According to representatives of the Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau, this summer was one of the destination's best in recent years and a trio of new hotel openings may have had something to do with it.
Cancun has reported an approximate 88-percent average hotel occupancy rate and an influx of more than 7.4 million visitors. And it’s no coincidence that, during this time, Cancun welcomed Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, Secrets The Vine and Riu Palace Peninsula.
Formerly Cancun Palace, this resort was officially re-flagged as Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, blending a luxurious style and substance with Hard Rock’s spirit of rock n’ roll. Sitting on a beachfront property in the heart of Cancun’s famed Hotel Zone, the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Cancun features luxury accommodations including private balconies with water views in all rooms, in-room double Jacuzzis, live entertainment, and an extensive collection of authentic memorabilia.
In fact, this is just one of three Palace Resorts in Mexico that Hard Rock International plans to transform. The other two Palace Resorts that are expected to be transformed to Hard Rock properties are located in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Maya. Each Hard Rock Mexico location is a beachfront property that, upon its re-flagging, will feature all-inclusive luxury accommodations including in-room double Jacuzzis, fine dining, top-shelf drinks, 24-hour room service, live entertainment and more. Visit www.hrhcancun.com.
Secrets The Vine, which offers an adults-only luxury experience with gourmet dining options and top-shelf spirits, 24 hour room service, daily activities, nightly performances, elite services and superior amenities, also opened this summer. Guest rooms feature private balconies overlooking the Caribbean Sea and Laguna Nichupte, luxury linens and 42-inch flat screen TVs. The introduction of wine-inspired Secrets The Vine Cancun, AMResorts’ 21st property in Mexico, represents the Secrets brand’s entry into Cancun’s Hotel Zone.
Designed by the award-winning Rockwell Group, Secrets The Vine Cancun features 495 chic guest rooms designed as a personal retreat with signature design elements including a private balcony overlooking the Caribbean Sea and Laguna Nichupte, Italian porcelain floors polished to mimic wood, custom covered headboards and teak wood furnishings, luxury linens and Rockwell Group-designed APF mirrors and white glass wrapped bathrooms.
Upon entering Secrets The Vine, clients will instantly take note of the Mayan culture and Yucatan Peninsula design influences. For example, the concierge area, envisioned as a smoking room, mixes traditional hacienda and contemporary style furniture.
The Secrets The Vine’s signature design also celebrates fine wine, starting with its lobby which houses The Vine Bar, a designated wine tasting area for guests, featuring a wine wall with nearly 3,000 varieties. There, guests can enjoy sommelier-led tastings hosted at the locally handcrafted wood table with seating for up to 14 guests.
A Vine Bazaar completes the wine-centric experience. This area of the resort offers a variety of relaxing spaces including The Vine Café, The Vine Bar & The Lounge, Terrace and The Library, which was designed to recall the ancient Mexican tradition of storytelling. Visit www.secretsresorts.com.
Riu Palace Peninsula, characterized by its architecture, palace-style decoration, high-quality cuisine and 24-hour all inclusive program, debuted this season as well. This is the fourth property in this destination where the hotel chain already has the Riu Cancun, Riu Caribe and Riu Palace Las Americas.
After an investment of $140 million, RIU Hotels & Resorts inaugurated the Riu Palace Peninsula, an all-inclusive beachfront property located on an impressive beach in Cancun. The Riu Palace Peninsula will belong to the luxury line of the hotel chain, which will be oriented to a more select and discerning clientele. The hotel will be characterized by its architecture and modern decoration, its high quality cuisine and its 24 hours all-inclusive program.
The hotel offers a modern and contemporary architecture and its 562 rooms, which are distributed in a main building and 48 villas, enjoy an impressive view of the Caribbean waters and an avant guard decoration.
This hotel also features a fascinating attraction with a direct connection to the cultural roots of the region. On the grounds of the hotel lies an archaeological discovery of Mayan ruins called Ta'acul, meaning “that which remains hidden”. This cultural treasure was recently excavated by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) with funding provided by RIU, which is also responsible for the care and maintenance of the site. Visit www.riu.com.
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