Caribbean/Mexico: The Lavish Life—A Spotlight on Luxury

DREAMS CURACAOThe Lavish Life—A Spotlight on LuxuryBy Lydia GregoryThe luxury travel landscape in Mexico and the Caribbean is constantly evolving, with new properties and experiences emerging to cater to the most discerning travelers.Luxury for Everyone, From Pets to Parents“In the realm of luxury experiences across Mexico and the Caribbean, Palladium Hotel Group continues to offer enchanting and immersive events, culinary delights, and unique offerings for guests, keeping in mind current trends and top service,” says Pilar Arizmendi-Stewart, VP of Sales and Marketing for the Americas. This is a brand that prides itself in its diverse offerings, and there’s something for everyone—even pets—across its ample portfolio. Among the standout experiences singled out by Arizmendi-Stewart is the Bravo Dinner & Dance Experience at Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts, where your clients can enjoy “an unforgettable evening filled with delectable cuisine and captivating entertainment.” And, at Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa, “families can enjoy the interactive dining experience at Le Petit Chef, [featuring] an animated character, a seven-year-old cook from Marseille, who comes to life right on
the tabletop.” PALLADIUM QUOTE New on the roster for Palladium is a dog-friendly option at the Dominican Republic’s TRS Cap Cana Waterfront & Marina Hotel, and four new pickleball courts at the brand’s properties in Riviera Maya. And we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the recent opening of Family Selection at Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa, which was part of the $40 million investment that refurbished the properties in Riviera Maya and added this new section. “Palladium Hotel Group stays ahead of the curve in luxury travel by embracing emerging trends to cater to discerning travelers,” adds Arizmendi-Stewart. “From wellness-focused experiences at Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness...to globally inspired culinary adventures featuring interactive dining options and craft cocktails, every aspect of the guest experience is carefully curated.”MARRIOTT QUOTEExpansion is Our Middle Name“Marriott International continues to expand its Caribbean and Latin American portfolio in luxury with five additional properties expected to open in 2024,” says Martin Castaño, Regional VP Sales & Distribution, Marriott International Caribbean & Latin America. “With 60 properties across six of the seven global luxury brands of the company, comprising 10 percent of our global luxury footprint, Marriott remains a leading luxury option for travelers in the region, offering a broad portfolio of options from pristine beaches to city escapes.” Some of the key upcoming luxury openings this year include Almare, a Luxury Collection All-inclusive Resort Isla Mujeres (Q3, 2024), The St. Regis Aruba Resort (Q3, 2024), The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort (Q3, 2024) and Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Turks and Caicos (Q3, 2024). “Looking ahead, we have an impressive pipeline of 33 new luxury properties in development for the Caribbean and Latin America region,” adds Castaño. “Upcoming projects slated to open in 2025 are Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Peninsula Papagayo (Q1,2025) and luxury all-inclusive resorts including Colony Club, Luxury Collection Barbados (Q1,2025) and W Punta Cana All-Inclusive (Q2,2025).” And there are no signs of slowing down. “We're seeing several key trends shaping the luxury travel landscape and at Marriott International, we have developments and offerings across the Caribbean and Latin America region to reflect the growing demand for seamless, stress-free experiences.”SANDALS POOLSIsland InclusiveThe big news out of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines this year is the grand opening of Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, another feather in the cap of the brand’s reinvigorated offer. “Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an entirely new way to experience the Caribbean,” says Gary C. Sadler, Executive VP of Sales and Industry Relations, Unique Vacations, Inc. “This is a lesser-known destination brimming with adventure, wonder and awe at every turn—and Vincys are some of the warmest, most welcoming people that you’ll ever meet. This resort is wholly inspired by its surroundings and the culture of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.” Sadler goes on to add that “There are many ‘Sandals Firsts’ for guests to explore here, particularly in F&B, with concepts like Buccan, which offers a large-format dining experience where guests bond with each other over locally cooked cuisine.” He explains the ingredients are 100 percent sourced from the island, and “roasted in an open hearth with an amazing storytelling component brought forward by the team members who are so proud to share their traditions. It’s an experience designed for connection—
