry InsightsPALLADIUM 1Advisor SpeakSpecial Section: Cruising into 2023Onboard Review: 10 Top Hits on Board Celebrity BeyondOnboard Review: Virgin’s Valiant Lady—For the Young at HeartOnboard Review: MSC Seascape—A Peek Inside MSC Cruises’ Newest ShipSEABOURN SCSEABOURN CRUISESEXPLORA JOURNEYS SCLove & Luxury in Mexico and the CaribbeanAn Interview with Frank Maduro: Advisors are Key for KarismaAn Interview with Armin Asceric: SunSwept Resorts Delivers in the Wellbeing SegmentSANDALS SCEMPORIO CANCUN SCEMPORIO CANCUNSAINT LUCIA SCSAINT LUCIAOnsite Review: Palladium & Wyndham Couple UpGlobal: G’day, Mates—Three Tour Operators Talk Down UnderOnsite Review: QatarGOWAY TRAVEL SCEDU HOUSE ADAMERICAN CRUISE LINES