Mexico Update: New All-Inclusive Options and Renovations in Cancun

Buoyed by record occupancy for the Easter season, Cancun hotels continue to make news. A prime example is the new all inclusive option at Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun.

The resort is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Posadas Hotels’ La Colección.

The newly introduced Grand Club Unlimited Experience offers distinctive amenities, dining options, kids and family activities, and other features.

Grand Club perks include junior or master suite ocean-front accommodations. Guests enjoy unlimited dining and premium beverages at all resort restaurants and bars. Among them: the AAA Five Diamond-rated Le Basilic.

A dedicated Grand Club penthouse lounge will offer 24-hour concierge service. Treats, canapés, and other refreshments are available throughout the day. And guests have access to a private beach club area and poolside sundeck with day beds and food and beverage service.

Complimentary sunrise yoga, plus unlimited use of non-motorized marina equipment and wave-runners are additional benefits. Guests have unlimited access to the 10-step Hydrotherapy Ritual at Gem Spa. Shuttles are available for trips to shopping areas. And Grand Club guests receive one complimentary ferry trip to Isla Mujeres per stay.

For families, there’s complimentary access to the high-tech KidZ Club. And parents can take advantage of the “Night Camp” for kids, plus a complimentary four-hour babysitting session per stay.

Grand Fiesta American Coral Beach Cancun Main View 

“Coral Beach is excited to offer our guests the chance to completely indulge themselves with the new Grand Club Unlimited Experience. Our new option goes far beyond unlimited meals and drinks. It allows guests to immerse themselves in exclusive experiences so they can truly enjoy a carefree holiday in the sun,” Mauricio Aceves, director of sales and marketing, Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun tells Travel Agent.

Yvette Shaqir, co-owner of The Travel Boutique, LLC, thinks the “club level” premium trend is a positive one.

“I think that it does have its value. It’s a much better trend than cheapening the product to make things cost less. People often think at first that they’re not in the room long enough to warrant the extra level of amenities. I remind clients that they don’t get away that often. It’s nice to have someone else wait on them. They’ll be back in the real world soon enough,” said Shaqir.

It’s important to let clients know what they’re giving up by foregoing the premium level accommodations.

“With some hotels, you can really see the distinction. Dreams Riviera (Cancun Resort & Spa) is a perfect example. If you don’t get an ocean front room, you’re missing out. Or, if you go to a Beaches property and another family has butler, that can cause some regrets. And, who doesn’t want a private check-in?” added Shaqir.

Temptation Cancun Resort Bash Bedroom

In addition to new premium-level initiatives, a newly reimagined property is in the news in Cancun. Temptation Cancun Resort re-opens in August after a multimillion-dollar renovation.

The massive project adds 430 newly redesigned rooms, new restaurants, bars and other features to the landmark hotel. The property opened more than four decades ago as the Playa Blanca. It was Cancun’s first hotel, and is still in the hands of the same family.

“What we’re doing is not like a renovation, but a total recreation. We demolished the whole hotel, only keeping the structure of the side wings. They were fairly new. The seven-story tower, spa and specialty restaurants are all new, as is the pool we’re calling the Sexy Pool. We also have a new rooftop sky bar,” Mario Cruz, concept manager for Original Group, tells Travel Agent.

Temptation operates as a topless optional property on the beach, pool and sundeck areas.

Temptation’s new Bash Tower features rooms, penthouses and suites with ocean views. Accommodations include large living areas, rain showers and other amenities.

Seven restaurants at Temptation will offer more than 15 culinary experiences. The new signature restaurant, SHE, will serve “aphrodisiac food.” It is reserved for couples only, although the property itself is for both singles and couples.

“We wanted to have a special place for our couples. We welcome all couples, and are a gay-friendly property,” said Cruz.

Work on Temptation (which began in September 2016) is entering its last stages.

“Everything is ready. We’re very excited. Every day we see advances in the construction. We’re totally on schedule for an August 15 opening,” said Cruz.

While the hotel technically reopens in August, the official reopening takes place in October. Temptation will host the opening ceremony of the Cancun Travel Mart on October 16. Local dignitaries and the governor of the Quintana Roo state are expected. The president of Mexico has also been invited, said Cruz.