Mexico/Caribbean/Bermuda: The Next Wave—What’s New and Trending in Mexico, Bermuda & the Caribbean

ROOMThe Next Wave—What’s New and Trending in Mexico, Bermuda & the CaribbeanBy Lydia GregoryAs the travel industry continues to evolve, we’ve seen partnerships evolve and what were just marketing catchwords become full-blown trends, with you and your clients on the receiving end of the
positive outcomes.Power Couple: ALG Vacations + World of HyattWhen asked about the state of the industry and where it is leading us in 2025 at the recent ALG Vacations Ascend event in Cancun, Group President Ray Snisky was clear: “I think you’re seeing ‘24 really putting a bow on COVID. I think you’re seeing a lot more normalization. You’re seeing pricing normalization, you’re seeing inventory, air capacity being right sized and so forth. That historical single digit growth on a regular basis versus the big surges that we have [had].” That being said, there’s no denying the boom experienced since the acquisition of ALG Vacations by World of Hyatt in ’21, a move that allowed the latter to offer one of the largest collections of luxury all-inclusives in the world. To help advisors manage and sell the 450+ collection of high-end hotels and luxury amenities, ALG Vacations launched Luxe by ALG Vacations earlier this year, complete with a Luxury Concierge, a buzzy workshop topic during Ascend. ALG QUOTE And while the segment continues to grow globally, in this region alone, 2025 will see a slew of openings: a Secrets and a Dreams in the Dominican Republic’s Playa Esmeralda, a Dream property in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe wine region, a Grand Hyatt in Grand Cayman, a Hyatt Centric in Queretaro (Mexico) and another in Puerto Rico’s Isla Verde beach, a Breathless resort in Puerto Vallarta and the Dreams Grand Island attached to a new Hyatt Vivid Grand Island in Cancun, not to mention those sprinkled throughout
this piece. Also new? ALG Vacations’ “Amelia,” an interactive AI chatbot currently undergoing kindness training to ensure she fits with the brand’s signature kindness pillar, and a new interactive travel advisor dashboard. For more on the goings-on at the Ascend conference, check out the full feature on recommend.com; and in Recommend’s Jan/Feb issue, we’ll have an onsite review of the new Hyatt Vivid Grand Island. Focus on Destinations“The preferences of travelers are constantly evolving,” says Joy Jibrilu, CEO of Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board, “and we’re seeing a few trends drive visitation to Nassau & Paradise Island, from desiring to get away and unwind to seeking deeper connections with the destination and the locals who call it home. Wellness travel is continuing to evolve, and people are looking for destinations where they can escape from the stress of everyday life and immerse themselves in a completely different culture that leaves them feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. There is also a trend towards passion travel, with young travelers seeking authentic experiences based on their personal interests, whether that is food, music, art or eco-tourism.” NASSAU QUOTE Nassau & Paradise Island recently unveiled their first new brand campaign in seven years, “showcasing Nassau & Paradise Island as one destination, two distinct islands that offer an abundance of activities for every type of traveler no matter what their interests or travel styles are. This campaign aims to meet the desire for authentic connections, featuring music from locals, highlighting the unique spirit of The Bahamas and giving visitors an idea of the authentic island life that awaits them as soon as they step off the plane.” New luxury properties in the works for The Bahamas include Montage Cay in Abacos (2026); the Banyan Tree Bimini Resort & Residences (2025); and a $350-million Baha Mar on Cable Beach for 2029 at the site of the former Melia Nassau Beach. In Los Cabos, the trend toward personalization is still going strong. “We are committed to a focus on quality over quantity in every aspect of our tourism offering,” states Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director for Los Cabos Tourism Board. “Our goal is to provide unique, personalized