with each other, fellow guests and the charming Vincys.”SANDALS QUOTE “This is truly a magnificent product designed to create meaningful experiences and memories that live with guests forever—this is the very best product in the Caribbean we can give to our customers.” He also focuses on the setting of the resort itself—tucked away in a spot where the “lush mountains meet the sea”—and comments that the guestrooms are the amplest within the brand’s portfolio and boast amazing views. What’s next for Sandals and Beaches Resorts? “There’s always a lot on the go with Sandals and Beaches Resorts, but the primary focus remains on our relentless pursuit of excellence across the brands, which translates into exceptional guest experiences,” says Sadler. “How? By not only introducing new product like Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, but also constantly reinvesting in existing resorts across our portfolio.” This means new suites at Sandals South Coast, Sandals Royal Curaçao and Sandals Negril. “I’m always amazed by the Sandals design team’s ability to outdo themselves time after time, with each new suite concept that comes online.” “As we evolve, we are keeping our finger on the pulse of trends and adding meaningful experiences that present value-added opportunities for guests and for our locals,” he adds in closing, citing programs like Island Inclusive Dining and the Mini Coopers that come with select suites to encourage guests to explore the island off-resort at Sandals Royal Curaçao and Sandals Royal Bahamian.FIESTA AMERICANA SPAGrowing Forward“Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection is thrilled to announce our upcoming expansion initiatives, starting with the opening of Live Aqua Mexico City in downtown by the end of 2024,” says Enrique Calderon, VP and
COO of Posadas. “This addition to our Live Aqua portfolio destinations will offer impeccable service, luxury, relaxation and sensory experiences.” By the end of 2025, the brand will be launching two additional properties: The adults-only 452-guestroom Live Aqua Riviera Cancun and the 600-guestroom Grand Fiesta Americana Riviera Cancun. With 38 restaurants between them and a shared convention center, not to mention a waterpark in the latter, “These expansions highlight our commitment to delivering unparalleled luxury experiences and we look forward to welcoming guests to these exciting destinations.”POSADOS QUOTE Investments in wellness are also in the news for the brand. There’s the opening of the newly renovated SOMMA WineSpa at Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos All Inclusive Golf & Spa, a million-dollar investment that enhanced its wine therapy experience and refreshed its design inspired by wine cellars. “Additionally, we are thrilled to continue elevating guest experiences through butler personalized services like in Live Aqua Cancun or the elevated infinite club experiences like in Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun. These developments showcase Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection’s dedication to delivering exceptional luxury experiences, blending world-class amenities with unique wellness offerings across all our destinations,”
says Calderon. Plus, there’s a new brand in the works: Funeeq by Fiesta Americana, with its inaugural property in Punta Cana slated for early 2025. Inspired by family travel trends, Calderon explains "it will focus on creating unique experiences with exceptional service and family-friendly entertainment similar to cruise ships. “Looking ahead to the evolving landscape of luxury travel, we foresee several exciting trends on the horizon, and Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection is addressing them proactively,” adds Calderon. The brand is launching the Invitta gastronomic division, which will focus on curating entertainment and launching a new sustainable menu; it's enhancing its spa offerings through its partnership with Natura Bisse; and is introducing “Lexi,” an AI concierge to help tailor your client’s experiences. SENSIRI YOGAA Feast for the SensesMexican hospitality brand Sensira Resort & Spa, an all-inclusive, family-friendly property, was a first for Arriva Hospitality Group, and its success at being a luxury property that caters to the multi-gen segment has made a mark in the competitive Cancun hotel scene. “Our core target market segment is families,” says Alma Lopez, General Manager of the AAA 4-Diamond resort. “But