Mexico/Caribbean: Exclusive Escapes—Fresh High-End Experiences in Mexico and the Caribbean

ALEXANDER HOTELExclusive Escapes—Fresh High-End Experiences in Mexico and the CaribbeanBy Lydia GregoryMexico and the Caribbean have long been synonymous with luxury travel. Read on for a peek at this roundup of new high-end hotels, exclusive experiences, bespoke services and trends that cater to your most discerning clients.Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection“At Hyatt, we value travel advisors and their crucial role in crafting unforgettable travel experiences. That’s why travel advisors can always look to Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection for their clients, as we know the importance of offering unparalleled luxury, personalized services and exclusive experiences,” says Mark Benson, Associate VP of Sales & Strategy for Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection. “[The Inclusive Collection’s] expansive selection allows for tailored experiences that cater to the unique desires of their clients.”HYATT QUOTE Benson shares the brand is debuting “new expansions at existing resorts, such as Casa Zamna at Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club, which features 21 luxury suites, a dedicated pool and restaurant and full access to all amenities at Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club.” Looking to the future, Benson comments that luxury trends for 2025 include well-being, travel and sustainability, which align with Hyatt’s World of Care. “Additionally, slow travel is expected to peak, with travelers spending more time in one location to immerse themselves in local culture and enjoy luxury experiences tailored to their preferences,” he adds, sharing that Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is currently offering a well-being experience that reconnects guests with Mother Earth.Kempinski Hotel CancunCoenraad Bergwerf, General Manager, Kempinski Hotel Cancun, says it’s all about the luxury of fine cuisine. “At Kempinski Hotel Cancun, our Endless Flavors All-Inclusive Package redefines the luxury all-inclusive experience by offering a curated culinary journey, blending the finest European elegance with authentic Mexican flavors. What sets this package apart is the uncompromising attention to detail—whether it’s dining at our AAA five-diamond restaurants, indulging in gourmet international cuisine or enjoying premium drinks by the beach. Guests can immerse themselves in true luxury while still experiencing the vibrant culture of the Mexican Caribbean.” What’s next? “For 2025, we see a continued shift toward bespoke travel experiences, where personalization and exclusivity will play a key role in elevating the all-inclusive model. Guests are seeking deeper connections and more immersive, sensory-driven stays, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this trend in Cancun.”KIMPTON MAS OLASKimpton Mas Olas, Todos SantosThis summer, Kimpton Mas Olas, Todos Santos, brought another level of luxe to this Pueblo Magico. “The opening of Kimpton Mas Olas marks a significant growth in Mexican tourism where the focus has shifted towards responsible development and creating guest experiences that celebrate our natural landscape and vibrant local communities,” says Resort Manager Armando Gonzalez Haces. “What sets Mas Olas apart is our culturally authentic and immersive guest experiences that encourage travelers to appreciate the beauty of Baja in its most natural form. Visitors can forage in our herb, fruit and vegetable gardens, craft their own essential oils at the spa apothecary and enjoy world-class dining where the majority of ingredients are sourced from our onsite farm and gardens and the rest from within 50 miles of the hotel.” Looking to the future, Gonzalez Haces sees “a greater demand for luxury trips that offer mindful experiences that connect them to the destination, its topography, and its people.”CINNAMON BEACH RESORTMount Cinnamon Beach ResortGrenada’s eco-luxury Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort is re-opening this month fresh from a renovation that included soft updates to the Hacienda Suites and Villas, a 360º bar to encourage social interaction, new lounge styling in the pool area and a floating stage, plus a new specialty
