Mexico/Caribbean: Romance Redefined—Luxurious Escapes

MORAGAN PIERRomance Redefined—Luxurious EscapesBy Lydia GregoryRomance and travel are inextricably linked—and Mexico and the Caribbean are high on the list of “musts,” helped by the plethora of luxury accommodations and experiences they offer. Speaking of, a recent survey from Discover Puerto Rico showed 61 percent of American couples pointed to “a specific trip” as reigniting their romance, 40 percent “felt closer” to their partner after a trip together and 54 percent chose the Caribbean as “the most romantic destination.” Headed to the top of the list for love and luxury on the island is the Four Seasons Puerto Rico (late 2025) with 139 guestrooms (it’s the debut of the luxury brand to the island). In Mexico, the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ) has launched an entire campaign— “Luxury Experience by Mexican Caribbean”—showcasing its luxe offerings, which includes private arrivals at the new Tulum International Airport (think helicopter transfers and yacht charters), luxury resorts including 18 awarded Michelin Keys, culinary excellence embodied by restaurants also on the Michelin lists and numerous curated experiences on land and sea. New properties to look out for in the state include SLS Playa Mujeres (Nov. 2024) with 498 guestrooms and suites and a 20,000-sq.-ft. spa, the first all-inclusive for the brand; Paraiso de la Bonita, a Luxury Collection Resort, Riviera Maya, Adult All-Inclusive (Feb. 2025) with 100 oceanfront suites; Jungala Park Hotel at Vidanta World Riviera Maya (Oct. 2024) with 52 rooms; Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres (Feb. 2025); Grand Hyatt Cancun Beach Resort (2025) with 500 rooms; and the 109-suite Almare, A Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres, Adult All-inclusive (Oct. 2024), to name just a few. Intimate Getaways“We’re excited to introduce travel advisors to our new property in Puerto Vallarta, as part of our expanding UNICO brand portfolio,” says Ash Tembe, VP of North America Sales, AIC Hotel Group. “The success of UNICO 20°87° Riviera Maya was largely driven by the confidence and support of our travel partners, and we look forward to continuing that collaboration. [For] 2025, we’re seeing growing demand for romance-focused getaways with intimate experiences like sunset cocktails at our rooftop pool in Puerto Vallarta and couples’ treatments at Esencia Wellness. Our travel partners are key to the ongoing success of the UNICO brand, and we’re excited to create unforgettable vacations for their clients together in Puerto Vallarta and Montego Bay in the future.”AIC QUOTE The first new opening will be UNICO 20°105° Puerto Vallarta in fall 2025 with 141 rooms. UNICO 18°77° Montego Bay will be much larger, with 450 rooms slated for summer 2025.Aruba JewelThis month marks the soft opening of JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, the brand’s newest luxury brand. With 240 swanky suites on the island’s Eagle Beach, the resort boasts the Spa at JOIA Aruba with seven treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy area and a Bridal Suite with all the trimmings. Of note is the rooftop infinity pool and a quiet pool reserved for Star Prestige guests (upgrade recommended); the property also has a family pool. “Swinging” couples will also have access to the the Iberostar Tierra del Sol Golf Course, the island’s only 18-hole championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Unforgettable Moments“Our goal at Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection is to create extraordinary guest experiences by staying attuned to evolving traveler preferences,” says Enrique Calderon, VP and COO of Posadas. “Every year, we design over 20 new experiences that showcase the essence of each destination through gastronomy, mixology and innovative spa offerings. While we cater to a wide array of travelers—solo adventurers, friends and families—romance is a cornerstone of our focus. Our teams work diligently to craft unforgettable moments for couples, weaving in personalized touches that celebrate key milestones in their journey together. This ethos is reflected in the meaningful connections we foster with our guests and shared through our social media content. Additionally, we maintain strong collaborations with travel advisors to ensure every romantic getaway is seamless and magical from the moment they book their [client’s] trip, to the moment [those clients] leave our resorts.” POSADOS QUOTE Calderon points to new projects, like the summer 2026 opening of the Grand Fiesta Americana and Live Aqua Riviera Cancun complex and the upcoming construction of Live Aqua Boutique & Private Residences in Los Cabos, set to open by late 2026. “This property will deliver exclusive experiences with a spa, gourmet dining, high-end shopping and a private beach club, further solidifying our leadership in the luxury hospitality space.” He notes the Live Aqua brand is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025, which will come with a rebrand that “redefines contemporary luxury in hospitality. Moving beyond sensory-based experiences, Live Aqua now focuses on fostering deeper emotional connections with guests, creating meaningful and unforgettable stays.”Personalized Experiences“Our 2025 Travel Trends Survey for Marriott CALA revealed that half of the respondents plan to travel with a partner in 2025, with that figure rising to 61 percent among Millennials. Additionally, travelers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer more authentic and personalized experiences” says Martin Castaño, Regional VP, Sales & Distribution, Marriott International, Caribbean and Latin America. “In 2025, CALA is excited to expand its portfolio of luxury properties to meet this growing demand for curated experiences. Our upcoming resorts, including The St. Regis Aruba Resort; The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort; Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Turks & Caicos; and Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Costa Rica), among others, are designed to offer truly immersive experiences that seamlessly blend romance and luxury for today’s discerning travelers.” Of note: Royalton CHIC Barbados recently joined the Marriott group and will now be known as Royalton CHIC Barbados, An Autograph Collection All Inclusive Resort - Adults Only. Chic SpotsKnown for its unforgettable bachelor and bachelorette parties, ME by Melia is expanding the upscale joy both inland and to one of the chicest beach spots on the Mexican Pacific. MELIA QUOTE “At Melia, we are reinforcing our commitment to unparalleled luxury lifestyle experiences in Mexico’s most dynamic and culturally rich destinations, with the expansion of the ME by Melia brand to Sayulita, Guadalajara and San Miguel de Allende,” says Sara Ranghi, Marketing and Brand Management Director for Melia Hotels International, Americas Region. “These new lifestyle luxury properties, alongside ME Cabo, underscore our strategy to grow our footprint in markets that cater to both leisure travelers and the MICE segment with the distinctive flair and sophistication that define the ME brand.” Of note: The 125-guestroom ME by Melia Sayulita will be joined by a second Melia lifestyle resort, Zel Sayulita, both expected to open at the end of the year. In the Dominican Republic, Zel Punta Cana just opened its doors with 190 suites. SANDALS BIRDS EYE VIEWExplore the Local Culture “Couples are looking for immersive vacation experiences that go beyond the norm,” says Marsha-Ann Donaldson, Director of Weddings and Romance at Sandals Resorts International. “Of course, travelers will always be drawn to a beautiful beach, but they’re seeking destinations that go beyond that—places that offer opportunities to explore, give back and really dive into the local culture.” In fact, the brand’s newest advertising campaign, “Made of Caribbean,” takes viewers deep into its roots, looking to “inspire travelers through authenticity, expertise and a genuine connection to the islands.” Donaldson shares that the brand’s Island Inclusive program encourages couples to dine off resort and enjoy the exotic flavors of the Caribbean and even meet local chefs. “The program was recently expanded to The Bahamas with Jamaica on the way, and we plan on introducing it on other islands in the future. Plus, our resorts in The Bahamas and Curaçao offer guests in top suites a complimentary
MINI Cooper to drive around and check out the islands.”SANDALS As for accommodations: “Across the board, we’re seeing that couples are looking for more luxurious suites that seamlessly blend the Caribbean’s elements into the accommodation.… Our signature Rondoval Butler Villas are a great example and have long been a favorite across the portfolio with their unique circular design and decor that pulls from local island influences.” Sandals Regency La Toc in Saint Lucia will now have nearly two dozen Rondovals all with private pools—eight of which will also feature a private rooftop. At Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals Negril in Jamaica, Donaldson says the Skypool Butler Suites on the top floor received a private rooftop. Her favorite tip? “Recommend that couples use their butler to set up a wine and cheese night to enjoy on their rooftop while they look at the stars.” She also mentions Sandals is now catering to “couple-cations” with the newly renovated Two-Bedroom and Four-Bedroom Butler Villas, where multiple couples can stay and make memories together with their own private pool at Jamaica’s Sandals Ochi.Exuding RomanceJuan Vela Ruiz, VP of Velas Resorts, says the brand is all about raising the bar in the hospitality sector. “Across all of the properties, we offer romantic settings and experiences that enhance any luxury vacation, whether it’s couples, families or multi-generational groups traveling. At our adults-only properties or even at the Grand Velas resorts where over-the-top kids’ and teens’ clubs are included in the nightly rate, guests are provided with some uninterrupted time to reconnect when they visit our renowned spas, dine in our Michelin-star restaurants or participate in our unique onsite experiences that tap into the local culture. “But perhaps our offering for this sector most shines at Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos. The very inspiration behind the adults-only hotel stemmed from the growing demand for intimate travel experiences. Each of the 79 spacious suites, sprawling over 900 sq. ft., offers private terraces with breathtaking views, Jacuzzis or plunge pools and some with fire pits for unforgettable evenings under the starlit sky.” Vela details onsite experiences he says, “exude romance,” from artisanal chocolate and spirits pairings to a comprehensive Couples Mind Detox Retreat that offers a full mind-and-body reset. And then there’s the ultimate escape: The Land & Sea Romance Getaway with a private