experiences that connect visitors with the authenticity of our destination while fostering sustainable tourism development that protects our natural resources and strengthens local identity. We believe this approach is key to continuing as a preferred destination for discerning travelers seeking transformative, high-quality experiences.” A spate of new hotels opened in the destination this year with more in the works, including the Park Hyatt Los Cabos (2025), Soho House Los Cabos (2025), The St. Regis Los Cabos at Quivira (2025), Amanvari at Costa Palmas (2025), Chable Sea of Cortez (TBD) and Vidanta East Cape (2025). BERMUDA QUOTE “As we look ahead to 2025, Bermuda is seeing increased airlift and a growing trend of travelers seeking unique and immersive experiences. Bermuda is the ultimate playground for the curious traveler,” says Jamari Douglas, VP of Marketing, PR, and Communications at Bermuda Tourism Authority. “From tantalizing culinary experiences to invigorating wellness, whale watching season, shipwreck excursions and enchanting Crystal Caves, Bermuda offers year-round adventures for every type of traveler.” New is The Bermudiana Beach Resort, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (late 2024), while the Fairmont Southampton is undergoing a multi-million transformation set for completion in 2026. “One of the first travel trends that comes to mind is experiences,” says Richard Moss, Director, Global Sales at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. “Folks are really trying to get the mos out of the vacation experience: It’s certainly about more than just where they’re staying. “It’s about the experiences, the dining options, the atmospherics, the music, the chef being involved in the whole process. Maybe they get to forage for their ingredients, like at the I-TAL Experience at The Body Holiday. Wellness and gastronomy are still very much trending, and I think many people do look to us for that, particularly with the huge amount of natural resources we have.” Think forest bathing, hiking to hidden waterfalls, tai chi and yoga with a view at Windjammer Landing and other curated wellness programs. Other trends spotted? Added value experiences (such as expedited airport service), privacy with curated custom tours, authenticity and the latest: smart solutions. “There is more and more of that sort of ‘no front desk travel’ happening, and quite a number of our hotels are very keen on the new.” Coming soon to Saint Lucia: Cas En Bas Beach Resort, Hyatt’s first Destination by Hyatt property in the Caribbean (2025) and Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa from Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection (2025).OVERWATER BUNGALOWFocus on ResortsBlue Diamond Resorts’ VP of Marketing & PR, Alejandro Rodriguez del Peon, sees 2025 as “shaping up to be an exciting year for travel, with several key trends shaping the hospitality industry. Technology continues to become more intertwined with everyday life, extending into the travel experience. Blue Diamond Resorts has embraced this shift by implementing pre-check-in technology via our Royalton Resorts and Planet Hollywood apps.“The all-inclusive model will continue its growth,” he adds, “offering travelers the peace of mind and simplicity they crave. Destinations like Cancun, Jamaica and Punta Cana remain popular, but we’re also seeing a rise in interest in emerging destinations such as Grenada, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbados, where personalized and interactive resort brands like Royalton CHIC Resorts and Hideaway at Royalton Resorts offer unique and luxurious experiences. “One of the most notable shifts we’re observing is the convergence of travel preferences across generations. Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z are all finding common ground in their desire for both relaxation and unique experiences....If you are an avid all-inclusive traveler, 2025 is your year to try new brands if you haven’t. If you’ve never stayed at an all-inclusive resort, 2025 is your year to do so.” The brand recently unveiled its splashy 12 Overwater Suites at Royalton CHIC Antigua. Puerto Rico is buzzing with news of a new hotel brand coming in hot next year: VERANO Hotels + Resorts. Says Managing Director John Sears: “Travelers visiting Puerto Rico, whether for business or leisure, expect more from their hotel stay than just a comfortable room. They seek a dynamic social hub that offers a curated cultural experience they can share with clients, colleagues, friends and family. Today’s travelers want to connect with knowledgeable and passionate hotel staff who embody the spirit of their city and profession. VERANO embodies this philosophy—’life well served’ in Puerto Rico.” The first of three properties, VERANO San Juan, will open in the spring and will be the first Leading Hotels of the World property on the island. Once a 1950s office building, it will feature a sophisticated design with 20 suites, a lobby bar with mixology, a cosmopolitan rooftop bar and an exclusive member’s club.SPA LOUNGENotes on the LatestIn Mexico, AKEN Hotels & Resorts opened project number two for the brand: AKEN Mind, Merida Hotel, with 136 guestrooms and suites on the iconic Paseo de Montejo. Waldorf Astoria’s third property in Mexico will open in 2025 in San Miguel de Allende with 120 guestrooms and suites. The Pacific Coast will welcome Omni Pontoque Resort at Punta de Mita in the summer of 2026 with 244 guestrooms and suites, plus two 4-bedroom villas with ocean views. Also in Punta Mita, the Rosewood Mandarina (2025) with 140 guestrooms, suites and villas; Montage Punta Mita with 140 guestrooms and Pendry Punta Mita (2026) with 115 guestrooms; and The Milaroca, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Nayarit (2027) opening with 57 luxury guest pavilions with jr. suites, 1-bedroom suites, jungle suites and 12 3-bedroom villas. Farther south, the Six Senses Xala (2026) will debut on the Costalegre with 51 elite accommodations. Slated to debut in 2025, Secrets Baby Beach Aruba by Hyatt Inclusive Collection will join the newly opened JOIA Paraiso by Iberostar (Dec 2024) as the new kids on the island. Also on Aruba, Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusives have just completed a multi-million dollar upgrade of guestrooms, adding a new restaurant and a new sunset pool. Pickleball enthusiasts will be happy to know about the premier pickleball courts in Antigua’s swanky Pineapple Beach Club. Coming soon to Jamaica’s Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa is The Signature Level, with exclusive check-in privileges, dedicated access to a private swimming pool with water and pool concierge, access to The Coral Pool and Bar, The Coral Beach, enhanced in-room amenities including L’Occitane products and premium minibar, exclusive guest services, priority reservations at a-la-carte restaurants, access to the wet area and hydrotherapy circuit at Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness and much more.

VIRGIN VOYAGES COVERVIRGIN VOYAGES IFCCOVERTURKISH AIRLINESTable of ContentsEditor's NotesWEBINAR HOUSE ADSANDALS SPREAD2024 Readers' Choice Awards WinnersAMA WATERWAYS SCAMA WATERWAYSAVANTI DESTINATIONS SCAVANTI DESTINATIONSAZAMARA CRUISES SCAZAMARA CRUISESDELTA VACATIONS SCDELTA VACATIONSDISNEY CRUISE LINEGLOBUS FAMILY OF BRANDS SCGLOBUS FAMILY OF BRANDSMGM RESORTSMGM RESORTS SCPALLADIUM HOTEL GROUP SPREADREGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISING SCREGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISINGROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL SCRCITHE TRAVEL CORPORATION SCTHE TRAVEL CORPORATIONSANDALS SCSANDALSVIKING SCVIKINGVIRGIN VOYAGES SCGlobal: Tour Operators Talk Trends for 2025PALLADIUM SPREADACADEMY TRAVEL SCACADEMY TRAVELCruise: Cruise Landscape—What’s New, What’s Trending for 2025EXPLORA JOURNEYSOnboard Review: Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Voyager—Convivial Vibes, Intimate LuxuryOnboard Review: Sun Princess Sets Her Sights on the CaribbeanMexico/Caribbean/Bermuda: The Next Wave—What’s New and Trending in Mexico, Bermuda & the CaribbeanOnsite Review: Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa—Chilling in JamaicaOnsite Reveiw: Sandals Showcases the Best of Jamaica and Its Family-Operated BrandNorth America: Onsite Review—Adventure Awaits in WhistlerOnsite Review: Urban Chic Meets Natural Beauty in VancouverEDU HOUSE ADVIRGIN VOYAGES IBCVIRGIN VOYAGES BC