Barcelo Announces Creation of Playa Hotels & Resorts

Spain-based Grupo Barcelo has created a new company, Playa Hotels & Resorts, which will consist of all-inclusive beachfront resorts both acquired and developed in Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean. Bruce Wardinski, president and CEO of Barcelo Crestline, will also act as chairman and CEO of Playa Hotels & Resorts. Currently, the Playa group includes four Mexico properties: the Barcelo Premium La Jolla de Mismaloya in Puerto Vallarta, Barcelo Premium Ixtapa, the Barcelo Premium Huatulco and the BarceloPremiumKarminaPalace in Manzanillo. Future acquisitions will also be branded and managed by Barcelo Hotels & Resorts.