as you see that what we understand as families is not only mom, dad and the kids, it’s a multi-generational service [we offer], from the little one-year-old babies to the grandparents and the couples.” From dining—whether it’s a multi-course wine-pairing menu or paninis at the tea house—to each aspect of their stay, this property considers every detail in that context. At Sensira, grown-ups also have the luxury of time to themselves. “We have something for everybody. One of the things that people like the most is whenever they have kids, regardless of if they are one year or 12 years old, is that we take care of them, we have activities for them all day long.” Meaning, the older crowd can take advantage of the quiet adults-only pool, while the younger set are entertained at any of the three kids clubs or the Aquapark. And following its ethos, wellness extends in a unique sort of way: The posh Inspiration Spa offers treatments for teenagers, too. The family that spas together, can stay together. With tennis courts, a gym, mini-golf and even an extreme adventure area with rock climbing and ziplines, this is a luxury vacation where everyone can be involved. Luxury News RoundupHyatt’s Inclusive Collection has announced the expansion of Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino, which will add 52 ultra-sleek free-standing luxury modular unites steps from Piscadera Bay that will be part of the new adults-only section. The section is slated to open in June of this year, and will include a new bar and restaurant, an infinity pool and full access to the all-inclusive offerings at the resort. Then there’s the new family-friendly, all-inclusive Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlan Golf & Spa Resort. This 358-suite resort with the brand’s
Unlimited Luxury inclusions is its first in this destination and is just 20 minutes from Mazatlan’s gorgeous colonial city-center. In Baja California, the Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa is currently renovating its Bordeaux restaurant and has begun work on the lobby bar, Rendezvous. The 235-suite, adults-only all-inclusive Royalton CHIC Antigua will debut 12 sumptuous Overwater Suites when it opens this month. These will include three different categories—Chairman, Presidential and Junior—all with feature Diamond Club amenities. In Los Cabos, the One&Only Palmilla is opening a new omakase restaurant, Hoshi, by Chef Hiroki Arai, this month. This beachfront eatery has three unique omakase menus that cycle through changing selections of seasonal fresh fish. This is the brand’s third omakase concept restaurant. Meanwhile, at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, your clients can take advantage of the new partnership with Alo Moves, an on-demand holistic wellness platform, to access a free curated selection of videos, classes and sessions in their room. One of these, the Intuitive Ritual Yoga Series, was filmed on-site. Of note: The resort is hosting its ongoing series, Festival of Flavors, with award-winning and Michelin-starred guest chefs on select weekends throughout the remainder of the year. And, keep your eyes peeled for news from Apple Leisure Group Vacations: a new luxury program is debuting this spring. It’s still under wraps, but we can preview that it’s a collection of hotels in the luxury space and also an opportunity to highlight premium class scheduled air and luxury transfers, plus it will give advisors access to a concierge desk at ALG Vacations to help manage their bookings. Contact InformationApple Leisure Group Vacations
alg.www.vaxvacationaccess.comFiesta Americana Travelty Collection: fiestamericanatravelty.com/en/travelagentsHyatt Inclusive Collection:
hyattinclusivecollection.com/en/travel-advisorsMarriott International:marriott.com/travelagentsOne&Only Palmilla: oneandonlyresorts.com/palmillaPalladium Hotel Group: pro.palladiumhotelgroup.com/en/Sandals Resorts: taportal.sandals.comSensira Resort & Spa: sensiraresorts.com Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal: waldorfastorialoscabospedregal.com
COVERSANDALSTable of ContentsSANDALS SPREADEditor's NotesWEBINAR HOUSE ADIndustry Insights: Cruise Industry—Overcoming Challenges & Leveraging OpportunitiesPALLADIUMAdvisor Speak: Selling Luxury TravelTURKISH AIRLINESCONDOR AIRLINES SCCONDOR AIRLINES‘A Cruise for Everyone’—Luxury Expeditions to Yacht-Style SailingsCruise: Alaska's Wonders on the MenuATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES SCATLAS OCEAN VOYAGESDISNEY CRUISE LINE SCDISNEY CRUISE LINEEMERALD CRUISES SCEMERALD CRUISESEXPLORA JOURNEYS SCEXPLORA JOURNEYSALASKA ADAsia-South Pacific CoverAsia/South PacificCUNARD SCCUNARDVIKING SCVIKING CRUISESCaribbean/Mexico: The Lavish Life—A Spotlight on LuxuryEDU HOUSE AD