Travel Agent was hand last week for a Marriott-sponsored event where we got the latest on Marriott International’s plans in the Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America.
By the end of 2013, Marriott International (including Ritz-Carlton) will have 88 hotels in the Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, offering more than 16,000 rooms across seven lodging brands in 24 countries and territories
Among the most recent enhancements within the collection are the new 10,000 square-foot pool at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, and a new turtle nursery at CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa designed to protect more than 400 nests, the largest in Puerto Vallarta.
Currently, a $45 million restoration is underway at the collection’s St. Thomas property, Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort.
Also, 16 properties are currently under development, including the Casamar Marriott Panama Resort opening in 2013.
Situated on the beach near the town of San Carlos, plans for the Casamar Marriott Panama Resort will put it roughly 55 miles from Panama City. Panama’s Pacific Coastline, traditionally a weekend retreat for wealthy Panamanians, is quickly developing into a vibrant destination with the development of quality resort hotels, and a growing visitor base. From 2002 to 2010, tourist visitation to the area more than doubled to 1.7 million.
The Casamar community will include a number of condominium and villa clusters, tropical gardens and walking trails, freestanding restaurants, retail units, a sports club and a beach club. The Casamar Marriott Panama Resort will offer 180 guest rooms in a series of interconnected buildings surrounding the hotel’s public and recreation areas, which include a large free-form swimming pool and extensive deck areas. The hotel will also have two restaurants, two bars, extensive meeting space, retail outlets and a full-service spa.
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