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| Sandos Caracol |
On both coasts of Mexico, hotel groups are highlighting fall product options. In Los Cabos, Mexico Grand Hotels offers two distinctive experiences at its properties. Hacienda Encantada Resort & Spa is located in the tourist corridor. Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa is downtown.
“If travelers are looking for relaxation, we recommend Hacienda Encantada. It’s a secluded luxury property. If you’re looking for more action during your stay, the Marina Fiesta is perfect. It’s close to shopping and nightlife,” Gabriel Ibarra, sales and marketing director for Mexico Grand Hotels tells Travel Agent.
The AAA Four Diamond Hacienda Encantada has just introduced a new treatment in its Milagro Spa. “Mezcalotherapy” facials and body wraps incorporate the hotel’s proprietary brand of aged mezcal.
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| Hacienda Encantada |
A third phase of Hacienda Encantada, called Encanto, is currently under construction. And the property will also add three additional residences by April 2016. The three-bedroom luxury pool villas are popular with family groups and couples traveling together.
While admittedly not as well-known as some of Cabo’s glitzier international brands, Ibarra isn’t deterred.
“We’re a family-owned company, and that’s our big selling point. My mom, uncles and cousins are all involved in the business. Our philosophy is that we’re inviting guests into our home. Our staff carries out that philosophy. It’s attention to little details that sets us apart,” said Ibarra.
Among those details: special holiday offerings for American guests.
“For Thanksgiving, we always try to have a special turkey dinner option. But we think the holiday is about being together with family, not about going out to a restaurant. So, we offer the dinner as a package for in-suite dining. All of our rooms are suites [or come] with a dining area,” said Ibarra.
In Cancun, special activities at Sandos Hotels & Resorts begin with the autumnal equinox, September 20. The equinoxes were especially significant to the Maya, who used astronomical calculations to build their most significant monuments.
At Sandos Caracol Eco Resort on the Riviera Maya, activities throughout the day will center of the holiday. They include beach meditations and lessons about the Mayan feathered serpent god, Kukulcán. Mayan performers, shaman encounters and a special dinner is also planned.
The events are part of the resort’s Xcalacoco Experience, which highlights the Mayan culture.
After Halloween, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) takes on special significance at the Eco Resort.
“Through a variety of traditional activities spanning over 48 festive hours from November 1 to 2, guests will discover how Mexico honors the Celebration of Life and Death,” director of marketing Vanesa Goig tells Travel Agent.
The Dia de los Muertos activities will include a recreated Mexican Cemetery on site, decorative ceremonial altars, parades, poetry readings as well as theatrical performances and fire shows. For the kids, there’s pumpkin carving, face painting and a sugar skull-making workshop.
Romance travel specialist Stacey Ray has spent a good deal of time lately inspecting the newest hotel openings and expansions in Cancun.
“I’m extremely optimistic for 2016, based on what I’ve seen,” Ray, owner of Groupit Travel in Cary, NC tells Travel Agent.
Not only the fall but also the holiday season looks to be especially busy.
“I’ve done research for clients for Christmas and New Year’s and the best places are already sold out,” said Ray.