coffee shop. “We’re one of the truly authentic Grenada hotels, which means that as a Grenadian boutique brand, not an international chain, we are focused on immersing guests in the best of Grenadian culture and experience in a fun and luxurious way,” shares Owner Barry Collymore. “Because of the size and boutique nature of our hotel, we’re able to create a bespoke vacation for every single guest.” Located on what Collymore asserts is one of the best beaches in the world with a stunning view of the island, he adds the farm-to-table and local produce focus of the resort’s culinary experience is a plus, as is their deep commitment to sustainability (it boasts a 10-year platinum Green Globe membership). “In the luxury market, I think that people will be very concerned about responsible travel. Traveling to places where they can make a difference. It’s less about being seen, so the overcrowded traditional hot spots will give way to off the beaten path, responsible destinations like Grenada, which have developed in a responsible way with no high rises, limited cruise ships, sustainably focused hospitality businesses.”Palladium Hotel Group“At Family Selection at Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa, Family Selection at Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa and TRS Hotels, we personify luxury by blending Mexico’s vibrant culture with world-class amenities, creating an elevated yet authentic guest experience,” says Pilar Arizmendi-Stewart, VP of Sales and Marketing for the Americas at Palladium Hotel Group. “Family Selection raises the bar for family travel, providing premier amenities such as personalized butler service, a dedicated reception area, an exclusive pool and a private restaurant. From their exclusive check-in area to round-the-clock amenities, Family Selection ensures families experience the trip of a lifetime at one of Mexico’s finest destinations,” she adds.PALLADIUM QUOTE Additional amenities keep the bar high: The Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre in Costa Mujeres—one of the top-rated tennis facilities in Mexico—offers clients tennis programs developed by Rafa Nadal and his technical team. And, at TRS Hotels in Costa Mujeres, Riviera Maya and Punta Cana, the Chic Cabaret & Restaurant “offers an exquisite five-course dining experience, accompanied by an acrobatic show, glamorous costumes, choreographies and music of all genres,” says Arizmendi-Stewart. Looking to the future, she sees “a shift towards hyper-personalization, wellness-focused retreats and sustainable travel. Guests are seeking more bespoke services and immersive experiences that allow them to connect deeper with the destination while enjoying the comforts of an all-inclusive hotel experience.”Princess Hotels and Resorts Jamaica debuted two resorts just this past month: “Princess Senses The Mangrove and Princess Grand Jamaica, the newest resorts in Jamaica, combine luxury and sustainability to redefine the guest experience,” says Enrico Pezzoli, Managing Director. “As the largest single investment in the country’s history, our resort reflects innovation and excellence.” Located next door to each other in Green Island, the former is an adults-only property where guests can access all the amenities in the family-friendly Princess Grand Jamaica. These are the brand’s first properties on the island.PRINCESS QUOTE Luxury clients in both segments will appreciate the resorts’ Over-Water Villas and the Swim-Out Suites on the entire first floor of both resorts. The properties also offer Platinum Club facilities and have the largest activity center on the island, catering to all ages with everything from the latest VR tech to pickleball courts. “Our resort is not just another destination but a new benchmark in luxury, sustainability and guest satisfaction,” he adds. Pezzoli also points out what he sees in the future for the luxury market for 2025, which closely aligns with the resorts’ commitment and offer: “We have seen several trends in the luxury travel market trends, all indicating a shift towards more responsible, personalized and immersive luxury travel experiences, catering to the evolving desires of discerning travelers in 2025.” The Ritz-Carlton, San JuanPuerto Rico’s Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, will have its sister property in San Juan back online when the Ladies and Gentlemen return to the iconic The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan, in 2025. “The re-opening of The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan marks a pivotal moment for the island’s luxury market, attracting discerning guests who value the exclusive blend of elegance and local charm that we offer,” says Sam Basu, the newly appointed Area General Manager of Puerto Rico, and General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan. “Our commitment to unparalleled service, combined with the rich cultural tapestry of Puerto Rico, ensures that guests experience the epitome of luxury and hospitality. We look forward to welcoming our returning and new travelers.” The beachfront property is undergoing a $150 million upgrade after its closing due to the ravages of Hurricane Maria seven years ago. It will re-open with an additional suite, bringing the total number of guestrooms to 417, and a wholly upgraded infrastructure from the inside out. The resort will also re-open its 13,000-sq.