yacht, spa rituals inspired by lunar phases, tequila tasting and tasting menu curated by two Michelin-starred Chef Sidney Schutte.Villa Retreats“Rental Escapes is the perfect match for travelers seeking luxury and romance in Mexico in the Caribbean,” says CEO Brian Schwimmer. “Our 2,500 handpicked villas in the region offer the perfect blend of luxury and privacy to create an idyllic romantic setting. From secluded beachfront villas like a beachfront bungalow in Ambergris Cay and Zorba 1 [in Tulum] to serene retreats overlooking crystal-blue water like Larimar or Quartz [in St. Barts], each villa is thoughtfully designed to provide an exceptional escape. Our guests will also enjoy personalized experiences arranged by our concierge team like a candlelit beachside dinner made by the villa’s private chef, a private yacht tour or a couple’s spa retreat. Every detail is designed to create unforgettable moments, ensuring that each stay is as unique and intimate as the love story it celebrates.” Schwimmer adds that this year the company will introduce new interactive digital magazines in both white-label and standard formats designed to provide travel advisors with tools to grow and enhance their businesses. 2025 will also bring expansion with “new luxury villas in some of the world’s most sought-
out destinations.”PETER ISLANDHotel NewsSecrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club just opened the swanky Casa Zamna Beach Club addition. It has 21 exclusive accommodations, divided between Casa Zamna with its own restaurant and private pool, and the 5-bedroom Villa Zamna, with private chef, butler and two rooftop plunge pools. Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands is an excellent boutique option. The property recently reopened with new beachfront guestrooms and suites plus two redesigned villas, a Yacht Club, two restaurants and a 10,000-sq.-ft. seaside spa. It has only 52 rooms and five beaches to choose from. Beach Enclave Turks & Caicos recently opened The Reserve at Grace Bay by Beach Enclave, three ultra-luxurious villas on five acres of beachfront property. Villas 1 and 2 are already open, with Villa 3 to be completed in Q1 of this year. The villas range between 9,424 to 10,696 sq. ft. of interior space. The Cayman Islands is set to welcome the Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa this year, making it the first Grand Hyatt-branded property in the destination, with 382 guestrooms and a 9,000-sq.-ft. spa. Cas En Bas Beach Resort (2025) will continue elevating the already high-end offer in Saint Lucia with residential-style studios and 1- and 2-bedroom suites. The island will also welcome Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa (2025), while Secrets Baby Beach Aruba (2025) will be the debut of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection on the island’s southern end. And at Dreams Curaçao, Spa & Casino, a new adults-exclusive Preferred Club section dubbed Il Mare recently opened with 53 sleek stand-alone units. Blue Diamond Resorts just unveiled a $32 million upgrade of Royalton Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino and the neighboring Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino – Adults Only. Expect redesigned guestrooms and suites and upgraded common areas.VICEROY BIRDS NEST REST In Mexico, Hilton just announced 10 new deals for expansion in the region, including signing of The Sens Cancun Adults Only All-Inclusive Resort, Tapestry by Hilton. The property is currently owned by Oasis Hotels & Resorts and will continue to be managed by the group. Expected to open in 2026, it will undergo a complete renovation and will sport a new rooftop bar. In 2025 look for Breathless Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, set in a secluded spot with four swimming pools and a scenic rooftop hangout. Luxury brand Viceroy, on its part, has begun its global brand relaunch: Expect new culinary, beverage and wellness offerings that tell a story across the properties in the coming months.
Contact InformationBlue Diamond Resorts: bluediamondresorts.com/travel-professionalsDiscover Puerto Rico: discoverpuertorico.comFiesta Americana Travelty: agentscashincentive.com/agent_login.aspFour Seasons: fourseasons.comHyatt: hyatt.com/en-US/info/traveladvisorsHyatt’s Inclusive Collection: hyattinclusivecollection.com/en/travel-advisorsMarriott Bonvoy: travelagents.marriott.com/travelagents/default.miMelia Hotels: meliapro.melia.comPeter Island Resort: peterisland.comQuintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council: mexicancaribbean.travel/travel-ndustryRental Escapes: rentalescapes.com/travel-advisorsSandals Resorts International: taportal.sandals.com/landingSLS Playa Mujeres: slshotels.com/playa-mujeresViceroy Hotels and Resorts: viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/the-guild
COVERTHE TRAVEL CORPORATIONTable of ContentsEditor's NotesTURKISH AIRLINESIndustry Insights: Travel — A Bridge to KindnessAdvisor Speak: When Passion Leads to Top-Selling Travel AgencyCruise: Luxurious Cruise Adventures Around the GlobeEXPLORA JOURNEYSAMERICAN CRUISE LINES SCAMERICAN CRUISE LINESATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES SCATLAS OCEAN VOYAGESDISNEY CRUISE LINE SCDISNEY CRUISE LINEVIKING SCVIKING CRUISESEXPLORA SCRIVERSIDE LUXURY CRUISES SCVancouver: The Ideal Pre- and Post-Cruise GatewayALASKA RAILROAD SCOnboard Review: Disney Treasure–A New Chapter in Cruise Line MagicOnboard Review: The Galapagos with HX— A Transformative ExperienceWEBINAR HOUSE ADOnboard Review: Sail in Style— MSC World Europa’s Yacht ClubOnboard Review: Adults-Only Fun Aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient LadyMexico/Caribbean: Romance Redefined—Luxurious EscapesPalladium’s Luxury Experiences for CouplesSANDALS SPREADSANDALS SCOnsite Review: Hyatt Vivid Grand Island—Cancun’s Sexy New NeighborEurope: Club Med Tignes–The Ultimate Alpine EscapeTTC Tour BrandsEDU HOUSE ADRIVERSIDE LUXURY CRUISES