-ft. casino. TROBBU Boutique CollectionTrendy Tulum shows no signs of slowing down, as evidenced by the new direct flights to its new airport this year. And now, it will be home to the TROBBU Boutique Collection all-inclusive luxury villas, set to open in January 2025. “The destination of Tulum is becoming increasingly popular among tourists and offers a variety of accommodation options such as luxury hotels and rentals,” says Elias Barbosa, Managing Director of TROBBU. “TROBBU Tulum was created to cater to the luxury market in a way that we aren’t currently seeing. It is the first all-inclusive luxurious villa experience in the area where visitors will be able to have high-quality food and beverage, access to a chef, butler and concierge for tailor-made experiences both within the villa and around the destination, and much more. “Each villa can accommodate eight guests so families and friends can stay together while enjoying their privacy instead of having to book multiple rooms at a hotel which will be more costly the majority of the time,” adds Barbosa.SONESTAMore News“Mexico City is very trendy with Hotel Volga recently mentioned in the Michelin guide,” says Ingrid Velasquez, Director of Sales & Marketing for both Hotel Volga and the Alexander Hotel, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, which also recently opened its doors. “There’s an increase in tourism in Mexico City with gastronomy and culture at the forefront,” adds Velasquez. Hotel Volga, part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, is located one block away from the iconic Reforma Avenue, and has 49 swanky guestrooms and suites, a speakeasy, a mezcaleria and a trendy rooftop. Alexander, tucked into the Torres Virreyes skyscraper in the upscale Lomas de Chapultepec area, offers 26 exquisite designer suites, a full-service spa and other luxe amenities, including the city’s first Caviar Bar. Adds Velasquez, “Alexander Hotel is the only upper luxury all-suites hotel in the city.” Nearby in Colonia Roma, the new Casona Roma Norte, part of the Hamak Hotels collection, opened this month. This beautifully restored 1920s mansion has 32 guestrooms that ooze sophistication with a healthy dose of historical charm. Sint Maarten’s only all-inclusive resort, Sonesta Maho Beach, Casino & Spa, recently announced its new upscale and private 59-room and -suite Ultimate Adults Only Club set to open this November. Located on the ninth and 10th levels of the resort, this space will give adults the perfect luxury area within the family-friendly property. It will have its own rooftop bar with premium drinks, indoor dining options, an Ultimate Lounge and access to the Seascape pool and gym at its sister property, the adults-only luxury Sonesta Ocean Point Resort. In Puerto Rico, the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach & Golf Resort recently announced a multi-million-dollar project that will revamp all its 400 guestrooms and suites, add new eateries and a new adults-only pool, renovate the lobby and porte cochere and much more. The work will be done in phases, with the first offerings ready for the 2024 holiday season. Contact InformationAlexander Hotel: alexanderhotel.mxCasona Roma Norte: casonaroma.com/es/proximamenteHotel Volga: hotelvolga.mx/enHyatt’s Inclusive Collection: hyatt.com/en-US/info/traveladvisorsKempinski Hotel Cancun: kempinski.com/en/hotel-cancunKimpton Mas Olas, Todos Santos: masolasresort.comMount Cinnamon Beach Resort: mountcinnamongrenadahotel.comPalladium Hotel Group: palladiumpro.comPrincess Hotels and Resorts: princess-hotels.com/enSonesta Maho Beach, Casino & Spa: sonestastmaarten.comThe Ritz-Carlton, San Juan: travelagents.marriott.comTROBBU Boutique Collection: trobbu.com/en/home-english Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach & Golf Resort: wyndhamriomar.com
COVERPALLADIUM SPREADTable of ContentsSANDALSSANDALS SPREADEditor's NotesEDU HOUSE ADLuxury Travel Insights and TrendsMGM RESORTSMGM RESORTS SCSEABOURN SCSEABOURNCustom Content: Living the Luxe Life, Vancouver-StyleALASKA RAILROAD SCCruise: These are the Cruise Itineraries to Book for Luxe ClientsSilversea: Immersive ExperiencesAMA WATERWAYS SCAMA WATERWAYSATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES SCATLAS OCEAN VOYAGESEXPLORA JOURNEYS SCEXPLORA JOURNEYSOCEANIA SCOCEANIA CRUISESPRINCESS CRUISES SCPRINCESS CRUISESST. LAWRENCE CRUISE LINES SCST. LAWRENCE CRUISESSCENIC CRUISES SCSCENIC CRUISESOnboard Review: Exploring Coastal Maine on American EagleOnboard Review: Explora II—Luxury Line Expands and ExcelsOnboard Review: Regent Seven Seas Explorer—All-Inclusive Elegance at SeaOnboard Review: The Viking Mississippi—Adventures on Tom Sawyer’s RiverMexico/Caribbean: Exclusive Escapes—Fresh High-End Experiences in Mexico and the CaribbeanOnsite Review: Spotlight on the Brand-new AVA Resort CancunTURKISH AIRLINES